Legis Daily

Local Journalism Sustainability Act

USA119th CongressHR-4514| House 
| Updated: 7/17/2025
John W. Mannion

John W. Mannion

Democratic Representative

New York

Ways and Means Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-7640
Local Journalism Sustainability Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-3940
Local Journalism Sustainability Act
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-7640
    Local Journalism Sustainability Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-3940
    Local Journalism Sustainability Act


  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 17, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Taxation

Local Journalism Sustainability Act

USA119th CongressHR-4514| House 
| Updated: 7/17/2025
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-7640
Local Journalism Sustainability Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-3940
Local Journalism Sustainability Act
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-7640
    Local Journalism Sustainability Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-3940
    Local Journalism Sustainability Act


  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 17, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
John W. Mannion

John W. Mannion

Democratic Representative

New York

Ways and Means Committee

Taxation

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted