COUNTRY Press Australia (CPA) has welcomed the ACCC’s final report into Digital Platform Services, calling it a major step in recognising the deep challenges local and regional news outlets face in the digital era.
CPA President Andrew Schreyer said the report confirms that tech giants like Meta and Google use their dominance to control how journalism is accessed and monetised, harming independent publishers.
“This report reflects what we’ve experienced for years – an unfair playing field for local media. It affects the sustainability of journalism in our communities.” Mr Schreyer said
He urged the federal government to urgently implement the News Bargaining Incentive, particularly since Meta has walked away from news deals and platforms like TikTok have never engaged.
“Major platforms must be required to pay fairly for the journalism they benefit from,” he added.
The ACCC report also raises concerns about harmful practices by dominant platforms, lack of dispute resolution for small publishers, and the rise of AI tools that threaten credible news.
Mr Schreyer said stronger platform obligations, greater transparency, and fair compensation for the use of publishers’ content by AI are vital.
“Our local news outlets are vital to democracy. We need practical reforms to ensure they can survive and thrive.”
CPA represents nearly 240 independent newspapers across Australia. This newspaper paper is a member of Country Press Australia.
