Kathmandu— Global news consumption is shifting away from traditional outlets towards social media and video platforms, with these sources now surpassing news organizations’ own websites and apps in popularity, according to the Reuters Digital News Report 2026. This trend has prompted journalists worldwide to seek ways to lessen their dependence on “Big Tech” – the technology companies controlling key digital infrastructure – leading to initiatives like the Journalism Cloud Alliance (JCA), which proposes a shared technical infrastructure for newsrooms to improve cybersecurity, affordability, and bargaining power.

The Rise of Big Tech in News Distribution

Technology companies now hold essential prerequisites for creating and publishing digital news content, possessing cloud storage, computing power, data analysis capabilities, and high-reach distribution channels. This has fundamentally altered how information is disseminated and consumed globally. The Reuters Digital News Report 2026 highlights a significant shift in audience preference towards social media and video platforms as primary news sources.

Journalism Cloud Alliance Initiative

The Journalism Cloud Alliance (JCA) seeks to address the growing dependence on Big Tech by establishing a shared technical infrastructure for various newsrooms. This initiative aims to bolster cybersecurity, reduce costs, and empower journalists with greater negotiating leverage against major technology companies. Similar collaborative efforts are already underway at national levels, such as the Danish Press Publications Collective Management Organisation (DPCMO) in Denmark and Country Press Australia (CPA), which have successfully negotiated fair remuneration for news content with platforms like Google and Facebook.

Challenges to Implementation

Despite its potential, the JCA faces significant hurdles. A key challenge lies in creating a uniform system that complies with diverse legal requirements worldwide, as data protection legislation and press laws vary considerably between countries – even within the European Union. Furthermore, journalistic workflows differ significantly between democratic and autocratic regimes. Another major concern is sustainable funding; while initially supported by philanthropic donations, the JCA needs to develop long-term revenue models such as membership fees or public funding.

A Call for Independent Journalism

This year’s Global Media Forum (GMF) in Bonn, held under the motto “Journalism out loud,” underscored the need for independent journalism to assert itself amidst a global landscape marked by rising nationalism, increased state control over the digital sphere, and deepening societal polarization. Participants emphasized that the future of journalism hinges not only on content and distribution but also on the infrastructure controlling it.

Structural Change is Necessary

Experts at the GMF panel discussion highlighted the need for structural change to ensure a diverse media landscape built on pluralism and equity. Journalists have a vested interest in reversing the trend of increasing reliance on Big Tech, as control over essential infrastructure ultimately determines the health and independence of the profession.

The JCA is currently exploring sustainable funding models to support its long-term viability and expand access for smaller newsrooms, particularly those facing financial constraints. The success of this initiative will be crucial in shaping a more independent and resilient future for journalism.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.