The Federal Government has outlined its response to the Convergence Review and Finkelstein Inquiry, with Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, saying it will secure a strong, vibrant media sector that will produce more Australian content.

The reforms outlined by Senator Conroy under the response include:

  • A press standards model which ensures strong self-regulation of the print and online news media.
  • The introduction of a Public Interest Test to ensure diversity considerations are taken into account for nationally significant media mergers and acquisitions.
  • Modernising the ABC and SBS charters to reflect their online and digital activities.
  • Supporting community television services following digital switchover by providing them a permanent allocation of a portion of Channel A.
  • Making permanent the 50% reduction in the licence fees paid by commercial television broadcasters, conditional on the broadcast of an additional 1460 hours of Australian content by 2015.

 

“The Government will bring forward a press standards model which ensures strong self-regulation by print and online media organisations,” Senator Conroy said.

Senator Conroy also said that the creation of a public interest test would ensure the public’s interest will always be duly considered when large media companies seek to merge.

“In consultation with the Opposition, the Government will appoint a Public Interest Media Advocate (Advocate),” Senator Conroy said.

“The Advocate will decide whether a media merger of national significance can proceed. The Advocate will also authorise the independent self-regulatory body or bodies for dealing with news media standards and complaints.”

The Government will also establish a parliamentary committee to inquire into three potential further reforms:

  1. The abolition of the 75% reach rule, particularly in relation to regional and local news. If the committee is able to come up with a quick resolution on the 75% rule, the Government would include this amendment in the general package;
  2. On-air reporting of ACMA findings regarding Broadcasting regulation breaches; and
  3. Whether the ACMA should consider program supply agreements for news and current affairs, as part of determining whether a person is in control of a commercial television broadcasting service.