We always suspected that the Murdoch media empire wasn't big enough. Thankfully, the new political outlook on media ownership laws might be just what we need to ensure worldwide News Corp domination.
Media ownership laws in Australia have always tried to encourage diversity among big commercial players. Although not necessarily a model of success, "unacceptable control" rules are all that prevent Australia's media scene from turning into News Corp's personal mouthpiece.
The "two out of three" rule in the Broadcasting Services Act prevents a single entity from owning more than two of a newspaper, a radio licence and a TV station in the same market. This is supported by the "75% reach" rule that protects us from the creation of cartel television networks by preventing a company from controlling commercial television licences that reach more than three quarters of the national population.
But the new government's expressed attitude towards media policy could spell the demise of the little restraint we have left. Malcolm Turnbull's suggestions of reform to media ownership rules would clear the way for News Corp to convert Lachlan Murdoch's control of the Ten Network into the Murdoch portfolio.
Perhaps the only thing that might save us from a homogenous media landscape and consequent zombie apocalypse is the ACCC. Chairman Rod Sims has indicated that News Corp would struggle to get approval for any expansion into free-to-air television, particularly after it had already approved New Corp's takeover of James Packer's pay TV company in 2012. But with increasing speculation that Mr Turnbull will drop the "75% reach" rule with the end of the analogue-era, "two out of three" may well follow and we could be facing a Fox News future.
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