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Labor still against removing ‘2 out of 3 rule’

Despite broad support media reform package still faces an uphill battle.


Labor is opposed to dropping the 2 out of 3 rule, announced on the weekend as part of the government’s proposed media reform package.

The 2 out of 3 rule prevents mergers that involve more than two of three regulated media platforms (commercial television, commercial radio, and associated newspapers) in any commercial broadcast license area.

Both Labor and the Greens have previously been opposed to its removal for fear of reducing a diversity of voices.

Labor communications spokeswoman Michelle Rowland told The Australian it was not up for trade as part of a backroom deal.

“It is of paramount importance that we maintain public interest safeguards in our democracy, particularly when Australia already has one of the most concentrated media markets in the world.

“Labor will closely examine the rest of the package. Just because the government’s media reform package has more in it this time around, doesn’t make it comprehensive or forward looking.

“Overall, the package still ­contains the flawed proposal to water down Australia’s media ownership laws, and other parts are just catching up with what Labor has previously called on government to do.”

The package has won broad support from Free to Air Networks and Pay TV.

But without Labor and the Greens, the government will need the support of 10 of the 12 micro party and independent crossbenchers.

Communications Mitch Fifield said, “Piecemeal is what Labor has said it is against and is precisely what the entire sector wants to avoid. We all want to protect diversity. But unless we act, Australian media companies will become weaker, some may not survive and jobs are more likely to be lost.”

4 Responses

  1. It’s easy to see the 2 out of 3 rule is no longer viable. The smaller companies are being eaten up and becoming money pits. In the internet age, everyone has a voice. Let these companies stay afloat and more importantly, keep people employed.

  2. Okay Labor. Here’s what’s In the public interest: Being able to use any form of non -online media in the future. The situation is at the stage where we need these reforms to pass to make our media companies viable – irrespective of their own efforts or lack thereof (that’s another story). It’s not about diversity of voices….its actually about having any voices at all! Wake up to that reality.

  3. The 2 out of 3 rule is vital. If it goes, it will enable a complete Murdoch takeover within 5 years. With News/Foxtel taking over TEN, it will become a powerful force to gobble up all sporting rights when they come up for renewal. It will smash 7 and 9. And no doubt News Corp will continue to keep its relentless battle to see the ABC closed down over time. When that happens, it will be time to take down thr roof top aerial.

    1. News could buy Ten under the current rules. News owns no radio stations (Lachlan Murdoch aside).

      What makes you think Foxtel will be of any value in 5 years? They couldn’t even keep the EPL rights. Sporting leagues may not even sell rights to channels before long. That’s the direction the US seems to be heading.

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