One of Australia’s largest media groups has inked a deal with Google to pay for its news content, potentially bypassing the government’s News Media Bargaining Code. The agreement is expected to be finalised in 30 days and will see Seven West Media, one of the more prominent commercial media outlets so far, signing up to Google’s News Showcase. The service was launched at the eleventh hour following a long, acrimonious debate over the Australian Media Code. The federal government is close to implementing the new law, which will legislate a framework for eligible Australian media outlets to enter negotiations with Google and Facebook to be compensated for content. Under the Code, the tech giants are allowed a three-month period to negotiate a pay deal with media publishers. If no agreement is reached, then the matter can be taken to an independent arbitrator who will have the authority to mandate an agreement …