ABC forced to increase rural, regional coverage under revived government plan

The broadcaster will be forced to increase rural, regional coverage under revived legislation.

Legislation is set to force the ABC to focus its coverage on rural and regional issues. Picture: AFP

The ABC will be forced to increase its coverage and involvement with rural and regional Australia under revived government plans to alter the national broadcaster’s charter.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher re-introduced legislation which would require two ABC board members to require links to, or experience in, regional areas.

The proposed legislation would also involve the creation of a regional advisory council, to reflect the views of local communities. The ABC board would be required to consult with the council on any change to its services which would impact regional Australia.

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Communications Minister Paul Fletcher. Picture: AAP

Mr Fletcher’s announcement comes two years after a plan was first introduced by Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie in a bid to focus the public broadcaster’s attention on rural areas.

In October 2017 the Coalition introduced The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Rural and Regional Measures) Bill 2017 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Fair and Balanced) Bill 2017, which would require news to be ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’.

“The bill contains a range of measures to strengthen to focus of the ABC on rural and regional communities,” Mr Fletcher said.

“These constitute important safeguards for those Australians living outside of capital cities and larger metro areas.”

A spokesman for the ABC said it “will always prioritise its investment” in regional and rural Australia.

“The ABC is unparalleled in its service to regional Australians. While commercial media retreats from rural and regional Australia, the ABC’s commitment is stronger than ever,” the spokesman said.

“This Bill is identical to one introduced to Parliament in 2017. Despite further cuts to its budget, over the last two years the ABC has increased its investment in regional media by $15 million per annum, creating an additional 80 new jobs.”

Mr Fletcher’s announcement follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final report into the market power of digital platforms, which included a recommendation for more funding of ABC and SBS.