Amsterdam, 13 July 2021 – On 7 June, the Copyright Directive entered into force in the Netherlands. This European directive, now embedded in Dutch legislation, helps news media gain more control over how their online content is distributed and prevent improper use of their content. A large number of Dutch media organisations are investigating the possibility of a joint exploitation of the new Press Publishers’ Right gained under the directive.
The new Copyright Directive makes it easier for the news media to determine, subject to statutory exceptions, where and under what conditions their news content is shared online, just as has been the case for film and music productions for some time now. The legislation thus benefits a sustainable and pluralistic media landscape in which solid, independent journalism informs citizens and contributes to a healthy democracy.
This new legislation means that third parties, such as online platforms, require permission from a news medium for the use of their online content. In a number of countries, this legislation has already led to concrete agreements. The aim is to realise this in the Netherlands as well.
At the same time, it has not always proven easy for individual organisations to reach balanced agreements with the platforms. This is why Dutch publishers, together with the national commercial and public broadcasters, are investigating the possibilities of a joint management of the new Press Publishers’ Right. The complexity of this issue, however, means that this investigation will take some time.
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On behalf of:
BDUmedia
DPG Media
Erdee Media Groep
FD Mediagroep
Mediahuis
Nedag Uitgevers
NPO
NOS
ONE Business
RTL Nederland
Talpa Network
WPG Uitgevers
