Google agrees to renew news media deals… for now
While the Albanese Government decides whether to strong-arm Meta into handing over tens of millions to Australian publishers, Google has been quietly renewing media deals with a number of smaller publishers – but with a caveat.
According to the AFR, Google has re-committed to funding agreements with News Corp following a three-year deal, as well as regional newspaper arm Times News Group, Solstice Media, Crikey, The Conversation, Women’s Agenda, and Independent Media.
These deals will only be for one year, with Google reportedly inserting a clause which allows them to cancel the deal after one year.
Meta reduced news in the algo and I’m guessing they’re noticing less user engagement since doing so and so are slowing turning the tap of news back on. Meta should have embraced its position as a place for people to find and argue over the news, but in wanting to be miserly or just stubborn towards the Australian government it’s handed that title to X.