Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie questioned Senator Conroy three times in the Senate today, on the media reforms in front of the Senate.
Senator McKenzie asked Senator Conroy if regional news would be at risk if the 75 per cent audience reach rule was abolished for television broadcasters. Senator Conroy refused to provide an answer relating to local news content.
WIN Television CEO, Andrew Lancaster, told the Joint Select Committee on Broadcasting Legislation yesterday that if the 75 per cent reach rule was abolished that it would be “the end of regional television.”
Senator McKenzie also asked Minister Conroy if the media reforms in front of the Senate would address urgent issues that were raised in the Finkelstein report around news services in regional areas.
Minister Conroy also refused to respond to this.
Senator McKenzie has stated her commitment to material of local significance a number of times throughout the debate on media reforms.
“Any legislation that contributes to the dilution of local content needs to be challenged.
“It is unacceptable that Minister Conroy won’t even address the issues of local news, sport and weather being accessible to regional areas,” Senator McKenzie said.