Digital Television and Multichannelling : Changes Under the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television) Act 2006

Earlier this year the Australian Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts released a Discussion Paper on Media Reform Options as a precursor to the Commonwealth government's long anticipated media reforms. The Discussion Paper sought comments in relation to three broad areas of reform: relaxation of the current cross-media and foreign ownership restrictions, modification to the anti-siphoning regime, and changes to the laws concerning digital television. The Discussion Paper also outlined the government's preferred approach to reform in these areas. Following a short period for public response the Minister released the government's final policy package, and subsequently, on 14 September 2006, three bills were introduced into the Senate. These bills were passed by Federal parliament, with some amendments, on 18 October 2006. This article outlines the amendments to the digital television regime under the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television) Act 2006 (Cth). In particular, it focuses on the expanded right for commercial and national broadcasters to use the spectrum set aside for digital television to provide 'multichannel' services