The government is reviewing licence fee arrangements for commercial television and radio broadcasters, with its findings to be considered in the next federal budget, Minister for Communications and Arts Mitch Fifield said.
Less than a month into taking over the communications portfolio from the now Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Senator Fifield has made it clear that the government is seeking deregulation and reform in the media sector.
Senator Fifield said that regulation in the broadcast industry was "in need of updating" in order to compete and thrive in an evolving commercial landscape.
"We've reduced auditing, reporting and notification requirements; addressed frustrating legislative anomalies and streamlined aspects of the [media regulator] ACMA's activities. But there will always be more work to do," Senator Fifield told the National Radio Conference on Friday.
"In addition, the government is reviewing the licence fee arrangements for commercial radio and television broadcasters. The Department of Communications and the Arts has commenced the review and will provide its findings to the government to consider in the context of the 2016-17 Budget."
The barriers for entry into the media have been significantly lowered thanks to digital technologies, and the amount of players in the market has increased, Senator Fifield said.
"While traditional broadcasters are facing challenges from the increasing popularity of streaming services, there are also fantastic initiatives coming from industry in this area," he said.
Senator Fifield noted Australian Radio Network's internet radio platform IHeartRadio, which lets users create customised stations, as one such innovation from the local sector.
He said the government is still considering potential reform to media ownership laws.
"I will continue to consult with industry on potential changes to the media ownership rules, continuing conversations initiated by the former minister in 2014," Senator Fifield said.
"While it will be important to achieve a level of broad consensus among stakeholders before proceeding with any changes, unanimity across the industry may be difficult to achieve given the commercial realities."
Senator Fifield also noted two major reviews that will have an impact on the radio sector; a spectrum review - where the government has agreed to the recommendations, with a new framework commencing mid-2017 – and the Australian Communications and Media Authority review, where the government is examining how the industry watchdog works in the currently environment.
Max Mason travelled to the Gold Coast with industry group Commercial Radio Australia
