Whitepaper hints at openness to changing reach rule

June 12, 2014 12:34

McLennan

A new Federal Government whitepaper on media ownership and control has left the door open to major changes in media regulation in Australia, including the removal of the ‘reach rule’ that prevents a TV network from having a potential audience more than 75 per cent of the population.

The move is the first step towards media consolidation among the major media owners, with television networks Nine and Ten, who are eyeing potential merger with their regional counterparts, having long argued that the rule is no longer appropriate for the modern media environment.

“The government’s paper confirms that the current media control and ownership rules belong to the last century,” said Hamish McLennan, CEO of Ten.

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

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1 COMMENTS

Mr Clarity 12 Jun 14

H’mmm. Very interesting. What do people think about Murdoch’s influence on the sheep / greedy in Australia? Will he increase grip or lose it over the next few years?

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