ACMA investigates local access to regional content

Amid continuing speculation that parliament may move to repeal restrictions around audience reach for broadcasters the media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, has launched an investigation into local regional television content.

The investigation, which was commissioned shortly before Stephen Conroy resigned as communications minister, will look at whether regional Australians have sufficient access to material of local significance on commercial TV.

Kathleen Silleri, executive manager in the content and consumer branch at the ACMA, said that while the ‘reach rule’, which limits broadcasters to an audience reach of no more than 75 per cent of the Australian population, may be a concern for government. The inquiry was sparked by concerns about the lack of local content.

“A number of members of parliament have been concerned that regional Australians were missing out on local news and, following discussion in parliament, the minister committed to looking at the issue,” said Silleri.