Independent publishers split with legacy media over tactics in Meta fight
Digital outlets including Broadsheet are urging the federal government to consider alternatives to "designating" Meta under the media bargaining code, warning a news ban could devastate smaller publishers.
Independent digital publishers including Broadsheet Media are urging the federal government to consider alternatives to "designating" Meta under the media bargaining code, in a sign of a deepening split with ASX-listed legacy players News Corp, Nine and Seven over how to handle the social media behemoth.
Broadsheet Media founder and publisher Nick Shelton said he was concerned that designation of Meta under the code would result in the company blocking news on Facebook and Instagram altogether, torpedoing a significant chunk of industry revenue in the process.
He said Meta should be held accountable for “flouting whatever rules and regulations and laws they feel like”, but that using designation as a tool to “bring them to heel is problematic” and would come at the expense of smaller publishers and audiences alike.
The code was designed to encourage Alphabet-owned Google and Meta to strike commercial deals with news publishers. Under the code, a digital platform can be designated if it does not reach agreements, forcing it into a binding arbitration process and potentially resulting in a fine of up to 10% of revenue.
