Meta Announces Closure of Facebook News Tab in the U.S. and Australia
Meta, the parent company of Facebook News , has unveiled plans to discontinue its news tab feature on Facebook in the United States and Australia. This decision comes as Meta aims to distance itself from the complexities associated with news media regulations and payment structures, with the product scheduled to be phased out by April 2024.
Facebook News Prior Actions and Rationale
Last year, Meta ceased the Facebook News feature in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, citing a desire to reallocate resources towards products and services deemed more valuable by users. The recent announcement echoes a similar sentiment.
Meta highlighted a significant decline in user engagement with Facebook News in Australia and the U.S., with usage dropping by 80% over the past year. This decline is part of Meta’s ongoing strategy to align its investments with the preferences of its user base, prioritizing content such as short-form videos.
Impact on Users and Publishers
Acknowledging that news content comprises less than 3% of the content displayed on Facebook feeds, Meta anticipates minimal disruption for users. However, publishers have observed a decrease in referral traffic from Facebook over the years, reflecting shifting user behaviors and platform priorities.
Regulatory Factors and Future Plans
The decision to sunset Facebook News is also influenced by regulatory developments, particularly in countries like Australia and Canada, where legislation requires platforms to compensate online publishers for their content. Meta’s withdrawal from investing in new news-related products aligns with its broader strategy to focus on core offerings and user engagement.
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Continued Support and Transition
Meta clarified that existing agreements with publishers will remain in effect until their expiration. Additionally, users in Australia and the U.S. will retain the ability to share news on their feeds, while publishers can continue to manage their pages and post links.
Looking ahead, Meta reiterated its commitment to not invest in new news-related products and refrain from entering into new commercial deals for traditional news content in these regions. This decision underscores Meta’s evolving priorities and strategic direction away from news-related initiatives.
As Meta scales back its focus on news content, the company’s leadership, including Instagram head Adam Mosseri, has affirmed a similar approach across its platforms, signaling a broader shift in content strategy within the Meta ecosystem.
