Backlash Against Australia’s Media Reform Heats Up

SYDNEY: Among the media reforms proposed by the Australian communications minister, Stephen Conroy, is a plan to do away with the "75-percent audience reach" rule, which prevents any single group from broadcasting to more than three-quarters of the country’s population.

Hamish McLennan, incoming CEO at Ten Network Holdings, said that the government’s decision to remove this rule is "staggering."

“All Australians have the right to know what whispers have taken place over the back fence, and what conversations have been had with the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
 
“On March 4 this year, a statement issued by Southern Cross Media said it was ‘reviewing a number of strategic options’ and ‘the board has not, at this stage, formed a view as to any preferred option.’
 
“It is now obvious to everyone that Southern Cross Media’s intention is to merge with Nine Entertainment Co.
 
“But Southern Cross Media remains silent. Its shareholders have a right to know if the company’s directors are meeting their continuous disclosure obligations. Its shareholders have a right to know how detailed and advanced the discussions between Nine and Southern Cross Media are, and what has been discussed with the Government.”