Meta, Google and TikTok will have to pay Australian news organisations for their content, or pay even more to the Government under a new version of laws aimed at making sure tech giants pay their fair share.
Anthony Albanese unveiled the news bargaining incentive on Tuesday to update the previous regime that has fallen apart after Meta walked away from striking fresh deals with media companies.
“Our government is taking the next steps to ensure that Australian journalism is sustainable now and into the future, by ensuring that large digital platforms cannot avoid their obligations under the news media bargaining code,” he said.
Under the new system, which the Government will put to Parliament before the end of winter, the tech companies have to pay the government 2.25 per cent of their Australian revenue, unless they strike deals with media companies both large and small.
The government would distribute this revenue to media organisations based on how many journalists they employ.
“The more journalists they have, the more money they will get under this proposal,” Communications Minister Anika Wells said.
“A strong and sustainable news sector matters more than ever today, whether it is the national press gallery, whether it’s local radio, or a small regional newspaper. Journalists are the lifeblood of Australian news; we need more of them, not fewer.”
The nation’s major media companies, including Southern Cross Media-Seven West, the publisher of this masthead, issued a joint statement describing the draft laws as a critical step towards securing the future of Australian news.
“The vibrancy of Australian democracy relies on the robust and open exchange of news, views and opinions. This is under threat,” said the joint statement, signed by SCM chief executive Rohan Lund, ABC managing director Hugh Marks, News Corp Australasia executive chair Michael Miller, Nine Entertainment chief executive Matt Stanton, SBS acting managing director Jane Palfreyman, Network Ten president Beverley McGarvey, The Guardian Australia managing director Rebecca Costello, and Australian Community Media managing director Tony Kendall.
Prioritising commercial deals protected Australia’s democratic way of life, they said.
“If digital platforms fail to pay for the use of the news content from which they profit then journalism becomes unsustainable. It is also in the public interest that reliable, professionally created news and information remains accessible and visible on the digital platforms used by millions of Australians.
“It has been more than two years since Meta walked away from previous deals and almost 18 months since the government announced the NBI.
“While Google has been positive about doing deals, others need to come to the table, and all platforms need to step up.
“We urge all parliamentarians to support safeguarding Australian journalism and the vital role it plays in our democracy, for all Australians.”
A draft version of the legislation has been released and will be open for consultation until May 18.
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