Journalist-turned-senator Derryn Hinch believes a package of media ownership changes won't save the print editions of two of Australia's oldest daily newspapers.
But that won't stop him backing the government's overhaul of pre-internet age laws that could clear parliament as early as Wednesday.
"I think the print editions of the SMH and The Age could be gone by this time next year," Senator Hinch told ABC radio.
The senator argues the planned changes will increase media ownership diversity, not reduce it as some critics have claimed.
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Under the changes a single proprietor would no longer be constrained by the so-called two-out-of-three rule that limits them owning radio, television and print assets in one licensed market.
"When these laws were brought in, we didn't have the internet, we didn't have smartphones and people no longer go home to watch the six o'clock news," Senator Hinch said.
"News is 24/7, people are on their phones all the time ... and diversification is amazing."
Senator Hinch said the CBS buyout of Network Ten had made the need for ownership law changes more urgent because it had blocked Australian buyers from competing.
"I'm thrilled (independent) Nick Xenophon and the government have made a deal," Senator Hinch said.
"I hope we get it through today."
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