Amid Trump-Backed Cuts to Public Broadcasting, Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) Introduces Legislation to Bolster Local Journalism
Local Journalism Sustainability Act will support community newspapers, local broadcasters, and journalists through tax credit, payroll credit, and advertising credit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid President Trump’s cuts to public broadcasting, Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) introduced legislation to protect freedom of the press and strengthen the trusted broadcasters and newspapers that keep Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and communities across the country informed.
The Local Journalism Sustainability Act is designed to assist community newspapers, local broadcasters, and journalists through a tax credit, payroll credit, and advertising credit.
Representative John W. Mannion said, “This bill is about ensuring the survival of trusted, local news and safeguarding the public’s access to credible information. At a time when President Trump and his allies in Congress are working to silence public broadcasting and freedom of the press, I’m committed to doing more to support the reporters and broadcasters who keep Central New York and the Mohawk Valley informed, safe, and connected.”
The Local Journalism Sustainability Act strengthens local media through three targeted provisions:
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Subscriber Tax Credit: Provides individuals with up to a $250 annual tax credit for subscriptions to local newspapers—whether digital or print.
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Journalist Payroll Credit: Covers up to 50% of compensation (max $12,500 per quarter) for journalists employed by local newspapers—helping keep reporters on the job and in the field.
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Small Business Advertising Credit: Offers up to $5,000 in the first year and $2,500 in the second year to small businesses that advertise with local newspapers, radio, or television stations.
In order to qualify for tax credits under the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, businesses must have a news journalist (at least one) located in the news area, employ less than 750 employees, and its reporting must be community based.
According to a recent report, the nation has lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005 and 75 percent of its local journalists since 2002. The number of news deserts continues to grow, and more than 1,500 counties have only one news source leaving nearly 55 million Americans with limited or no access to local news.
The introduction of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act follows the advancement of a rescissions package that eliminates $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—funds previously approved with bipartisan support. Public broadcasting plays an important role in our democracy as trusted institutions for news, educational programming, and emergency communications.
