Today, the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee recognized the need for better legal protection of publishers’ investments in the digital age, by voting in favor of a publishers’ right. The endorsement of Article 11 represents a significant step for news publishers throughout Europe in their quest for a more level playing field with online platforms, such as Google and Facebook.

To remain competitive and independently financed in the EU, publishers need to be able to compete effectively and profitably on all platforms, which requires clear rights that are recognized in the market. The current lack of clarity benefits those third parties that want to freeride on press publishers’ investment to the detriment of the news media industry who don’t see a fair return on their investments.

The publisher’s right will afford publishers the same related rights as already enjoyed by music, film and software program producers, whose collective works are copyrighted in their entirety, giving them the legal entitlement to decide how and where their content is made available.

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director of News Media Europe, commented: “This is an exceptional day for European news media. We are confident that we will witness a swift negotiation on the file by the European institutions and look forward to enjoying a copyright regime that is fit for the digital age”.

About News Media Europe:

News Media Europe (NME) represents the progressive news media industry in Europe –  over 2200 European news brands in print or online, and also on radio and tv. NME is committed to maintaining and promoting the freedom of the press, to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the news brands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries. 

For further information please contact:

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director, wout.vanwijk@newsmediaeurope.eu, +32 473 685864