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November 2023 - Media and PR

90% of editors believe that Google and Meta pose 'existential threat' to journalism: A survey of News Media Association (NMA) editors has uncovered fears relating to anti-competitive practices of big tech companies, with 90% of those surveyed warning of the 'existential threat' that Google and Meta pose to journalism.

The NMA survey questioned 30 news editors, between August 29 and September 12 2023, also finding that the vast majority (97%) agreed that the risk to the public from AI-generated misinformation in the lead-up to a potential general election next year is more significant than ever.

Speaking about tech platforms enforcing news blackouts, more than three-quarters (77%) said they believe this would weaken democratic engagement by limiting public access to trusted news.

Additionally, the poll revealed that 86 percent of editors concurred that the BBC's strategy to reduce its local radio provision and enhance its online local news content, competing with local newspaper websites, would have a detrimental impact on independent local journalism in the UK.

NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “The findings of our survey clearly show the huge level of concern from editors about the impact of the tech platforms’ activities on the sustainability of journalism.

“The government must resist pressure from the tech platforms to water down the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill and pass this sensible legislation – which will help to level the playing field between platforms and publishers and spur innovation and competition across the UK digital economy.”

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