NY State Media Jobs Tax Credit Applications Accepted – Don’t Delay

As noted last week, NYSBA has been working to secure a media jobs tax credit for local stations.  The tax credit applies to existing and new employees for the tax years 2025, 2026 and 2027 tax year.  To be eligible, a station must be licensed by the FCC to communities in New York State.  Stations whose companies are “publicly traded” are not eligible.  A company that owns multiple stations in different markets may obtain a tax credit for one station in each separate market.

A station may obtain up to $320,000 in tax credits annually per station.  New York set aside $30 million per year for the program.  The program applies to both broadcasters and newspapers. 

DO NOT DELAY IN FILING. Because demand is likely to exceed the annual amount, the tax credits will be processed on a first come, first served basis. The application portal was scheduled to open today, Tuesday, February 24, at 9 AM. The application window will close on April 24, 2026.

There are some limitations. Here is a slide deck explaining the program and how to file.

For more information, including FAQs, go to Empire State Development’s Media Jobs Tax Credit portal, including FAQs, here.

The program is accepting applications through the state's Consolidated Funding Application.

Questions regarding the media jobs tax credit program can be sent directly via email to Empire State Development at NBMJcredit@esd.ny.gov.

You can see Governor Hochul’s press release here.