In a new research note, the Initiative argues that the bill, which would require large digital platforms to negotiate payment for news content with New Zealand media companies, is based on flawed premises and risks significant unintended consequences.
“This bill represents a misguided approach to supporting journalism,” said Dr Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative. “It ignores the potential for voluntary agreements and new business models to emerge as the market adapts to technological change.”
The Initiative’s research highlights several key concerns:
The Initiative’s research highlights several key concerns:
- The bill could reduce news availability if platforms respond by limiting or removing news content entirely, as seen in Canada.
- It may entrench existing players and stifle innovation in the media market.
- The legislation undermines the open nature of the web and sets a dangerous precedent for regulatory overreach.
The Initiative recommends that instead of pursuing this legislation, policymakers should focus on targeted support for public interest journalism and creating an environment that encourages innovation and competition in the digital age.
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Dr Eric Crampton is Chief Economist at the New Zealand Initiative. This article was first published HERE
2 comments:
This Bill is like Napoleon giving the Duke of Wellington ammunition to destroy him at Waterloo.
What is Goldsmith thinking ?
Thank you, Dr Eric Crampton. I wholeheartedly agree. It is just another cock up to support a lost cause.
The game is all but over. People really want honest discussion and debate and international news. Not half hearted servings of opinionated drivel and gossip.
But the point is and what you are saying is to ask for Google and Meta to cough up for the content that gets used and that there will be unintended consequences. Isn't most of the news sourced from much bigger networks anyway? And that is why it is so heavily biased?
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