This is a new page that is turning for Facebook and its News tab . After the abandonment of information licensing agreements in Europe, it is the turn of the United States and Australia to see this service disappear in April 2024 . This decision taken and published by Meta , far from being insignificant, marks a major strategic turnaround for the digital giant, which is now refocusing on short videos and the creator economy.
A bet on immersive content and the creator economy
Launched in 2019 with the ambition to support quality journalism and strengthen democracy, the News has never really managed to establish itself. The reason is low usage by users, representing less than 3% of the content displayed in their news feed. Faced with this observation, Facebook has decided to refocus its efforts on immersive video formats and the creator economy , perceived as more in line with current expectations.
A hard blow for the Australian media
In Australia, the removal of the News tab and the annual $70 million paid to local media represents a major blow to the news industry . The move comes as the country prepares to renew its Mandatory Trading Code for News Media and Digital Platforms , a law that had forced Facebook to sign licensing agreements with Australian publishers.
An uncertain future for quality journalism
Facebook's decision to divest from news content aggregation raises important questions about the future of quality journalism. If digital platforms favor entertaining and viral content to the detriment of serious and in-depth information, how can we guarantee the survival of a free and independent press?
Towards a fragmented media landscape?
Removing the News tab could also result in further fragmenting the media landscape. Indeed, users will now have to turn to a multitude of different sources for information, which will make access to reliable and diversified information more difficult.
Facebook 's decision to end the News tab marks a major turning point in digital history. While it can be seen as an opportunity for video content creators, it nonetheless remains a threat to quality journalism and the diversity of information.
Key points to remember:
- Facebook is removing its News tab in Australia and the United States.
- The platform is refocusing on short videos and the creator economy.
- A blow to Australian media and quality journalism.
- The future of information and media diversity in question.
