How collective bargaining models are shaping funding for independent media

Recent years have seen a growing number of collective bargaining initiatives aimed at securing sustainable funding for independent news outlets. While each model reflects its local media ecosystem, several common threads emerge – transparency, proportional distribution and a focus on supporting smaller or minority‑serving publishers.

Below we've summarised four notable examples from Australia, Canada, California and the Netherlands, and highlighted the key features that could inform future negotiations here in the UK.

Australia – private deals under NDA

The Country Press Association (CPA) negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with major digital platforms on behalf of local news publishers. In parallel, the Public Interest Publishers Alliance was created to represent 24 independent publishers in similar talks.

Both arrangements remain confidential, meaning the exact funding amounts and distribution formulas have not been disclosed. However, the 2022 deal with Google – originally intended to run for five years – was abandoned in 2025 when Google announced a shift towards a centralised model using a third‑party distributor.

This move suggests a possible drift towards the Canadian and Californian approaches, where a single body allocates funds based on agreed criteria.

Canada – the Canadian Journalism Collective

Google pledged C$100 million per year for five years, to be administered by the Canadian Journalism Collective. The allocation breakdown is as follows:

• 7% to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

• 30% to private broadcasters.

• 63% to online and print publishers.

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Distribution is calculated on the basis of full‑time equivalent (FTE) journalist staff, resulting in an average payment of C$17 000 per journalist. This model provides a clear, data‑driven formula that ties funding directly to newsroom capacity, offering a degree of predictability for participating outlets.

California – a hybrid donation and nonprofit model

Following the defeat of two legislative proposals that would have mandated larger contributions from tech firms, Google committed US$110 million over five years in California. Half of this sum is delivered as direct donations or allocated to an AI accelerator; the remaining half is funneled to a newly‑established nonprofit based at UC Berkeley, which then distributes the money to publishers across the state.

The distribution formula mirrors the Canadian approach, relying on the number of FTE journalists, but also earmarks a portion of the funds for smaller publishers and those serving racial minorities.

Many Californian publishers were disappointed with this model, as the eventual payouts are likely to be a fraction of the amounts promised in Canada.

Netherlands – the Dutch Foundation for Press Publishers Rights

Although not a tech‑company‑funded scheme, the Dutch Foundation for Press Publishers Rights offers a useful reference point. It acts as a central hub for rights management, generating revenue that is shared among its members.

The foundation distributes 15% of its income on a largely flat basis, with modest adjustments for the size of each publisher. This model demonstrates how a collective rights management entity can create a steady stream of income for independent outlets without relying on external corporate contributions.

Lessons for UK independent media publishers

From what's happening elsewhere in the world, we can see that clear, publicly available formulas build trust among members and stakeholders. Tying funding to measurable metrics such as FTE journalists ensures that resources flow to active newsrooms. Reserving funds for smaller or minority‑focused publishers helps maintain a diverse media landscape. And combining direct donations with nonprofit administration can offer flexibility while safeguarding editorial independence.

As the Independent Media Association continues to advocate for fair and sustainable funding, these case studies provide valuable insights into how collective bargaining can be structured to benefit independent publishers worldwide.

We are finalising the research phase of a coordinated bargaining effort with four independent media associations. Current key activities include tightening the evidence base, expanding participation, securing additional grant funding and polishing our negotiation strategy.

For further details or to get involved, please reach out to us at community@ima.press.