Independent Media Inquiry
The Australian Government has established an independent inquiry into the Australian media. Former Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, Ray Finkelstein QC, will lead the inquiry with the assistance of Dr Matthew Ricketson, a former journalist and current Professor of Journalism at Canberra University.
Independent Media Inquiry biographies
The Media Inquiry will support the government's existing Convergence Review by providing a separate and distinct examination of the pressures facing newspapers, online publications and their newsrooms, as well as the operation of the Australian Press Council. The inquiry will report to the government by 28 February 2012, and will work with the Convergence Review committee to ensure that findings are incorporated into the Convergence Review report, which is due by the end of March 2012.
Terms of reference and consultation
The terms of reference for the inquiry are:
- (a) The effectiveness of the current media codes of practice in Australia, particularly in light of technological change that is leading to the migration of print media to digital and online platforms.
- (b) The impact of this technological change on the business model that has supported the investment by traditional media organisations in quality journalism and the production of news, and how such activities can be supported, and diversity enhanced, in the changed media environment.
- (c) Ways of substantially strengthening the independence and effectiveness of the Australian Press Council, including in relation to online publications, and with particular reference to the handling of complaints.
- (d) Any related issues pertaining to the ability of the media to operate according to regulations and codes of practice, and in the public interest.
On 28 September 2011 the inquiry released a short Issues Paper, which sets out some of the more important matters to be considered, and also a Notice inviting anyone with an interest to make written submissions to the Inquiry by 31 October 2011.
Following the publication of the Notice and Issues Paper, the Chair of the Inquiry wrote to select individuals, organisations, trade associations and the like, asking them to make submissions.
In this connection letters were written to the editors of major media outlets, former editors no longer working full-time in the news media industry, the Chairman of the Australian Press Council (APC), former chairmen of the APC and a number of academics whose areas of expertise would enable them to make submissions that would assist the Inquiry. Examples of these letters are available on our consultation page.
Submissions to the inquiry
The time for lodging submissions to the inquiry has closed. Submissions to the inquiry are available from our consultation page.
Please note the receipt of submissions will not be acknowledged.
The inquiry will not publish submissions that breach applicable laws, promote a product or a service, contain offensive language, or express sentiments that are likely to offend or vilify sections of the community. The inquiry reserves the right not to publish submissions which do not substantively comment on the issues raised by the terms of reference. The purpose of publishing the submissions is to advance discussion. Publication of a submission is not an endorsement of the content of the submission.
Public hearings
The inquiry held public hearings in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth during November and December 2011. Copies of transcripts are available on our consultation page.
The inquiry is using the account @AusMediaInquiry to share information and promote engagement. This will mainly involve publishing status updates and information. For further details please see our Twitter policy.
Privacy
The department will treat the personal information you provide in accordance with its privacy statement.
Confidential information
Submitters of material marked as confidential or sensitive must do so on the understanding that submissions may be released where authorised or required by law or for the purpose of parliamentary processes.
The department will strive to consult submitters of confidential information before that information is provided to another body or agency. However, the department cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information released through these or other legal means.
Enquiries
Please direct enquiries to the inquiry secretariat by telephoning 02 6271 1382 or by email to media-inquiry@dbcde.gov.au
