Convergence Review

The Convergence review was an initiative by the Australian government to examine the future of media and communications in Australia.^[1] Along with the Finkelstein inquiry, the Convergence review was one of the most significant reviews of Australian media policy in recent years. The final report was released in 2012.^[2]

Background and report

The Convergence review focused on three areas: media ownership and control, content standards and promoting locally produced content.^[3]

Reception

The review was highly contentious and drew heated debate between the political parties and media entities. From the media conglomerates, News Corp executive Kim Williams accused the then Labor government of using the review as 'political payback'^[4] while Foxtel chief executive Richard Freudenstein expressed concern over the powers of the new regulators.^[5] Other commentators argued that the reforms were needed in order to respond to the changing media environment.^[6] The then communications minister Stephen Conroy responded to the criticism by saying that "These reforms will ensure for the Australian public a media sector that is fair, diverse, and able to tackle the challenges of the future".^[7]

References

1. "Convergence Review". Dept. of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
2. "Government releases Convergence Review". ABC News. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
3. Flew, Terry. "Meeting the challenge of convergent media policy". The Conversation. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
4. Bodey, Michael. "Convergence Review 'political payback'". The Australian. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
5. Simpson, Kirsty. "Overhaul media laws: review". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
6. Eltam, Ben. "Government converges on growing cultural reality". Crikey. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
7. Burdon, Daniel. "Reforms ensure media sector is fair, diverse: Conroy". Queensland times. Retrieved 20 April 2014.