Reading the article, it seems like facebook is actually the one who has capitulated:
> Going forward, the government has clarified we will retain the ability to decide if news appears on Facebook so that we won’t automatically be subject to a forced negotiation.
So they will still pay, only be able to back out if they cant reach a deal. Off course this gives them EXTREME leverage over smaller outlets: “accept our deal or we’ll legally ban you on facebook...”
> Going forward, the government has clarified we will retain the ability to decide if news appears on Facebook so that we won’t automatically be subject to a forced negotiation.
So they will still pay, only be able to back out if they cant reach a deal. Off course this gives them EXTREME leverage over smaller outlets: “accept our deal or we’ll legally ban you on facebook...”