Public broadcasters ABC and SBS both want direct payments from Google and Facebook for using their content under a new bargaining code designed to level the playing field between digital giants and news organisations.
The move by the public broadcasters to seek a slice of the money the digital platforms are expected to pay news organisations may upset commercial media companies, which argue the two public broadcasters shouldn't be compensated because they don't rely on advertising to fund journalism and their operating models haven't been undermined by the platforms' dominance.
Facebook and Google are being forced into a code of conduct with Australian media companies.Credit:Bloomberg
In a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's inquiry into digital platforms obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, SBS argues that a collective bargaining agreement is the best option to negotiate with the digital platforms.
"The bargaining power between major digital platform operators and news media organisations must be appropriately balanced so news providers are adequately compensated for their content and have access to the information needed to best serve their audiences," a spokesman told the Herald and The Age.
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ABC and SBS want a slice of Google, Facebook media payments - Sydney Morning Herald
