IMMA has joined a coalition of independent, multicultural and regional publishers in a joint statement on the Federal Government’s draft News Bargaining Incentive. The statement supports the Incentive in principle but calls for targeted amendments to ensure the legislation delivers for the small, independent and culturally specific publishers most vulnerable to platform market power — and most essential to a diverse, trusted information ecosystem.
Why this matters
The News Bargaining Incentive is a welcome mechanism to address the market imbalance between global digital platforms and Australian news publishers. The industry needs this revenue, and it needs it without delay.
But as currently drafted, the legislation carries a real risk: a platform could satisfy its entire obligation by striking deals with as few as four major media players. Small, independent, multicultural and regional publishers — the outlets most vulnerable to market disruption, and most essential to a diverse democracy — could be designed out of the scheme.
What the joint statement calls for
The statement proposes three targeted amendments:
- A requirement that at least 25% of all deals be made with small and medium publishers (revenue under $50M).
- A materially higher offset rate of 200–300% for deals with small and medium publishers, sufficient to overcome the administrative cost of multiple smaller contracts.
- A 15% set-aside of any levy distribution for a supplementary grant program supporting smaller publishers, news deserts and underrepresented voices.
These are minor amendments. They do not alter the structure of the legislation or the obligation on digital platforms. They do ensure the Incentive delivers a more diverse media ecosystem, rather than reinforcing concentration.
The full joint statement, including all co-signatories, can be viewed here.