Support grows for Meta boycott following News Act blackout

Other governments and private sector companies are joining in the boycott of Meta Platforms Inc. after it announced plans to block Canadian news from Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s move came in response to the passage of the Online News Act. Last week, the federal government announced it was halting all advertising on the platforms. Quebecor Inc. and Cogeco Inc. made similar announcements at the same time. Since then, the government of Quebec and several cities in the province have stated they will stop advertising on Facebook and Instagram. “No business is above the law,” Quebec premier François Legault stated on Twitter. “Meta’s refusal to share journalistic content is very concerning,” Montreal mayor Valérie Plante tweeted. “Access to verified and quality news is essential.” Quebec City, Gatineau, Laval and Longeueil are joining the advertising boycott. The Montreal Chamber of Commerce is also withdrawing its ads. The Montreal newspaper La Presse is one of several news organizations suspending ads on Facebook and Instagram. Torstar Corp., which publishes Canada’s largest newspaper among others, joined the media blackout. “We vigorously object to Meta’s unprecedented plans to block our content on its platforms in protest against the federal government’s Online News Act,” CEO Neil Oliver stated in a news release. Canada’s largest publisher, PostMedia Network Inc., which has over 130 newspapers, said it is joining the boycott. “Our government recently made important steps by passing the Online News Act,” CEO Andrew MacLeod said in a statement. “There is no greater proof of the critical need for this law at this time than the actions taken upon its passing.” BCE Inc., which includes Bell Media, has also paused its ads. “Like many Canadians, we are concerned about the consequences Meta's decision to block links from Canadian news organizations will have on Canadians, and all those who reside or work here, all of whom should be able to rely on independent and trusted news from Canadian sources,” Wade Oosterman, Bell Media president said in a news release. “The Online News Act will provide the necessary framework for fair negotiations for access to valuable news content with a Canadian perspective, which is critical for our democracy.” CBC/Radio Canada is pulling its advertising from the platforms as well. Unifor, Canada’s largest union which represents many journalists, followed suit. “What this situation calls for is leadership from all of us,” union president Lana Payne was quoted as saying in a news release. “Unifor is calling on governments and major Facebook ad buyers to band together in support of Canadian journalism and give local news a fighting chance in this country.” –Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and editing by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca.

Support grows for Meta boycott following News Act blackout

Broadcast | July 10, 2023

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