The media reform package announced by the Coalition contains strong measures to protect local content in rural and regional communities, a move pushed by The Nationals. Locally produced content retains essential skills and know how, local knowledge in local communities. The Bill introduces a new incentive to provide local news that features footage filmed in the local area, each minute of which will count for 3 points of local content. This will encourage broadcasters to maintain a presence in regional news.
A statutory review of the new local content requirements will be required to be conducted by broadcast authority ACMA two years after commencement of the new local content obligations. The Nationals have worked tirelessly to protect localism in rural and regal communities, on the ABC or commercial broadcasters. It's what locals want and its what The Nationals are determined to protect. More information on the Government's proposed media reforms can be found at: www.mediareform.communications.gov.au