Media reform passes lower house
Media reform legislation has passed through the House of Representatives, with the Turnbull Government saying it “remains committed to ensuring passage of this legislation through the Senate”.
Mitch Fifield says the Turnbull Government remains committed to passing media reform through the Senate
The reform removes the reach rule which which prevents a media company broadcasting to more than 75% of the population and also scraps the two-out-of-three rule which forbids companies from owning a TV network, a radio network and newspapers.
According to a statement from the office of the Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, the reforms “are designed to support Australian jobs, strengthen local content obligations, and bring our media laws into the digital age”.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring passage of this legislation through the Senate and will continue discussions with the crossbench,” the statement said.
The changes are aimed at helping traditional media companies to compete more effectively with the likes of Google and Facebook.
Last month, Fifield had conceded media ownership reforms wouldn’t be voted on by parliament until next year.
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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