The Intelligence from The Economist Swat off the press: Meta v Canada’s news ploy
8 snips
May 17, 2024 
Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor at The Economist, discusses the fallout from Meta's news ban in Canada, revealing how it has inadvertently harmed publishers instead of helping them. Catherine Nixie, the magazine's British correspondent, celebrates Shirley Conran's legacy, highlighting how her bold writings empowered women in various aspects of life. They also compare American and European work cultures, emphasizing different attitudes towards work-life balance and time off. Tune in for a blend of tech insights and literary tributes!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Meta's Impact on Small Indigenous News
- Maureen Gugu's Indigenous news site, Gugu Gwes News, lost 75% of its traffic after Meta blocked news links in Canada.
- She now struggles to find stories and reach her audience, highlighting the platform's impact on small publishers.
Adapting to the News Ban
- Adam Rayburn, editor of Energetic City, saw traffic drop 30-40% due to the ban.
- His team adapted by launching a newsletter, an app, and using QR code posters.
Meta's Unaffected Metrics
- Meta's user base and ad revenue remain unaffected by the Canadian news ban.
- This suggests news content wasn't a major draw for their platforms.
