Commercial Radio Australia Puts Support Behind ACCC’s Bargaining Code

The Australian radio industry has said it strongly supports the proposed News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code and said it would assist in addressing the fundamental bargaining power imbalance between Australian news media and major digital platforms.

In a submission lodged with the ACCC, industry body Commercial Radio Australia said it broadly supports the principles of compensation, collective and individual bargaining options and dispute resolution measures contained in the draft bill.

CEO Joan Warner [feature image] said CRA had made several recommendations for amendments to ensure that the code would be practical and workable for its members.

“We appreciate the efforts of the ACCC to balance the interests of a wide range of stakeholders. Our priority is to ensure that commercial radio stations are able to benefit from the code and are not inadvertently excluded or disadvantaged,” she said.

CRA’s submission recommends that the eligibility criteria for participation in the code should not be limited to public interest journalism but should be broadened to include coverage of community and local events as well as talkback radio programs that discuss core news content.

“This will require amendment of the content test to remove the requirement that programs contain ‘predominantly core news content’ together with the limitation that content must be produced by a ‘journalist’,” CRA said.

It was vitally important that the digital platforms adhere to “minimum standards” for providing information to news media businesses and advance notice of changes to their algorithmic ranking and presentation of news.

The submission also said the arbitration process should be refined to provide transparency on the division of cost and the selection of arbitrators.

Under the proposed bargaining arrangements, commercial media organisations would be able to enter into negotiations with Google and Facebook to determine an appropriate payment for news content, with arbitration to follow if they are unable to reach an agreement.

The development of a mandatory code of conduct is part of the Government’s response to the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry final report to promote competition, enhance consumer protection and support a sustainable Australian media landscape.

Final legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament shortly after the conclusion of the consultation process.

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