Independent Federal MPs proposed amendments in the House of Representatives this morning that would have ensured up to 700 small and medium-sized news producers would benefit under the News Bargaining Incentive.
Federal Parliament is considering legislation for the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) with the Bills agreed in the House of Representative today and set to be voted on in the Senate tomorrow.
LINA and CBAA has welcomed the Government’s commitment to address disruption to the news industry and advertising revenue caused by digital platforms. The NBI laws are critical for a strong and sustainable news media sector.
Under the current drafting, digital platforms could meet their liability to pay for news and journalism through as few as 8 deals with large media organisations.
The Government took steps last week to accommodate small, independent local news producers by introducing a dedicated grant program to distribute a small proportion (5%) of any revenue collected the revenue to small publishers.
However, if the legislation achieves its primary aim of incentivising commercial deals between digital platforms and news outlets, no levy funds will be collected, and the grant program will not be funded. Even if a grant program is funded, only media organisations under the $150,000 revenue will be eligible – excluding many community broadcasters and small print and digital publications.
Independent MPs Kate Chaney (Curtin, WA), Allegra Spender (Wentworth, NSW) and Dai Le (Fowler, NSW) proposed amendments to the NBI that would have ensured small and medium sized news organisations could access deals to secure new income for news and journalism through the NBI.
These amendments would:
- Ensure at least 12.5% of NBI deals to be signed with small news businesses (annual income under $20 million)
- Give small and independent publishers the opportunity to bargain collectively
- Increase the grant program funding from 5% to 15% share of collected revenue and broaden grant eligibility to organisations with annual income above $150,000
- Improve how volunteers, and news presenters that undertake journalism, are counted.
Labor, Liberal and National Party MPs combined to vote down these amendments. Independent and minor party MPs voted in favour including Nicolette Boele, Dr Helen Haines, Dr Sophie Scamps, Zali Steggall, Kate Chaney, Dai Le, Rebekha Sharkie, Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Andrew Gee, Dr Monique Ryan, Allegra Spender and Andrew Wilkie.
LINA and CBAA are working with an alliance of small publishers to have these amendments reconsidered in the Senate tomorrow. For the NBI to succeed in supporting small and independent news and journalism the Government, Liberal and National Party Senators need to lend their support to these amendments.
Contact: CBAA Head of Advocacy and Communications, Reece Kinnane 0420 525 526; [email protected]