Canada’s C-18 Online News Act, which will go into effect in early 2024, is a cautionary tale for the United States. The law is designed to support Canadian media businesses by requiring large digital platforms, such as Google and Meta, to compensate them for their news content. However, the law is having a negative impact on Canadians’ ability to get news, and is especially damaging to small independent news outlets.
Sponsored Stories
As the president of a small independent news outlet in the United States, I am deeply concerned about the precedent that the C-18 Online News Act is setting. If similar laws were to be passed in the United States, it would destroy our business.
Small independent news outlets rely on digital platforms to reach their audiences. We cannot afford to pay for our content to be featured on these platforms, and even if we could, it would be unfair to ask us to do so. We produce high-quality journalism that is essential for a healthy democracy, and we should not be penalized for it.
The C-18 Online News Act is already having a negative impact on Canadians’ ability to get news. Google has removed links to Canadian news from its search and news products in Canada, and Meta has blocked all links to news content on Facebook and Instagram for Canadian users. This means that Canadians are now less likely to see news from Canadian sources, and are more likely to be exposed to misinformation and disinformation. Even worse, they’re now getting significantly reduced information regarding current events such as Canadian wildfires.
The C-18 Online News Act is also having a negative impact on small independent news outlets in Canada. Many small news outlets are struggling to survive, and the law is making it even harder for them to do so. Some small outlets are likely being forced to close their doors altogether, or at least lay off staff.
If similar laws were to be passed in the United States, it would have a devastating impact on small independent news outlets like Radio Free Hub City. We would not be able to afford to pay for our content to be featured on digital platforms, and we would be forced to close our doors. This would be a disaster for American democracy, as it would deprive Americans of access to high-quality, independent journalism.
I urge the US government to learn from Canada’s mistake and avoid passing similar laws that would destroy small independent news outlets. We need to protect small independent news outlets, as they are essential for a healthy democracy.
Opinion article by Ken Buckler, President and Editor of RFHC. All opinions are his own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or clients.
Discover more from Radio Free Hub City
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.