On 30 November 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced a series of initial reforms in relation to the Convergence Review. These reforms included the following regulatory announcements:
- the introduction of Australian content requirements for commercial television broadcasters from 2013;
- a decision not to issue spectrum or broadcast licences for a fourth free-to-air television network; and
- repeal of the “75 per cent reach rule”. This will remove the restriction on a person controlling a network of commercial television stations that has an audience reach of greater than 75 per cent of the Australian population.
A Regulation Impact Statement was required for these regulatory measures but the Prime Minister granted an exemption on the basis of exceptional circumstances. A post implementation review will be required within 1 to 2 years of implementation.