The Greens want to dramatically reshape Australia's news landscape, starting by taking a"blow torch" to prominent local media companies.
The reforms are contingent on the Greens taking or sharing power at the next federal election. While unlikely, the policy platform will become part of future debate around Australia's media laws.Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young slammed the current media environment, saying"we have one of the most concentrated media markets in the democratic world".
"This would help ensure that future sales and mergers of media organisations are in the public interest, not just the interest of multinational companies or wealthy individuals wanting to wield influence over public debate," the Greens policy says.Since being elected, the Coalition has significantly loosened the country's media ownership laws.
It also abolished the"reach rule" which prevented a one TV broadcaster reaching more than 75 per cent of the population.Additionally, the Greens want to commission an inquiry into digital platforms and social media to"stop the spread of misinformation and hate".
Greens breaking up big media? Kind of biting the hand that feeds you.
Greens never have to worry about sensible policy platform because they'll never be in power... but even for them this is moronic... they are going to dictate the structure of private corporations? They are going to disseminate their version of censorship?