As an online content creator, you’ve probably heard about the News Media Bargaining Code. The government in Australia is proposing a law that could negatively impact creators. While it will mainly affect Australian creators, it could also have repercussions that impact creators across the globe.
This is what you need to know about the News Media Bargaining Code.
Google has been advocating for creators’ best interests.
The most important thing to note is that Google, YouTube’s parent company, has been advocating for policies and laws that keep creators’ best interests in mind. For several years, the company has been working with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. It has also worked closely with the news media businesses in Australia.
While the Australian government’s initial plan was to introduce a voluntary code of conduct, in April, it announced the decision to impose a mandatory industry code instead. After a draft of the News Media Bargaining Code was released, Google and YouTube decided to speak up and encourage the community to help them advocate for a code they felt was more fair.
The proposed law could lower views and revenue for independent creators.
YouTube said that the proposed law could make the platform obligated to share confidential information about its systems with big news businesses. Getting access to this information could enable these businesses to appear higher in YouTube algorithm’s rankings. All other creators would therefore be at a disadvantage.
With insider information on YouTube’s systems, these major news organizations could not only draw attention to their own videos, but they could also draw attention away from other creators’ content. As a result, independent creators could receive fewer views, which means they would also receive less revenue.
It could take funds away from creator-based programs.
If the News Media Bargaining Code were to be passed, then big news businesses would be able to demand a lot more money from YouTube. They would be able to ask for more than the revenue they fairly earn through the YouTube Partner Program, once again putting independent creators at a disadvantage.
This would create an uneven playing field on the platform. With more of its budget having to go towards these news organizations, YouTube could potentially have less money to invest back in its creator community. There could be cutbacks on programs that are geared towards creator development.
You can share your thoughts on social media with #AFairCode.
YouTube thought it was important for creators to know the platform is on their side. The Head of YouTube Asia-Pacific, Gautam Anand, shared an open letter to the creators who would be the most directly impacted by the News Media Bargaining Code. To get a broader understanding of the effects this law could have, read the letter here.
If you have thoughts about the News Media Bargaining Code, then you can participate in YouTube’s campaign to share them on social media. YouTube is inviting creators to share their thoughts across all social media platforms with the hashtag #AFairCode.
If the News Media Bargaining Code is passed in Australia, then it could impact creators all across the world. With creators’ best interests in mind, YouTube has actively been taking a stance and advocating for changes to the proposed law.
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Kristen Harris enjoys listening to a wide range of music, from Taylor Swift to, on occasion, Celtic instrumental. She also spends her time writing, reading, and baking.
