Media reform takes a step forward with reports cabinet has backed plans to scrap two laws

February 23, 2016 10:02

Fifield: preparing to take media reform to the party room.

Proposals to scrap controversial laws limiting the reach of traditional media owners have moved a step closer with reports that cabinet has given its backing to the plans.

Fairfax Media is reporting the package includes scrapping the population “reach rule” and the “two out of three” ownership rule, but not changes to sport’s anti-siphoning list.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield is understood to now be preparing to take the reforms to the Coalition party room and then the Senate. If the laws pass they are expected to trigger a wave of media mergers and acquisitions.

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

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