Australian’s long-awaited media reforms pass

This report analyses the passage of the Australian Government's comprehensive media reform package in September 2017. Following three months of negotiations, the bill passed the Senate 31-27 with cross-bench support. Key changes include the removal of the 75% audience reach rule and the 'two-out-of-three' rule, alongside new local content obligations and a $60 million innovation package for regional and small publishers. The reforms aim to enable a pathway to scale for traditional media businesses facing industry headwinds.