The Washington Times: Democrats’ welfare for journalists brings us closer to state-run media

Another canary in the coal mine from the Empire State: New York’s newly minted state budget allocates $90 million for tax credits for so-called local news outlets. Eligible outlets can receive a tax credit against half of the first $50,000 of a journalist’s salary. It’s welfare, tailor-made for the Fourth Estate.

The collapse of local, community-based newspapers and other media outlets focusing on Americans’ backyards has been an unfortunate consequence of the digital age. Smaller, local outlets have been devastated by shifts in the industry and information consumption habits, as well as plummeting subscriptions and advertising revenue.

CLICK HERE to read Tom’s full column in The Washington Times.