New Zealand: Google Will Block Local News if Forced to Pay Publishers
Google has claimed it will block local news in New Zealand if its government proceeds with new legislation that would force it to pay publishers for news....
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Facts
- Google has claimed it will block local news in New Zealand if its government proceeds with new legislation that would force it to pay publishers for news.[1]
- In a press release, Google New Zealand Country Director Caroline Rainsford claimed that the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill 'is not the right approach' for fostering a sustainable future of news.[2][3]
- Introduced in parliament in August 2023, the bill proposes to create a mandatory bargaining process between selected media firms and digital platforms that use their content.[4][5]
- Rainsford continued by stating that Google would 'stop linking to news content on Google Search, Google News or Discover,' and would end its current deals with news firms if the bill passes.[6][3]
- When asked by AP News, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith wrote in a letter that consultations with Google concerning the bill were ongoing, with the aim of passing the legislation by July 2025.[7]
- Earlier this year saw the closure of New Zealand news outlet Newshub, and the end of several current affairs programs by state-owned TVNZ, while it has also been reported that the country lost nearly US$46M of broadcast TV advertising in 2023.[8]
Sources: [1]NZ Herald, [2]RNZ, [3]Google New Zealand Blog, [4]Newsroom, [5]Legislation, [6]Reuters, [7]Associated Press and [8]Guardian.
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by Newsroom. Despite being presented as a vital lifeline for struggling local news outlets, New Zealand's bill is merely a way to reap a potential windfall of tens of millions for media firms. A cash grab giving ministers brazen power to decide which tech giants must pay up, this legislation continues to be rammed through parliament despite facing widespread skepticism.
- Narrative B, as provided by NZ Herald. The Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill could potentially revolutionize New Zealand's media landscape. It would compel tech giants like Google and Meta to negotiate fair compensation for the use of local news content. It addresses a glaring market distortion where these behemoths profit from quality local journalism without adequate remuneration. The bill aims to rebalance the digital ecosystem, potentially injecting much-needed funds into struggling newsrooms.
