20 Media Groups Sign Open Letter Against BBC Ad-Funded Podcasts; Publishers Raise Concerns Over New Apple Feature; EC Set To Hit Microsoft With New Antitrust Charges

On today’s news digest: 20 Media Groups Sign Open Letter Against BBC Ad-Funded Podcasts; Publishers Raise Concerns Over New Apple Feature; EC Set To Hit Microsoft With New Antitrust Charges

Following the BBC’s decision to turn to ad funding for its podcasts, a coalition of 20 media businesses has written an open letter describing the “disastrous impact” it could potentially have on the sector. The letter, addressed to culture secretary Lucy Frazer, outlines the group’s concern over the move, stating that the BBC would “directly compete” with commercial businesses as well as undermining its own existing funding model. It also describes that the move sets a precedent which could likely result in more advertising across the BBC’s services. Groups which have signed the open letter include ITV, Channel 4, Guardian Media Group, Paramount/Channel 5, and Sky, among others. 

Another important letter has also made headlines: a warning was sent to Apple’s UK government affairs chief, advising the company that its new AI-based privacy feature would affect digital revenues in journalism. Sent by the News Media Association which represents 900 national to local titles, the letter is backed by hundreds of publications. They raise concerns over how Apple’s move to introduce a “web eraser” tool to block advertisements in the Safari browser on the next iOS 18 update could jeopardise journalism as a key revenue stream for many publishers. They argue that platforms such as web browsers are essential routes for the public to access journalism, as well as for publishers to monetise their content. 

In the antitrust ambit, the European Commission (EC) is set to issue Microsoft with new charges over concerns that it is undermining competitors with its video-conferencing app Teams. Reportedly, the EC is pressing forward with a formal charge sheet which accuses the software giant of restricting competition in the sector. Last month, Microsoft sought to avoid regulatory consequences by offering to globally unbundle Teams from Office – however, this did not resolve concerns. This move from the EC would escalate the formal complaint against Microsoft submitted by Slack in 2020. As it stands, the tech giant may still put forward last-minute concessions which would change the course of the charges. 

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