National hits out at the government’s big tech 'tax'

National hits out at the government’s big tech 'tax'
Melissa Lee believes the incoming law could jeopardise deals between Google, Meta and local publishers. (Image: NZME)
Daniel Dunkley
The National party’s broadcasting and media spokesperson Melissa Lee has criticised government plans to force digital platforms to pay for news content, labelling it a “tax” on big tech. Broadcasting minister Willie Jackson is preparing to introduce legislation – set to be named the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill – that will compel tech companies such as Google and Meta to sign commercial agreements with news publishers and pay them for news content that appears across their platforms. The bill is set...

More Media

Spark bags $47m after accepting ‘low ball’ offer for Hutchison shares
Markets

Spark bags $47m after accepting ‘low ball’ offer for Hutchison shares

Spark has realised A$43 million (NZ$47m) from the sale of its 10% stake in Hutchison Telecommunications Australia (HTA) – after accepting an offer that a minority HTA shareholder called “lowball”.The telco said the transaction would close in July, with the funds used to reduce de...

Staff reporters 23 Jun 2025
Review: End of Summer Time by Roger Hall
The Life Free

Review: End of Summer Time by Roger Hall

It’s a fitting, funny, and unexpectedly moving production.

Dalaine Krige 22 Jun 2025
Steven Joyce, Jim Grenon join NZME board
Markets

Steven Joyce, Jim Grenon join NZME board

Joyce had 93% shareholder support, Grenon 86%.

Pattrick Smellie 03 Jun 2025
Stuff/TradeMe go head to head with NZME
Property

Stuff/TradeMe go head to head with NZME

The marriage of online advertising portals with news producers continues.

Pattrick Smellie 03 Jun 2025