Media ‘faces challenges’

AUSTRALIAN media is facing major challenges from overseas interlopers but trusted journalism remains highly valued for delivering local content which is “not readily replicated or replaced”, News Corp executive chairman Michael Miller said yesterday.

“It is a cruel irony that here we are, organisations who invest in journalism and support the creation of unique, local content for Australian audiences, in the fight of our lives against international players – who, despite their scale, lack our local commitment, influence and impact,” Mr Miller said in an address to the Melbourne Press Club.

Australian media, which supports 30,000 jobs, must work collaboratively to push for media law reform, including the 75 per cent reach and two-outof-three rules, limiting radio, television and newspaper ownership in one market and ensure tough copyright protections.