The Federal Government has unveiled a wide-ranging media reform package, with plans to abolish broadcasting licence fees and conduct a review into Australian and children’s content.
The government has argued the bill would simplify the copyright framework for the disability, education, library and archive sectors while still respecting the interests of copyright holders.
The screen sector is hoping the appointment of Paul Fletcher as Minister for Communications and the Arts will signal an end to government policy paralysis towards the industry.
Publishing and media doyenne Ita Buttrose has been confirmed as the new chair of the ABC.
Labor has attacked the federal government for five and a half years of inaction over screen sector reforms while the Australian Greens have advocated a suite of measures to support the industry
The MEAA will ask the new Communications and Arts Minister Mitch Fifield to guarantee the ABC and SBS's funding and independence and to restore arts funding.
ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie today fiercely defended the public broadcaster and rejected calls to privatise the organisation.
The screen industry contributes around $3 billion to the economy annually and creates over 25,000 full time equivalent jobs, according to a new report commissioned by Screen Australia.