Introduction
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
(ACCC) is conducting a 'world first'
inquiry on the impact of digital platforms on competition in media
and advertising markets. Public submissions are due by 3
April 2018.
Why is the inquiry occurring?
Over the last two decades, the media and advertising sector has
experienced dramatic technological change both within Australia and
globally. These changes have delivered substantial benefits to
consumers, but have also shifted advertising revenues away from
traditional media. Concerns have been expressed that these changes
have adversely impacted the quality of news and journalistic
content.
As part of a Parliamentary agreement to pass significant reforms
to Australia's media laws (see our earlier
update), the government agreed to ask the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to
conduct an 18-month inquiry into the impact of digital platforms on
content creators, advertisers and
