Anthony Albanese has been given the role of Communications Minister in the Ministerial reshuffle announced today by returned PM Kevin Rudd. He replaces Stephen Conroy, who felt that he could not work with Kevin Rudd – resigning on the night of the bloodletting.

Albanese is one of Rudd’s strongest supporters, and his movement into Communications demonstrates that Rudd believes he is a strong salesman. This is because Labor will see broadband as a weakness for the Coalition, and will be wanting the new minister to hammer home the case for the NBN.

As such, we will no doubt be hearing a lot from Albanese, who also replaces Wayne Swann as Deputy PM.

However, the radio industry can expect little attention from Albanese in the next few months, as he will no doubt be more focused on the government’s general message (as well as the NBN). 

Albo will do whatever is in his power to retain and improve upon Labor’s recent poll bounce, and this means that the less controversial area of radio reform will likely take a backseat.

In terms of media policy more broadly, there is some talk in the Labor ranks about a re-emergence of the public interest media ownership legislation, and it will be incumbent on Albanese to repudiate or substantiate these claims.

On Twitter, Albanese commented: “Very pleased to be adding NBN Communications and the Digital Economy to my existing Infrastructure and Transport Portfolio #nationbuilding”.