Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UNESCO has launched a global consultation to inform its Draft Guidance on Fair Compensation for News, addressing the increasing reliance of digital platforms and artificial intelligence on journalistic content. The initiative underscores the urgency of ensuring news media sustainability to secure the future of journalism and uphold information integrity.
The consultation document highlights major disruptions in the media sector, such as declining funding for public-interest journalism and the closure of local news outlets, reflecting significant changes in the information economy. It stresses the influence of a few large multinational digital platforms and AI entities that control content discovery, audience reach, and access to digital advertising markets, all of which have significantly affected the economics of journalism.
UNESCO is seeking feedback from governments, regulators, media professionals, civil society, academics, and other stakeholders through an online survey open until 30 July. Submissions are accepted in English, French, or Spanish. Additionally, three regional online roundtables will be held in Asia-Pacific and the Arab States, Africa and Europe, and the Americas and the Caribbean to facilitate dialogue.
The draft guidance builds on UNESCO’s 2023 Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, with a focus on media sustainability, diversity, and pluralism. It also incorporates UNESCO’s work on generative AI governance and human rights impact assessments, along with international principles supporting fair compensation for journalism. UNESCO plans to publish the finalized guidance and a report summarizing collected insights later this year.