Just weeks after it took office, the government was warned news organisations would soon be asking for bailouts if a bill winning back crucial revenue didn't move forward.
The Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill would force Google and Facebook to pay local media companies for using their news content.
The advice came from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage in November, months before the announcement of Newshub's shutdown.
Broadcasting Minister Melissa Lee declined our request for an interview.
Former Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson spoke to Corin Dann.
