Oregon bill advances to mandate payments from big tech for news links

In the United States, the Oregon Senate Rules Committee made a significant decision by voting 3-2 to forward a new bill that mandates substantial payments from major technology companies to support local journalism. This bill requires prominent firms like Google and Meta to contribute at least $104 million and $18 million annually, respectively, to assist Oregon newspapers and journalism initiatives. The bill is framed as a lifeline for local media organizations struggling financially due to the shift in advertising and readership to digital platforms controlled by these tech giants. The supporters of the bill, which includes various publishers from Oregon, argue that it is necessary to compensate local newsrooms for their content that these large corporations utilize to generate profit. They believe that the bill will enhance the sustainability of local media outlets, which are often at risk of closure in the current media landscape. This concern about the viability of local news sources has been amplified by significant declines in traditional advertising revenues, leading to layoffs and cutbacks across the industry. However, the legislation faces mounting criticism from tech industry groups and notable figures, including Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham. They argue that this bill could lead to adverse consequences, such as tech companies limiting access to Oregon news content on their platforms, ultimately reducing the traffic that local news websites receive. Critics warn that the bill may enter a legal grey area, potentially violating constitutional laws by imposing fees for linking to content that companies have traditionally accessed without compensation. As the bill proceeds to the full Oregon Senate for consideration, Democratic Governor Tina Kotek has shown her support for the initiative, indicating that it aligns with her objectives to strengthen local journalism in the state. This legislative move highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the role of big tech in media and the necessity of establishing fair compensation mechanisms for those who produce news content.