Regional broadcasters, WIN Network, Southern Cross Austereo and Prime Media Group have issued a joint statement expressing their frustration with the “apparent inertia that is plaguing the passing of the Media Reform Bill in the Senate.”
SCA CEO Grant Blackley was scathing in his condemnation, “I am frustrated that we are still waiting for any meaningful media reform, despite the rules under which we operate are from the pre-internet and pre-pay television era and are well past their use-by date.”
The Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, who famously told the 2015 National Radio Conference that at university he considered a career in radio using the catchphrase “Switch to Mitch,” was under fire from John Hartigan, Chairman of Prime Media who said, “Over twelve months ago I congratulated the Prime Minister and Minister Fifield for having the fortitude to follow through. It is disappointing to see that, contrary to my expectations, nothing has materialised – and we are witnessing yet another missed opportunity.”
The Media Reform Bill was first introduced on 1 March 2016, and reintroduced on 1 September 2016 after the Federal election in July. At the time, Minister Fifield said, “it is time for action”, and yet, there has been little to no action to progress this much overdue reform.
Delay means that regional broadcasters now have to wait until at least May before the Bill returns to the Senate.
Full statements from regional broadcasters are below.
Andrew Lancaster, CEO of WIN Corporation said,
“We have been telling parliamentarians for years that the ‘75% reach rule’ makes no sense when news, information and entertainment services are being delivered via a diverse range of technologies and from a plethora of sources, rendering it and the ‘two out of three rule’ blunt instruments.”
Ian Audsley, CEO of Prime Media said,
“The time for action was years ago. We need the Government to bring an end to the lingering uncertainty.”
“We need meaningful reform that supports regional jobs and the sustainability of a viable regional media sector in this country.”
Grant Blackley, CEO of Southern Cross Austereo said,
“I am frustrated that we are still waiting for any meaningful media reform, despite the rules under which we operate are from the pre-internet and pre-pay television era and are well past their use-by date.”
“It’s time to bring on the debate in the Senate and for the Parliament to pass it.”
John Hartigan, Chairman of Prime Media said,
“Over twelve months ago I congratulated the Prime Minister and Minister Fifield for having the fortitude to follow through. It is disappointing to see that, contrary to my expectations, nothing has materialised – and we are witnessing yet another missed opportunity.”