13 August 2018
The Turnbull Government has commenced an efficiency review of the public broadcasters which was announced in the May Budget.
Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield, said the review would support the organisations to identify best public broadcasting practice.
“The ABC and SBS are vital public news and cultural institutions that are an important underpinning of media diversity and represent a major Commonwealth contribution to civic journalism,” Minister Fifield said.
“In the fast-evolving world of media organisations, it is important to support our public broadcasters to be the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars in undertaking their important work for the community.”
“The review will assist the public broadcasters as they approach the next funding triennium through which more than $3.9 billion will be provided from July 2019.”
Peter Tonagh and Richard Bean will conduct the review, assisted by the Department of Communications and the Arts in cooperation with the ABC and SBS.
Mr Tonagh has significant broadcasting and media experience including as Chief Executive Officer of Foxtel until January 2018. He is currently chair of the not-for-profit Bus Stop Films, which gives people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to learn skills through filmmaking. Mr Tonagh is also a member of the Council of the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
Mr Bean was acting chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority until October 2017. Before joining the ACMA in 2010, Mr Bean was General Counsel at wireless broadband infrastructure owner and ISP, Unwired (subsequently acquired by Optus).
Further details including Terms of Reference for the Review are available at: https://www.communications.gov.au/national-broadcasters-efficiency-review