Podcast: Media funding and regulation

The country’s newspapers have been arguing that tech platforms, like Facebook and Google, should be paying them whenever they link to news. They should be careful what they wish for. Professor Michael Geist is Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law at the University of Ottawa and the country’s foremost expert on similar regulation in Canada. The Canadian government passed Bill C-18, which gives Canadian news media everything that New Zealand’s newspapers claim they want. Geist shares valuable insights into the well-predicted consequences of this legislative move. Despite government assurances that all would be fine, tech platforms threats to block links to news have not been a bluff. Rather than provide a new funding source for Canadian news, the legislation will likely result in more extensive government media bailouts as link-driven revenue dries up. Listen as they delve into the government's role in negotiations with tech giants, uncovering the challenges and consequences of such interventions. Join us as we unravel the complexities of this Canadian experience, providing valuable lessons for policymakers and citizens alike. Tune in now to navigate the dynamic landscape of tech and news industry relations, with insights that can influence the future direction of similar policies worldwide.