Conroy kicks off convergence-driven review of media regulation

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 14 December 2010 15:47

IT Policy - Regulation

Two decades after the idea was floated by one of his predecessors, communications minister senator Stephen Conroy, has kicked off a comprehensive review of Australia's communications and media regulation, to take account of convergence between telecommunications and broadcasting.

Conroy has released draft terms of reference for the review and a background discussion paper saying that technological innovations are rapidly leading to a converged media age and it is time to review current media and communications regulations.

"You can watch programs on your television, computer, or mobile phone - this is just one example of how devices and platforms are converging to deliver people what they want, whenever and wherever they want to watch it [and] the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and the switch over to digital television will accelerate this transformation," Conroy said.

In 1989, shortly before passage of the first legislation opening up Australia's telecommunications market to limited competition, the then communications minister, Ros Kelly told this writer that work would start that year on integrating telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting legislation. While each was significant changed in subsequent years, there has been no attempt at converging these disparate pieces of legislation.

Conroy urged all interested parties to look at the draft terms of reference and provide feedback, saying that getting them right was "an important step in making sure the scope and focus of the review captures the broad range of issues of interest to both industry and the Australian public."

"Our intention is that the review will look at all content delivery platforms including broadcast, mobile and fixed telecommunications and the Internet," Conroy said. "It will seek to identify appropriate licensing regulations, regulatory obligations and consumer protection arrangements across these platforms."

According to the review's web site "The Government will appoint an independent expert committee [with three members] to consult widely across the country to give all Australians the opportunity to help shape regulations that are appropriate for established, new and emerging communications and media platforms."

Public consultation on the terms of reference will continue until 28 January 2011. Members of the public are invited to contribute to the debate by using the #converg Twitter hashtag to share relevant information and thoughts online about convergence and the review. The aim is for the committee to report to Government in late 2011 and for Government to respond in 2012.