The California Journalism Preservation Act Will Make Tech Companies Pay for News
California lawmakers have reintroduced Assembly Bill 886, known as the California Journalism Preservation Act, or CJPA, which proposes charging online platforms for publishing news articles. The bill was previously stalled due to internal disputes within the journalism sector and opposition from tech giants like Google. It now aims to mirror Canada's approach to taxing platforms for distributing news content.
What the Legislation Means
Under this legislation, digital advertising giants would be obligated to pay fees to news outlets whenever they sell advertisements alongside news articles. A provision mandates that 70% of these fees must be used by publishers to compensate journalists specifically located in California. This measure is intended to secure fair payment for journalists, bolster local journalism, and address financial challenges faced by many news organizations.
The amendments to Assembly Bill 886 aim to establish a more equitable framework. The bill also seeks to provide valuable financial support to smaller publishers disproportionately affected by the digital transformation of the news industry. By requiring tech companies to contribute to the expenses of news production, the legislation aims to level the playing field and promote a sustainable journalism ecosystem across California.
Google did not immediately respond to the requests for comment regarding the number of California users who would be affected by these changes. Additionally, it remains unclear which California news organizations will have their links removed from Google search results.
Violation of Principles of the Open Web
This action fundamentally contradicts the principles of the open web, principles that are vital for many Black Californians who rely on the internet as their primary source of indispensable news and information. The open web is not just a tool for consumption; it fuels creativity, strengthens connections, and introduces individuals to a myriad of diverse perspectives that are necessary for personal and community growth.
For many in these communities, the internet serves as a lifeline, providing timely access to information that can have immediate and significant impacts on their daily lives. This includes critical updates on public health emergencies, notifications about natural disasters, local crime alerts, and warnings about scams. These timely updates are not just convenient; they are often lifesaving and key for maintaining community safety and well-being.
However, the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA) threatens to disrupt this vital flow of information. By imposing fees on digital platforms for distributing news content, the CJPA could lead to reduced access to news articles and updates, as platforms might limit the availability of news to alleviate costs. This would disproportionately affect communities that rely heavily on the internet for real-time information.
Why It Is Facing Opposition
CJPA is poised to primarily benefit national and international news organizations, potentially even extremist media posing as legitimate news, far more than it would benefit local California news organizations. The act sets up a perverse incentive for the creation of clickbait content, aimed solely at generating revenue from tech companies, rather than promoting quality journalism. Many local community, Black, and ethnic media outlets, including printed newspapers, would receive no benefit from this legislation.
If enacted, the bill would have a detrimental impact on small publishers, as companies like Google and Meta are likely to stop linking to news content in California, significantly reducing web and search traffic for these smaller entities. Moreover, there is no clearly defined requirement within the CJPA that the funds generated be used to support journalists or to improve journalism and news specifically in California.
The passage of this bill is also likely to lead to extended legal battles, as some argue that it violates existing copyright laws. Thus, the CJPA could end up being more of a hindrance than a help to the local journalism landscape it purports to support.
Reporting on the California Journalism Prevention Act
Journalists can report on CJPA by providing a comprehensive overview of its reintroduction and objectives, including the proposal to charge online platforms for publishing news articles, which previously stalled due to internal disputes within the journalism sector and opposition from tech giants like Google. Also, the potential negative impact on small publishers should be noted, as tech companies might stop linking to news content in California, reducing web traffic. The bill could primarily benefit larger news organizations and incentivize clickbait content without clear requirements to support journalists or improve journalism in California. Extended legal battles could ensue, with some arguing the bill violates copyright laws, potentially hindering local journalism. It is incumbent on journalists to communicate these details with precision.
