ADM+S submission cited in Australian Government’s Second Interim Report into Social Media and Australian Society
Author Natalie Campbell
Date 23 October 2024
The Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society, established by the Federal Government, has published its Second Interim Report on Digital Platforms and the Traditional News Media, citing contributions from the 28 June ADM+S submission.
The 22 October second interim report focusses on “the decision of Meta to abandon deals under the News Media and Digital platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code (Code) and the important role of Australian journalism, news, and public interest media on a healthy democracy in countering mis- and disinformation on digital platforms.”
The report regularly cites ADM+S research when discussing algorithmic transparency, fact-checking, misinformation, and the role and function of the News Media Bargaining Code.
It provides 11 recommendations informed by 217 submissions, including establishing a Digital Affairs Ministry, exploring alternative revenue mechanisms to supplement the Code, developing protocols for transparent distribution of revenue, new legislation to combat mis- and disinformation, and that the Australian Government establish a short-term transition fun to help news media businesses diversify and strengthen alternative income streams and news product offerings.
ADM+S Associate Investigator Assoc Prof James Meese from RMIT University, and lead author on the ADM+S submission said, “We’re pleased that our research has assisted the committee in their study of these important issues.
“ADM+S members from a variety of disciplines contributed to our submission, and it is outcomes like this which highlight the value of cross-disciplinary research and collaboration.”
The Committee is due to present its final report on or before 18 November 2024.
