Facebook have announced that it will be removing its dedicated news tab, Facebook News, from the US and Australia in early April. This follows similar moves in the UK, France, and Germany last year.
What does this mean for users?
- News will still be accessible in your Facebook feed, but there won’t be a separate tab for it.
- Publishers can continue posting news articles on their Facebook pages.
Why the change?
- Facebook claims user engagement with news content has significantly declined (over 80% drop in the US and Australia).
- They want to focus on features users prefer, like short-form videos.
Impact on News Organizations?
- Existing agreements with publishers in France, Germany, and Australia remain in effect until they expire.
- No new commercial deals for traditional news content will be made in the US and Australia.
- Publishers can still use Facebook features like Reels and ads to reach audiences.
Commitment to Reliable Information
- Facebook emphasizes its commitment to fighting misinformation.
- They work with a vast network of independent fact-checkers in over 60 languages.
- The company has invested heavily ($150 million since 2016) in combating misinformation and will continue to do so.
While news access remains on the platform, the company prioritizes short-form video content and maintains its dedication to fact-checking initiatives.
