Following numerous deals between search and social tech giants and Australian media companies, as well as the arbitrary blockade by Facebook of news content on its platform, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has opened applications for Australian news businesses wishing to register for the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code.
According to ACMA, the code has been designed to help support the sustainability of public interest journalism in Australia.
To be registered, applicants will have to meet the eligibility requirements set out in the code. The ACMA has published a set of guidelines to help potential applicants determine whether they are eligible to register under the code.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said eligible corporations that operate news businesses could apply via the ACMA website.
“I encourage any news businesses interested in being registered under the code to carefully read through the eligibility guidelines on our website and, if eligible, to apply through our online portal,” Ms O’Loughlin said. “The ACMA will assess applications and publish details about registered news businesses on its website.”
Registered corporations and their news sources will be published on a register on the ACMA website.