News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller has warned that the Australian media industry is “buckling under the weight of the four seismic waves of disruption” as artificial intelligence and social media giants threaten to unleash what he calls “a new Big Steal.”
Speaking at the Melbourne Press Club, Miller said that “AI will create a new digital universe,” but cautioned that this moment “provides the opportunity to learn the lessons of the past and design a new relationship between technology and society that works in ethical and equitable ways”.
He described the current era as a turning point for both government and media, urging immediate action before history ‘repeats’ itself.
“We lived through the first wave of the information revolution with a sense at first … of wonderment and then horror and frustration,” he said. “And now, as we stand at the dawn of this new technological age. We can’t afford to repeat past mistakes.”
While Miller acknowledges that “without doubt AI offers extraordinary possibilities to journalism,” he warned that it at the same time, “could destroy our industry if it is allowed to hoover up our work and deliver to vast audiences with no attribution and no payment.”
Calling the situation “a subject that risks becoming a crisis,” he said: “In my fight for a successful future for professional journalism, I am not asking for handouts. I am calling on the Federal Government to ensure a level playing field for all. Because journalism is vital to our communities.”
Miller pointed to the scale of recent industry decline, citing evidence that “161 news outlets closed their doors in the five years to March last year. That’s three times more closures than in the decade to 2018. I would describe every one of those closures as devastating. Not only at an industry level but at a community level. Because that’s thousands of local stories no longer being told. Dozens of local councils no longer being held to account. Reduced celebrations of local achievements and culture.”
Miller argued that while the government has “tried”, its current efforts are “at times ineffective when it comes to supporting Australian media”.
He said three urgent measures were needed to support the survival of journalism.
“Firstly, and most importantly, small news publishers have yet to receive any of the promised support from the News Media Assistance Program, also known as NewsMAP. The government needs to deliver on its commitment after announcing this in December last year. There is no reason to hold this back.”
“Secondly, the government must enact now the News Media Bargaining Incentive, which has not advanced, and remains unimplemented just under a year after being announced.”
“Thirdly, a Social License should be implemented, that would be a package of laws and requirements that the tech companies would need to meet, if they want access to Australian consumers.”
Miller said the government should hold tech companies to the same standards of accountability demanded of other sectors.
“The current crisis engulfing Optus provides a telling example,” he said. “Optus is, rightly, being held to public account and condemnation over the triple-zero failure that led to people losing their lives. But where is the same level of accountability being demanded of social media companies whose algorithms torment our children, prey on the elderly, and are responsible for the rise in self-harm and loss of life?”
He contrasted this with the restrictions faced by Australian publishers, emphasising that “journalism does not come cheap. It requires funding. Funding which is sustainable over the long term.”
“Here in Victoria, the state government has banned all print advertising in News Corp mastheads as well as The Age and The AFR. The ban covers all departments and bodies, including the consumer-facing National Gallery, the Transport Accident Commission and Visit Victoria. This absurdity denies Victorians important information and unfairly favours the platforms.”
He urged the industry to unite around the core principles of sustainability, copyright protection, and free speech.
“Come together to ensure the News Media Bargaining Incentive is implemented now; to come together to support the Copyright Act in its current form; and to back each other on free speech, reminding our organisations of the importance of free markets that need to operate on a level playing field.”
“For the role of journalism has never been more important,” he said. “News companies are veterans of the digital age. Yet despite the vast changes – and vast they have been – news media’s north star remains constant. To represent the communities our audiences live and work in, to document the eddy of events. To tell the stories that matter, that further the public interest – to improve our communities and the lives of our audiences.
“The fact is, there’s never been so much news reporting in this country. By so many news outlets, across the media landscape, all campaigning on causes that lead to better outcomes for us all.”
He concluded with a call to defend the principles that underpin journalism and democracy.
“Story-by-story, professional news media creates a better, more robust, resilient society, celebrating the contest of ideas. Social media does nothing more than tear and fray the social fabric. They are the true monster at our gates. Our content is crucial to their success. It should not be taken or given away for free.”
“The time to do so is right now”.
