Communications Minister Richard Alston has ruled out following the American example of loosened cross media ownership restrictions in is proposed new Media Bill.

Alston was responding to comments about the changed US media rules from Fairfax CEO Fred Hilmer, who favoured Australia copying the newly announced US model.

Alston said: “If you look at the US, they are going a lot further than we are. What in fact is happening is that everyone is realising that as long as you protect the national interests, ther is no reason why you should bind media companies.”