The federal government has ordered an independent report into the news media industry, with a focus on sustainable business models in international markets.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications awarded the tender to Queensland University of Technology, according to AFR reports, worth about $220,000.
The Assessment of Media Business Models and Supports report will look into “existing, emerging and novel business models for the production and distribution of news and media content”.
A second section of the report will “evaluate the regulatory and non-regulatory measures employed (or being considered) in comparable jurisdictions”.
“In December 2019, the government announced it would be undertaking a staged process of regulatory reform towards platform-neutral regulation of the Australian media as part of its response to the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry report," a department spokesperson told the AFR.
"The department seeks expert advice on the range of media business models that have been adopted in overseas markets, and what measures have been put in place, or are being considered, to support media providers to transition to a more sustainable footing.
"This analysis is distinct from previous consultancies and inquiries in terms of scope, as it is focused on international precedent and best practice, rather than on developments in Australia, and on media content markets broadly, rather than just advertising markets and news production."
The report is due to be handed to the government on October 6.
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