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Meta Shifting Away from News Content, Stops Payments to Australian Outlets
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Meta has announced that it will cease paying Australian news outlets as part of its broader shift away from news content, citing a decrease in usage of Facebook News in Australia and the U.S. by over 80% in the last year. The decision marks the end of Meta’s truce with Australian government officials over fair payment for news content, following the implementation of Australia’s “News Media Bargaining Code” in 2021. Meta’s move away from news content is evident in its focus on short-form video and AI-recommended Reels, which have been driving engagement gains on its platforms. As Meta distances itself from news content, publishers and governments negotiating with the tech giant may find themselves in a more challenging position.