Australians are being asked to have their say on how to support ABC and SBS in a new review announced by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
The review will examine options for providing a greater level of financial stability and certainty for domestic broadcasters, to protect against funding cuts and political interference.
term of comparison (co-developed with ABC and SBS):
Support stable funding arrangements by identifying potential mechanisms to implement and maintain five-year funding terms at the amount announced by the government, while maintaining the ability to provide additional funding during these terms; AND
· Support effective governance arrangements for national broadcasters.
The review will not consider:
· The amount of funding, funding terms or funding models provided to domestic broadcasters;
· Changes to advertising restrictions or limits on ABC or SBS;
· Amendments to the legislative or corporate statutes of national broadcasters; OR
· Merger of ABC and SBS.
Operational matters within the remit of ABC and SBS are also outside the scope.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said: “Independent public broadcasters are a hallmark of a healthy democracy.
“The Albanian government is committed to providing better funding for the ABC and SBS so they have more certainty as they meet their bills for the Australian people.
“This review is an opportunity for Australians to have a say on the funding and governance arrangements for the ABC and SBS, including measures to support stable funding terms and promote effective board appointments.
“ABC and SBS are key democratic and cultural institutions that provide essential services to communities across the country. I encourage all Australians to share their thoughts on how to provide greater stability to support the independence of national broadcasters.”
To carry out a submission visit Infrastructure.gov.au/natbroadcastersreview
Deadline: Thursday 31 August 2023 at 5pm AEST.
