In the evolving landscape of digital media, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) by big tech firms has in effect drawn new battle lines against local news publishers.
Last week we heard that Meta’s companies – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads – would continue their assault on local journalism, highlighted by their recent decision to exit the Media Bargaining Code introduced by the Turnbull government.
That decision has now raised significant concerns about the future quality and accessibility of local news, particularly in the regions.
The Media Bargaining Code, aimed at ensuring fair compensation for news content, represented a critical step towards maintaining the viability of local journalism in the face of the digital behemoths.
Meta’s withdrawal from this agreement not only undermines the economic foundations of local news outlets but also signals a troubling shift towards a digital ecosystem dominated by algorithmically driven content, often at the expense of journalistic integrity and local relevance.
Expect an increase in phoney accounts masquerading as news organisations, with resulting disinformation and clickbait.
Artificial intelligence too, while a powerful tool for innovation and efficiency, poses its own set of challenges for the news industry.
The automation of news production can lead to a homogenisation of content, where sensational or generic stories popularised by Meta’s algorithms increasingly overshadow the nuanced, community-focused reporting that is the lifeblood of local journalism.
We already have some social media accounts on the Central Coast passing themselves off as media companies, when in fact they are ‘cash-for-post’ outfits.
Without the experienced journalists’ touch and local insight, the news becomes an AI-generated and untrustworthy commodity that is detached from the community it serves.
Against this backdrop, CCN stands for a commitment to accurate, high-quality local news, sourced, written and verified by local journalists and correspondents.
By prioritising informed, locally relevant stories, CCN not only reflects but also strengthens the fabric of the Central Coast community by telling local stories that count.
Slogans of fake news in an era where the integrity of corporate news is under constant scrutiny strengthens our dedication to providing trustworthy local information as a counterpoint.
At the other end of the big tech spectrum, Google partnered with many regional news publishers including CCN in the Media Bargaining Code.
This has increased accessibility and readership through mobile apps.
Yet, the challenges posed by big tech’s dominance and the integration of AI in news production are significant, most importantly they also underscore the importance of local journalism.
As we continue to navigate these turbulent waters, our resolve at CCN is to uphold the principles of accuracy, quality and local community engagement that we hope will serve as a model for the future of local news.
In doing so, we not only counter the adverse impacts of these global trends but also hope to foster a more informed, connected and resilient Central Coast community.
David Abrahams – Managing Editor