Govt urges media reforms amid Ten problems

The decision to place Network Ten in voluntary administration shows the urgent need for media reforms, according to the federal government.

The federal government is using Network Ten's decision to go into voluntary administration to pressure Labor over planned media reforms.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield says the Ten move is a wake-up call and shows the need for ownership laws changes, which would provide organisations with a "fighting chance".

"That a major Australian media organisation is in such difficulty should be a matter of concern," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ten's chief executive Paul Anderson had been saying for more than 18 months that media law needs to be reformed.

Had that happened it would have given the network more options, Senator Fifield said.

The government's media reform package, which the minister claims has the broad support of the industry, will be introduced to parliament on Thursday.

Asked whether he was prepared to split the bill in negotiations with the upper house crossbench, Senator Fifield said: "I will be arguing and arguing that it be supported in its entirety."

Labor opposes abolition of the so-called two out of three rule which limits one owner having control of television, radio and print in one market.

Network Ten had long argued the rule was outdated, Senator Fifield said.

"What this package is about is providing a shot in the arm to Australian media. It's about unshackling them. It's about giving them a fighting chance to take on their competitors."

Labor's communications spokeswoman Michelle Rowland hit back at Senator Fifield's claim the opposition was delaying the media package reforms.

She pointed out Senator Fifield has not even released a bill, despite having announced his second attempt at media reform with great fanfare over four weeks ago.

"Two weeks ago, Minister Fifield dragged every media executive to Canberra and was lauded as the industry's Golden Boy," she said.

"Golden Boy is yet to introduce a legislative package into parliament. Now he seeks to prey on the anxiety that will be felt by all workers at Network Ten."


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Source: AAP


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