A sweeping pullback from the news industry has been initiated by Meta, as it dismantles substantial parts of its journalism partnership teams. This strategic withdrawal, attributed to political scrutiny and declining public trust, has led to the removal of news tabs and a decrease in news link visibility across its platforms.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has highlighted that users are increasingly turning away from news content, noting, “People don’t want politics and fighting to take over their experience.” This sentiment suggests that Meta has intended to minimize its news exposure long before this recent announcement.
As Meta emphasizes the reputational risks associated with journalism-related content, it reflects a shift in focus. In a previous statement, the company acknowledged, “People don’t come to Facebook for news and political content.” This position has justified the company's decision to sever media partnerships.
Following Meta's retreat, various news organizations, including The Guardian and Reuters, have reported significant declines in audience reach. Smaller outlets have expressed concern that this transition might jeopardize their survival due to lost referral traffic.
As misinformation campaigns grow worldwide, analysts argue that Meta's exit from journalism undermines the overall information landscape, restricting access to verified data. Shifting its focus, the company is increasingly centering on entertainment through short-form video, influencer content, and algorithmically driven experiences, stepping away from the responsibilities of news distribution and the political fallout accompanying it.
