The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code is a welcome step towards acknowledging the digital transformation of the news industry and the importance of public interest journalism to our community, according to the Public Interest Journalism Initiative’s final submission to the consultation process.

However the joint submission, made with the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas (JNI), also recommends clarification in several areas of the code, for the benefit of both news organisations and digital platforms.

In total, the PIJI-JNI submission makes 28 recommendations, including:

• Further value guidance around how payment outcomes will be determined
• Addressing potential inequities for small to medium news businesses
• Inclusion of ABC and SBS content, with any proceeds flowing to a public interest journalism fund
• Participant news organisations to meet professional standards of practice
• More detail and clarity around the definition of news and who produces it
• The appointment of an independent third party to lead simple lump sum negotiations between digital platforms and smaller players
• Initiatives complementary to the code, including a mix of industry, philanthropic, and governmental levers.

“PIJI has consulted widely across industry as probably the only truly neutral, research-driven party participating in the consultation process and is deeply aware of the concerns of both news organisations and digital platforms,” says PIJI Chair Allan Fels AO.

“We have made a series of recommendations in our submission in order to ensure the code achieves its core purpose, which is to level the playing field for all producers of public interest journalism, irrespective of size or ownership, and ensure fair compensation for their work.

“The world is watching Australia and its development of this world-first law, which has the potential to substantively contribute to addressing the extreme market imbalances putting pressure on our news sector.

“However the Federal Government must also look at the research conducted by PIJI and support this code with additional measures to ensure the stability of this integral civic infrastructure.”

PIJI supports a thriving and diverse media sector at national, regional and local levels. News is an essential service and the digital platforms are a fundamental part of keeping our communities informed and engaged.

About The Public Interest Journalism Initiative

The Public Interest Journalism Initiative was established to ensure Australia develops a sustainable ecosystem of independent, pluralistic journalism. We are a non-partisan organisation conducting research, developing policy solutions and building a public conversation on the importance of this issue.

PIJI’s work is guided by its core principles of public interest, neutrality, independence, a diversity of voices and duration.