New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09285

Introduced
2/25/26  

Caption

Establishes a nonprofit news media jobs grant program within the newspaper and broadcast media jobs program to provide grants to support certain nonprofit media organizations which increase employees.

Impact

The implementation of this bill has the potential to significantly enhance the financial support for nonprofit news media outlets in New York. By providing up to $15 million annually, with caps on individual grants, the program is poised to foster greater job security for journalists. Furthermore, it could effectively counter the challenges faced by nonprofit media organizations, especially in an era where traditional revenue models have been declining due to digital transformation in media consumption. The ongoing funding is vital for maintaining a diverse media landscape that can adequately serve local communities.

Summary

Bill S09285 introduces a nonprofit news media jobs grant program aimed at supporting nonprofit media organizations that contribute to the employment of journalists. The bill establishes a special fund designated for awarding grants to eligible organizations, mirroring the structure of existing tax credits for commercial media. Grants are to be allocated based on the net employee increase of qualifying journalists, promoting job creation within the news sector. Nonprofits applying must satisfy specific eligibility criteria, including operational history, audience demographics, and compliance with federal nonprofit regulations.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its points of contention. Critics may raise concerns regarding the allocation of state funds to nonprofit organizations and whether such funding could lead to undue influence or biases in the reporting of news. Additionally, there may be debates over the eligibility criteria set forth in the bill, as the specification of audience metrics and operational history could limit access for new or smaller organizations. Ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of grants will be vital to mitigating these concerns and ensuring equitable support for all eligible entities.

Companion Bills

NY A10330

Same As Establishes a nonprofit news media jobs grant program within the newspaper and broadcast media jobs program to provide grants to support certain nonprofit media organizations which increase employees.

Previously Filed As

NY A10330

Establishes a nonprofit news media jobs grant program within the newspaper and broadcast media jobs program to provide grants to support certain nonprofit media organizations which increase employees.

NY A09595

Creates an employer-assisted housing match grant program under which certain nonprofit employees may be eligible for a state match for certain employer-provided funds for housing costs.

NY A10457

Creates an employer-assisted housing match grant program under which certain nonprofit employees may be eligible for a state match for certain employer-provided funds for housing costs.

NY S08672

Creates an employer-assisted housing match grant program under which certain nonprofit employees may be eligible for a state match for certain employer-provided funds for housing costs.

NY S08301

Establishes the office of nonprofit development within the empire state development corporation to assist nonprofit organizations with business development, capacity building, technical support and education.

NY S09625

Includes not-for-profit corporations and public television or radio corporations in the definition of business entity; allows such entities to claim the newspaper and broadcast media jobs tax credit.

NY A07567

Includes not-for-profit corporations and public television or radio corporations in the definition of business entity; allows such entities to claim the newspaper and broadcast media jobs tax credit.

NY S07579

Provides grants to nonprofit organizations that provide eligible home reading programs that provide independent reading level books that are individually mailed to the residences of kindergarten through fifth grade students on a weekly basis.

NY H0497

Nonprofit Agricultural Organization Medical Benefit Plans

NY HF2537

Fiscal safeguards for state grants to nonprofit organizations increased, and report required.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.