Minister eyes media law shake-up

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield believes media laws are outdated and he's hinted at changes in the "reach rule" and sporting broadcast rights.

Mitch Fifield Source: AAP

The new communications minister has flagged potential changes to media ownership laws and sports broadcasting rights.

Mitch Fifield is consulting industry on changes to the so-called "reach rule" around metropolitan networks merging with regional affiliates and the anti-siphoning list governing free-to-air networks having first bidding rights on sporting events.

"To some extent (media reform) is a bit like people focusing on railway gauges while planes are starting to fly overhead," the minister has told News Corp.