Reactions to Media Bargaining Code: 

Tech sector urges media, tech giants to shake hands 

'Value of journalism recognised', says Michael Miller

Nine opposes concessions for Google, Facebook

• After what feels like a decade of talking about this, yesterday treasurer Josh Frydenberg tabled the Media Bargaining code in Federal parliament
• Reactions from the media were mixed - some thought the legislation was a giant step forward, others a missed opportunity 
• News Corp Australasia’s executive chairman Michael Miller:
• “It recognises the value of journalism, and it puts a framework in place to formalise how digital platforms and media companies should work together,” he said.
• “It’s important to have as many Australian voices heard as possible. And in a practical sense, this legislation will give us the ability to cover more topics in more regions­, with the confidence that the journalism that we are publishing is also going to reach the right people.”
• Nine doesn’t like it. A spokesperson said the concessions given to Facebook and Google further entrench their monopoly power and the imbalance in media and tech regulation.
• Yolanda Redrup at The Fin interviewed industry heavyweights from tech and media for their takes
• Tech industry veteran Paul Bassat called the code “bad policy”, but hoped it would see an end to the war of words between media and big tech: 
• "It makes sense for both sides to sit down and work out something everyone can live with," he said. "In a perfect world you end up with a logic, rational outcome everyone can live with."

AFP powers delayed 

AFP's new hacking powers referred to committee 

Online account takeover powers sent to PJCIS for review 

• Staying with the government, and the new powers proposed for the AFP, giving federal police the ability to take over online accounts of Australians, has thankfully been delayed 
• The bill has been referred to the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security for further scrutiny. 
• This means we won't see another tech bill rushed through before Christmas 

Apple Announced AirPods Max

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-design/

• Apple had yet another hardware announcement to make in 2020, unveiling the AirPods Max overnight
• The over-ear headphones are $549 US, which is a jaw dropping $900 dollarydoos. 
• At that price, these better be amazing. The current industry leading noise cancelling headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM4 - which can be bought for 400 dollarydoos 
• Despite the price, Mark Gurman notes the shipping time has...
  

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