UNESCO launches consultation on fair payment for news in the digital age

The initiative comes “at a time when maintaining the sustainability of the news media has become increasingly urgent to protect the future of journalism and maintain the integrity of information.” the agency said.

That text in consultation outlined disruptions to the media landscape, including decreased funding for public interest journalism, the contraction or closure of local and community news organizations, and other challenges that indicate “a fundamental and ongoing changes in the structure of the information economy.”

Few players, wide influence

“A small number of large multinational digital platforms and AI actors now play key intermediary roles between media and the public, shaping content discovery, influencing the conditions for journalism to reach audiences, and mediating access to digital advertising markets in ways that are significantly changing the economic conditions in which journalism operates,” he said.

UNESCO is seeking input from governments, regulatory authorities, media, civil society, academia and other stakeholders until July 30.

Through the online survey, respondents were able to share their input and perspectives on how the document “could be improved to achieve the goals of preserving freedom of expression, strengthening media viability, and supporting the future of independent journalism in the context of the growth of digital platforms and AI actors.”

Delivery can be in English, French or Spanish.

Approaching the deadline, three online regional roundtable meetings will be held to facilitate dialogue and input from people in the Asia-Pacific and Arab countries, Africa and Europe, as well as the Americas and the Caribbean.

Support media diversity

That draft guide built according to UNESCO Digital Platform Governance Guidelinesissued in 2023, which calls for support for media sustainability, diversity and pluralism.

It is also influenced by the agency’s work on generative AI governance and human rights impact assessment, as well as global principles encouraging fair compensation for journalism.

This initiative further strengthens UNESCO’s broader efforts to strengthen the independence, sustainability and viability of the media.

A final draft of the Guide will be published later this year, along with a report summarizing the key insights and contributions received.