A new law in California to help newsrooms passed a committee vote but it was closed. The law wants to tax big tech companies to give money to newsrooms. Some worry it could hurt small news places and businesses.
California‘s News Funding Senate Bill Advances Amid Concerns
According to the published article in Sacramento Bee, A Senate Bill in California wants to help news companies by taxing big tech firms. The Senate Bill passed a committee vote with a narrow margin, moving to the full Senate for more discussion. It’s called Senate Bill 1327 and aims to give $500 million each year to newsrooms across the state.
The committee’s decision was important, and Senator Steven Bradford‘s vote was crucial. He had concerns but still supported the Senate Bill. Some worries include making sure small news outlets can get insurance and how the new fee might affect small businesses. Changes were made to the Senate Bill to help small newsrooms and provide training for reporters.
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California Senate Bill Proposes $500 Million Annual Tax on Big Tech Giants to Fund Struggling News Industry – Check It Out! (PHOTO: California Globe)
California’s News Funding Senate Bill Faces Opposition Amid Media Support
Furthermore, even though some businesses don’t like the Senate Bill, it has support from media groups and workers. But the California News Publishers Association hasn’t decided yet. Meanwhile, another Senate Bill, AB 886, is waiting for discussion. It wants social media companies to pay for sharing news links. The fate of both bills is still up in the air.
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