Australia will reform media regulations to ensure a platform-neutral framework to ensure advertising rules apply to all and that local content is protected.
The staged process will potentially bring digital platforms into line with restrictions imposed on free-to-air television.
As part of its reponse to ACCC's Digital Platforms Inquiry, the government will next year develop a uniform classification framework across all media platforms.
It will also look at Australian content obligations on free-to-air television broadcasters, including drama and children’s content, and whether there should be the same rules on subscription video-on-demand services.
In early 2020, the government will release an options paper co-authored by Screen Australia and the Australian Communications and Media Authority that will look at how to best support Australian stories in a modern, multi-platform environment.
The second phase of reform, to start later in 2020, will include a review of the advertising rules and restrictions across all delivery platforms.
This will include mechanisms to monitor and enforce the regulatory framework across all platforms, and other measures to remove redundant legislation and implement a coherent legal framework for consumers and for industry.
Announcements about the details and process for the second phase measures will be made once the process for phase one has concluded.
The government will enhance the Regional and Small Publishers Jobs and Innovation Package to better support the production of high quality news, particularly in regional and remote areas of Australia, with a focus on public interest journalism that is at greatest risk of being under-provided.
"The government recognises that public interest journalism is important to Australia’s democracy, and local and regional journalism is essential in informing and strengthening local communities," says the response report.
"A sustainable and adaptable media sector is necessary to support the provision of such journalism."
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