Local and regional publishers say they are looking forward to working with technology companies following the passing of Australia’s new News Bargaining Incentive legislation.

Country Press president Damian Morgan said with the framework in place, his members were ready to get on with the job:

“We want to work constructively with the major technology companies to turn this legislation into genuine commercial agreements that support journalists and journalism across local and regional Australia.

“We already know these relationships can work. CPA has an established and valued relationship with Google, which has engaged extensively with local and regional publishers and supported journalism through commercial agreements and a range of industry initiatives.

“Meta has also previously provided important support to local and regional publishers, including through commercial news arrangements.

“The objective should not be conflict between technology companies and publishers. It should be sustainable commercial relationships that recognise the value each brings to the digital ecosystem and ensure professional Australian journalism continues to be produced.”

He said that under the News Bargaining Incentive, major digital platforms are encouraged to enter commercial agreements with eligible Australian news organisations rather than pay a charge, with any revenue collected through the scheme returned to the Australian news media sector to support journalism. “Importantly for local and regional publishers, the final model increases the distribution loading for regional-based journalists, small-to-medium publishers and media serving underrepresented communities from ten to 20 per cent.

“It also provides for a grants programme for small publishers and start-ups with annual revenue below $150,000 and broadens the definition of journalists to recognise additional essential newsroom roles and freelancers producing core news content.
Those measures demonstrated that local, regional and independent publishers had been heard during the consultation process.

He said the ultimate success of the News Bargaining Incentive “would not be measured simply by the passage of the legislation, but by the commercial agreements and investment in journalism that followed.

“The best possible outcome from this legislation is not the collection of a charge. It is Google, Meta and other eligible technology companies entering meaningful commercial agreements with Australian news publishers and that investment flowing directly into stronger journalism.”

Pictured: Country Press Australia acknowledged the work of prime minister Anthony Albanese, communications minister Anika Wells (pictured) and assistant treasurer Daniel Mulino