Free TV today welcomed the changes introduced by Special Minister of State, The Hon Alex Hawke MP, to allow parliamentarians to spend their communications allowances on Australian media outlets.
Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair said: “The current rules are yet another example of seriously antiquated legislation that does not contemplate the new media age. It is outrageous that public money can be spent on foreign multinational social media platforms that do not even comply with AEC rules around election advertising but cannot be spent on trusted Australian media outlets like commercial television, particularly in regional areas. These rules are based around a 1950’s view of the media landscape – they are outworn and unfair to local Australian businesses.
“We congratulate Minister Hawke for moving this law into the 21st century and hope that this initiative will be supported in the Parliament.
“This is a great first step in modernising the many outdated laws that disadvantage commercial television broadcasters in competing with new media platforms. Hopefully the ridiculous election blackout rules are the next to go.”
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