Jason Kint: Canada has proven that news bargaining works
The article emphasizes the success of Canada's Online News Act in supporting journalism through financial contributions from tech companies, advocating for its preservation and enhancement.
In the article, Jason Kint discusses the proven effectiveness of Canada's Online News Act (C-18) in bolstering the resources available to newsrooms across the country. He argues that the act has successfully generated approximately $100 million annually from major tech company Google which directly supports journalism. Kint points out that contrary to skeptics' predictions, the legislative framework for news bargaining is functioning as intended, allocating needed funds that are reaching various news organizations, particularly in local and regional contexts.
Kint provides specific examples to illustrate the act's impact: an independent publisher in Alberta receives about $28,000 per year, describing it as a "game changer," while a mid-sized outlet in Quebec receives significantly more in annual funding. These instances highlight how the support from the Online News Act is stabilizing local journalism during a time when traditional revenue streams have been severely challenged. Kint emphasizes the essential role of this financial backing in sustaining diverse media voices in the face of increasing economic pressures.
The article calls for the Online News Act to be strengthened, urging against any moves to dismantle it in light of external pressures from tech companies like Meta, which have been opposing the legislation through lobbying. Kint advocates for not only maintaining the current framework but also refining it to ensure continued support for journalism in Canada, thereby reinforcing the foundations of a healthy democratic discourse and community-based reporting.