Networks and Free TV respond to Meta – Seven, Nine and Free TV have all released comment about Meta’s decision not to renew deals to allow news content on their platform.
Free TV
Today’s announcement by Meta that it will not be renewing any of the deals struck with Australian media companies for use of news content on its platforms should be met with swift action by Government according to Free TV Australia.
Free TV CEO Bridget Fair said
“The announcement from Meta that it will no longer pay for the use of Australian news content on Facebook is disappointing but unsurprising. We call on the Government to immediately designate all Meta platforms – Facebook, Instagram and Reels – under the News Media Bargaining Code, and require it to pay a fair price for the news content shared widely on its platforms. Meta does not employ any Australians to produce news but captures significant value from the sharing of trusted news content as part of its service offering.
There has never been a more important time for news media businesses to receive fair remuneration for their trusted news content that is relied upon by all Australians. The ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry Report laid bare the unprecedented levels of market dominance by Facebook and the importance for sustainable local news providers of being fairly remunerated for their content on these platforms. The News Media Bargaining Code legislation already gives the Government the power to act on this important issue and it should do by designating Facebook without delay.”
Nine
Mike Sneesby – Nine CEO said
“Meta’s decision does not recognise the significant and increasing value of Nine’s journalism, unique content and brands to its platforms.
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 remain as strong as ever.”
then an updated quote later in the day reflecting the government’s response:
“Meta’s decision does not recognise the significant and increasing value of Nine’s journalism, unique content and brands to its platforms.
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 welcome the government’s comments that recognise Meta has acted unreasonably and support its commitment to seek a fair outcome for Australian news media. We will work closely and constructively with the government and the relevant regulators to achieve this. 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 remain as strong as ever.”
Seven
In relation to Meta’s announcement that it will not renew any of the deals struck with Australian media companies for use of news content on its platforms, Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton, said:
“Meta needs to be designated. The case has not only been made but proven and we welcome Ministers Jones and Rowland’s commitment to the News Media Bargaining Code. We will work constructively with the ACCC and Treasury to ensure their designation.”
Media Release – Seven, Nine and Free TV
Networks and Free TV respond to Meta
Link to Free TV HERE
Networks and Free TV respond to Meta
TV Central News content HERE
Networks and Free TV respond to Meta
