Matt Stanton, CEO of Nine Entertainment, emphasized the urgent need for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to prioritize the proposed news bargaining code, essential for supporting local media against the disruptive forces posed by AI and big tech companies. This policy aims to establish a system where major global platforms would be required to compensate local publishers for the use of their content, thereby helping to sustain journalism and promote a healthier democratic landscape.

During the presentation of Nine's half-year financial results, Stanton pointed out the significant delay in implementing the government’s news bargaining incentive, expressing concerns that this could hinder the financial stability and democratic integrity of the country. He stated that the situation is critical not only for Nine but for all media outlets that invest heavily in quality journalism, noting that delayed policy initiatives could result in detrimental effects on the local media industry and the broader economy.

Stanton’s calls for action underline the broader implications of AI on traditional media revenue models and the necessity for governments to intervene to ensure that local voices are not drowned out by global tech giants. He urged the Prime Minister to elevate the status of the news media bargaining code on the political agenda to avoid further delays that threaten the viability of journalism in Australia as the digital landscape continues to evolve.