The South African Competition Commission has proposed measures to address inequalities in the news distribution landscape affected by digital giants. Key recommendations include financial compensation for local media and adjustments in algorithms to prioritize local news. Public comments are solicited before the final report is released in four to five months, following a detailed 16-month investigation.
The South African Competition Commission has introduced provisional recommendations to address disparities in the national news sector, primarily attributed to digital giants such as Google, TikTok, and Meta. This initiative follows a 16-month investigation into the impact of these platforms on the media landscape, as print media experiences a decline while digital avenues account for 87% of news access. Public comments are invited for six weeks, as the Commission prepares a final report due in four to five months.
In its preliminary report published on February 24, the Commission suggested that Google compensate local news organizations between ZAR 300 million (USD 16.2 million) and ZAR 500 million (USD 27.1 million) to help rectify the imbalances in audience reach, advertising revenue, and competitive leverage. Moreover, the report recommends that tech companies modify their algorithms to favor local news sources and enhance the monetization capabilities of news outlets.
With the rapid digital transformation, challenges have emerged, particularly regarding AI’s role in journalism. The Commission’s report addresses concerns regarding the unauthorized use of journalistic content by AI training and its adverse effects on revenue streams for journalists. Furthermore, it highlights the financial obstacles for many citizens in accessing paid news services, raising issues consistent with informational rights outlined in Section 39(2) of the South African Constitution.
In summary, the South African Competition Commission is taking significant steps towards mitigating digital journalism disparities influenced by major tech platforms. The proposed measures aim to enhance support for local news agencies, ensure fair competition, and protect the journalistic workforce. As the Commission seeks public input, the outcome of this inquiry could reshape the digital news landscape in the country, reinforcing the importance of accessible and diverse media sources.
Original Source: www.africanlawbusiness.com
