Rethinking journalism protection: looking beyond copyright

Abstract

Journalism plays a crucial role in providing reliable information and holding those in power accountable. However, newspapers have experienced a significant drop in profitability, with digital platforms controlling the industry's main revenue sources being one contributing factor. To tackle this problem, the EU has granted press publishers the right to demand payment for copyright licenses from digital platforms. This article examines the nature and history of the new neighbouring right introduced by the EU Directive 790/2019 (DCSM) and considers the relationship between copyright and competition law in this area. While this move aims to enhance the bargaining power of publishers, it alone might not be sufficient to safeguard the public's right to information, freedom of speech, and a diverse news media landscape. Consequently, the effectiveness of the EU Directive will require additional regulatory measures, including bargaining codes, information-sharing mechanisms, and the implementation of specific ‘choice architectures’.