Session
Round Table - 90 Min
This roundtable will assemble experts from media, governments, civil society, big tech, and academia to delve into the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for the media industry. With the imminent implementation of the EU's Digital Services Act and the consideration in a number of countries of policies similar to Australia's News Media Bargaining Code, the discussion will center on how data, access, and transparency can bolster media sustainability in this rapidly shifting environment. The participants will examine the potential impact of these regulatory frameworks and explore how policies and practices can be developed to create an enabling environment for journalism and news media organizations. By considering these crucial developments, the roundtable aims to provide insights and recommendations that address the challenges and opportunities arising from the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the media sector.
The discussion will focus on the following questions:
How can policymakers ensure a fair and transparent distribution and monetization of media content on big tech platforms, while also protecting the interests of media organizations and preserving a diverse and independent media landscape?
What policies and mechanisms can be put in place to facilitate responsible and transparent data sharing between big tech companies, media organizations, and academics, while addressing challenges such as privacy, data security, and intellectual property rights?
What regulatory frameworks can governments implement to encourage and enforce transparency and accountability among big tech companies, with regard to their data practices and their impact on media sustainability?
How can transparency about media ownership, funding sources, and editorial practices foster accountability, credibility, and independence in journalism and news media?
This multistakeholder discussion will create a platform for collaboration and dialogue, fostering a shared understanding of the complex dynamics at play. It will allow for the exchange of ideas, identification of common goals, and exploration of potential solutions that will address the interests and concerns of all stakeholders involved.
Daniel O'Maley, Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), Civil Society, WEOG
Waqas Naeem, International Media Support (IMS), Civil Society, Asia Pacific Group
Laura Becana Ball, Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), Civil Society, WEOG
Ana Cristina Ruelas, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Intergovernmental Organization, Latin America and Caribbean Group
Arun Venkataraman, Google News Initiative, Private Sector, WEOG
Nompilo Simanje, International Press Institute (IPI), Civil Society, Africa Group
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, 16.10
Targets: The session directly addresses key aspects of SDG 16 by focusing on the impacts of the evolving regulatory frameworks and initiatives for the media and journalist sector, which affect the information ecosystem more widely. By discussing policies that protect the interests of media organizations, preserve a diverse and independent media landscape, and facilitate responsible and transparent data sharing between big tech companies, academics and media organisations, the session contributes to SDG 16's aim of promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Additionally, ensuring citizens's access to high-quality news and information is fundamental to achieving SDG 16.10, which is why digital media sustainability is an essential component to making progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.