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Australian media bosses oppose 'public interest test' for takeovers Australian media bosses oppose 'public interest test' for takeovers
(7 months later)
Australian media organisations will face public interest tests when attempting to acquire other groups under reforms proposed by the country's government.Australian media organisations will face public interest tests when attempting to acquire other groups under reforms proposed by the country's government.
Communications minister Stephen Conroy argues that the media ownership restrictions will help to ensure a "diversity of voices".Communications minister Stephen Conroy argues that the media ownership restrictions will help to ensure a "diversity of voices".
But several media companies are opposed to the reform package, which also includes a toughened system of self-regulation for print and online media.But several media companies are opposed to the reform package, which also includes a toughened system of self-regulation for print and online media.
Kim Williams, chief executive of News Corp's Australian arm News Limited, said: "This is the first government outside of wartime that is contemplating government-sanctioned journalism."Kim Williams, chief executive of News Corp's Australian arm News Limited, said: "This is the first government outside of wartime that is contemplating government-sanctioned journalism."
He said the proposed laws were a reaction from "a government hell-bent on imposing last-century regulation to control the media it doesn't like". And he warned that the public interest test would reduce the value of media businesses.He said the proposed laws were a reaction from "a government hell-bent on imposing last-century regulation to control the media it doesn't like". And he warned that the public interest test would reduce the value of media businesses.
Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood and Seven West Media's chairman, Kerry Stokes, are reported to be unhappy with the reforms.Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood and Seven West Media's chairman, Kerry Stokes, are reported to be unhappy with the reforms.
Hamish McLennan, chief executive of the TV network, Ten, also registered his opposition. "A public interest test, as outlined by the government, is unworkable and unnecessary," he said. "It would introduce a high degree of subjectivity to the media regulatory environment."Hamish McLennan, chief executive of the TV network, Ten, also registered his opposition. "A public interest test, as outlined by the government, is unworkable and unnecessary," he said. "It would introduce a high degree of subjectivity to the media regulatory environment."
According to the Financial Times's report, he added: "The public interest tests introduced overseas, such as in the UK, have proven to be complicated and impractical."According to the Financial Times's report, he added: "The public interest tests introduced overseas, such as in the UK, have proven to be complicated and impractical."
Conroy hit back that by arguing that the the reforms "will ensure… a media sector that is fair, diverse and able to tackle the challenges of the future."Conroy hit back that by arguing that the the reforms "will ensure… a media sector that is fair, diverse and able to tackle the challenges of the future."
Other critics, such as media commentator Bernard Keane, see it as "a minimalist package." It is the result of two separate investigations into the Australian media industry – the Finkelstein inquiry and the convergence review.Other critics, such as media commentator Bernard Keane, see it as "a minimalist package." It is the result of two separate investigations into the Australian media industry – the Finkelstein inquiry and the convergence review.
It's possible that the reforms could be enacted before the national election on 14 September. But the opposition party, which is leading in the polls, has pledged to withdraw the public interest test.

Sources: FT/The Australian/Brisbane Courier Mail/Crikey		It's possible that the reforms could be enacted before the national election on 14 September. But the opposition party, which is leading in the polls, has pledged to withdraw the public interest test.

Sources: FT/The Australian/Brisbane Courier Mail/Crikey
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