Facebook owner Meta has refused to continue paying for news in Australia, announcing it will end its deals with local publishers when they expire this year in a decision that news companies say ignores the value of their journalism.
Meta has signed a number of contracts with Australian media companies under a newly introduced government code, the News Media Bargaining Code, including with Nine, the publisher of this website.
“Meta’s decision does not recognise the significant and increasing value of Nine’s journalism, unique content and brands to its platforms,” Nine CEO Mike Sneesby said.
“We believe the News Media Bargaining Code provides an appropriate framework for a fair value exchange between companies.
“Regardless of the Meta announcement today, the value created on their platform from the use of Nine’s IP is both unquestionable and growing and we strongly believe Meta should negotiate in good faith around the fair compensation for that value exchange.
“We will continue to robustly advocate that these deals are in the national interest and the arguments that led to the code in the first place remains as strong as ever.”
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland criticised the decision in a joint statement.
“Meta’s decision to no longer pay for news content in a number of jurisdictions represents a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media. The government has made its expectations clear,” they said.
“The decision removes a significant source of revenue for Australian news media businesses. Australian news publishers deserve fair compensation for the content they provide.
The move will still allow news content to be published to Meta, but they will no longer be compensated for use of that content.
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