Discover how tech billionaires shape political discourse and the fight between Australia and social media giants over funding local journalism. The podcast dives into the evolution of news delivery from print to pixels, raising questions about accountability. It also discusses significant legal challenges around defamation and the influence of Section 230 on internet responsibilities. Explore the tumultuous relationship between traditional media and tech platforms, spotlighting the impact of new regulations on the future of news in Australia.
The rise of social media influencers in political coverage challenges traditional journalism's authority, reshaping political discourse and youth engagement.
Australia's government is pushing legislation for tech giants to compensate local journalism, confronting declining trust and revenue in traditional media.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Media Influence in Politics
Social media influencers are playing an increasingly significant role in political coverage in Australia and Canada, as they are now being invited to media events traditionally reserved for established journalists. This shift reflects a broader trend where traditional media is facing challenges in maintaining authority and trust, with only 37% of Australians expressing confidence in the media's capability to do what's right. Campaign officials are emphasizing that this new approach offers a fresh perspective on political discourse, although it has drawn criticism from traditional journalists who fear it undermines serious political reporting. The emergence of influencers signifies a changing landscape in political communication, where youth engagement is driven more by social media platforms than conventional news outlets.
The Financial Struggles of Traditional Media
As advertising revenue continues to decline dramatically, traditional media outlets in Australia are struggling to sustain themselves, with many regional newspapers facing existential threats. The shift of advertising dollars towards smaller, digital platforms exacerbates this crisis, reducing the income that once supported journalistic endeavors. With decreasing trust in conventional media, audiences are turning to alternative sources for news, often preferring influencer-driven content over traditional reporting. This shift highlights the critical need for established media to adapt and forge new economic models to survive, especially as government interventions attempt to regulate social media giants for compensating local journalism.
Australia's Fight for Fair Compensation in Journalism
Australia is challenging tech giants like Google and Facebook to pay for the news content they utilize through proposed legislation that emphasizes journalism as a public good. This law aims to ensure negotiations occur between media outlets and these companies, aiming for a compensation framework to support local journalism amidst a decline in advertising revenue. The government's push reflects a global trend where nations look to rein in the power of social media while safeguarding democratic processes through a well-funded media ecosystem. However, the backlash from big tech companies, including their threats to withdraw services or limit content, raises questions about the viability and future of such legislative efforts.
When US President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January, the world’s three wealthiest people stood right behind him, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. All own massive online platforms. These tech billionaires are now major political players in their own right, but for the last 15 years the platforms they control have shaped political debate, changed how people feel about their governments and gathered information on voters that tells politicians which buttons to push.
The Australian government has attempted to force the social media giants to pay for the news that they profit from and that worked… for a little while. But in the last year the broligarchs have torn up those contracts and are embracing a brave new newsless world – which isn’t great news for Australia’s upcoming federal election.
