JOURNALISM PRESERVATION ACT
The legislation introduces several requirements for online platforms, including monthly tracking of how often they link to digital journalism content and calculating associated fee payments based on their advertising revenue. It establishes frameworks for arbitration and non-retaliation, ensuring that journalism providers are not penalized for asserting their rights under this Act. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the unique contributions of ethnic media and underscores the importance of local journalism in fostering civic engagement and democracy. Should this bill be enacted, it could significantly alter the financial dynamics of how digital journalism is financed, potentially invigorating local news organizations that struggle in the current media landscape.
SB3591, known as the Journalism Preservation Act, aims to enhance the sustainability of digital journalism providers by requiring specific online platforms to track and record instances of linking to, displaying, or presenting content from these providers. This bill mandates that such platforms remit a journalism usage fee to eligible digital journalism providers who adhere to certain criteria. This measure is proposed as a response to the declining fortunes of local journalism, where advertising revenue has dropped by a significant percentage in recent years. By establishing a financial reimbursement framework, the bill intends to provide a vital revenue stream for these journalism entities, enabling them to continue their important work in informing communities.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB3591 include concerns about the feasibility of the fee payment system and its enforcement. Opponents may argue that imposing mandatory fees on online platforms could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced visibility for small or local journalism outlets on larger platforms. Furthermore, issues of compliance, especially for smaller journalism entities operating under resource constraints, may raise questions about the implementation of the reporting and funding provisions. While supporters highlight the necessity of ensuring that journalism providers receive fair compensation, detractors express skepticism about the overall practicality and impact of the proposed legislation.