ABC wants a cut of news payments from big tech giants, under new bargaining code
ABC does a full about-face, arguing it now deserves a cut of news payments from tech giants, under a new bargaining code.
The ABC has done a full about-face on its approach to Google and Facebook, arguing now that it deserves a cut of news payments from the tech giants when it previously had described them as vital industry partners.
The SMH reported overnight that “industry sources” said that the ABC should receive a cut of the revenue sharing that will occur in a mandatory bargaining code of conduct between the tech giants and news outlets.
It comes as the ABC announced it would slash 250 jobs due to “budget challenges” in an ”arduous year.”
The new position puts the ABC at odds with its own stated policies, as outlined in a 2018 submission to the ACCC‘s digital platforms inquiry.
The ABC said in its submission that it had emerged unscathed from the tech giants‘ rise to power, and that the public broadcaster in fact relied on the likes of Google, Facebook and Apple to reach more viewers and readers.
“Australia’s audiences are migrating to digital platforms. Therefore using these platforms can help the ABC achieve its objective of providing news and information to all Australians,“ the ABC said in its submission.
“While they have posed challenges for traditional business models, digital platforms have also created new opportunities for media content creators like the ABC to engage with their audiences in new places and spaces while adapting to the real-time reporting that is expected throughout the day
“Digital platforms have helped the ABC grow its reach and engagement capabilities. This explains why the ABC’s strategic priorities include using third-party digital platforms to distribute its distinct Australian content.
“As part of this strategy, the key platforms that the ABC is focusing on are:
• Google/YouTube: The ABC is working with Google and YouTube across of range of areas. The most important is content distribution and discoverability.
• Facebook: The ABC works with Facebook to distribute our content, increase engagement and improve discoverability.
• Apple: The ABC is working with Apple to distribute content (Apple News), help develop and promote our apps (ABC, iview, listen, kids etc), podcasts and music.“
In April the Morrison government ordered the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission to formulate a world-first mandatory code for Google and Facebook to pay media companies for their content, after talks failed on a voluntary code.
A draft for the mandatory code is due by the end of July.
The ABC has been contacted for comment.
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