Facebook’s News tab, launched in 2019 with substantial content deals for publishers, is now facing its demise. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced that it will be discontinuing Facebook News in the US and Australia in April 2024. This decision marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy, as it reveals that Facebook News will no longer be a priority moving forward.
Meta’s decision to deprecate Facebook News comes after a series of changes within the company. In 2022, Facebook shifted its focus from news to the Creator economy, signaling a change in direction. The departure of Campbell Brown, former head of news partnerships, further emphasized the company’s shifting priorities. This move away from news is a clear indication of Facebook’s strategic realignment and its commitment to other areas of the platform.
The end of Facebook’s licensing deals will have a significant impact on publishers, particularly in Australia. The $70 million per year that Facebook was paying to outlets like Sky News Australia, News Corp, Seven, Nine, and The Guardian will no longer be available. These deals were the result of Australia’s News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code, and their expiration will leave a void in the revenue streams of these publishers. The power struggle between Facebook and the Australian government, which led to a temporary news ban, further highlights the complex relationship between tech platforms and news publishers.
A Shift in Strategy
Meta’s decision to discontinue Facebook News underscores a broader shift in the company’s strategy. Instead of focusing on news content, Meta will prioritize other forms of content, such as short-form videos. By redirecting publishers to promote their content on their own platforms, Meta is signaling a departure from its previous efforts to support journalism and democracy. This strategic realignment raises questions about the role of tech platforms in the news ecosystem and the impact of their decisions on publishers and the broader media landscape.
The demise of Facebook News represents a significant shift in Meta’s strategic direction. By discontinuing Facebook News and shifting its focus away from news content, Meta is signaling a new chapter in its evolution as a company. This decision will have far-reaching implications for publishers, users, and the broader media landscape, raising important questions about the role of tech platforms in shaping the future of news.
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