Digital television regulation

We are reviewing the broadcasting regulatory framework to make sure it can accommodate the next wave of innovation in the media sector. Members of the public, as well as the broadcasting and manufacturing industries, are invited to give their views.

The review follows the switchover from analog to digital-only television broadcasting. Much of the regulation that planned the conversion process is no longer needed. This gives Australia an opportunity to consider what other reforms could be needed for the future of free-to-air television broadcasting.

The Minister’s keynote speech 'Spectrum in the Age of Digital Innovation' listed strategic principles for a future broadcasting framework:

• Spectrum for commercial and national television services will continue to be reserved.
• The current restriction on the number of commercial television licences that can be allocated for the one licence area will be retained.
• Commercial and national broadcasters should be free to determine the most appropriate mix of services and formats for their audience. Regulation should not mandate that commercial and national broadcasters provide minimum numbers of multi-channels or minimum levels of high-definition content.
• Commercial and national broadcasters should be able to use spectrum more flexibly and allow third-party access to their spectrum. The type of services commercial and national broadcasters offer would not be constrained by regulation apart from retaining the restriction on subscription television services.
• Commercial and national broadcasters should deliver their services through spectrally efficient mechanisms.

This review is part of the broader review into Australia’s spectrum management framework.