The Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI) welcomes support from major political parties and key independent members for the strengthening of Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code.
“Public interest journalism ensures a diversity of voices in public discussion and serves as one of the most important mechanisms for accountable and democratic governments. Without it, we risk the erosion of the quality of our most fundamental institutions — executive, judicial, and legislative,” PIJI Chair Professor Allan Fels AO said.
Responses to a PIJI survey on the state of Australian public interest journalism also emphasised much work still needs to be done to strengthen and protect the sector from major threats presented by generative AI, social media giants and potential US trade sanctions.
The News Media Bargaining Code, which previously saw major companies like Google and Meta pay Australian news media for content, has been described by Big Tech as a “coercive and discriminatory” tax. These companies have complained to US authorities, with their framing of the code as an unfair financial burden sparking concern of triggering trade sanctions.
In response to PIJI’s survey, Labor stood by the code, along with its funding commitments towards the ABC, AAP and News Media Assistance Program.
Acknowledging local news reporting as the lifeblood of Australian communities, Labor reiterated its existing policy position on public interest journalism but cautioned too much intervention could risk government overreach.
The Greens focused on the need for diverse media ownership and accountability, and committed to locking in the restoration of full funding to the ABC via legislation.
Independents Monique Ryan, Andrew Wilkie and Tammy Tyrrell were supportive of the government’s current funding commitments to support Australian public interest journalism, but warned more must be done to prevent smaller players in news media from being left behind.
The Coalition failed to respond to PIJI’s survey.
However in the final leaders’ debate ahead of the election, Opposition leader Peter Dutton (whose party introduced the original framework for the code) said there was common ground between parties in supporting Australian news services in fending off the threat of Big Tech.
Professor Fels said the bipartisan support highlighted in the survey responses and televised debates underscore the critical role of public interest journalism in Australia’s democracy.
“The willingness of major parties and key independents to back the strengthening of the code reflects a shared understanding of the media’s role in the public interest and the need to resist undue influence from powerful global tech companies,” he said.
PIJI continues to advocate for evidence-based policy solutions to ensure a sustainable, pluralistic, and independent news media environment in Australia. The strengthening of the News Media Bargaining Code is a crucial step in this direction.
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About the Public Interest Journalism Initiative
The Public Interest Journalism Initiative (PIJI) is an independent advocacy group dedicated to diversity and a sustainable future for public interest journalism amid an ever-changing media and regulatory landscape.