Minister Barr: ACT Government stands up for regional broadcasting
- Written by ACT Government
Released 29/02/2016
The ACT Government is passionate about ensuring safeguards remain to protect the important role local media play in the Territory.
The Government has made a submission to the Federal Government’s enquiry into broadcasting, online content and live production to rural and regional areas of Australia. Our submission clearly outlines our view that it is necessary to maintain strong, trusted local voices in community broadcasting.
Our regional broadcasters help keep the community informed on local issues. It is an important tool to quickly disseminate information to the community.
In a major community crisis, such as the tragedy of the 2003 Canberra bushfires, information must be communicated to the public quickly, regularly, and accurately, to the widest possible audience.
In 2003 we learnt that committed local broadcasting services are vital in keeping the community informed during times of crisis.
A key lesson following the Canberra bushfires was the need for government to forge links with community broadcasters for use in times of emergency.
666 ABC Canberra for instance, has a Memorandum of Understanding with the ACT Government on the delivery and timing of emergency messaging and the use of the emergency warning system. The Canberra Times, WIN News, Prime 7 and other local outlets have similar agreements in place.
We continue to work closely with media partners across the city to ensure that when the community needs information in an emergency, they receive it quickly and from trusted local voices. While I strongly support the general principle of deregulation, the current media ownership laws provide valuable safeguards to ensure that voices for rural and regional communities are appropriately balanced against commercial and business interests.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
