WELLINGTON Dec 5 (BNA): New Zealand’s government said it will introduce a law requiring large online digital companies such as Alphabet, Google and Meta Platforms Inc to pay New Zealand media companies for local news content that appears on their sites. feeds.
Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson said in a statement on Sunday that the legislation would be modeled after similar laws in Australia and Canada, and he hoped it would act as an incentive for digital platforms to strike deals with local news outlets, Reuters reported.
“The New Zealand news media, especially the smaller regional and community newspapers, are struggling to remain financially viable with the increasing penetration of online advertising,” said Jackson. “It is critical that the recipients of the news content actually pay for it.”
The new legislation will be put to a vote in Parliament, where it is expected to be approved by a majority of the ruling Labor Party.
Australia passed a law in 2021 that gives the government the power to make internet companies negotiate content supply deals with media outlets. A review published by the Australian government last week found that it largely worked.
EAE