The terms of reference for an independent media inquiry have been announced by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.
The inquiry will be conducted by Ray Finkelstein QC, a former Justice of the Federal Court. He will be assisted by Dr. Matthew Ricketson, a former journalist and now Professor of Journalism at Canberra University.
The inquiry will not report on media ownership. Its terms of reference cover media codes of practice, the effect of technological change, and the independence of the Australian Press Council.
- Download Senator Conroy’s statement (PDF)
- Download transcript of Senator Conroy’s press conference (PDF)
Text of media release from Senator Conroy:
Government announces Independent Media Inquiry
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced an independent inquiry into the Australian media.
“A healthy and robust media is essential to the democratic process,” Senator Conroy said.
“The Australian Government believes it is incumbent upon government to ensure regulatory processes and industry structures are sufficiently strong to support the continuation of a healthy and independent media that is able to fulfil its essential democratic purpose, and to operate in the public interest.”