Why is Elon Musk trying to become ‘mascot’ of journalism?

Delhi: In a groundbreaking move that’s set the media world abuzz, Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has taken to his platform to beckon journalists to a new frontier of publishing. Musk, who had previously acquired Twitter and rebranded it as “X,” has extended an invitation with the promise of not just a higher income but also unparalleled freedom to write, provided that writers opt for direct publishing on this novel platform.

Elon’s call to embrace X

Elon Musk’s tweet on August 21, resounded like a clarion call. “If you’re a journalist who wants more freedom to write and a higher income, then publish directly on this platform!” he posted on X. This succinct yet compelling message is stirring discussions across the journalistic landscape.

If you’re a journalist who wants more freedom to write and a higher income, then publish directly on this platform!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 21, 2023

Musk’s proposal is poised to revolutionize journalism. By allowing journalists to bypass traditional media outlets and publish directly on X, he envisions a new era where writers can connect directly with their audience, unburdened by the editorial constraints of traditional publishing channels.

Shaping the future of journalism

This bold move by Musk raises pertinent questions about the future of journalism. As media outlets grapple with the evolving digital landscape, Musk’s offer adds a new dimension to the discourse surrounding the monetization of content and journalistic integrity.

Monetization on the horizon

Elon Musk previously hinted at allowing media publishers on X to charge users for access to their articles. With the potential for users to be charged on a “per article basis,” the economic dynamics of content consumption could undergo a transformation.

Awaiting policy tweaks

While the concept of allowing users to read articles for a fee has been discussed, the finer details of how this model will be implemented are still shrouded in mystery. The extent of changes that X’s policy will undergo remains to be seen.

Legal and industry Implications

As the X platform gains prominence, it has also attracted attention from the legal realm. The AFP news agency has lodged a copyright case against X in France, seeking access to data that would facilitate a fair assessment of compensation for shared content. This case spotlights the ongoing debate around equitable profit-sharing from content shared on social media platforms.

The case lodged by AFP aligns with a growing demand from media groups for a more equitable distribution of profits derived from content shared on digital platforms. This resonates with broader discussions about intellectual property rights and the value of journalistic content in the digital age.

 

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