Slow progress on reform discussions

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has met with media executives in Sydney today to discuss reform in the sector.

The meeting, dubbed an 'Advisory Council on Communications', discussed the 'reach' rule which precludes a metropolitan television network from merging with their regional affiliate.

It also discussed the '2 of 3' rule which precludes an entity operating more than 2 of a newspaper, television license, or radio license in the one market.

There were no decisions taken at the meeting, and no timelines discussed.

Commercial Radio Australia had earlier submitted their wishlist of reform to the Minister, you can see that letter here.

Prior to the meeting, Nova Entertainment CEO Cathy O'Connor told the AFR:

“We get to enter into the discussion around less regulation, and obviously a workable situation, given the changing landscape for established media,

It’s about an established broadcasting company, in our case, how the regulatory landscape also evolves to make a level playing field. There’s so many elements to regulation we want to discuss.”

Other attendees at the meeting included Rhys Holleran, David Gyngell, Tim Worner and Ian Audsley.