The three-person Convergence Review Committee, which will undertake a review of Australia’s media and communications regulatory framework, has been finalised with the appointment of Louise McElvogue, founding partner of Macleod Media.

 

The Committee is chaired by  Mr Glen Boreham,  former Managing Director of IBM Australia and New Zealand, and also includes Mr Malcolm Long, a former member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority and director of Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group.

 

'Convergence'  is seen as the trend whereby devices, such as televisions, mobile phones and computers, and platforms, such as broadcast, telecommunications and broadband, that once had distinct functions may now support many different services and applications.

 

The review will examine the operation of media and communications regulation in Australia in the context of the trends in technological innovation which are changing consumer media consumption habits and business models. It will assess legislative measures, including those contained in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and the Telecommunications Act 1997, particularly as they relate to the regulation of content and converging content delivery platforms.

 

It will also consider to the structure of the broadcasting, media and communications industries in Australia, to the role of the regulator (the Australian Communications and Media Authority) and to the views and expectations of the Australian public.

 

The Committee will deliver its final report in the first quarter of 2012.

 

More information is at http://www.dbcde.gov.au/digital_economy/convergence_review#terms