( October 16, 2026, 02:43 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Country Press Australia, representing about 240 regional, rural and local newspapers across Australia, is seeking to expand its existing competition authorization to collectively bargain with Microsoft/LinkedIn and TikTok over news content and associated commercial arrangements, alongside Google and Meta Platforms. In a statement published on Friday alongside a consultation letter, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said Country Press Australia is seeking interim authorization and a replacement 10-year approval covering negotiations with all four platforms. In its application dated Oct. 6, Country Press Australia said the government’s news media bargaining incentive, designed to encourage large digital platforms to strike commercial agreements with Australian news publishers, adds urgency to its request, although LinkedIn is currently excluded from the framework. The regulator is seeking views until Nov. 6.Statement follows. Application and consultation letter are attached....
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