Government to mediate negotiations between media groups and technology giants.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Digital Ministry is prepared to assist local media organizations in negotiating fair compensation or payment from large technology companies, according to Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He stated that a legal framework could be introduced if deemed necessary to facilitate these negotiations. The Malaysian news media industry is facing challenges with the dominance of technology giants in the digital advertisement expenditure (Adex) market. As a result, the industry cannot continue to supply news to these companies free of charge. Fahmi emphasized the need for immediate action and strategic planning to address this issue, stating that it is unfair for technology companies to profit from local content while journalistic work requires significant investment. These remarks were made during Fahmi’s speech at the National Media Forum 2023, which was organized by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).

Fahmi also highlighted the government’s assistance, which may include a legal framework or other forms of consultation, with the condition that the news and journalism industry demonstrates a high level of unity. He acknowledged the efforts of the special committee established by the Malaysian Newspaper Publishers Association for negotiation purposes, but expressed the need for the inclusion of small and medium media organizations in negotiations with Google and Facebook. He warned that excluding these organizations could render efforts to achieve fair compensation and payment ineffective, allowing tech giants to exploit division.