Nine welcomes package of media reform announced by the Federal Government

Nine today welcomed the package of media reform announced by the Federal Government.

Says Hugh Marks (left), Nine CEO: “Nine believes this total package tackles the various elements of media reform required for the industry to compete with global players in a rapidly changing media environment. We would encourage the parliament to pass all elements in their entirety.

“The move from licence fees to a spectrum use-based fee addresses the onerous and prohibitive charges we have been facing, at a time when our business is competing with global giants who have no such restrictions in our market.

“This decisive package is welcomed by Nine and we thank the Government for the foresight it shows in providing a more level playing field while removing outdated ownership rules to encourage innovation and investment in local content by us.”

Nine recognises the need for an overall reform to benefit all players in the market, and as such accepts the need for changes to the anti-siphoning list as part of the broader process, but welcomes the guarantees that Australians will continue to get their favourite sports including NRL, AFL and cricket live and free. 

“Community calls for reform to gambling advertising is something we are very aware of and while it will cause our business a loss of revenue we will work with our partners to ensure compliance.

“Nine has always maintained that licence fees are the most important reform for our industry. Now that this is being addressed it is sensible to also address the outdated media ownership rules. The two-out-of-three ownership rule and 75 per cent reach rule are redundant and have been superseded by agreements such as Nine delivering regional news through our partner Southern Cross Austereo, and technology advances including streaming services such as 9Now.”