Urge the Government Not to Abolish Existing Cross-Media Ownership Laws

The Federal Communications Minister has instructed his department to draft options for an overhaul of media ownership laws, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Scrapping existing cross-media ownership laws could initiate a round of mergers between the country's biggest media companies.

Options that are alleged to be on the table include scrapping the so-called "reach" and "two out of three" rules.

The report states: "reach" rule restricts television networks from broadcasting to more than 75 per cent of the population while the "two out of three" rule outlaws media companies from owning a television station, radio station and newspaper in the same market."

Cross-media ownership laws help stop media moguls such as Rupert Murdoch from having too much influence on public opinion.

Will you join me in urging the the Government not to abolish existing cross-media ownership laws as they help stop individuals from having too much influence on communities.

Please sign and share the petition.