Strong Majority of Canadians Support Government Action to Force Google and Facebook to Pay for News Content

TORONTO, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/– 82% of Canadians believe it’s time for the federal government to take action and force social media giants Google and Facebook to pay Canadian news publishers for their content, and ensure fair negotiations so that publishers get their fair share of online advertising revenue. As well, according to the poll, 70% of Canadians now believe Google and Facebook have become too powerful.

The finding comes from a new poll conducted by Leger Opinion for News Media Canada.^[1]

The poll also shows that support for tough action spans the political spectrum. More than 80% of supporters of the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and the BQ believe it’s time for the federal government to act.

The broad support for action is driven by a concern that Canada’s news industry is in a precarious state. According to the poll, 62% of Canadians are worried about the loss of Canadian news publishers. Asked why they are so concerned, 73% fear a loss of reliable national news, while 63% worry about a loss of reliable news and information about their community.

News Media Canada has issued a report, “Levelling the Digital Playing Field,” urging the Canadian government to act, using Australian legislation as the model. It would allow Canadian publishers to band together and negotiate collectively with Google and Facebook and would level penalties on the web giants if they don’t comply.

The poll indicates a strong majority agree that it’s time for the federal government to act.

https://www.levellingthedigitalplayingfield.ca/

About News Media Canada

News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit our website at www.newsmediacanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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For more information, please contact:

John Hinds, President and CEO, News Media Canada, jhinds@newsmediacanada.ca

[1] The poll was conducted by Leger Opinion between January 22-24. The online poll surveyed 1,000 Canadians and is accurate +/- 3.5%, 19 times out of 20.