The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Board of Directors discussed a wide array of topics during its Nov. 7, 2024, meeting – ranging from pursuit of a state employment tax credit to changes in how cameras are used in state courtrooms.
The afternoon meeting, which also included a meeting of the WNA Foundation and WNA Services boards, took place at The Madison Club in downtown Madison.
Ten states already award tax credits and incentives for job creation provided there is a minimum job increase, maintained jobs or operations in specified industries or activities. Jobs Tax Credits may be claimed retroactively in South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia during open tax years as long as companies file an application and get approval from the state before creating new jobs.
The WNA is reviewing the possibility of a similar structure in Wisconsin for newspaper publishers, many of whom are job creators and major employers in their communities.
The board learned that James Friedman, from the WNA’s law firm of Godfrey & Kahn, will be retiring soon. Friedman has agreed to continue to assist the WNA in an advisory capacity and work with his replacement, Brian Spahn and Max Lenz.
Proposed changes about how cameras are used in state courts are part of ongoing discussions. The WNA is supportive of the following language to the proposed changes to court rules affecting cameras: “The news media may use content from the courtroom recordings as it sees fit, including livestreaming, subject to the limitations in this rule and other limitations in Wisconsin law. Furthermore, the presiding judge can enforce reasonable time, place and manner restrictions for good cause shown.”
The board also discussed new member applications, the recent US Department of Health and Human Services advertising campaign to support community newspapers, the WNA’s support of the PRESS Act, establishment of a Wisconsin Press Forward chapter, establishing an A-Mark Investigative Journalism Award as part of the Better Newspaper Contest in 2025, and approved proposed budgets for the WNA and WNA Services.
