The podcast dives into the struggles of traditional media as job losses hit key outlets in New Zealand. It highlights TikTok's rise as a news source and its effects on journalistic integrity. Economic challenges from Facebook's policies on Australian media are discussed, alongside the battle for funding between governments and tech giants. The alarming decline in journalism jobs raises concerns about democracy, with calls for innovative funding solutions. Finally, it examines how AI investments by tech companies are reshaping the news landscape.
The shift towards digital platforms for news consumption has drastically affected traditional media outlets, necessitating urgent policy reforms for their survival.
The relationship between digital platforms and news organizations complicates brand recognition and audience engagement, threatening the viability of public interest journalism.
Deep dives
The Decline of Traditional News Outlets
There is a significant decline in traditional news outlets like NewsHub and TVNZ, challenging their sustainability in the digital age. Many consumers now turn to platforms such as Facebook, Google, and TikTok for news, which has redirected advertising revenue away from traditional media. This shift highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to protect and support news media, as remarked by New Zealand's media minister, Paul Goldsmith. Current governmental discussions aim to create a more equitable media landscape amidst rapidly changing consumer behaviors.
The Impact of Digital Platforms
Digital platforms are playing a crucial role in how news is disseminated and consumed, particularly video-first platforms like YouTube and TikTok. A recent report indicates that a significant portion of the audience, especially in global markets, relies on TikTok for news, which represents a substantial change in media consumption habits. However, these platforms often demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in promoting serious journalism, as evidenced by social media restrictions hindering the promotion of important news topics like climate change. This scenario raises questions about the algorithms governing content visibility and their implications for journalism.
Challenges in Media-Platform Relationships
The relationship between traditional news organizations and digital platforms has been fraught with challenges, particularly regarding brand recognition and audience engagement. Facebook and similar platforms have reduced the visibility of news content, leading to a situation where consumers may not even recognize the source of the articles being shared. This erosion of brand attribution complicates the financial viability of news organizations, as their content is monetized without sufficient acknowledgment. As audience engagement shifts more toward social media, the risk of diminishing public interest journalism becomes even more prevalent.
Future Considerations for Public Interest Journalism
The discussion around public interest journalism often brings into focus the need for innovative funding models that ensure quality coverage. While initiatives like the News Media Bargaining Code have provided some financial support, concerns remain about whether those funds are directly benefiting journalism itself or merely bolstering media companies financially. Strategies such as tax incentives for hiring journalists and government funding for specific journalism outputs could reshape the media landscape to prioritize substantial reporting. As the media environment grows more complex due to digital disruptions, reevaluating the role of government in sustaining robust journalism becomes essential for democratic society.
While our government ponders policy to help news media companies cope with their crumbling business models, millions of us get our news first from Facebook, Google and even TikTok. It's the same in Australia - and this week our friends at the ABC ask if public interest journalism can survive on these online networks - or without them. And if serious news outlets slip into obscurity, what would that mean for our public life?
This is an edition of Future Tense, a weekly show from the ABC's Radio National network. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts.