Coming in late ... I submitted to the current Senate inquiry that the underlying basis for sound media policy, whether broadcast or delivered by other modes, should include the following principles:

1. Media policy should be directed to the benefit of end-users and the community at large, rather to any particular vested interests.

2. Policy should not discriminate between modes of delivery in terms of content, geographical reach or other factors. All modes of delivery should be able to provide whatever content is technically feasible for that mode – no content should be reserved to a particular mode of delivery.

While these principles would appear self-evident, they are far from the basis of existing and proposed policy. There is no prima facie case for restricting particular forms of content, e.g. full-motion video, drama, sport etc to a particular mode of delivery, e.g. free-to-air tv. While some content is inherently constrained in its potential delivery mode by technological constraints - for example, a print newspaper can not include full-motion video, except on accompanying discs – there is no sound public policy reason for present and proposed discrimination by mode of delivery.

The broader context is that change is the essence of existence, of economic growth, of human communication. As regards economics, policies which embrace openness, competition, change and innovation will promote growth. Policies which have the effect of restricting or slowing change by protecting or favouring particular industries or firms are likely over time to slow innovation and growth to the disadvantage of the community. Similarly, policies which deny change and restrict the output options for particular media and related industries will limit consumer choice and weaken competitive pressures for innovation which better serves consumers and the community.

Subject to laws governing, e.g., slander and pornography, there are no defensible grounds for the artificial distinctions maintained by the government’s proposals. Media reform has been discussed for decades. It is time for real reform to be delivered.