I would like to see some evidence before I buy this conspiracy theory. If anything, I feel like legacy media is too lazy and entrenched to even consider this
To give newspapers 100s of millions of free money just for the “privilege” of linking to their article, a “link tax”.
They are lazy about reporting news without a bias, but they are perfectly active when it comes to lobbying.
https://www.accc.gov.au/by-industry/digital-platforms-and-se...
It's called the news media bargaining code. Technically speaking, the law isn't enforced since Google/Meta chose to voluntarily pay the link tax, rather than be put on the list that would force them to pay. But, at the end of the day it's the same effect.
Brilliant!! The incorruptible free market of Australia in all its glory.