Independent Media Inquiry
On 14 September 2011 the Australian Government established an independent inquiry into the Australian media. The inquiry was led by former Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, Mr Ray Finkelstein QC. The inquiry reported to government on 28 February 2012.
The Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Media and Media Regulation was publicly released on 2 March 2012, and the following media statement was released by the chair of the inquiry.
Media statement by Ray Finkelstein QC (PDF, 30.9 KB)
Media statement by Ray Finkelstein QC (DOC, 41.0 KB)
The government forwarded the inquiry's report to the Convergence Review Committee for its consideration. The Convergence Review Final Report was handed to government on 30 March 2012 and it was publicly released on 30 April 2012.
Terms of reference and consultation
The terms of reference for the inquiry were:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 context 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 the inquiry's consultation page.
Submissions to the inquiry
Submissions to the inquiry are available from the inquiry's consultation page.
The purpose of publishing the submissions was to advance discussion. Publication of a submission does not represent the department's 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 the inquiry's consultation page.
Enquiries
Please direct media enquiries to media@dbcde.gov.au
All other enquiries should be directed to convergence@dbcde.gov.au
