Tech reporter James Purtill discusses Facebook's decision to stop paying Australian news outlets, sparking discussions on news sharing, misinformation, and the impact on the media ecosystem and jobs. The podcast explores Australia's stance against tech giants, the repercussions of Facebook's news block, challenges of misinformation, and government responses to regulate big tech.
Facebook stopped paying Australian news outlets, impacting news sharing.
Concerns raised about misinformation and control of information by profit-driven companies.
Deep dives
Impact of Meta's Decision on News Communication
Meta's decision to stop paying Australian news outlets for their content had a significant impact on news communication. This move led to the disappearance of news from Facebook for Australian users, causing a disruption in the way news is shared and consumed in the country. The decision raised concerns about the control of information by a few profit-driven companies and the potential rise of misinformation due to the news vacuum created by Facebook's actions.
New Media Bargaining Code and Its Consequences
The introduction of the new media bargaining code aimed to address the imbalance of power between tech giants like Facebook and Google and news organizations in Australia. However, Facebook's refusal to comply resulted in a week-long absence of news on the platform, showcasing the negative impact on both large and smaller news sites. While Google eventually agreed to pay news organizations, the effectiveness of the code in sustaining journalism remains questionable.
Challenges and Solutions in News Funding and Regulation
The podcast explores the challenges in funding journalism and regulating tech platforms like Facebook to support public interest journalism. One proposed solution involves closing tax loopholes and directing revenue to news organizations through grants or public funding. The government's efforts to enforce the code and regulate big tech highlight the ongoing struggle to address issues of misinformation and news sustainability in the digital age.
When it comes to finding and sharing news, one third of Australians use Facebook. But that’s about to change because Facebook’s owner Meta has decided to stop paying Australian news outlets for their news. So what impact will Meta’s decision have on the way news is shared in this country? And will the news vacuum lead to an uptick in misinformation?
Guest: Technology reporter James Purtill for ABC Science
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