Regional media companies are urging the Morrison government to change media laws which prevent the industry from consolidating in a major lobbying push fronted by well-known TV presenter Ray Martin.
The organisations were under significant financial pressure before the coronavirus pandemic but the long-term viability of the sector is in question because of significant falls in advertising spending driven by the recession and weak consumer sentiment. All four companies are requesting the removal of the 'one-to-a-market' rule, which prevents a television broadcaster from operating more than one TV licence in a market.
The renewed attempt by the broadcasters and ACM follows a proposal sent to Communications Minister Paul Fletcher earlier this year proposing different ways to help the sector survive. No changes have been made to the laws despite the proposal. under a grant for local journalism which was provided in a government relief package. Mr Catalano also received a large amount of funding."We are grateful to the government for acting quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic to help fund public interest journalism via its PING program," Prime chief executive Ian Audsley said.