Commonwealth of Australia Bills

[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]


This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.


BROADCASTING LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (NEWS MEDIA DIVERSITY) BILL 2013

 

 

2010-2011-2012-2013 

 

The Parliament of the 

Commonwealth of Australia 

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

 

 

 

 

Presented and read a first time 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment 

(News Media Diversity) Bill 2013 

 

No.      , 2013 

 

(Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy) 

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to 

broadcasting, and for other purposes 

   

   

 

 

i       Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013 

Contents 

Short title ........................................................................................... 1

 

Commencement ................................................................................. 1

 

Schedule(s) ........................................................................................ 2

 

Schedule 1--Amendments

 

3

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005

 

3

 

Broadcasting Services Act 1992

 

3

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013       1 

A Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to 

broadcasting, and for other purposes 

The Parliament of Australia enacts: 

1  Short title 

 

  This Act may be cited as the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment 

(News Media Diversity) Act 2013

2  Commencement 

 

(1)  Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table 

commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with 

column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect 

10 

according to its terms. 

11 

 

12 

   

   

 

 

2            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

Commencement information 

Column 1 

Column 2 

Column 3 

Provision(s) 

Commencement 

Date/Details 

1.  Sections 1 to 3 

and anything in 

this Act not 

elsewhere covered 

by this table 

The day this Act receives the Royal Assent. 

 

2.  Schedule 1 

The later of: 

(a) the day after this Act receives the Royal 

Assent; and 

(b) the day section 3 of the Public Interest 

Media Advocate Act 2013 commences. 

However, the provision(s) do not commence 

at all if the event mentioned in paragraph (b) 

does not occur. 

 

Note:  

This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally 

enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of 

this Act. 

 

(2)  Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. 

Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it 

may be edited, in any published version of this Act. 

3  Schedule(s) 

 

  Each Act that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or 

repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule 

concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect 

10 

according to its terms. 

11 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

Schedule 1

--

Amendments 

   

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 

1  After section 59B 

Insert: 

59BA  Disclosure to public servants for advising the Public Interest 

Media Advocate 

 

  For the purpose of advising the Public Interest Media Advocate, an 

ACMA official may disclose authorised disclosure information to: 

 

(a)  the Secretary of the Department; or 

10 

 

(b)  an APS employee in the Department who is authorised, in 

11 

writing, by the Secretary of the Department for the purposes 

12 

of this section. 

13 

Note: 

The Public Interest Media Advocate is appointed under the Public 

14 

Interest Media Advocate Act 2013

15 

2  After paragraph 59D(1)(na) 

16 

Insert: 

17 

 

(nb)  the Public Interest Media Advocate; 

18 

Broadcasting Services Act 1992 

19 

3  After paragraph 3(1)(c) 

20 

Insert: 

21 

 

(d)  to encourage diversity in control of the more influential 

22 

sources of news and current affairs; and 

23 

4  Subsection 6(1) (definition of associate

24 

Omit "licence or a newspaper, or control of a company in relation to a 

25 

licence or a newspaper", substitute "company, a licence, a newspaper, a 

26 

print publication or an online service". 

27 

5  Subsection 6(1) (definition of associate

28 

Omit "or newspaper" (wherever occurring), substitute ", newspaper, 

29 

print publication or online service". 

30 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

4            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

6  Subsection 6(1) (at the end of the definition of associate

before the notes) 

Add: 

For the purposes of this definition, print publication and online 

service have the same respective meanings as in Part 5A. 

7  Subsection 6(1) 

Insert: 

branded group of subscription television services has the meaning 

given by section 6A. 

8  Subsection 6(1) (paragraph (a) of the definition of licence

10 

Omit "Part 5", substitute "Parts 5 and 5A". 

11 

9  Subsection 6(1) (after subparagraph (a)(i) of the definition 

12 

of licence

13 

Insert: 

14 

 

(ia)  a class licence so far as it authorises the provision of a 

15 

particular subscription television narrowcasting service; 

16 

or 

17 

10  Subsection 6(1) 

18 

Insert: 

19 

PIMA means the Public Interest Media Advocate. 

20 

Note: 

See the Public Interest Media Advocate Act 2013

21 

11  Subsection 6(1) 

22 

Insert: 

23 

subscription television licence means: 

24 

 

(a)  a subscription television broadcasting licence; or 

25 

 

(b)  a class licence so far as it authorises the provision of a 

26 

particular subscription television narrowcasting service. 

27 

12  Subsection 6(1) 

28 

Insert: 

29 

subscription television licensee means: 

30 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

 

(a)  a subscription television broadcasting licensee; or 

 

(b)  a subscription television narrowcasting licensee. 

13  Subsection 6(1) 

Insert: 

subscription television narrowcasting licensee means a person 

who provides a subscription television narrowcasting service under 

a class licence. 

14  Subsection 6(1) 

Insert: 

subscription television platform has the meaning given by 

10 

section 6A. 

11 

15  Subsection 6(1) 

12 

Insert: 

13 

subscription television service means: 

14 

 

(a)  a subscription television broadcasting service; or 

15 

 

(b)  a subscription television narrowcasting service. 

16 

16  After section 6 

17 

Insert: 

18 

6A  Branded group of subscription television services etc. 

19 

Branded group 

20 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Act, if a group of 2 or more subscription 

21 

television services are marketed to the public under a common 

22 

brand, the group is a branded group of subscription television 

23 

services

24 

Subscription television platform 

25 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, a company is a subscription television 

26 

platform for a branded group of subscription television services if 

27 

the company controls the selection of the subscription television 

28 

services included in the group. 

29 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

6            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) has effect subject to subsection (4). 

 

(4)  The Minister may, in writing, declare that subsection (2) does not 

apply to a specified company. 

 

(5)  The Minister may, in writing, declare that, for the purposes of this 

Act, a specified company is a subscription television platform for 

a specified branded group of subscription television services. 

 

(6)  A declaration under subsection (5) does not apply to a company in 

relation to a branded group of subscription television services 

unless: 

 

(a)  the company is a constitutional corporation; and 

10 

 

(b)  the company is involved in any or all of the following 

11 

activities: 

12 

 

(i)  the provision of a subscription television service 

13 

included in the branded group; 

14 

 

(ii)  the operation of a subscriber management system for the 

15 

branded group; 

16 

 

(iii)  the selection of the subscription television services 

17 

included in the branded group; 

18 

 

(iv)  the acquisition of program content to be provided by a 

19 

subscription television service included in the branded 

20 

group. 

21 

 

(7)  The Minister must cause a copy of a declaration under 

22 

subsection (4) or (5) to be published on the Department's website. 

23 

 

(8)  A declaration under subsection (4) or (5) is not a legislative 

24 

instrument. 

25 

17  Section 7 

26 

Before "Schedule", insert "(1)". 

27 

18  Paragraph 7(a) 

28 

Omit "or a newspaper", substitute ", a newspaper, a print publication or 

29 

an online service". 

30 

19  At the end of section 7 

31 

Add: 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Act, if a person is in a position to exercise 

control of a commercial television broadcasting licence, the person 

is taken to be in a position to exercise control of each commercial 

television broadcasting service provided under the licence. 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Act, if a person is in a position to exercise 

control of a subscription television licence, the person is taken to 

be in a position to exercise control of the subscription television 

service provided under the licence. 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this Act, if a person is in a position to exercise 

control of a subscription television platform for a branded group of 

10 

subscription television services, the person is taken to be in a 

11 

position to exercise control of each subscription television service 

12 

that belongs to the branded group. 

13 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this section, print publication and online 

14 

service have the same respective meanings as in Part 5A. 

15 

20  After Part 5 

16 

Insert: 

17 

Part 5A--News media diversity 

18 

Division 1--Introduction 

19 

78AA  Simplified outline 

20 

 

  The following is a simplified outline of this Part: 

21 

•  

This Part prohibits a transaction that results in a person 

22 

becoming the controller of a registered news media voice 

23 

unless the Public Interest Media Advocate has approved the 

24 

change of control. 

25 

•  

The Public Interest Media Advocate must not approve a 

26 

change of control unless: 

27 

 

(a) 

the change of control will not result in a substantial 

28 

lessening of diversity of control of registered news 

29 

media voices; or 

30 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

8            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(b) 

the change of control is likely to result in a benefit 

to the public, and that benefit outweighs the 

detriment to the public constituted by any 

lessening of diversity of control of registered news 

media voices that would result from the change of 

control. 

•  

Each of the following is a news media voice: 

 

(a) 

a commercial television broadcasting service that 

provides news or current affairs programs; 

 

(b) 

a commercial radio broadcasting service that 

10 

provides news or current affairs programs; 

11 

 

(c) 

a subscription television service that provides news 

12 

or current affairs programs; 

13 

 

(d) 

a subscription television platform; 

14 

 

(e) 

a print publication that has news or current affairs 

15 

content; 

16 

 

(f) 

an online service that has news or current affairs 

17 

content. 

18 

•  

A registered news media voice is a news media voice that has 

19 

been registered in the Register of News Media Voices. 

20 

•  

A news media voice will be registered if the size of its 

21 

audience or customer base exceeds 30% of the average 

22 

metropolitan commercial television evening news audience. 

23 

Note 1: 

The Public Interest Media Advocate is appointed under the Public 

24 

Interest Media Advocate Act 2013

25 

Note 2: 

This Part also sets out transitional rules dealing with the control of 

26 

listed news media voices in the period before all news media voices 

27 

are entered in the Register of News Media Voices. 

28 

78AB  Definitions 

29 

 

  In this Part: 

30 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

aggregate includes provide links to. 

associated with, in relation to an online service, has the meaning 

given by section 78NB. 

average metropolitan commercial television evening news 

audience has the meaning given by section 78HG. 

carriage service has the same meaning as in the 

Telecommunications Act 1997

control event has the meaning given by section 78BA or 78BB. 

electronic communications means communications that are carried 

by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy. 

10 

Eligibility Rules means the rules made under section 78HH. 

11 

engage in conduct means: 

12 

 

(a)  do an act; or 

13 

 

(b)  omit to perform an act. 

14 

initial Eligibility Rules completion day has the meaning given by 

15 

section 78ND. 

16 

initial Register completion day has the meaning given by 

17 

section 78NC. 

18 

interim period means the period: 

19 

 

(a)  beginning at the commencement of this section; and 

20 

 

(b)  ending at whichever is the earlier of the following: 

21 

 

(i)  the end of the 6-month period beginning at the 

22 

commencement of this section; 

23 

 

(ii)  the start of the initial Register completion day. 

24 

listed news media voice has the meaning given by section 78JA. 

25 

media-related activities means: 

26 

 

(a)  the collection; or 

27 

 

(b)  the preparation for dissemination; or 

28 

 

(c)  the dissemination; 

29 

of material for the purpose of making it available to the public: 

30 

 

(d)  in printed form; or 

31 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

10            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(e)  by means of electronic communications. 

news media voice has the meaning given by section 78GA. 

news or current affairs aggregation service means: 

 

(a)  an online service; or 

 

(b)  any other service; 

that does no more than aggregate any of the following material: 

 

(c)  material having the character of news or current affairs; 

 

(d)  material consisting of commentary or opinion on, or analysis 

of, news or current affairs. 

news or current affairs content means content that: 

10 

 

(a)  has the character of news or current affairs; or 

11 

 

(b)  consists of commentary or opinion on, or analysis of, news or 

12 

current affairs. 

13 

news or current affairs program means a program that consists 

14 

wholly or principally of news or current affairs content. 

15 

online service means: 

16 

 

(a)  a service that delivers content to persons having equipment 

17 

appropriate for receiving that content, where the delivery of 

18 

the service is by means of electronic communications; or 

19 

 

(b)  a service that allows end-users to access content using 

20 

electronic communications; 

21 

but does not include: 

22 

 

(c)  a broadcasting service; or 

23 

 

(d)  a datacasting service. 

24 

paying customer, in relation to an online service, means: 

25 

 

(a)  a paying subscriber to the service; or 

26 

 

(b)  any other person who pays the provider of the service for any 

27 

of the content delivered or made available by the service. 

28 

pre-commencement period means the period: 

29 

 

(a)  beginning at the time when the Bill that became the 

30 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media 

31 

Diversity) Act 2013 was introduced into the House of 

32 

Representatives; and 

33 

 

(b)  ending at the commencement of this section. 

34 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

11 

For this purpose, the introduction of a Bill is taken to have 

occurred immediately after it is read a first time. 

print publication means: 

 

(a)  a newspaper; or 

 

(b)  a periodical; 

that is published at least once each quarter. 

quarter means a period of 3 months beginning on 1 July, 

1 October, 1 January or 1 April. 

Register means the Register of News Media Voices maintained 

under section 78KA. 

10 

registered news media voice means a news media voice that is 

11 

entered in the Register. 

12 

registrable news media voice has the meaning given by 

13 

section 78HA, 78HB, 78HC, 78HD, 78HE or 78HF. 

14 

service includes a website. 

15 

78AC  Newspapers 

16 

 

  The definition of newspaper in subsection 6(1) does not apply to 

17 

this Part. 

18 

Division 2--Control events 

19 

78BA  Control events--registered news media voices 

20 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

21 

 

(a)  a person is not in a position to exercise control of any 

22 

registered news media voice; and 

23 

 

(b)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of 2 or 

24 

more registered news media voices; 

25 

the event mentioned in paragraph (b) is a control event in relation 

26 

to each of the registered news media voices mentioned in that 

27 

paragraph. 

28 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

29 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

12            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(a)  a person is in a position to exercise control of a single 

registered news media voice; and 

 

(b)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of one or 

more additional registered news media voices; 

the event mentioned in paragraph (b) is a control event in relation 

to each of the registered news media voices mentioned in that 

paragraph. 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

 

(a)  a person is in a position to exercise control of 2 or more 

registered news media voices; and 

10 

 

(b)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of one or 

11 

more additional registered news media voices; 

12 

the event mentioned in paragraph (b) is a control event in relation 

13 

to each of the registered news media voices mentioned in that 

14 

paragraph. 

15 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

16 

 

(a)  a person is in a position to exercise control of 2 or more 

17 

registered news media voices; and 

18 

 

(b)  the person ceases to be in a position to exercise control of 

19 

one or more of those registered news media voices; and 

20 

 

(c)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of one or 

21 

more other registered news media voices; and 

22 

 

(d)  the event mentioned in paragraph (c) is related to the 

23 

cessation; 

24 

the event mentioned in paragraph (c) is a control event in relation 

25 

to each of the registered news media voices mentioned in that 

26 

paragraph. 

27 

78BB  Control events--listed news media voices 

28 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

29 

 

(a)  a person is not in a position to exercise control of any listed 

30 

news media voice; and 

31 

 

(b)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of 2 or 

32 

more listed news media voices; 

33 

the event mentioned in paragraph (b) is a control event in relation 

34 

to each of the listed news media voices mentioned in that 

35 

paragraph. 

36 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

13 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

 

(a)  a person is in a position to exercise control of a single listed 

news media voice; and 

 

(b)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of one or 

more additional listed news media voices; 

the event mentioned in paragraph (b) is a control event in relation 

to each of the listed news media voices mentioned in that 

paragraph. 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

 

(a)  a person is in a position to exercise control of 2 or more listed 

10 

news media voices; and 

11 

 

(b)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of one or 

12 

more additional listed news media voices; 

13 

the event mentioned in paragraph (b) is a control event in relation 

14 

to each of the listed news media voices mentioned in that 

15 

paragraph. 

16 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

17 

 

(a)  a person is in a position to exercise control of 2 or more listed 

18 

news media voices; and 

19 

 

(b)  the person ceases to be in a position to exercise control of 

20 

one or more of those listed news media voices; and 

21 

 

(c)  the person becomes in a position to exercise control of one or 

22 

more other listed news media voices; and 

23 

 

(d)  the event mentioned in paragraph (c) is related to the 

24 

cessation; 

25 

the event mentioned in paragraph (c) is a control event in relation 

26 

to each of the listed news media voices mentioned in that 

27 

paragraph. 

28 

 

(5)  It is immaterial whether a control event occurred before, at or after 

29 

the commencement of this section. 

30 

78BC  Prohibition of transactions that result in a control event 

31 

occurring in relation to one or more registered news 

32 

media voices--offence 

33 

 

  A person commits an offence if: 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

14            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(a)  one or more transactions take place after the commencement 

of this section; and 

 

(b)  the transactions have the result that a control event occurs 

after the interim period in relation to one or more registered 

news media voices; and 

 

(c)  the person was: 

 

(i)  a party to the transactions; or 

 

(ii)  in a position to prevent the transactions taking place; 

and 

 

(d)  the PIMA has not approved the transactions under 

10 

section 78CB. 

11 

Penalty:  20,000 penalty units. 

12 

78BD  Prohibition of transactions that result in a control event 

13 

occurring in relation to one or more listed news media 

14 

voices--offence 

15 

 

  A person commits an offence if: 

16 

 

(a)  one or more transactions take place after the commencement 

17 

of this section; and 

18 

 

(b)  the transactions have the result that a control event occurs 

19 

during the interim period in relation to one or more listed 

20 

news media voices; and 

21 

 

(c)  the person was: 

22 

 

(i)  a party to the transactions; or 

23 

 

(ii)  in a position to prevent the transactions taking place; 

24 

and 

25 

 

(d)  the PIMA has not approved the transactions under 

26 

section 78CB. 

27 

Penalty:  20,000 penalty units. 

28 

78BE  Prohibition of transactions that result in a control event 

29 

occurring in relation to one or more registered news 

30 

media voices--civil penalty 

31 

Scope 

32 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

33 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

15 

 

(a)  one or more transactions take place after the commencement 

of this section; and 

 

(b)  the transactions have the result that a control event occurs 

after the interim period in relation to one or more registered 

news media voices; and 

 

(c)  the PIMA has not approved the transactions under 

section 78CB. 

Prohibition 

 

(2)  A person must not be: 

 

(a)  a party to the transactions; or 

10 

 

(b)  in a position to prevent the transactions taking place. 

11 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) is a civil penalty provision. 

12 

78BF  Prohibition of transactions that result in a control event 

13 

occurring in relation to one or more listed news media 

14 

voices--civil penalty 

15 

Scope 

16 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

17 

 

(a)  one or more transactions take place after the commencement 

18 

of this section; and 

19 

 

(b)  the transactions have the result that a control event occurs 

20 

during the interim period in relation to one or more listed 

21 

news media voices; and 

22 

 

(c)  the PIMA has not approved the transactions under 

23 

section 78CB. 

24 

Prohibition 

25 

 

(2)  A person must not be: 

26 

 

(a)  a party to the transactions; or 

27 

 

(b)  in a position to prevent the transactions taking place. 

28 

 

(3)  Subsection (2) is a civil penalty provision. 

29 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

16            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

Division 3--Prior approval of transactions that result in a 

control event occurring 

78CA  Application for prior approval of transactions that result in a 

control event occurring 

 

(1)  A person may, before a transaction takes place that would place a 

person in breach of section 78BC, 78BD, 78BE or 78BF, make an 

application to the PIMA for an approval of the transaction. 

 

(2)  An application is to be made in accordance with a form approved, 

in writing, by the PIMA. 

 

(3)  If the PIMA considers that additional information is required 

10 

before the PIMA can make a decision on an application, the PIMA 

11 

may, by written notice given to the applicant within 30 days after 

12 

receiving the application, request the applicant to provide that 

13 

information. 

14 

78CB  Prior approval of transactions that result in a control event 

15 

occurring 

16 

Scope 

17 

 

(1)  This section applies if an application under section 78CA has been 

18 

made for approval of a transaction. 

19 

Decision 

20 

 

(2)  After considering the application, the PIMA must, by writing: 

21 

 

(a)  approve the transaction; or 

22 

 

(b)  refuse to approve the transaction. 

23 

Criteria for approval after the interim period 

24 

 

(3)  If the transaction would have the result that a control event would 

25 

occur in relation to one or more registered news media voices after 

26 

the interim period, the PIMA must not approve the transaction 

27 

unless: 

28 

 

(a)  the applicant satisfies the PIMA that the relevant control 

29 

event will not result in a substantial lessening of diversity of 

30 

control of registered news media voices; or 

31 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

17 

 

(b)  the PIMA is satisfied: 

 

(i)  that the relevant control event is likely to result in a 

benefit to the public; and 

 

(ii)  that the benefit outweighs, or would outweigh, the 

detriment to the public constituted by any lessening of 

diversity of control of registered news media voices that 

would result from the relevant control event. 

Criteria for approval during the interim period 

 

(4)  If the transaction would have the result that a control event would 

occur in relation to one or more listed news media voices during 

10 

the interim period, the PIMA must not approve the transaction 

11 

unless: 

12 

 

(a)  the applicant satisfies the PIMA that the relevant control 

13 

event will not result in a substantial lessening of diversity of 

14 

control of listed news media voices; or 

15 

 

(b)  the PIMA is satisfied: 

16 

 

(i)  that the relevant control event is likely to result in a 

17 

benefit to the public; and 

18 

 

(ii)  that the benefit outweighs, or would outweigh, the 

19 

detriment to the public constituted by any lessening of 

20 

diversity of control of listed news media voices that 

21 

would result from the relevant control event. 

22 

 

(5)  In deciding whether to approve the transaction, the PIMA may 

23 

have regard to: 

24 

 

(a)  any relevant undertakings that: 

25 

 

(i)  have been accepted by the PIMA under section 78DA; 

26 

and 

27 

 

(ii)  have not been withdrawn; and 

28 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

29 

Duration of approval 

30 

 

(6)  If the PIMA approves the transaction, the approval remains in 

31 

force until the end of the period specified in the approval. 

32 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

18            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

Timing 

 

(7)  The PIMA must use his or her best endeavours to make a decision 

on the application: 

 

(a)  if the PIMA requests the applicant to provide additional 

information under subsection 78CA(3)--within 90 days after 

the applicant gave the PIMA the additional information; or 

 

(b)  otherwise--within 90 days after receipt of the application. 

Notification of decision 

 

(8)  If the PIMA approves the transaction, the PIMA must: 

 

(a)  give written notice of the approval, and the reasons for the 

10 

approval, to: 

11 

 

(i)  the applicant; and 

12 

 

(ii)  the ACMA; and 

13 

 

(b)  publish the approval, and the reasons for the approval, on the 

14 

Department's website. 

15 

 

(9)  If the PIMA refuses to approve the transaction, the PIMA must: 

16 

 

(a)  give written notice of the refusal, and the reasons for the 

17 

refusal, to: 

18 

 

(i)  the applicant; and 

19 

 

(ii)  the ACMA; and 

20 

 

(b)  publish the refusal, and the reasons for the refusal, on the 

21 

Department's website. 

22 

78CC  Consultation 

23 

 

  Before making a decision under subsection 78CB(2), the PIMA 

24 

must: 

25 

 

(a)  cause to be published on the Department's website a notice: 

26 

 

(i)  setting out the proposed decision; and 

27 

 

(ii)  inviting persons to make submissions to the PIMA 

28 

about the proposed decision within 28 days after the 

29 

notice is published; and 

30 

 

(b)  consider any submissions that were received within the 

31 

28-day period mentioned in paragraph (a). 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

19 

Division 4--Undertakings 

78DA  Acceptance of undertaking 

 

(1)  The PIMA may: 

 

(a)  after the interim period, accept a written undertaking given 

by a person that the person will take specified action in 

relation to news or current affairs content provided by a 

specified registered news media voice; or 

 

(b)  after the interim period, accept a written undertaking given 

by a person that the person will refrain from taking specified 

action in relation to news or current affairs content provided 

10 

by a specified registered news media voice; or 

11 

 

(c)  during the interim period, accept a written undertaking given 

12 

by a person that the person will take specified action in 

13 

relation to news or current affairs content provided by a 

14 

specified listed news media voice; or 

15 

 

(d)  during the interim period, accept a written undertaking given 

16 

by a person that the person will refrain from taking specified 

17 

action in relation to news or current affairs content provided 

18 

by a specified listed news media voice. 

19 

 

(2)  The undertaking must be expressed to be an undertaking under this 

20 

section. 

21 

 

(3)  The undertaking, or one or more provisions of the undertaking, 

22 

may be expressed to be contingent on the happening of a specified 

23 

event. 

24 

Withdrawal of undertaking 

25 

 

(4)  The person may withdraw or vary the undertaking at any time 

26 

before the undertaking is accepted by the PIMA. 

27 

Decision to accept undertaking 

28 

 

(5)  If the undertaking was given to the PIMA after the interim period, 

29 

then, in deciding whether to accept the undertaking, the PIMA 

30 

must have regard to: 

31 

 

(a)  the need to maintain diversity of control of registered news 

32 

media voices; and 

33 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

20            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(6)  If the undertaking was given to the PIMA during the interim 

period, then, in deciding whether to accept the undertaking, the 

PIMA must have regard to: 

 

(a)  the need to maintain diversity of control of listed news media 

voices; and 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

 

(7)  Before deciding whether to accept the undertaking, the PIMA must 

consult the ACMA. 

Functions and powers 

 

(8)  If the undertaking provides for the PIMA to perform functions or 

10 

exercise powers in relation to the undertaking, the PIMA may 

11 

perform those functions and exercise those powers. 

12 

 

(9)  If the undertaking provides for the ACMA to perform functions or 

13 

exercise powers in relation to the undertaking, the ACMA may 

14 

perform those functions and exercise those powers. 

15 

Publication of undertaking 

16 

 

(10)  The PIMA must publish a summary of the undertaking on the 

17 

Department's website. 

18 

 

(11)  The PIMA may publish the undertaking on the Department's 

19 

website. 

20 

78DB  Variation of undertaking 

21 

Scope 

22 

 

(1)  This section applies if an undertaking given by a person has been 

23 

accepted by the PIMA under section 78DA. 

24 

Variation 

25 

 

(2)  The person may give the PIMA a variation of the undertaking. 

26 

Decision to accept or reject variation 

27 

 

(3)  After considering the variation, the PIMA must decide to: 

28 

 

(a)  accept the variation; or 

29 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

21 

 

(b)  reject the variation. 

 

(4)  If the variation was given to the PIMA after the interim period, 

then, in making a decision under subsection (3), the PIMA must 

have regard to: 

 

(a)  the need to maintain diversity of control of registered news 

media voices; and 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

 

(5)  If the variation was given to the PIMA during the interim period, 

then, in making a decision under subsection (3), the PIMA must 

have regard to: 

10 

 

(a)  the need to maintain diversity of control of listed news media 

11 

voices; and 

12 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

13 

 

(6)  Before making a decision under subsection (3), the PIMA must 

14 

consult the ACMA. 

15 

Timing 

16 

 

(7)  The PIMA must use his or her best endeavours to make a decision 

17 

under subsection (3) within 90 days after receipt of the variation. 

18 

Notice of decision 

19 

 

(8)  If the PIMA accepts the variation, the PIMA must give the person 

20 

and the ACMA a written notice: 

21 

 

(a)  stating that the variation has been accepted; and 

22 

 

(b)  setting out the terms of the variation. 

23 

 

(9)  If the PIMA rejects the variation, the PIMA must give the person 

24 

and the ACMA a written notice: 

25 

 

(a)  stating that the variation has been rejected; and 

26 

 

(b)  setting out the reasons for the rejection. 

27 

Publication of variation 

28 

 

(10)  If the PIMA accepts the variation: 

29 

 

(a)  the PIMA must publish a summary of the variation on the 

30 

Department's website; and 

31 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

22            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(b)  the PIMA may publish the variation on the Department's 

website. 

78DC  Withdrawal of undertaking 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies if an undertaking given by a person has been 

accepted by the PIMA under section 78DA. 

Consent to withdrawal 

 

(2)  The person may, with the consent of the PIMA, withdraw the 

undertaking. 

Application 

10 

 

(3)  The person may apply to the PIMA for consent to withdraw the 

11 

undertaking. 

12 

 

(4)  An application is to be made in accordance with a form approved, 

13 

in writing, by the PIMA. 

14 

Decision on application 

15 

 

(5)  After considering the application, the PIMA must decide to: 

16 

 

(a)  consent to the withdrawal; or 

17 

 

(b)  refuse to consent to the withdrawal. 

18 

 

(6)  If the application was made after the interim period, then, in 

19 

making a decision under subsection (5), the PIMA must have 

20 

regard to: 

21 

 

(a)  the need to maintain diversity of control of registered news 

22 

media voices; and 

23 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

24 

 

(7)  If the application was made during the interim period, then, in 

25 

making a decision under subsection (5), the PIMA must have 

26 

regard to: 

27 

 

(a)  the need to maintain diversity of control of listed news media 

28 

voices; and 

29 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

30 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

23 

 

(8)  Before making a decision under subsection (5), the PIMA must 

consult the ACMA. 

Timing 

 

(9)  The PIMA must use his or her best endeavours to make a decision 

under subsection (5) within 90 days after receipt of the withdrawal. 

Notice of decision 

 

(10)  If the PIMA consents to the withdrawal, the PIMA must give the 

person and the ACMA a written notice stating that the PIMA has 

consented to the withdrawal. 

 

(11)  If the PIMA refuses to consent to the withdrawal, the PIMA must 

10 

give the person and the ACMA a written notice stating that the 

11 

PIMA has refused to consent to the withdrawal. 

12 

Publication of withdrawal 

13 

 

(12)  If the PIMA consents to the withdrawal, the PIMA must publish 

14 

the withdrawal on the Department's website. 

15 

78DD  Consultation--variation or withdrawal of undertaking 

16 

 

(1)  Before making a decision under subsection 78DB(3) or 78DC(5), 

17 

the PIMA must: 

18 

 

(a)  cause to be published on the Department's website a notice: 

19 

 

(i)  setting out the proposed decision; and 

20 

 

(ii)  inviting persons to make submissions to the PIMA 

21 

about the proposed decision within 28 days after the 

22 

notice is published; and 

23 

 

(b)  consider any submissions that were received within the 

24 

28-day period mentioned in paragraph (a). 

25 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to a decision under 

26 

subsection 78DB(3) that relates to a minor variation. 

27 

78DE  Enforcement of undertaking 

28 

 

(1)  If: 

29 

 

(a)  the PIMA has accepted an undertaking given by a person 

30 

under section 78DA; and 

31 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

24            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(b)  the undertaking has not been withdrawn; and 

 

(c)  the ACMA considers that the person has breached the 

undertaking; 

the ACMA may apply to the Federal Court for an order under 

subsection (2). 

 

(2)  If the Federal Court is satisfied that the person has breached the 

undertaking, the court may make any or all of the following orders: 

 

(a)  an order directing the person to comply with the undertaking; 

 

(b)  an order directing the person to pay to the ACMA, on behalf 

of the Commonwealth, an amount up to the amount of any 

10 

financial benefit that the person has obtained directly or 

11 

indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the breach; 

12 

 

(c)  any order that the court considers appropriate directing the 

13 

person to compensate any other person who has suffered loss 

14 

or damage as a result of the breach; 

15 

 

(d)  any other order that the court considers appropriate. 

16 

Division 5--Remedial directions 

17 

78EA  Directions relating to control events that occur after the 

18 

interim period 

19 

Scope 

20 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

21 

 

(a)  one or more transactions took place after the commencement 

22 

of this section; and 

23 

 

(b)  the transactions had the result that a control event occurred 

24 

after the interim period in relation to one or more registered 

25 

news media voices; and 

26 

 

(c)  the control event involved a person becoming in a position to 

27 

exercise control of a particular registered news media voice; 

28 

and 

29 

 

(d)  the PIMA did not approve the transactions under 

30 

section 78CB. 

31 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

25 

Direction 

 

(2)  The PIMA may, by written notice given to the person, direct the 

person to take specified action for the purposes of ensuring that the 

person ceases to be in a position to exercise control of the 

registered news media voice. 

 

(3)  The PIMA's directions may include any or all of the following: 

 

(a)  a direction requiring the disposal of shares or interests in 

shares; 

 

(b)  a direction restraining the exercise of any rights attached to: 

 

(i)  shares; or 

10 

 

(ii)  interests in shares; 

11 

 

(c)  a direction prohibiting or deferring the payment of any sums 

12 

due to a person in respect of shares, or interests in shares, 

13 

held by the person; 

14 

 

(d)  a direction that any exercise of rights attached to: 

15 

 

(i)  shares; or 

16 

 

(ii)  interests in shares; 

17 

 

  be disregarded. 

18 

 

(4)  Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (2). 

19 

 

(5)  A direction under subsection (2) must specify a period within 

20 

which the person must comply with the direction. 

21 

 

(6)  The period must not be longer than 12 months. 

22 

 

(7)  In exercising the power conferred by subsection (2), the PIMA 

23 

must have regard to: 

24 

 

(a)  the need to maintain or restore diversity of control of 

25 

registered news media voices; and 

26 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

27 

78EB  Directions relating to control events that occur during the 

28 

interim period 

29 

Scope 

30 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

31 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

26            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(a)  one or more transactions took place after the commencement 

of this section; and 

 

(b)  the transactions had the result that a control event occurred 

during the interim period in relation to one or more listed 

news media voices; and 

 

(c)  the control event involved a person becoming in a position to 

exercise control of a particular listed news media voice; and 

 

(d)  the PIMA did not approve the transactions under 

section 78CB. 

Direction 

10 

 

(2)  The PIMA may, by written notice given to the person, direct the 

11 

person to take specified action for the purposes of ensuring that the 

12 

person ceases to be in a position to exercise control of the listed 

13 

news media voice. 

14 

 

(3)  The PIMA's directions may include any or all of the following: 

15 

 

(a)  a direction requiring the disposal of shares or interests in 

16 

shares; 

17 

 

(b)  a direction restraining the exercise of any rights attached to: 

18 

 

(i)  shares; or 

19 

 

(ii)  interests in shares; 

20 

 

(c)  a direction prohibiting or deferring the payment of any sums 

21 

due to a person in respect of shares, or interests in shares, 

22 

held by the person; 

23 

 

(d)  a direction that any exercise of rights attached to: 

24 

 

(i)  shares; or 

25 

 

(ii)  interests in shares; 

26 

 

  be disregarded. 

27 

 

(4)  Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (2). 

28 

 

(5)  A direction under subsection (2) must specify a period within 

29 

which the person must comply with the direction. 

30 

 

(6)  The period must not be longer than 12 months. 

31 

 

(7)  In exercising the power conferred by subsection (2), the PIMA 

32 

must have regard to: 

33 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

27 

 

(a)  the need to maintain or restore diversity of control of listed 

news media voices; and 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

78EC  Directions relating to control events that occurred during the 

pre-commencement period 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

 

(a)  one or more transactions took place before the 

commencement of this section; and 

 

(b)  the transactions had the result that a control event occurred 

10 

before the commencement of this section in relation to one or 

11 

more listed news media voices; and 

12 

 

(c)  the control event involved a person becoming in a position to 

13 

exercise control of a particular listed news media voice; and 

14 

 

(d)  the PIMA is satisfied that the control event has resulted in a 

15 

substantial lessening of diversity of control of listed news 

16 

media voices. 

17 

Direction 

18 

 

(2)  The PIMA may, by written notice given to the person during the 

19 

interim period, direct the person to take specified action for the 

20 

purposes of ensuring that the person ceases to be in a position to 

21 

exercise control of the listed news media voice. 

22 

 

(3)  The PIMA's directions may include any or all of the following: 

23 

 

(a)  a direction requiring the disposal of shares or interests in 

24 

shares; 

25 

 

(b)  a direction restraining the exercise of any rights attached to: 

26 

 

(i)  shares; or 

27 

 

(ii)  interests in shares; 

28 

 

(c)  a direction prohibiting or deferring the payment of any sums 

29 

due to a person in respect of shares, or interests in shares, 

30 

held by the person; 

31 

 

(d)  a direction that any exercise of rights attached to: 

32 

 

(i)  shares; or 

33 

 

(ii)  interests in shares; 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

28            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

  be disregarded. 

 

(4)  Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (2). 

 

(5)  A direction under subsection (2) must specify a period within 

which the person must comply with the direction. 

 

(6)  The period must not be longer than 12 months. 

 

(7)  In exercising the power conferred by subsection (2), the PIMA 

must have regard to: 

 

(a)  the need to maintain or restore diversity of control of listed 

news media voices; and 

 

(b)  such other matters (if any) as the PIMA considers relevant. 

10 

78ED  Breach of direction--offence 

11 

 

(1)  A person commits an offence if: 

12 

 

(a)  the person has been given a direction under section 78EA, 

13 

78EB or 78EC; and 

14 

 

(b)  the person engages in conduct; and 

15 

 

(c)  the person's conduct contravenes a requirement in the 

16 

direction. 

17 

Penalty:  20,000 penalty units. 

18 

 

(2)  A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits a separate 

19 

offence in respect of each day (including a day of a conviction for 

20 

the offence or any later day) during which the contravention 

21 

continues. 

22 

78EE  Breach of direction--civil penalty 

23 

 

(1)  A person must comply with a direction under section 78EA, 78EB 

24 

or 78EC. 

25 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) is a civil penalty provision. 

26 

 

(3)  A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits a separate 

27 

contravention of that subsection in respect of each day (including a 

28 

day of the making of a relevant civil penalty order or any later day) 

29 

during which the contravention continues. 

30 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

29 

Division 6--Information-gathering powers 

78FA  PIMA may obtain information or documents 

Scope 

 

(1)  This section applies to a person if the PIMA believes on reasonable 

grounds that the person has information or a document that is 

relevant to the operation of this Part. 

Requirement 

 

(2)  The PIMA may, by written notice given to the person, require the 

person: 

 

(a)  to give to the PIMA, within the period and in the manner and 

10 

form specified in the notice, any such information; or 

11 

 

(b)  to produce to the PIMA, within the period and in the manner 

12 

specified in the notice, any such documents; or 

13 

 

(c)  to make copies of any such documents and to produce to the 

14 

PIMA, within the period and in the manner specified in the 

15 

notice, those copies. 

16 

 

(3)  A period specified under subsection (2) must not be shorter than 14 

17 

days after the notice is given. 

18 

Compliance 

19 

 

(4)  A person must comply with a requirement under subsection (2). 

20 

 

(5)  Subsection (4) is a civil penalty provision. 

21 

78FB  Copying documents--compensation 

22 

 

  A person is entitled to be paid by the Commonwealth reasonable 

23 

compensation for complying with a requirement covered by 

24 

paragraph 78FA(2)(c). 

25 

78FC  Copies of documents 

26 

 

(1)  The PIMA may: 

27 

 

(a)  inspect a document or copy produced under 

28 

subsection 78FA(2); and 

29 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

30            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(b)  make and retain copies of, or take and retain extracts from, 

such a document. 

 

(2)  The PIMA may retain possession of a copy of a document 

produced in accordance with a requirement covered by 

paragraph 78FA(2)(c). 

78FD  PIMA may retain documents 

 

(1)  The PIMA may take, and retain for as long as is necessary, 

possession of a document produced under subsection 78FA(2). 

 

(2)  The person otherwise entitled to possession of the document is 

entitled to be supplied, as soon as practicable, with a copy certified 

10 

by the PIMA to be a true copy. 

11 

 

(3)  The certified copy must be received in all courts and tribunals as 

12 

evidence as if it were the original. 

13 

 

(4)  Until a certified copy is supplied, the PIMA must, at such times 

14 

and places as the PIMA thinks appropriate, permit the person 

15 

otherwise entitled to possession of the document, or a person 

16 

authorised by that person, to inspect and make copies of, or take 

17 

extracts from, the document. 

18 

Division 7--News media voices 

19 

78GA  News media voices 

20 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, each of the following is a news media 

21 

voice

22 

 

(a)  a commercial television broadcasting service that: 

23 

 

(i)  provides regularly scheduled news or current affairs 

24 

programs; or 

25 

 

(ii)  specialises in news or current affairs content; 

26 

 

(b)  a commercial television broadcasting service that is specified 

27 

in a legislative instrument made by the Minister; 

28 

 

(c)  a commercial radio broadcasting service that: 

29 

 

(i)  provides regularly scheduled news or current affairs 

30 

programs; or 

31 

 

(ii)  specialises in news or current affairs content; 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

31 

 

(d)  a commercial radio broadcasting service that is specified in a 

legislative instrument made by the Minister; 

 

(e)  a subscription television service that: 

 

(i)  provides regularly scheduled news or current affairs 

programs that are targeted to the public in Australia; or 

 

(ii)  specialises in news or current affairs content that is 

targeted to the public in Australia; 

 

(f)  a subscription television service that is specified in a 

legislative instrument made by the Minister; 

 

(g)  a subscription television platform; 

10 

 

(h)  a print publication: 

11 

 

(i)  the content of which consists of, or includes, news or 

12 

current affairs content; and 

13 

 

(ii)  that is published by a constitutional corporation whose 

14 

activities are wholly or principally media-related 

15 

activities; and 

16 

 

(iii)  the content of which is targeted to the public in 

17 

Australia; and 

18 

 

(iv)  the content of which is not targeted to a special interest 

19 

group; and 

20 

 

(v)  that is intended to be circulated wholly or principally by 

21 

way of sale; 

22 

 

(i)  a print publication that: 

23 

 

(i)  is published by a constitutional corporation; and 

24 

 

(ii)  is specified in a legislative instrument made by the 

25 

Minister; 

26 

 

(j)  an online service: 

27 

 

(i)  that delivers or makes available news or current affairs 

28 

content; and 

29 

 

(ii)  that is provided by a person whose activities are wholly 

30 

or principally media-related activities; and 

31 

 

(iii)  the content of which is targeted to the public in 

32 

Australia; and 

33 

 

(iv)  the content of which is not targeted to a special interest 

34 

group; and 

35 

 

(v)  that has paying customers; and 

36 

 

(vi)  that is not a news or current affairs aggregation service; 

37 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

32            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(k)  an online service that is specified in a legislative instrument 

made by the Minister. 

Note: 

For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative 

Instruments Act 2003

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsections (3) to (8). 

Exemptions 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

specified commercial television broadcasting service is not a news 

media voice for the purposes of this Part. 

 

(4)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

10 

specified commercial radio broadcasting service is not a news 

11 

media voice for the purposes of this Part. 

12 

 

(5)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

13 

specified subscription television service is not a news media voice 

14 

for the purposes of this Part. 

15 

 

(6)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

16 

specified subscription television platform is not a news media 

17 

voice for the purposes of this Part. 

18 

 

(7)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

19 

specified print publication is not a news media voice for the 

20 

purposes of this Part. 

21 

 

(8)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

22 

specified online service is not a news media voice for the purposes 

23 

of this Part. 

24 

Section 38C licences 

25 

 

(9)  This section does not apply to a commercial television 

26 

broadcasting service that is provided under a licence allocated 

27 

under section 38C. 

28 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

33 

Division 8--Registrable news media voices 

78HA  Commercial television broadcasting services that are 

registrable news media voices 

 

(1)  If a commercial television broadcasting service is a news media 

voice, the service is a registrable news media voice for the 

purposes of this Part if the sum of: 

 

(a)  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

average number of viewers of the commercial television 

broadcasting service; and 

 

(b)  if an online service is: 

10 

 

(i)  associated with the commercial television broadcasting 

11 

service; and 

12 

 

(ii)  a news media voice; 

13 

 

  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

14 

average number of paying customers of the online service; 

15 

exceeds 30% of the average metropolitan commercial television 

16 

evening news audience. 

17 

Exemptions 

18 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (3). 

19 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

20 

specified commercial television broadcasting service is not a 

21 

registrable news media voice for the purposes of this Part. 

22 

78HB  Commercial radio broadcasting services that are registrable 

23 

news media voices 

24 

 

(1)  If a commercial radio broadcasting service is a news media voice, 

25 

the service is a registrable news media voice for the purposes of 

26 

this Part if the sum of: 

27 

 

(a)  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

28 

average number of listeners to the commercial radio 

29 

broadcasting service; and 

30 

 

(b)  if an online service is: 

31 

 

(i)  associated with the commercial radio broadcasting 

32 

service; and 

33 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

34            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(ii)  a news media voice; 

 

  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

average number of paying customers of the online service; 

exceeds 30% of the average metropolitan commercial television 

evening news audience. 

Exemptions 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (3). 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

specified commercial radio broadcasting service is not a 

registrable news media voice for the purposes of this Part. 

10 

78HC  Subscription television services that are registrable news 

11 

media voices 

12 

 

(1)  A subscription television service is a registrable news media voice 

13 

for the purposes of this Part if the sum of: 

14 

 

(a)  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

15 

average number of viewers of the subscription television 

16 

service; and 

17 

 

(b)  if an online service is: 

18 

 

(i)  associated with the subscription television service; and 

19 

 

(ii)  a news media voice; 

20 

 

  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

21 

average number of paying customers of the online service; 

22 

exceeds 30% of the average metropolitan commercial television 

23 

evening news audience. 

24 

Exemptions 

25 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (3). 

26 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

27 

specified subscription television service is not a registrable news 

28 

media voice for the purposes of this Part. 

29 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

35 

78HD  Subscription television platforms that are registrable news 

media voices 

 

(1)  A subscription television platform for a branded group of 

subscription television services is a registrable news media voice 

for the purposes of this Part if the sum of: 

 

(a)  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

average number of viewers of subscription television services 

that: 

 

(i)  are news media voices; and 

 

(ii)  belong to the branded group; and 

10 

 

(b)  if: 

11 

 

(i)  an online service is associated with a subscription 

12 

television service; and 

13 

 

(ii)  the subscription television service is a news media 

14 

voice; and 

15 

 

(iii)  the subscription television service belongs to the 

16 

branded group; and 

17 

 

(iv)  the online service is a news media voice; 

18 

 

  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

19 

average number of paying customers of the online service; 

20 

exceeds 30% of the average metropolitan commercial television 

21 

evening news audience. 

22 

Exemptions 

23 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (3). 

24 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

25 

specified subscription television platform is not a registrable news 

26 

media voice for the purposes of this Part. 

27 

78HE  Print publications that are registrable news media voices 

28 

 

(1)  If a print publication is a news media voice, the print publication is 

29 

registrable news media voice for the purposes of this Part if the 

30 

sum of: 

31 

 

(a)  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

32 

average number of purchasers of the publication; and 

33 

 

(b)  if an online service is: 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

36            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(i)  associated with the print publication; and 

 

(ii)  a news media voice; 

 

  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

average number of paying customers of the online service; 

exceeds 30% of the average metropolitan commercial television 

evening news audience. 

Exemptions 

 

(2)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (3). 

 

(3)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

specified print publication is not a registrable news media voice 

10 

for the purposes of this Part. 

11 

78HF  Online services that are registrable news media voices 

12 

Online services--general 

13 

 

(1)  If: 

14 

 

(a)  an online service is a news media voice; and 

15 

 

(b)  the number that, under the Eligibility Rules, is taken to be the 

16 

average number of paying customers of the online service, 

17 

exceeds 30% of the average metropolitan commercial 

18 

television evening news audience; 

19 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

20 

purposes of this Part. 

21 

Associated online services 

22 

 

(2)  If: 

23 

 

(a)  a commercial television broadcasting service is a registrable 

24 

news media voice; and 

25 

 

(b)  an online service is associated with the commercial television 

26 

broadcasting service; 

27 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

28 

purposes of this Part. 

29 

 

(3)  If: 

30 

 

(a)  a commercial radio broadcasting service is a registrable news 

31 

media voice; and 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

37 

 

(b)  an online service is associated with the commercial radio 

broadcasting service; 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

purposes of this Part. 

 

(4)  If: 

 

(a)  a subscription television service is a registrable news media 

voice; and 

 

(b)  the service belongs to a branded group of subscription 

television services; and 

 

(c)  an online service is associated with the branded group; 

10 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

11 

purposes of this Part. 

12 

 

(5)  If: 

13 

 

(a)  a subscription television service is a registrable news media 

14 

voice; and 

15 

 

(b)  an online service is associated with the subscription 

16 

television service; 

17 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

18 

purposes of this Part. 

19 

 

(6)  If: 

20 

 

(a)  a subscription television platform for a branded group of 

21 

subscription television services is a registrable news media 

22 

voice; and 

23 

 

(b)  an online service is associated with the branded group; 

24 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

25 

purposes of this Part. 

26 

 

(7)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  a print publication is a registrable news media voice; and 

28 

 

(b)  the online service is associated with the print publication; 

29 

the online service is a registrable news media voice for the 

30 

purposes of this Part. 

31 

Exemptions 

32 

 

(8)  Subsections (1) to (7) have effect subject to subsection (9). 

33 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

38            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(9)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that a 

specified online service is not a registrable news media voice for 

the purposes of this Part. 

78HG  Average metropolitan commercial television evening news 

audience 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, the average metropolitan 

commercial television evening news audience is the number 

worked out using the formula: 

Aggregate metropolitan 

commercial television

evening news audience number

15

 

where: 

10 

aggregate metropolitan commercial television evening news 

11 

audience number means the number that, under the Eligibility 

12 

Rules, is taken to be the aggregate metropolitan commercial 

13 

television evening news audience number. 

14 

 

(2)  In making Eligibility Rules for the purposes of subsection (1), the 

15 

ACMA: 

16 

 

(a)  must have regard to commercial television broadcasting 

17 

services provided in metropolitan licence areas (within the 

18 

meaning of Schedule 4); and 

19 

 

(b)  must not have regard to commercial television broadcasting 

20 

services provided in any other licence areas. 

21 

78HH  Eligibility Rules 

22 

 

(1)  The ACMA may, by writing, make rules (the Eligibility Rules

23 

prescribing matters permitted by a provision of this Division (other 

24 

than this section) to be prescribed by the Eligibility Rules. 

25 

 

(2)  The Eligibility Rules are not a legislative instrument. 

26 

 

(3)  The ACMA must publish a copy of the Eligibility Rules on the 

27 

ACMA's website. 

28 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

39 

Division 9--Listed news media voices 

78JA  Listed news media voices 

Commercial television broadcasting services 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, a commercial television broadcasting 

service set out in the following table is a listed news media voice

 

Commercial television broadcasting services 

Item 

On-air identifier 

Licence area 

Nine 

Adelaide TV 1 

Seven 

Adelaide TV 1 

TEN 

Adelaide TV 1 

Nine 

Brisbane TV 1 

Seven 

Brisbane TV 1 

TEN 

Brisbane TV 1 

Nine 

Melbourne TV 1 

Seven 

Melbourne TV 1 

TEN 

Melbourne TV 1 

10 

Nine 

Northern New South Wales TV 1 

11 

Prime 

Northern New South Wales TV 1 

12 

TEN 

Northern New South Wales TV 1 

13 

Nine Perth 

Perth TV 1 

14 

Seven 

Perth TV 1 

15 

TEN 

Perth TV 1 

16 

Prime 

Regional Queensland TV 1 

17 

Southern Cross TEN 

Regional Queensland TV 1 

18 

WIN Television 

Regional Queensland TV 1 

19 

WIN Television 

Regional Victoria TV 1 

20 

Prime 

Regional Victoria TV 1 

21 

Prime 

Southern New South Wales TV 1 

22 

WIN 

Southern New South Wales TV 1 

23 

Nine 

Sydney TV 1 

24 

Seven 

Sydney TV 1 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

40            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

Commercial television broadcasting services 

Item 

On-air identifier 

Licence area 

25 

TEN 

Sydney TV 1 

26 

Southern Cross Television 

Tasmania TV 1 

 

(2)  If the on-air identifier of a commercial television broadcasting 

service is changed, a reference in the table in subsection (1) to the 

service under its former on-air identifier is to be construed as a 

reference to the service under the new on-air identifier. 

Commercial radio broadcasting services 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Part, a commercial radio broadcasting 

service set out in the following table is a listed news media voice

 

Commercial radio broadcasting services 

Item 

Call sign 

Licence area 

5AA 

Adelaide RA 1 

4BC 

Brisbane RA 1 

3AW 

Melbourne RA 1 

6PR 

Perth RA 1 

2UE 

Sydney RA 1 

2GB 

Sydney RA 1 

 

(4)  If the call sign of a commercial radio broadcasting service is 

changed, a reference in the table in subsection (3) to the service 

10 

under its former call sign is to be construed as a reference to the 

11 

service under the new call sign. 

12 

Subscription television services 

13 

 

(5)  For the purposes of this Part, the subscription television service 

14 

known as Sky News National is a listed news media voice

15 

 

(6)  If the name of a subscription television service is changed, a 

16 

reference in subsection (5) to the service under its former name is 

17 

to be construed as a reference to the service under the new name. 

18 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

41 

Subscription television platform 

 

(7)  For the purposes of this Part, if a subscription television platform is 

a subscription television platform for the branded group of 

subscription television services marketed to the public under the 

Foxtel brand, the platform is a listed news media voice for the 

purposes of this Part. 

Print publications 

 

(8)  For the purposes of this Part, if: 

 

(a)  a print publication is set out in the following table; and 

 

(b)  the publisher of the print publication is a constitutional 

10 

corporation; 

11 

the print publication is a listed news media voice

12 

 

13 

Print publications 

Print publication 

The Advertiser 

The Age 

Australian Financial Review 

The Australian 

The Weekend Australian 

The Courier Mail 

Daily Telegraph 

Herald Sun 

The Sydney Morning Herald 

Sunday Age 

Sun-Herald 

Sunday Herald-Sun 

The Sunday Mail (Adelaide) 

Sunday Mail (Queensland) 

The Sunday Times (Perth) 

Sunday Telegraph 

The Weekly Times (Victoria) 

The West Australian 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

42            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(9)  If the name of a print publication is changed, a reference in the 

table in subsection (8) to the print publication under its former 

name is to be construed as a reference to the print publication 

under the new name. 

Division 10--Register of News Media Voices 

78KA  Register of News Media Voices 

 

(1)  The ACMA is to maintain a register, to be known as the Register 

of News Media Voices, in which are to be made the entries 

required by section 78KB. 

 

(2)  The Register is to be maintained by electronic means. 

10 

 

(3)  The Register is to be made available for inspection on the internet. 

11 

 

(4)  The Register is not a legislative instrument. 

12 

 

(5)  The ACMA must begin to comply with subsection (1): 

13 

 

(a)  as soon as practicable; and 

14 

 

(b)  in any event, within 6 months; 

15 

after the commencement of this section. 

16 

78KB  Registrable news media voices to be entered in the Register 

17 

etc. 

18 

 

(1)  If the ACMA is satisfied that a news media voice is a registrable 

19 

news media voice, the ACMA must enter the news media voice in 

20 

the Register. 

21 

 

(2)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  there is an entry for a news media voice in the Register; and 

23 

 

(b)  the ACMA is satisfied that the news media voice is not a 

24 

registrable news media voice; 

25 

the ACMA must remove the entry from the Register. 

26 

78KC  Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects 

27 

 

  The ACMA may alter the Register for the purposes of correcting a 

28 

clerical error or an obvious defect in the Register. 

29 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

43 

78KD  Legislative instrument--further provision about the 

operation of the Register 

 

  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make further 

provision about the operation of the Register. 

Division 11--Prior opinions by the ACMA 

78LA  Requests to the ACMA to give an opinion on whether a person 

is in a position to control a print publication, an online 

service or a subscription television service etc. 

 

(1)  A person may apply to the ACMA for an opinion as to whether: 

 

(a)  the person is in a position to exercise control of: 

10 

 

(i)  a print publication; or 

11 

 

(ii)  an online service; or 

12 

 

(iii)  a subscription television service; or 

13 

 

(iv)  a subscription television platform; or 

14 

 

(b)  the person would, if a specified transaction took place, be in a 

15 

position to exercise control of: 

16 

 

(i)  a print publication; or 

17 

 

(ii)  an online service; or 

18 

 

(iii)  a subscription television service; or 

19 

 

(iv)  a subscription television platform. 

20 

 

(2)  An application must be in accordance with the form approved, in 

21 

writing, by the ACMA. 

22 

 

(3)  An application must set out the applicant's opinion as to whether 

23 

the applicant is, or would be, in a position to exercise control of the 

24 

print publication, online service, subscription television service or 

25 

subscription television platform, as the case may be. 

26 

 

(4)  If the ACMA considers that additional information is required 

27 

before an opinion can be given, the ACMA may, by written notice 

28 

given to the applicant within 30 days after receiving the 

29 

application, request the applicant to provide that information. 

30 

 

(5)  The ACMA must, as soon as practicable after: 

31 

 

(a)  receiving the application; or 

32 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

44            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(b)  if the ACMA has requested further information--receiving 

that further information; 

give the applicant, in writing, its opinion as to whether the 

applicant is, or would be, in a position to exercise control of the 

relevant print publication, online service, subscription television 

service or subscription television platform, as the case may be. 

 

(6)  If the ACMA has given an opinion under this section to a person 

that the person is not in a position to exercise control of: 

 

(a)  a print publication; or 

 

(b)  an online service; or 

10 

 

(c)  a subscription television service; or 

11 

 

(d)  a subscription television platform; 

12 

neither the ACMA nor any other Government agency may, while 

13 

the circumstances relating to: 

14 

 

(e)  the applicant; and 

15 

 

(f)  the print publication, online service, subscription television 

16 

service or subscription television platform, as the case may 

17 

be; 

18 

remain substantially the same as those advised to the ACMA in 

19 

relation to the application for the opinion, take any action against 

20 

the person under this Act on the basis that the person is in a 

21 

position to exercise control of the print publication, online service, 

22 

subscription television service or subscription television platform, 

23 

as the case may be. 

24 

 

(7)  If the ACMA does not, within 45 days after: 

25 

 

(a)  receiving the application; or 

26 

 

(b)  if the ACMA has requested further information--receiving 

27 

that further information; 

28 

give the applicant, in writing, its opinion as to whether the 

29 

applicant is, or would be, in a position to exercise control of the 

30 

relevant print publication, online service, subscription television 

31 

service or subscription television platform, the ACMA is to be 

32 

taken to have given an opinion at the end of that period that 

33 

accords with the applicant's opinion. 

34 

 

(8)  The ACMA may charge a fee for providing an opinion under this 

35 

section. 

36 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

45 

 

(9)  For the purposes of this section, the PIMA is taken to be a 

Government agency. 

78LB  Requests to the ACMA to give an opinion on whether an 

online service is associated with a non-online service or a 

print publication etc. 

 

(1)  A person may apply to the ACMA for an opinion as to whether an 

online service is associated with: 

 

(a)  a non-online service; or 

 

(b)  a branded group of subscription television services; or 

 

(c)  a print publication. 

10 

 

(2)  An application must be in accordance with the form approved, in 

11 

writing, by the ACMA. 

12 

 

(3)  An application must set out the applicant's opinion as to whether 

13 

the online service is associated with the non-online service, the 

14 

branded group of subscription television services or the print 

15 

publication, as the case may be. 

16 

 

(4)  If the ACMA considers that additional information is required 

17 

before an opinion can be given, the ACMA may, by written notice 

18 

given to the applicant within 30 days after receiving the 

19 

application, request the applicant to provide that information. 

20 

 

(5)  The ACMA must, as soon as practicable after: 

21 

 

(a)  receiving the application; or 

22 

 

(b)  if the ACMA has requested further information--receiving 

23 

that further information; 

24 

give the applicant, in writing, its opinion as to whether the online 

25 

service is associated with the non-online service, the branded group 

26 

of subscription television services or the print publication, as the 

27 

case may be. 

28 

 

(6)  If the ACMA has given an opinion under this section to a person 

29 

that an online service is not associated with: 

30 

 

(a)  a non-online service; or 

31 

 

(b)  a branded group of subscription television services; or 

32 

 

(c)  a print publication; 

33 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

46            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

neither the ACMA nor any other Government agency may, while 

the circumstances relating to: 

 

(d)  the applicant; and 

 

(e)  the non-online service, branded group or print publication, as 

the case may be; 

remain substantially the same as those advised to the ACMA in 

relation to the application for the opinion, take any action against 

the online service under this Act on the basis that the online service 

is associated with the non-online service, the branded group or the 

print publication, as the case may be. 

10 

 

(7)  If the ACMA does not, within 45 days after: 

11 

 

(a)  receiving the application; or 

12 

 

(b)  if the ACMA has requested further information--receiving 

13 

that further information; 

14 

give the applicant, in writing, its opinion as to whether the 

15 

applicant is associated with the relevant non-online service, 

16 

branded group of subscription television services or print 

17 

publication, the ACMA is to be taken to have given an opinion at 

18 

the end of that period that accords with the applicant's opinion. 

19 

 

(8)  The ACMA may charge a fee for providing an opinion under this 

20 

section. 

21 

 

(9)  For the purposes of this section, the PIMA is taken to be a 

22 

Government agency. 

23 

 

(10)  For the purposes of this section, each of the following is a 

24 

non-online service

25 

 

(a)  a commercial television broadcasting service; 

26 

 

(b)  a commercial radio broadcasting service; 

27 

 

(c)  a subscription television service. 

28 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

47 

Division 12--Notification provisions 

Subdivision A--Control of registered news media voices 

78MA  Requirement to notify control and directorships 

Notification by subscription television platform 

 

(1)  If a subscription television platform becomes a registered news 

media voice, the platform must: 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

platform, were in a position to exercise control of the 

platform when the platform became a registered news 

10 

media voice; and 

11 

 

(ii)  the name of each person who was a director of the 

12 

platform when the platform became a registered news 

13 

media voice; and 

14 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the platform became a registered 

15 

news media voice. 

16 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

17 

the ACMA. 

18 

 

(3)  If a subscription television platform is a registered news media 

19 

voice at the end of a financial year, the platform must: 

20 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

21 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

22 

platform, were in a position to exercise control of the 

23 

platform at the end of the financial year; and 

24 

 

(ii)  the name of each person who was a director of the 

25 

platform at the end of the financial year; and 

26 

 

(b)  do so within 3 months after the end of the financial year. 

27 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

28 

the ACMA. 

29 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

48            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

Notification by subscription television licensee 

 

(5)  If a subscription television service becomes a registered news 

media voice, the subscription television licensee who provides the 

service must: 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

licensee, were in a position to exercise control of the 

service when the service became a registered news 

media voice; and 

 

(ii)  the name of each person who was a director of the 

10 

licensee when the service became a registered news 

11 

media voice; and 

12 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the service became a registered 

13 

news media voice. 

14 

 

(6)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

15 

the ACMA. 

16 

 

(7)  If a subscription television service is a registered news media voice 

17 

at the end of a financial year, the subscription television licensee 

18 

who provides the service must: 

19 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

20 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

21 

licensee, were in a position to exercise control of the 

22 

service at the end of the financial year; and 

23 

 

(ii)  the name of each person who was a director of the 

24 

licensee at the end of the financial year; and 

25 

 

(b)  do so within 3 months after the end of the financial year. 

26 

 

(8)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

27 

the ACMA. 

28 

Notification by publisher of a print publication 

29 

 

(9)  If a print publication becomes a registered news media voice, the 

30 

publisher of the print publication must: 

31 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

32 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

33 

publisher, were in a position to exercise control of the 

34 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

49 

print publication when the print publication became a 

registered news media voice; and 

 

(ii)  if the publisher is a company--the name of each person 

who was a director of the publisher when the print 

publication became a registered news media voice; and 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the print publication became a 

registered news media voice. 

 

(10)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

 

(11)  If a print publication is a registered news media voice at the end of 

10 

a financial year, the publisher of the print publication must: 

11 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

12 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

13 

publisher, were in a position to exercise control of the 

14 

print publication at the end of the financial year; and 

15 

 

(ii)  if the publisher is a company--the name of each person 

16 

who was a director of the publisher at the end of the 

17 

financial year; and 

18 

 

(b)  do so within 3 months after the end of the financial year. 

19 

 

(12)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

20 

the ACMA. 

21 

Notification by provider of an online service 

22 

 

(13)  If an online service becomes a registered news media voice, the 

23 

provider of the online service must: 

24 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

25 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

26 

provider, were in a position to exercise control of the 

27 

online service when the online service became a 

28 

registered news media voice; and 

29 

 

(ii)  if the provider is a company--the name of each person 

30 

who was a director of the provider when the online 

31 

service became a registered news media voice; and 

32 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the online service became a 

33 

registered news media voice. 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

50            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(14)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

 

(15)  If an online service is a registered news media voice at the end of a 

financial year, the provider of the online service must: 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

provider, were in a position to exercise control of the 

online service at the end of the financial year; and 

 

(ii)  if the provider is a company--the name of each person 

who was a director of the provider at the end of the 

10 

financial year; and 

11 

 

(b)  do so within 3 months after the end of the financial year. 

12 

 

(16)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

13 

the ACMA. 

14 

Offence 

15 

 

(17)  A person commits an offence if: 

16 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

17 

(3), (5), (7), (9), (11), (13) or (15); and 

18 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

19 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

20 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

21 

78MB  Requirement to notify changes in control 

22 

Notification by subscription television platform 

23 

 

(1)  If: 

24 

 

(a)  a subscription television platform is a registered news media 

25 

voice; and 

26 

 

(b)  the platform becomes aware that: 

27 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

28 

the platform has become in a position to exercise 

29 

control of the platform; or 

30 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

31 

platform has ceased to be in that position; 

32 

the platform must: 

33 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

51 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Notification by subscription television licensee 

 

(3)  If: 

 

(a)  a subscription television service is a registered news media 

voice; and 

 

(b)  the subscription television licensee who provides the service 

becomes aware that: 

10 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

11 

the service has become in a position to exercise control 

12 

of the service; or 

13 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

14 

service has ceased to be in that position; 

15 

the licensee must: 

16 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

17 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

18 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

19 

the ACMA. 

20 

Notification by publisher of print publication 

21 

 

(5)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  a print publication is a registered news media voice; and 

23 

 

(b)  the publisher of the print publication becomes aware that: 

24 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

25 

the print publication has become in a position to 

26 

exercise control of the print publication; or 

27 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

28 

print publication has ceased to be in that position; 

29 

the publisher must: 

30 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

31 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

32 

 

(6)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

33 

the ACMA. 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

52            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

Notification by provider of online service 

 

(7)  If: 

 

(a)  an online service is a registered news media voice; and 

 

(b)  the provider of the online service becomes aware that: 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

the online service has become in a position to exercise 

control of the online service; or 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

online service has ceased to be in that position; 

the provider must: 

10 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

11 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

12 

 

(8)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

13 

the ACMA. 

14 

Offence 

15 

 

(9)  A person commits an offence if: 

16 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

17 

(3), (5) or (7); and 

18 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

19 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

20 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

21 

78MC  Person who obtains control must notify the ACMA 

22 

Notification by controller of subscription television platform 

23 

 

(1)  If: 

24 

 

(a)  a subscription television platform is a registered news media 

25 

voice; and 

26 

 

(b)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of the 

27 

platform becomes aware that the person is in a position to 

28 

exercise control of the platform; 

29 

the person must: 

30 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

31 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

53 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Notification by controller of subscription television service 

 

(3)  If: 

 

(a)  a subscription television service is a registered news media 

voice; and 

 

(b)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of the 

service becomes aware that the person is in a position to 

exercise control of the service; 

the person must: 

10 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

11 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

12 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

13 

the ACMA. 

14 

Notification by controller of print publication 

15 

 

(5)  If: 

16 

 

(a)  a print publication is a registered news media voice; and 

17 

 

(b)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of the 

18 

print publication becomes aware that the person is in a 

19 

position to exercise control of the print publication; 

20 

the person must: 

21 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

22 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

23 

 

(6)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

24 

the ACMA. 

25 

Notification by controller of online service 

26 

 

(7)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  an online service is a registered news media voice; and 

28 

 

(b)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of the 

29 

online service becomes aware that the person is in a position 

30 

to exercise control of the online service; 

31 

the person must: 

32 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

33 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

54            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

 

(8)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Offence 

 

(9)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

(3), (5) or (7); and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

10 

Subdivision B--Control of listed news media voices 

11 

78MD  Notification of control events that occurred during the 

12 

pre-commencement period 

13 

Scope 

14 

 

(1)  This section applies if: 

15 

 

(a)  one or more transactions took place during the 

16 

pre-commencement period; and 

17 

 

(b)  the transactions had the result that a control event occurred in 

18 

relation to one or more listed news media voices; and 

19 

 

(c)  a person was: 

20 

 

(i)  a party to the transactions; or 

21 

 

(ii)  in a position to prevent the transactions taking place. 

22 

Notification 

23 

 

(2)  The person must: 

24 

 

(a)  notify the PIMA, in writing, of: 

25 

 

(i)  the transactions; and 

26 

 

(ii)  the occurrence of the control event; and 

27 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the commencement of this section. 

28 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

55 

Offence 

 

(3)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (2); 

and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

78ME  Notification of controllers of listed news media voices etc. 

Notification by subscription television platform 

 

(1)  If a subscription television platform is a listed news media voice 

10 

immediately after the commencement of this section, the platform 

11 

must: 

12 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

13 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

14 

platform, were in a position to exercise control of the 

15 

platform immediately after the commencement of this 

16 

section; and 

17 

 

(ii)  the name of each person who was a director of the 

18 

platform immediately after the commencement of this 

19 

section; and 

20 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the commencement of this section. 

21 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

22 

the ACMA. 

23 

Notification by subscription television licensee 

24 

 

(3)  If a subscription television service is a listed news media voice 

25 

immediately after the commencement of this section, the 

26 

subscription television licensee who provides the service must: 

27 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

28 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

29 

licensee, were in a position to exercise control of the 

30 

service immediately after the commencement of this 

31 

section; and 

32 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

56            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(ii)  the name of each person who was a director of the 

licensee immediately after the commencement of this 

section; and 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the commencement of this section. 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Notification by publisher of a print publication 

 

(5)  If a print publication is a listed news media voice immediately after 

the commencement of this section, the publisher of the print 

publication must: 

10 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

11 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

12 

publisher, were in a position to exercise control of the 

13 

print publication immediately after the commencement 

14 

of this section; and 

15 

 

(ii)  if the publisher is a company--the name of each person 

16 

who was a director of the publisher immediately after 

17 

the commencement of this section; and 

18 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the commencement of this section. 

19 

 

(6)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

20 

the ACMA. 

21 

Notification by provider of an online service 

22 

 

(7)  If an online service is a listed news media voice immediately after 

23 

the commencement of this section, the provider of the online 

24 

service must: 

25 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA in writing: 

26 

 

(i)  details of the persons who, to the knowledge of the 

27 

provider, were in a position to exercise control of the 

28 

online service immediately after the commencement of 

29 

this section; and 

30 

 

(ii)  if the provider is a company--the name of each person 

31 

who was a director of the provider immediately after the 

32 

commencement of this section; and 

33 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the commencement of this section. 

34 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

57 

 

(8)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Offence 

 

(9)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

(3), (5) or (7); and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

78MF  Requirement to notify changes in control 

10 

Notification by subscription television platform 

11 

 

(1)  If: 

12 

 

(a)  a subscription television platform is a listed news media 

13 

voice; and 

14 

 

(b)  during the interim period, the platform becomes aware that: 

15 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

16 

the platform has become in a position to exercise 

17 

control of the platform; or 

18 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

19 

platform has ceased to be in that position; 

20 

the platform must: 

21 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

22 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

23 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

24 

the ACMA. 

25 

Notification by subscription television licensee 

26 

 

(3)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  a subscription television service is a listed news media voice; 

28 

and 

29 

 

(b)  during the interim period, the subscription television licensee 

30 

who provides the service becomes aware that: 

31 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

58            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

the service has become in a position to exercise control 

of the service; or 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

service has ceased to be in that position; 

the licensee must: 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

10 

Notification by publisher of print publication 

11 

 

(5)  If: 

12 

 

(a)  a print publication is a listed news media voice; and 

13 

 

(b)  during the interim period, the publisher of the print 

14 

publication becomes aware that: 

15 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

16 

the print publication has become in a position to 

17 

exercise control of the print publication; or 

18 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

19 

print publication has ceased to be in that position; 

20 

the publisher must: 

21 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

22 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

23 

 

(6)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

24 

the ACMA. 

25 

Notification by provider of online service 

26 

 

(7)  If: 

27 

 

(a)  an online service is a listed news media voice; and 

28 

 

(b)  during the interim period, the provider of the online service 

29 

becomes aware that: 

30 

 

(i)  a person who was not in a position to exercise control of 

31 

the online service has become in a position to exercise 

32 

control of the online service; or 

33 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

59 

 

(ii)  a person who was in a position to exercise control of the 

online service has ceased to be in that position; 

the provider must: 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that event; and 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

 

(8)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Offence 

 

(9)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

10 

(3), (5) or (7); and 

11 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

12 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

13 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

14 

78MG  Person who obtains control must notify the ACMA 

15 

Notification by controller of subscription television platform 

16 

 

(1)  If: 

17 

 

(a)  a subscription television platform is a listed news media 

18 

voice; and 

19 

 

(b)  during the interim period, a person who was not in a position 

20 

to exercise control of the platform becomes aware that the 

21 

person is in a position to exercise control of the platform; 

22 

the person must: 

23 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

24 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

25 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

26 

the ACMA. 

27 

Notification by controller of subscription television service 

28 

 

(3)  If: 

29 

 

(a)  a subscription television service is a listed news media voice; 

30 

and 

31 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

60            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(b)  during the interim period, a person who was not in a position 

to exercise control of the service becomes aware that the 

person is in a position to exercise control of the service; 

the person must: 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

the ACMA. 

Notification by controller of print publication 

 

(5)  If: 

10 

 

(a)  a print publication is a listed news media voice; and 

11 

 

(b)  during the interim period, a person who was not in a position 

12 

to exercise control of the print publication becomes aware 

13 

that the person is in a position to exercise control of the print 

14 

publication; 

15 

the person must: 

16 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

17 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

18 

 

(6)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

19 

the ACMA. 

20 

Notification by controller of online service 

21 

 

(7)  If: 

22 

 

(a)  an online service is a listed news media voice; and 

23 

 

(b)  during the interim period, a person who was not in a position 

24 

to exercise control of the online service becomes aware that 

25 

the person is in a position to exercise control of the online 

26 

service; 

27 

the person must: 

28 

 

(c)  notify the ACMA, in writing, of that position; and 

29 

 

(d)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

30 

 

(8)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

31 

the ACMA. 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

61 

Offence 

 

(9)  A person commits an offence if: 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

(3), (5) or (7); and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

Subdivision C--Notification of registrability 

78MH  Initial notification of registrability 

 

(1)  If, at the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

10 

commercial television broadcasting service is a registrable news 

11 

media voice, the commercial television broadcasting licensee who 

12 

provides the service must: 

13 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service is a registrable 

14 

news media voice; and 

15 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the initial Eligibility Rules 

16 

completion day. 

17 

 

(2)  If, at the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

18 

commercial radio broadcasting service is a registrable news media 

19 

voice, the commercial radio broadcasting licensee who provides 

20 

the service must: 

21 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service is a registrable 

22 

news media voice; and 

23 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the initial Eligibility Rules 

24 

completion day. 

25 

 

(3)  If, at the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

26 

subscription television service is a registrable news media voice, 

27 

the subscription television licensee who provides the service must: 

28 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service is a registrable 

29 

news media voice; and 

30 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the initial notification day. 

31 

 

(4)  If, at the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

32 

subscription television platform is a registrable news media voice, 

33 

the platform must: 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

62            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the platform is a 

registrable news media voice; and 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the initial Eligibility Rules 

completion day. 

 

(5)  If, at the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a print 

publication is a registrable news media voice, the publisher of the 

print publication must: 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the print publication is a 

registrable news media voice; and 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the initial Eligibility Rules 

10 

completion day. 

11 

 

(6)  If, at the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, an 

12 

online service is a registrable news media voice, the provider of the 

13 

service must: 

14 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service is a registrable 

15 

news media voice; and 

16 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the initial Eligibility Rules 

17 

completion day. 

18 

Offence 

19 

 

(7)  A person commits an offence if: 

20 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

21 

(2), (3), (4), (5) or (6); and 

22 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

23 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

24 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

25 

78MJ  Subsequent notification of registrability 

26 

 

(1)  If, after the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

27 

commercial television broadcasting service becomes a registrable 

28 

news media voice, the commercial television broadcasting licensee 

29 

who provides the service must: 

30 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service has become a 

31 

registrable news media voice; and 

32 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

33 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

63 

 

(2)  If, after the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

commercial radio broadcasting service becomes a registrable news 

media voice, the commercial radio broadcasting licensee who 

provides the service must: 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service has become a 

registrable news media voice; and 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

 

(3)  If, after the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

subscription television service becomes a registrable news media 

voice, the subscription television licensee who provides the service 

10 

must: 

11 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service has become a 

12 

registrable news media voice; and 

13 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

14 

 

(4)  If, after the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

15 

subscription television platform becomes a registrable news media 

16 

voice, the platform must: 

17 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the platform has become a 

18 

registrable news media voice; and 

19 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

20 

 

(5)  If, after the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, a 

21 

print publication becomes a registrable news media voice, the 

22 

publisher of the print publication must: 

23 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the print publication has 

24 

become a registrable news media voice; and 

25 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

26 

 

(6)  If, after the start of the initial Eligibility Rules completion day, an 

27 

online service becomes a registrable news media voice, the 

28 

provider of the service must: 

29 

 

(a)  notify the ACMA, in writing, that the service has become a 

30 

registrable news media voice; and 

31 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

32 

Offence 

33 

 

(7)  A person commits an offence if: 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

64            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1), 

(2), (3), (4), (5) or (6); and 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

Penalty for contravention of this subsection: 500 penalty units. 

Subdivision D--Notification of certain subscription television 

services 

78MK  Requirement to notify composition of branded group of 

subscription television services 

 

(1)  If there is a branded group of subscription television services 

10 

immediately after the commencement of this section, a 

11 

subscription television platform for the group must: 

12 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA, in writing, details of the subscription 

13 

television services included in the group immediately after 

14 

the commencement of this section; and 

15 

 

(b)  do so within 28 days after the commencement of this section. 

16 

 

(2)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

17 

the ACMA. 

18 

 

(3)  If a subscription television platform for a branded group of 

19 

subscription television services becomes aware of a change in the 

20 

composition of the subscription television services included in the 

21 

group, the platform must: 

22 

 

(a)  give to the ACMA, in writing, details of the change; and 

23 

 

(b)  do so within 5 days after becoming so aware. 

24 

 

(4)  The details are to be provided in a form approved, in writing, by 

25 

the ACMA. 

26 

Offence 

27 

 

(5)  A person commits an offence if: 

28 

 

(a)  the person is subject to a requirement under subsection (1) or 

29 

(3); and 

30 

 

(b)  the person omits to do an act; and 

31 

 

(c)  the omission breaches the requirement. 

32 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

65 

Penalty:  500 penalty units. 

Multiple subscription television platforms 

 

(6)  If: 

 

(a)  this section imposes a notification obligation on a 

subscription television platform for a branded group of 

subscription television services; and 

 

(b)  there are 2 or more subscription television platforms for the 

branded group; and 

 

(c)  the obligation is discharged by one of those platforms; 

the obligation is taken to have been discharged by each of those 

10 

platforms. 

11 

Subdivision E--Miscellaneous 

12 

78ML  Strict liability offences 

13 

 

  An offence against this Division is an offence of strict liability. 

14 

Note: 

For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code

15 

78MM  Designated infringement notice provisions 

16 

 

  Sections 78MA, 78MB, 78MC, 78MD, 78ME, 78MF, 78MG, 

17 

78MH, 78MJ and 78MK are designated infringement notice 

18 

provisions. 

19 

Division 13--Miscellaneous 

20 

78NA  Online service provider 

21 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Part, a person does not provide an online 

22 

service merely because the person supplies a carriage service that 

23 

enables content to be delivered or accessed. 

24 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, a person does not provide an online 

25 

service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a 

26 

fee collection service, in relation to an online service. 

27 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

66            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

78NB  When an online service is associated with a non-online service 

or a print publication etc. 

Non-online service 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this section, each of the following is a 

non-online service

 

(a)  a commercial television broadcasting service; 

 

(b)  a commercial radio broadcasting service; 

 

(c)  a subscription television service. 

 

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, an online service is associated with a 

non-online service if, and only if, the public would reasonably 

10 

believe that the online service and the non-online service are 

11 

associated with each other, having regard to: 

12 

 

(a)  the extent of the sameness or similarity of the brands under 

13 

which the online service and the non-online service are 

14 

marketed to the public; and 

15 

 

(b)  the extent to which the online service and the non-online 

16 

service share the same or similar news or current affairs 

17 

content; and 

18 

 

(c)  the extent to which the same person is, or the same persons 

19 

are, in a position to exercise control of the online service and 

20 

the non-online service. 

21 

Branded group of subscription television services 

22 

 

(3)  For the purposes of this Part, an online service is associated with a 

23 

branded group of subscription television services if, and only if, the 

24 

public would reasonably believe that the online service and the 

25 

branded group are associated with each other, having regard to: 

26 

 

(a)  the extent of the sameness or similarity of the brands under 

27 

which the online service and the branded group are marketed 

28 

to the public; and 

29 

 

(b)  the extent to which the online service and any of the 

30 

subscription television services included in the branded group 

31 

share the same or similar news or current affairs content; and 

32 

 

(c)  the extent to which the same person is, or the same persons 

33 

are, in a position to exercise of the online service and any of 

34 

the subscription television services included in the branded 

35 

group. 

36 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

67 

Print publication 

 

(4)  For the purposes of this Part, an online service is associated with a 

print publication if, and only if, the public would reasonably 

believe that the online service and the print publication are 

associated with each other, having regard to: 

 

(a)  the extent of the sameness or similarity of the brands under 

which the online service and the print publication are 

marketed to the public; and 

 

(b)  the extent to which the online service and the print 

publication share the same or similar news or current affairs 

10 

content; and 

11 

 

(c)  the extent to which the same person is, or the same persons 

12 

are, in a position to exercise control of the online service and 

13 

the print publication. 

14 

78NC  Initial Register completion day 

15 

 

(1)  If a particular day is the first day after the commencement of this 

16 

section on which the ACMA is satisfied that all registrable news 

17 

media voices have been entered in the Register, the ACMA must, 

18 

by writing, declare that the next following day is the initial 

19 

Register completion day for the purposes of this Part. 

20 

 

(2)  An instrument under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument. 

21 

 

(3)  The ACMA must publish a copy of an instrument under 

22 

subsection (1) on the ACMA's website. 

23 

78ND  Initial Eligibility Rules completion day 

24 

 

(1)  If a particular day is the first day after the commencement of this 

25 

section on which Eligibility Rules are in force for the purposes of 

26 

each of the following provisions: 

27 

 

(a)  paragraph 78HA(1)(a); 

28 

 

(b)  paragraph 78HA(1)(b); 

29 

 

(c)  paragraph 78HB(1)(a); 

30 

 

(d)  paragraph 78HB(1)(b); 

31 

 

(e)  paragraph 78HC(1)(a); 

32 

 

(f)  paragraph 78HC(1)(b); 

33 

 

(g)  paragraph 78HD(1)(a); 

34 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

68            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(h)  paragraph 78HD(1)(b); 

 

(i)  paragraph 78HE(1)(a); 

 

(j)  paragraph 78HE(1)(b); 

 

(k)  paragraph 78HF(1)(b); 

 

(l)  subsection 78HG(1); 

the ACMA must, by writing, declare that the next following day is 

the initial Eligibility Rules completion day for the purposes of this 

Part. 

 

(2)  An instrument under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument. 

 

(3)  The ACMA must publish a copy of an instrument under 

10 

subsection (1) on the ACMA's website. 

11 

78NE  Part has effect notwithstanding Competition and Consumer 

12 

Act 

13 

 

  The provisions of this Part have effect notwithstanding the 

14 

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

15 

21  Section 205PA 

16 

After: 

17 

•  

The Federal Court may also grant injunctions in relation to 

18 

transactions that are prohibited under Division 5A of Part 5 

19 

(which deals with media diversity). 

20 

insert: 

21 

•  

The Federal Court may also grant injunctions in relation to 

22 

transactions that are prohibited under Part 5A (which deals 

23 

with news media diversity). 

24 

22  Section 205Q 

25 

Omit "or 61AMB", substitute ", 61AMB, 78BE or 78BF". 

26 

23  Section 205ZA 

27 

Before "The penalty", insert "(1)". 

28 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

69 

24  Paragraph 205ZA(a) 

Omit "or a subscription television broadcasting licensee", substitute ", a 

subscription television broadcasting licensee, a subscription television 

broadcasting platform, the publisher of a print publication or the 

provider of an online service". 

25  At the end of section 205ZA 

Add: 

 

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1), print publication and online 

service have the same respective meanings as in Part 5A. 

26  Subsection 214(1) 

10 

After "66(2),", insert "78ED(2),". 

11 

27  Subclause 1(1) of Schedule 1 

12 

Omit "subscription television broadcasting licences", substitute 

13 

"subscription television licences". 

14 

28  Subclause 1(1) of Schedule 1 

15 

Omit "newspapers and companies", substitute "newspapers, print 

16 

publications, online services and companies". 

17 

29  Subclause 1(1) of Schedule 1 

18 

Omit "licence, a newspaper", substitute "licence, a newspaper, a print 

19 

publication, an online service". 

20 

30  Subclause 1(1) of Schedule 1 

21 

Omit "and 3", substitute ", 3, 3A and 3B". 

22 

31  Subclause 1(1) of Schedule 1 

23 

Omit "or a newspaper", substitute ", a newspaper, a print publication or 

24 

an online service". 

25 

32  Subclause 1(1) of Schedule 1 

26 

Omit "or the newspaper", substitute ", the newspaper, the print 

27 

publication or the online service". 

28 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

70            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

33  Subclause 1(2) of Schedule 1 

After "74", insert "or 78LA". 

34  After clause 1 of Schedule 1 

Insert: 

1A  Definitions 

 

  In this Schedule: 

online service has the same meaning as in Part 5A. 

print publication has the same meaning as in Part 5A. 

35  After paragraph 2(1)(c) of Schedule 1 

Insert: 

10 

 

(ca)  in the case of a company that is a subscription television 

11 

platform for a branded group of subscription television 

12 

services--the person is in a position, either alone or together 

13 

with an associate of the person and whether directly or 

14 

indirectly, to exercise control of the selection of the 

15 

subscription television services included in the branded 

16 

group; or 

17 

36  At the end of clause 3 of Schedule 1 

18 

Add: 

19 

 

(4)  More than one person may be in a position to exercise control of a 

20 

newspaper. 

21 

37  After clause 3 of Schedule 1 

22 

Insert: 

23 

3A  When a person is in a position to exercise control of a print 

24 

publication (other than a newspaper) 

25 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Schedule, a person is in a position to 

26 

exercise control of a print publication (other than a newspaper) if: 

27 

 

(a)  the person is the publisher of the print publication; or 

28 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

71 

 

(b)  the person is in a position, either alone or together with an 

associate of the person and whether directly or indirectly: 

 

(i)  to exercise control of a significant proportion of the 

operations of the publisher in publishing the print 

publication; or 

 

(ii)  to exercise control of the selection or provision of a 

significant proportion of the material to be published in 

the print publication; or 

 

(c)  if the print publication is published by a company: 

 

(i)  the person is in a position, either alone or together with 

10 

an associate of the person, to exercise control of the 

11 

company; or 

12 

 

(ii)  the person, either alone or together with an associate of 

13 

the person, is in a position to veto any action taken by 

14 

the board of directors of the company; or 

15 

 

(iii)  the person, either alone or together with an associate of 

16 

the person, is in a position to appoint or secure the 

17 

appointment of, or veto the appointment of, at least half 

18 

of the board of directors of the company; or 

19 

 

(iv)  the person, either alone or together with an associate of 

20 

the person, is in a position to exercise, in any other 

21 

manner, whether directly or indirectly, direction or 

22 

restraint over any substantial issue affecting the 

23 

management or affairs of the company; or 

24 

 

(v)  the company or more than 50% of its directors: 

25 

 

(A)  act, or are accustomed to act; or 

26 

 

(B)  under a contract or an arrangement or 

27 

understanding (whether formal or informal) are 

28 

intended or expected to act; 

29 

 

  in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes 

30 

of, or in concert with, the person or of the person and an 

31 

associate of the person acting together or, if the person 

32 

is a company, of the directors of the person. 

33 

 

(2)  Subparagraph (1)(b)(ii) does not apply to the provision of material 

34 

by a person to a print publication (other than a newspaper) under 

35 

an agreement for the supply of material of that kind if the 

36 

conditions of the agreement relate only to the material so supplied. 

37 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

72            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(3)  An employee of the publisher of a print publication (other than a 

newspaper) is not, except through an association with another 

person, to be regarded as being in a position to control the print 

publication under subclause (1) purely because of being an 

employee. 

 

(4)  More than one person may be in a position to exercise control of a 

print publication (other than a newspaper). 

3B  When a person is in a position to exercise control of an online 

service 

 

(1)  For the purposes of this Schedule, a person is in a position to 

10 

exercise control of an online service if: 

11 

 

(a)  the person is the provider of the online service; or 

12 

 

(b)  the person is in a position, either alone or together with an 

13 

associate of the person and whether directly or indirectly: 

14 

 

(i)  to exercise control of a significant proportion of the 

15 

operations of the provider in providing the online 

16 

service; or 

17 

 

(ii)  to exercise control of the selection or provision of a 

18 

significant proportion of the content to be provided by 

19 

the online service; or 

20 

 

(c)  if the online service is provided by a company: 

21 

 

(i)  the person is in a position, either alone or together with 

22 

an associate of the person, to exercise control of the 

23 

company; or 

24 

 

(ii)  the person, either alone or together with an associate of 

25 

the person, is in a position to veto any action taken by 

26 

the board of directors of the company; or 

27 

 

(iii)  the person, either alone or together with an associate of 

28 

the person, is in a position to appoint or secure the 

29 

appointment of, or veto the appointment of, at least half 

30 

of the board of directors of the company; or 

31 

 

(iv)  the person, either alone or together with an associate of 

32 

the person, is in a position to exercise, in any other 

33 

manner, whether directly or indirectly, direction or 

34 

restraint over any substantial issue affecting the 

35 

management or affairs of the company; or 

36 

Amendments  Schedule 1 

   

 

 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 2013            

73 

 

(v)  the company or more than 50% of its directors: 

 

(A)  act, or are accustomed to act; or 

 

(B)  under a contract or an arrangement or 

understanding (whether formal or informal) are 

intended or expected to act; 

 

  in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes 

of, or in concert with, the person or of the person and an 

associate of the person acting together or, if the person 

is a company, of the directors of the person. 

 

(2)  Subparagraph (1)(b)(ii) does not apply to the provision of content 

10 

by a person to the provider of an online service under an agreement 

11 

for the supply of content of that kind if the conditions of the 

12 

agreement relate only to the content so supplied. 

13 

 

(3)  An employee of the provider of an online service is not, except 

14 

through an association with another person, to be regarded as being 

15 

in a position to control the online service under subclause (1) 

16 

purely because of being an employee. 

17 

 

(4)  More than one person may be in a position to exercise control of an 

18 

online service. 

19 

38  Subclause 4(1) of Schedule 1 

20 

Omit "licence or newspaper", substitute "licence, newspaper, print 

21 

publication or online service". 

22 

39  After subclause 4(3) of Schedule 1 

23 

Insert: 

24 

 

(3A)  Subclause (1) does not apply in relation to being in a position to 

25 

exercise control of a print publication (other than a newspaper) if 

26 

the lender or a controller of the lender: 

27 

 

(a)  controls the selection or provision of any of the material to be 

28 

published in the print publication; or 

29 

 

(b)  appoints or secures the appointment of at least half of the 

30 

board of directors of the media company that publishes the 

31 

print publication; or 

32 

 

(c)  vetoes the appointment of at least half of the board of 

33 

directors of the media company that publishes the print 

34 

publication otherwise than: 

35 

Schedule 1  Amendments 

   

 

 

74            Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013       No.      , 

2013 

 

(i)  under a loan agreement or an agreement or transaction 

referred to in paragraph (1)(b); and 

 

(ii)  in the ordinary course of carrying on a business of 

providing financial accommodation. 

 

(3B)  Subclause (1) does not apply in relation to being in a position to 

exercise control of an online service if the lender or a controller of 

the lender: 

 

(a)  controls the selection or provision of any of the content to be 

provided by the online service; or 

 

(b)  appoints or secures the appointment of at least half of the 

10 

board of directors of the media company that provides the 

11 

online service; or 

12 

 

(c)  vetoes the appointment of at least half of the board of 

13 

directors of the media company that provides the online 

14 

service otherwise than: 

15 

 

(i)  under a loan agreement or an agreement or transaction 

16 

referred to in paragraph (1)(b); and 

17 

 

(ii)  in the ordinary course of carrying on a business of 

18 

providing financial accommodation. 

19 

40  Subclause 4(4) of Schedule 1 (after paragraph (c) of the 

20 

definition of media company

21 

Insert: 

22 

 

(ca)  a company that publishes a print publication; or 

23 

 

(cb)  a company that provides an online service; or 

24 

 

(cc)  a company that is a subscription television platform for a 

25 

branded group of subscription television services; or 

26 

 


[Index] [Search] [Download] [Related Items] [Help]