Which companies are directly targeted by the new news publishing levy?

The scheme applies to digital platforms generating at least $250 million in annual Australian revenue from social media or search services. These entities face a mandatory levy unless they offset the cost by entering commercial agreements with local news publishers at a rate exceeding 1 for 1.

What is the scale of direct government funding for the media sector?

The government has committed $99.1 million in total grants through the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) over three years starting in FY26. This includes a $33 million allocation specifically for the Australian Associated Press and $15 million in immediate relief for regional and independent publishers during 2024-25.

How will the government monitor media concentration and diversity moving forward?

The ACMA will receive $10.5 million over four years to implement and manage a biennial Media Diversity Measurement Framework. This funding enables the regulator to track ownership and content diversity across print, radio, TV, and digital platforms to inform future policy interventions.

What specific support is being provided to regional news outlets?

Regional publishers will benefit from a $3 million annual commitment for government advertising and a dedicated $15 million relief program in the 2024-25 period. These measures are designed to stabilize local reporting as the global advertising market shifts away from traditional regional media.

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Australian Government ramps up support of news publishing

The Australian Government is implementing a new levy-based incentive and a $99.1 million grant program to bolster news media.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights10 February 2025Period: February 20254 min read

$250 million→

Minimum Australian gross annual revenue for digital platforms to be captured by the new scheme

$99.1 million↑

Total grants committed over three years for the News Media Assistance Program starting 2025-26

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Abstract

In December 2024 the Australian Government announced two initiatives designed to support public interest reporting. The first was a new scheme to ensure global social media platforms contribute to local news reporting activities. The second was an enhanced News Media Assistance Program (MAP) to provide direct support to news organisations. Both are responses to a globalising media ecosystem that is reducing its support for local public interest reporting. Australia’s old media industry was never purely market-oriented. The right to publish and broadcast was always associated with a commitment to journalism in the public interest - or at least not against the public interest. As this system gradually erodes under the pressure of a globalising ad market, a new compact between government and media is emerging.

Key Takeaways

The Australian Government announced a new News Bargaining Incentive to ensure global social media platforms contribute to local news reporting.
Digital platforms with over $250 million in Australian revenue that operate significant social or search services will be subject to a new levy.
Platforms can offset the levy by entering commercial deals with news publishers at a greater than 1 for 1 rate.

What's Inside

Renewed support for news reporting

Why does this matter?

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Abstract

Key Takeaways

What's Inside

Renewed support for news reporting

Why does this matter?

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