The merger of the ABA and ACA has become more likely after a statement of support from the ABA.

ABA Acting Chair Lyn Maddock has come out in favour of one of the merger options proposed in an earlier report to the Minister. The ABA favours a complete merger rather than a hybrid structure, which was one of the other options.

Maddock said: “A unified, multi-use spectrum and content regulator is the way forward… a properly designed converged regulator would integrate and enhance current capabilities.”

Commercial Radio Australia is cautious about the possibility of a merger, warning that any new body might be inclined to issue more new radio licences.