Cicilline to Introduce Bill That Might Direct Facebook, Google Ad Revenue to Media

House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee​ ranking member David Cicilline, D-R.I., plans to introduce legislation that would allow news publishers to negotiate collectively for advertising revenue from online platforms like Facebook and Google, said News Media Alliance CEO David Chavern. Chavern has argued that money generated by news audiences is disproportionately funneling into Facebook and Google coffers, when it should be going to reporters and publishers. This “Duopoly” is currently collecting “83 percent of all digital ad revenue growth and 73 percent of total U.S. digital advertising,” said Chavern. The bill would amend antitrust law to incorporate a “safe harbor,” in which the media outlets could negotiate together for ad revenue. Facebook, Google and Cicilline's office didn't respond to requests for comment.