Media pluralism

These powers and functions cover a range of regulatory and development activities, including, but not limited to:

• licensing of broadcasters,
• publishing codes and rules governing the practices and standards of regulated entities,
• assessing mergers involving media organisations,
• supervising related obligations of online platforms, and
• the development and implementation of strategies for the media sector.

Media pluralism is an established concept in human rights, linked to the right to freedom of expression. Free and pluralistic media are recognised as pillars of modern democracy, allowing for the flow of information and the possibility to hold power to account.

We have identified a range of risks and challenges to media pluralism, including media market conditions, challenges to the provision of a diverse range of content, and levels of awareness of and engagement with various aspects of the media landscape.

Our Media Pluralism Policy

Our Media Pluralism Policy explains our understanding of media pluralism, and how media pluralism guides the work that we do.

The Policy sets out:

• Our role in promoting and safeguarding media pluralism;
• Our vision, objectives, and desired outcomes related to media pluralism; and
• A series of indicators that form the basis for measuring media pluralism and to guide our future work. These include:
  1. the viability of media services,
  2. concentration in media markets,
  3. representation in media content,
  4. transparency and accountability in the operations of regulated entities,
  5. the extent of exposure to a range of services and content, and
  6. levels of independence from political, commercial, or other influence.

To safeguard and promote media pluralism, the Policy also outlines the importance of:

• public service media,
• quality and independent journalism,
• informed choice and access to media, and
• innovation and inclusion in the media landscape.