Publisher alarm over Apple adblocking | Congressman's plan to save US local news
Plus risks facing BBC World Service as 310 journalists operate from exile, and we have your news diary for the coming week
Welcome to your daily newsletter from Press Gazette on Monday, 13 May, brought to you today in association with The Podcast Show London (22-23 May), the biggest international festival for the business of podcasting. Passes available now at thepodcastshowlondon.com.
Apple, a company whose devices were once seen as the potential saviour of journalism, risks turning into an enemy of the news industry.
The launch of the iPad in 2010 was crucial to the success of some paywalled publishers, like The Times, and Apple continues to encourage new brands to join its Apple News+ bundled news subscription platform.
But unlike Google, which owns the Android operating system, Apple is not really in the online advertising business. And as a result, it has historically been less than helpful to ad-funded media.
Ad-personalisation cookies have long been banned on Apple's Safari web browser. And now it is proposing to use sophisticated AI technology to block adverts altogether. It seems like a rather vindictive move aimed at funnelling publishers into Apple News+, where it can make a buck, or its free Apple News walled-garden content platform where the ad share going to publishers is paltry.
Hopefully, Apple will see sense in the face of protests from the News Media Association (see nibs below).
Today we also have an interview with a US Congressman who has a plan to save local news.
And we have spoken to journalists from the BBC Russian, Persian and Arabic services about how they are fighting censorship, intimidation and the challenges posed by fickle US tech platforms. Outgoing BBC World Service director Liliane Landor, meanwhile, has warned that the UK risks being overtaken by Russia and China's international media efforts if the network is not supported.
And your news diary for the week ahead includes the latest RAJAR quarterly UK radio listening figures on Thursday. Press Gazette will, as usual, give you a full breakdown of the data for speech-based stations.
Jobs of the week:
The Morning Star is looking for a Sub-Editor to work remotely
Carrot Pharma Recruitment is looking for a Senior Regulatory Writer, working remotely
Adobe is looking for a Business Development Representative - Public Sector, Digital Media
From our partner
The Podcast Show London will once again bring together thousands from the global podcast community under one roof at the Business Design Centre, Islington, 22-23 May.
This one-of-a-kind event offers a dynamic platform for publishers and brands to thrive in the ever-evolving podcast landscape. From 130+ panels and sessions to exclusive brand activations and global networking events, this is where the industry converges to shape the future of podcasting.
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Delegate Passes are now on sale at thepodcastshowlondon.com
New from Press Gazette
An interview with a Congressman trying to save US local news
Introduced this year by Democratic lawmakers Mark DeSaulnier, Eleanor Holmes Norton and Jamie Raskin, the “Saving Local News Act” would explicitly make the “publication of written news articles” a tax-exempt purpose.
How BBC World Service’s 310 exiled journalists fight censorship and harassment
“We need to make sure that journalists are getting the support they need, when they need it, because the bullying will continue.”
BBC World Service risks being overtaken by Russia and China, warns outgoing director
“We need to compete. And in order to compete, we need resources, and we need to remain relevant.”
News diary 13 – 19 May: Covid inquiry examines Northern Irish govt, Cannes, RAJARs
A look ahead at the key events leading the news agenda this week, from the team at Foresight News.
News in brief
The News Media Association has warned Apple that plans to put a sophisticated ad-blocking tool in the next Safari browser update would put the sustainability of journalism at risk. (Financial Times)
Women in Journalism Scotland and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have opened the second year of their bursary programme, which will see five women journalists awarded £1,500 to develop a solutions-driven project about inequalities in Scotland. (Women in Journalism Scotland)
Vice has struck a deal with Tennessee-based Savage Ventures to relaunch digital properties including the flagship Vice site, Motherboard and Munchies. Savage currently manages digital brands including outdoors.com and 247health.com. (Axios)
The state of Texas, as well as conservative news outlets The Daily Wire and The Federalist, are bringing a lawsuit against the US State Department over grants it gave to counter-disinformation organisations the Global Disinformation Index and Newsguard totalling $125,000 in 2020 and 2021. (Reuters)
Channel 4 News won the News Coverage BAFTA for Inside Gaza: Israel and Hamas. Matt Frei issued another appeal to let foreign journalists into Gaza so they can "do our job properly" and he dedicated the award to journalists killed in the line of duty. (BAFTA)
Publishers including Global, The Guardian, DMG Media, Reach and Tortoise have written to the Culture Secretary about the BBC’s plans to run ads alongside its podcasts on third-party platforms, saying they are "highly likely to have a significant adverse impact" on commercial journalism organisations. (Radio Centre)
Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire says she has met with Ofcom to discuss whether the regulator has the tools necessary to determine whether politicians presenting programmes on news channels have acted with impartiality. (Politics Home)
This week on Press Gazette
Daily Mail publisher ‘denies under oath’ Prince Harry hacking claim
Tips from Snapchat on how publishers can connect with young voters
Ian Hislop on journalism, ‘privilege’ of editing and why he is committed to print
Cash for questions Tory MP has IPSO complaint against The Times rejected
Dow Jones, NYT, Dotdash Meredith and Informa confound news business doomsters
Facebook’s referral traffic for publishers down 50% in 12 months
Foreign Office whistleblower sacked after being outed by BBC journalist
Latest podcast
Podcast 70: The Atlantic’s winning subscription strategy with CEO Nicholas Thompson
The Atlantic has become profitable after years in the red and marked the major milestone of reaching one million subscribers, it announced in April.
CEO Nicholas Thompson joined Press Gazette to discuss the subscription strategy behind The Atlantic’s recent success, how advertising fits in, the search for an elusive third revenue stream, and what goals he might set for the business next.
Press Gazette live
Entries are now OPEN for the Future of Media Awards 2024 (which celebrate the best journalism-based digital products). Check out the full list of categories here. Note: These awards are free to enter.