Former Facebook boss says regional publications lose out in new media deal

Regional and independent new outlets are the big loser in the federal government’s revised media code, according to the former chief executive of Facebook Australia.

Earlier this week, social media giant Facebook agreed to walk-back its block on Australian news content after the government agreed to make amendments to the proposed media bargaining laws.

The new laws have passed through both houses of Parliament following a period of intense negotiation between the Australian government and Facebook bosses, including founder Mark Zuckerburg.

Under the new legislation, Facebook will have to pay media outlets for access to their content or be forced into arbitration.

However, the former chief executive of Facebook Australia and…