The Federal Labor Government will maintain the regulatory arrangements that have been in place for broadcasting and streaming services under the Alston Determination for the past 22 years.

This will allow Australia’s commercial free-to-air broadcasters and their linked streaming services to abide by different broadcasting rules.

The Determination was last extended for three years in 2019 while the former Liberal National Government considered recommendations to harmonise media regulation.

CRA chief executive Ford Ennals has told radioinfo: “CRA welcomes the five year extension of the Alston Determination.  Allowing it to expire would have created significant commercial uncertainty as broadcasters’ streaming services and other online activities could have been considered broadcasting services and subject to additional regulation.  This decision allows time for a broader review of media regulation to be undertaken.”

Last month, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland (pictured), released a consultation paper seeking views on a proposal to remake the Broadcasting Services (“Broadcasting Service” Definition—Exclusion) Determination 2019 for a finite period.

The goal for the reform program is to consistently regulate services that make available ‘like’ content and support the achievement of key policy objectives with the flexibility to accommodate new and emerging services and technologies.

The government says the remaking until 15 September 2027 will them to work toward a modern and fit-for-purpose regulatory system suited to today’s media environment, taking in the views of industry along the way.

The Minister says,“The Australian Government will work with industry to modernise media regulations and update analog-era broadcasting legislation for the digital age.

“I would encourage all interested parties to have their say as this work progresses to ensure reforms recognise the current and emerging media environment, and can easily accommodate new and emerging services and technologies.

“The Albanese Government is also committed to review the anti-siphoning scheme to give working families the chance to watch, for free, events of national and cultural significance, and legislating a prominence framework to ensure local TV services can easily be found on connected TV platforms.”