Local newspapers and broadcasters across New York can start applying Tuesday for a new state program that sets aside up to $30 million a year to help them hire and keep workers.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that applications for the Empire State Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program open Feb. 24. The first-in-the-nation tax credit program aims to strengthen community journalism and support job creation and retention at local media outlets.
“Local newspapers, broadcasters and journalists are the backbone of our democracy. They inform our neighbors, elevate community voices and hold our leaders accountable,” Hochul said. “This program will deliver meaningful support to newspaper and broadcast media businesses, keep reporters on the beat, strengthen local coverage and ensure New Yorkers have the trusted information they need.”
Empire State Development will administer the program. It offers up to $30 million annually in tax credits through 2027.
The program includes two main pieces.
A new job creation component makes up to $4 million available each year. It offers a $5,000 tax credit for each net new full-time job created year over year, with a cap of $20,000 per business.
An existing jobs component makes up to $26 million available each year. It provides a credit equal to 50% of annual wages per employee retained, up to $25,000 per employee and $300,000 per business.
The state will split funding evenly. Half will go to smaller businesses with 100 or fewer New York-based employees. The other half will go to larger businesses with more than 100 in-state employees.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight said local media outlets play a key role in both communities and the economy.
“The Empire State Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program provides the financial incentives these businesses need to retain talented employees and create new jobs, strengthening this essential industry across the state,” Knight said.
The program will accept applications through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application. The application period for program year 2025 closes April 25. Officials will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lawmakers and media leaders across the state praised the effort.
Assemblyman Al Stirpe said too many local newspapers and media companies have struggled or disappeared in recent years and called the program a way to help keep local news alive and communities connected.
New York State Broadcasters Association President David L. Donovan said the tax credit will help preserve locally produced broadcast news and public interest programs, which often provide life-saving information during emergencies.
New York News Publishers Association President Diane Kennedy said the initiative will help keep journalists covering town boards, high school sports and city governments across the state.
Supporters also described the program as a model for other states and a lifeline for an industry that has faced decades of economic change.
Hochul said the goal is simple: keep reporters working and make sure New Yorkers continue to have access to trusted, local information.
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