Additional comments from the Coalition
The removal of the 75 per cent audience reach rule:
Coalition members of the Committee regard the key issue in the
discussion of the 75% reach rule as being that of local content. We recognise
that the reach rule in and of itself does not provide a guarantee of adequate
local content provisions and we also recognise that there is growing concern
that local content, especially local news and current affairs, is diminishing
in regional television and that further consolidation would exacerbate that.
As the Committee has noted one network, Nine, proposed that
specific local content requirements be legislated as a prerequisite for any
removal of the reach rule and there is considerable merit in that proposal.
While the first recommendation of the Committee does refer to
local content and the definition of clear local content standards being a
prerequisite to any removal of the reach rule, the Coalition members wish to
emphasise that unless and until there is a clear and precise definition of
local content obligations, set out in legislation, then any relaxation of the
reach rule should not be entertained. Determining that definition will not be
easy - everyone will have a different view of what it should entail. But there
should be a thorough, consultative process which reviews the existing content
rules and the geographic areas to which they apply. Following that process, new
legislative standards on local content would be enacted.
That having been done, then and only then should the
relaxation of the reach rule be considered by the Parliament.
On-air reporting of ACMA findings:
Turning to the second recommendation of the Committee, the
Coalition members do not agree that ACMA has made a persuasive case that
broadcasters should at this time be obliged by legislation to broadcast on-air
corrections, clarifications and directions based on ACMA's findings. ACMA's
regulatory regime is in the course of review by ACMA in consultation with the
industry and any changes to the manner in which ACMA findings are publicised
should be considered in that context.
Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP
Deputy Chair
Senator Simon Birmingham
Senator Barnaby Joyce
Mr Paul Neville MP