Communications, media and entertainment services are converging fast, with the digitisation of content and the emergence of new delivery platforms transforming consumer choices and shifting market boundaries. In light of this, the Australian Government has recently commenced a review to consider whether policy responses are necessary in the media and communications sectors to deal with these developments. In this bulletin, Frontier (Australia) focuses on the implications of convergence for existing broadcasting licensing arrangements. We conclude that convergence will challenge the traditional form of these arrangements in Australia and make it harder for the Government to use existing quota obligations to support the local content industry.
For more information, please contact Marita O’Keeffe at m.okeeffe@frontier-economics.com.au or call +61 (0)3 9620 4488.