MONTREAL, July 5, 2023
/CNW/ - Regarding Meta's decision to block all Canadian
journalistic content on its platforms to protest against the Online
News Act (Bill C-18) and avoid paying media outlets their fair
share, Quebecor states:
"This high-handed decision is an abuse of Meta's dominant
position, particularly in the Canadian online advertising market,
and violates the basic tenets of any society that believes in the
importance of reliable, trustworthy news coverage for a healthy
democracy.
"Any move by Meta to circumvent Canadian law, block news for its
users or discriminate against Canadian media content on its
platforms, through its algorithms or otherwise, cannot be
tolerated.
"In view of Meta's categorical refusal to enter into
negotiations, Quebecor announces that, effective immediately and
until further notice, it is withdrawing all advertising by its
subsidiaries and business units from Facebook and
Instagram.
"Quebecor also calls on businesses, governments and institutions
to make clear their disagreement with Meta's affront to public
policy and the news media through their advertising placement
choices."
About Quebecor Inc.
Quebecor Inc., a Canadian leader in telecommunications,
entertainment, news media and culture, is one of the
best–performing integrated communications companies in the
industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best
possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and
brands are differentiated by their high–quality, multiplatform,
convergent products and services.
Québec–based Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A), (TSX: QBR.B), including
its wholly-owned subsidiary Quebecor Media Inc., employs more than
10,000 people in Canada.
A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly
committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more
than 400 organizations in the vital fields of culture, health,
education, the environment and entrepreneurship.
SOURCE Québecor Média inc.