Funding for News Media and Digital Platforms Bargaining Code

The Morrison Government is providing $4.2 million in the 2021-22 Budget to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to support the implementation and administration of the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the funding would allow ACMA to deliver the critical benefits provided by the Code.

“Digital platforms have fundamentally changed the way that media content is produced, distributed and consumed, which is why the Morrison Government introduced this world-leading Code, to support a diverse and sustainable Australian news media sector,” Minister Fletcher said.

“Our investment will enable ACMA to fulfil its functions under the Code, including administering an eligibility scheme, registering news businesses, and maintaining a register of arbitrators.”

The world-leading framework addresses the bargaining power imbalance between Australian news media businesses and digital platforms and means news media businesses will be fairly remunerated for the content they generate.

“We welcome the reports that Google and Facebook have reached commercial agreements with some news businesses for the use of their content, and encourage the parties to continue to negotiate deals in good faith,” Minister Fletcher said. “This is powerful evidence the Code is already doing its job.”

The Code will be reviewed by the Treasury within one year of its commencement to make sure it is delivering outcomes that are consistent with the Government’s policy intent.

For more information on the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, go to the ACMA website.