Local Journalism Sustainability Act

The "Local Journalism Sustainability Act" introduces a series of tax incentives designed to support local newspapers and other local media outlets. These provisions aim to enhance the financial viability of local journalism by encouraging subscriptions, supporting journalist employment, and promoting local advertising, with all three credits applying for a temporary period of five years. One key provision establishes a new tax credit for individuals who subscribe to local newspapers. Taxpayers can claim 80 percent of subscription costs in the first year and 50 percent in subsequent years, up to an annual maximum credit of $250. To qualify, a "local newspaper" must primarily feature original content related to local news, serve a regional or local community, employ at least one local journalist residing in that community, and be published by an entity with no more than 750 employees. Additionally, the bill creates a payroll tax credit for eligible local newspaper publishers. This credit applies to wages paid to local news journalists, offering 50 percent of wages for the first four quarters and 30 percent thereafter, with a quarterly wage cap of $12,500 per journalist. The credit is refundable if it exceeds the publisher's employment tax liability, providing direct financial relief to employers. Finally, the legislation introduces a tax credit for eligible small businesses that advertise in local newspapers or local radio and television stations. Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees can claim 80 percent of qualified advertising expenses in the first year and 50 percent in subsequent years, capped at $5,000 for the first year and $2,500 annually thereafter. This encourages local businesses to support and utilize local media platforms.