Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie has again questioned the Federal Labor Government’s new media reforms and their ability to ensure local news for regional and rural areas.
In today’s Senate Committees Hearing into the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill 2013, and related bills, Senator McKenzie reiterated her stance on local news content.
“Any legislation that contributes to the dilution of local content needs to be challenged,” Senator McKenzie said.
Senator McKenzie cited a recommendation in the report by Dr Finkelstein while questioning representatives from Fairfax Media. The report urges that the area of rural and regional news be investigated by the government as a matter of urgency.
Senator McKenzie asked if the media reforms in front of the Senate addressed this recommendation. Ms Gail Hambly, of Fairfax Media responded that the Bills did not address the recommendation.
“The evidence presented today is further proof that the Federal Labor Government has no understanding of regional communities.
“Attempts by the Federal Government to impose a national definition of diversity, show just how out of touch they are with regional news media realities,” Senator McKenzie said.