Decisions looming on Convergence Review recommendations

Cabinet is tipped to consider the first batch of recommendations from the Convergence Review within a fortnight with legislation being presented as early as November.

The Australian reports that some recommendations are expected to be implemented quickly.

On the agenda is another possible cut in licence fees for commercial networks and new local quotas for multichannels.

But a recommendation that the ABC and SBS comply with the local content transmission quota of 55 per cent is likely to be delayed.

The newspaper reports adult drama is a high priority within the local content changes, but children’s drama is less of a concern.

Prime Minister Gillard wrote to major media executives in July saying it had four government priorities:

-an appropriate system of redress for media coverage
-protecting the public interest in media mergers
-ensuring a diversity of voices
-guaranteeing Australian stories on TV and film.