The final report from the Convergence Review Committee was released Tuesday 1 May containing 31 recommendations. The report contains a number of significant proposals, that if introduced will change the regulatory environment for Australian media and communications companies.
The report proposes the introduction of content service enterprises (CSE) that would be regulated in relation to Australian content obligations, content standards and media ownership. CSE’s would be identified as having control over the professional content they deliver as well as the number of Australian users and revenue levels. While Telstra and Google would not be defined as CSE’s at the present time traditional media companies would definitely fall within the criteria.
The report also recommends that two new bodies be established to regulate the media and communications sector. One would be a statutory regulator to replace the current Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the other would be an industry let body to deal with journalistic standards for news and commentary.
The 177 page report has been presented to the Federal Government who has indicated they will respond in due course.
The executive summary can be found here: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/147780/Convergence_Review_Final_Report_Executive_summary.pdf