Newsom signs bill supporting local journalism, giving tax breaks to news organizations – Times of San Diego

Newsom signs bill supporting local journalism, giving tax breaks to news organizations  Times of San Diego

AB2222 had wide support from news advocacy organizations but was opposed by some pro-business groups. On the final day to act on end-of-session bills, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation designed to help keep beleaguered news organizations afloat. The new law, slated to go into effect Jan. 1, will offer tax breaks to qualifying newsrooms for both full- and part-time reporters, editors, photographers and other journalists. Newsom said he was signing the Assembly Bill 2222 — the Community Newsroom Employment and Workforce Sustainability Act, or “Community NEWS Act” — as a way to support the work of local journalists whose reporting ferrets out malfeasance and promotes good government. He also drew a line between himself and President Donald Trump, who regularly attacks the media and has sought to limit access by news organizations he dislikes.

Last month, Trump sought to bar MS NOW, CNN and Politico reporters from the White House grounds. “While President Trump continues to attack the free press, California is supporting independent journalism,” Newsom’s office said in a statement. “By signing this bill, we are signaling the profound role journalists play to cover essential issues like local schools, city halls, courts, public safety agencies, businesses, and neighborhoods. A free press isn’t supposed to make government comfortable. It’s supposed to make government accountable.” Authored by Assemblymembers Chris