Media mixing rules up for review
The Federal Government says it is considering changes to cross-media ownership laws to reflect the current state of technology.
Communications minister Malcolm Turnbull says due to the rise of the internet, and the subsequent changes in consumptive practice, the rules may have to be changed.
The current cross-media ownership laws prevent a single company owning several radio, television stations and newspapers in the same market.
The standard for many years has allowed single groups to control only two of three media from the classic TV, radio and newspaper pool.
With the internet adding a disruptive fourth influence, Mr Turnbull has told Sky News that the rules for maintaining media diversity may be adjusted.
“My view is that the arrival of the internet and the additional diversity and avenues for competition that it brings really says we should have less regulation and more freedom,” Turnbull said.
“We're committed to a lot less regulation across the board including in the telecom and media sectors that I'm responsible for.”
Mr Turnbull says laws must evolve with the landscape.
“Why do we have a rule that prevents one of the national networks acquiring 100 per cent coverage, why is there a rule that says today that you can't own print, television and radio in the same market? Shouldn't that just be a matter for the ACCC?”