The NMA says that it is following the world-wide trend for tech platforms to recognise that news publishers’ editorial content has a financial value to the platforms, for which news publishers should receive remuneration.

According to the NMA, this need has been accelerated by legislation and legal actions in Australia, France and elsewhere. In Australia, the implementation of the News Media Bargaining Code has led to deals being struck between the publishers and the platforms.

The NMA notes that in France, Google has struck deals with publishers after the competition authority stepped in to order interim measures requiring Google to negotiate with publishers in good faith, following the introduction of the press publisher’s right there.

The NMA says that it is engaged in a round of meetings with regulators, Ministers and officials to make the case for UK publishers in advance of legislation being introduced. The NMA says that this is needed “to ensure that new revenue streams are developed to finance local news and journalism throughout the UK”.

NMA chief executive David Newell said: “The role of news media in providing trusted and accurate information to the public has been absolutely critical over the past year and will continue to be so as we seek to rebuild. By working to change the relationship between publishers and the platforms for the better, the NMA will support this work and help create a truly sustainable future for independent journalism in the UK.” To read the NMA’s press release in full, click here.