Spains' Media in Google News U-Turn

 

The Spanish Media is now asking Google News not to leave the country, with the Spanish Newspapers Publishers' Association (AEDE) has asked the Spanish government and European competition authorities to stop Google from closing down.

The move represents a huge U-turn for AEDA because the media lobbying group was the main player in getting the so-called 'Google-Tax' approved by Paraliament, if the portal linked to them.

That legislation resulted in Google announcing last week that the would cease all operations in Spain.

"This new legislation requires every Spanish publication to charge services like Google News for showing even the smallest snippet form their publications, whether they want to or not" Google's Director of News, Richard Gringras said, explaining that the measure was not sustainable.

However, AEDA has now has issued a statement that suggests Google News completely closing in the country is in fact "not just the closure of another service given its dominant market position", and says how the closure will "have a negative impact on citizens and Spanish businesses."

A spokeswoman for AEDE, Irene Lanzaco, told the Spain Report that the group is not asking Google to take a step back and claims it has always been open to negotiations. Lanzaco argues that "Google has not taken a neutral stance" and also reveals Spain's newspapers have been constantly talking to AEDE.

Google said it would close its Google News service in Spain on Tuesday December 16. It took the decision because a new Spanish law stated the internet had created - amid new opportunities - "real challengers for publishers."

Recommended Reading :

* Google news Spain to close operations

* Spain to see Google Tax effective Jan 1st