New media vs legacy media

It is very clear that many media organisations do not support the Government’s proposed link tax to fund legacy media platforms. The legacy media of course want it – especially NZME and Stuff.

The good news is the Government may be listening, and the bill is not proceeding this week to second reading, as planned.

Smaller new media outlets like Chris Lynch and The Platform have been vocally against the bill. Lynch has warned it will harm him. Now some may dismiss them as they are seen as politically to the right (ie not left). But look at who else is against it.

The wrong headed and frankly selfish approach of NZME and STUFF on the issue of the "Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill" [see: https://t.co/uyhJ0YVYQy] is deeply problematic for independent and digital native publishing companies such as @Scoop.

Part 1 of my thoughts on the…

— Alastair Thompson (@althecat) November 12, 2024

No one could call Alastair as being from the right. Scoop is the longest surviving left platform in NZ, and they are against it.

Thread on dopey new law threatening NZ media ⬇️ https://t.co/Wh3I6k9qHB

— Tim Murphy (@tmurphyNZ) November 12, 2024

Newsroom seem to be against it also, and they are certainly not on the right.

Dopey indeed. The Media Dinosaur Retention Bill.

— POLITIK (@POLITIKwebsite) November 12, 2024

And Richard Harman from Politik is also against it. I’ve known Richard for over 30 years and have no idea what his personal politics are!

So this is not a left vs right thing. This is a new media vs legacy media thing. What is good for NZME and Stuff is not the same as being good for all media. In fact it could be very damaging for media diversity.