The New York Times:

Facebook’s long-rumored plan to directly host articles from news organizations will start on Wednesday, concluding months of delicate negotiations between the Internet giant and publishers that covet its huge audience but fear its growing power.

Nine media companies, including NBC News and The New York Times, have agreed to the deal, despite concerns that their participation could eventually undermine their own businesses.

In effect, Facebook is using its massive user base as clout to stand between users and the news. Rather than click on a news story link to leave Facebook’s warm embrace, you’ll see the story, in its entirety, in your Facebook feed. This cuts off the ability of the news gatherers to control their distribution and their destiny.

This also gives Facebook tremendous power over what news is fit for their users. How could this be good for the news business?