Centre Alliance welcomes ABC deals with Google and Facebook

26 May 2021
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Centre Alliance welcomes the ABC’s announcement that it has signed agreements with Google and Facebook under the News Media Bargaining Code that will allow the national broadcaster to be compensated for the use of its journalism on these platforms.

Centre Alliance’s Communications spokesperson, Senator Stirling Griff said the payments from the deals will help the ABC deliver its valuable services and has cautioned the Federal Government not to use this as a reason to reduce any of its funding.

“The Media Code is a direct result of the recommendations that came out of the ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry which we instigated as part of our negotiations with the Government in 2017," Senator Griff said.

“The ABC produces high-quality journalism and has extensive reach across multiple communications channels. It just makes sense that they receive appropriate compensation for use of their high-quality journalism.

“However, the Morrison Government must not use the signing of the agreement as an excuse t cut funding to the ABC and I call on the Minister to make a public commitment that this will not occur.”

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie said the negotiated deals would bring significant financial benefits to the public broadcaster.

"A well-funded ABC is crucial for our democracy," Rebekha said.

"Our public broadcaster provides a crucial service to Australia, particularly in regional Australia where it provides vital news services and public interest journalism.

"The financial benefits of these Media Code agreements will be significant, but it will all be for nothing if the Government makes further cuts to ABC funding."

Since being elected, Senator Griff and Ms Sharkie have been constant advocates for more government support for the ABC and public interest journalism.

Centre Alliance secured the ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry which led to the News Media Bargaining Code, the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund, the Public Interest News Gathering Program, and rural journalism cadetships.

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