Applications for the Empire State Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program will open on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The initiative, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, is designed to provide financial support to eligible newspaper and broadcast media businesses operating in New York State. The program, managed by Empire State Development, will offer up to $30 million annually in tax credits with the aim of supporting job creation and employee retention within local media outlets.
According to the Governor’s office, the program consists of two main components. The first offers a credit of $5,000 per net new full-time job created year-over-year, with up to $4 million available per year and a cap of $20,000 per business. The second component provides a credit equal to 50 percent of annual wages per retained employee—capped at $25,000 per employee and $300,000 per business—with up to $26 million available each year.
To ensure accessibility for businesses of different sizes, half of the funds are reserved for companies with 100 or fewer New York-based employees while the other half goes to larger firms. Applications will be processed through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application system until April 25, 2026 for program year 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Governor Hochul said: “Local newspapers, broadcasters and journalists are the backbone of our democracy. They inform our neighbors, elevate community voices and hold our leaders accountable. 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 President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated: “New York’s local media outlets play a vital role in our communities and our 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.”
The initiative is intended to help print, digital and broadcast media throughout New York as they navigate economic challenges affecting their sector.
Assemblyman Al Stirpe commented: “Over the years, we’ve witnessed too many local newspapers and media companies struggle and disappear from circulation. Governor Hochul’s program specifically targets those businesses and helps keep local news alive, keeping the community well-informed and better connected.”
Zachary Richner from Empire State Local News Coalition said: “The landmark Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program will not only sustain the crucial local news ecosystem in our state, but also support thousands of local jobs. We thank Governor Hochul and all of the elected officials who championed this legislation, which has become a model for states across the country. Our coalition is proud to have spearheaded the advocacy that made this program a reality, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Governor on this important, first-in-the-nation initiative.”
David L. Donovan from New York State Broadcasters Association added: “This innovative tax credit program benefits all citizens in every community throughout New York by helping to preserve locally produced broadcast news and public interest programs. Local radio and TV stations bring communities together and provide life-saving information during emergencies. We thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her forward-thinking approach to ensure citizens in the Empire State remain informed about their government and the communities in which they live.”
Diane Kennedy from New York News Publishers Association said: “Newspapers connect the residents of New York State, from rural small towns to our largest cities by providing timely, accurate information about the events that affect their lives. Governor Hochul’s tax credit initiative will keep journalists on the job… serve as the web of civic life in communities throughout the state…and stepped forward to help newspapers build a bridge to a future in which local news can thrive.”
Bryce Jacobson from New York Press Association noted: “The true beneficiaries of this program are New Yorkers themselves — people bound together by shared neighborhoods…By supporting community-based media outlets as they invest in their workforce…this program helps ensure that local journalism remains accessible…It reinforces the vital role these outlets play in representing…communities across New York — online, in print, and on air.”
Steven Waldman from Rebuild Local News Coalition said: “This landmark effort to help preserve and revive community media in New York has now begun! It will provide meaningful support for news organizations that hire…We urge all local media groups to apply!”
Wendy Liberatore from Albany NewsGuild emphasized: “This tax credit is a lifeline to journalism…I would urge all eligible newspaper publishers …to take advantage …to ensure journalism …remains vital…”
Ken Crowe added: “Governor Hochul’s support was vital for legislation supporting tax credits for creation …at a time when journalists are needed …Governor Hochul’s knowledge …secured funding…”
More details about eligibility requirements can be found via Empire State Development.