Statement from Melbourne Press Club on Facebook

As you have no doubt heard, Facebook has banned Australians from sharing news content on its platform.

We want our members to know that we are keeping a watchful eye on this unfolding situation and the way in which it is impacting our members and the media industry.

We are deeply concerned that Facebook’s actions are limiting Australians' access to high-quality news information, particularly in a week where our state has battled a COVID outbreak and in the days ahead of the vaccine roll out.

Trusted news matters more than ever, and Facebook’s decision creates a vacuum where misinformation can easily spread.

We urge the Federal Government not to be deterred and to pass the News Media Bargaining Code laws this week.

It is vital that all media operators, regardless of their size or bargaining power, are compensated by digital platforms for the use of their content.

We urge audiences to bypass Facebook and engage directly with media outlets; visit their own digital sites, tune in on TV and radio, and follow on other social media.

The Melbourne Press Club is also affected by the blackout.

While our events remain available for booking via Facebook, we are now no longer able to link back to our website.

There are however many ways for you to remain connected to the Melbourne Press Club and keep up to date with what we have coming up.

Visit our website, melbournepressclub.com

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @MelbPressClub

Follow us on LinkedIn

Subscribe for our email newsletters

Subscribe on YouTube

The Melbourne Press Club strongly supports and encourages quality news reporting, freedom of the press and fair compensation for the craft of journalism.

Cathy Bryson
CEO - Melbourne Press Club

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