Communications Minister Mitch Fifield understands the desire of his Nationals colleagues to see local content protected in any media ownership reforms.
Nationals leader Warren Truss says the junior coalition partner doesn't particularly care who owns broadcast stations, but wants a commitment on the delivery of local services.
"If there is to be any changes to the legislation, that will be the kind of objective we will be looking to secure," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
Senator Fifield said he recognised the views of some coalition MPs.
"I understand that there is a desire amongst colleagues and in the community that any change in the landscape, where there may be mergers ... that the local content that is currently there is protected," he told Sky News.
The Turnbull government plans to introduce new media ownership laws to parliament in the first part of the year with a particular focus on the so-called "reach rule" which prevents commercial broadcasters from reaching more than 75 per cent of the population.
Senator Fifield, who has been negotiating a package since taking over the portfolio from Malcolm Turnbull in September, also responded to Mr Truss' call for a cultural change at the ABC.
The acting prime minister insists the public broadcaster should be obliged to provide television news in regional communities.
It was "odd" the ABC wasn't obliged to do so, given it was charged with delivering services across the country.
"It is my great fear that the divide between country and city, instead of narrowing, is actually growing," he said.
But Mr Truss does not favour an idea floated by Nationals senator Matt Canavan to give the ABC separate rural and urban arms.
"I would just like their culture to change, so that it is a bit less Sydney-centric," he said.
But he strongly supports elements of a private bill proposed by another Nationals senator.
Bridget McKenzie's bill aims to create two specific ABC board positions for the regions.
Senator Fifield said that didn't represent government policy.
"But I'm very happy for my parliamentary colleagues to float ideas as to how the ABC can better meet its charter," he said.
Feedback to changes to regional radio formatting last year highlighted the "valuable" role the ABC played in the regions.
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