CIGI and the Reset Initiative host the June 2021 meeting of the Global Platform Governance Network.
The exponential growth of digital platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to undermine the media’s traditional business model, which has put pressure on journalism around the world. This has important ramifications for all aspects of platform governance, from digital trade and anti-trust, to countering disinformation and foreign influence operations. Effective, well-resourced, and independent journalism helps to hold corporate and government elites to account and provides accurate information supported by an ethical framework. It is both a building block for a shared understanding of the world and an antidote to conspiracy and propaganda. It’s not a coincidence that illiberal regimes have invested heavily in controlling and infiltrating their neighbours’ local media ecosystems. Nor is it a surprise that there is a correlation between the level of independent journalism and a country’s resilience to disinformation. The solutions to these challenges are far from simple, however. Attempts to fund journalism through targeting digital platforms’ revenues, such as in Australia, have met with significant pushback from companies. Other models that seek to fund journalism through the tax base or from corporate or philanthropic donors have met with criticism that governments and organizations are seeking to “buy” positive coverage.
Through a panel discussion and breakout sessions, the next network meeting will address questions relating to media sustainability; the role of the media and journalists in confronting the information disorder; and the role of the state, platforms and civil society in addressing these issues. The session will feature expert views, including perspectives and approaches from the Global South.
For more information on the network and this working group, please email [email protected].
