ABC, SBS meeting competition obligations

Australia's national broadcasters - the ABC and SBS - are meeting their competitive neutrality requirements, an inquiry has found.

ABC studios in Ultimo, Sydney.

ABC studios in Ultimo, Sydney. Source: AAP

The ABC and SBS are meeting their obligations to compete on a level playing field with other media outlets, according to an independent inquiry.

But the organisations could also be more upfront about their activities, the review into the competitive neutrality of Australia's national broadcasters has found.

The expert panel's inquiry received more than 6800 submissions from commercial media, industry stakeholders, members of the public and the national broadcasters themselves.

The ABC and SBS are having "some competitive impact", its report released on Wednesday says, but aren't failing to meet requirements.

"Given their market shares, and other factors, this inquiry considers the national broadcasters are not causing significant competitive distortions beyond the public interest," the report states.

But the panel has recommended both broadcasters improve reporting of how they are meeting their obligations.

"Changes should be made to ensure that there are processes in place for improved transparency, accountability and reporting," it said."

Fairfax Media - which has since merged with Nine - and News Corp Australia were among outlets to raise concerns that the free online news services of the ABC and SBS were competing for the same audiences as them and therefore undermining their revenue base.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said how the ABC and SBS respond to the report's recommendations is up to them.

"It is now up to the national broadcasters to act," he said.

One Nation won agreement to have the review carried out last year while media ownership reforms were being negotiated in the Senate.

Labor communications spokeswoman Michelle Roland said the report was a waste of time.

"Australians trust and value the ABC and SBS and should not have to foot the bill for Mitch Fifield and Pauline Hanson's vendetta against public broadcasting," she said on Wednesday.


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Source: AAP


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