The Federal Government and Opposition are fighting over Labor’s sweeping plans to liberalise cross-media laws to maximise buyers for a fourth commercial television licence, which could allow FM radio operators to expand into TV.
Under the plan, Southern Cross Broadcasting, owner of AM talk stations in four mainland capitals, could bid for the new TV licence.
Other potential bidders include Macquarie Bank – which looks set to acquire regional radio network, RG Capital – and John Singleton’s Macquarie Media, which owns 2GB and 2CH.
Communications’ Minister, Daryl Williams, has returned fire, saying: “Labor has put its toe in the water of broadcasting policy, only to jump back as soon as anyone shows a sign of taking its musings as anything resembling a commitment.
“Today, Opposition Communications’ spokesman, Lindsay Tanner, has been reported as flagging Labor plans to sell a fourth commercial television licence in order to raise as much money as possible to fill the growing black hole in its election promise costings.
“Mr Tanner was previously reported describing this plan to industry representatives at the ASTRA conference in Sydney in April. But, asked to elaborate, Mr Tanner has repeatedly denied that Labor has any sort of policy on a fourth television licence.
“What kind of game is Labor playing with the Australian people? Why not admit to having a policy and get on with the job of explaining it?”
Lindsay Tanner is finalising a range of policy options, which could lead to the biggest shake up of Australia’s media industry since the cross-media laws were passed in 1987.
He says Labor will not be deterred from changing cross ownership laws, despite the risk of angering powerful media proprietors:
“One thing that’s a pretty sure bet is there will be aggrieved parties no matter what changes are made. But, that’s not a reason for not making changes.
“I’m strongly committed to not playing favourites, not trying to disadvantage people.”
Daryl Williams says: “Labor clearly needs to get its act together and sort out its policy shambles. Getting the facts right would be a good start.”