Former IBM Australia chief Glenn Boreham has landed on his feet after signalling his departure from the top job at Big Blue in January, with the Federal Government this afternoon appointing the executive to lead the planned extensive review of Australia’s communications and media regulatory environment.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announced Boreham’s new role as chair of the Convergence Review Committee which will carry out the project — noting the executive had not only served IBM at the top level, but also that he had acted as chair of the Screen Australia Board since June 2008 and as a member of the Government’s IT Industry Innovation Council since 2009.
“Mr Boreham brings considerable knowledge and experience in technology and communications. I am confident he will be able to steer the Committee through the many complex issues involved in this Review,” Senator Conroy said.
Boreham will join Malcolm Long on the committee. Long was a past director of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School and a member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority — and before that, the Australian Broadcasting Authority. The executive has also been the managing director of SBS, as well as holding other roles in the media sector.
The final member of the committee is expected to be announced “shortly”, according to Conroy’s statement.
The news comes as Conroy this morning released the terms of reference for the review, noting that technological innovation was rapidly leading to “a converged media age” — and it was time to review current media and communications regulations.
“You can watch programs on your television, computer, or mobile phone – this is just one example of how devices and platforms are converging to deliver people what they want, whenever and wherever they want to watch it,” Conroy said in a statement.
“Regulations designed to promote community standards, ensure a diversity of views, encourage competition and protect original Australian content are all important measures underpinning the effective operation of Australia’s media and communications sector. However, the Government recognises that regulatory measures designed in the 1980s may not be the most appropriate for the 21st Century.”
Image credit: IBM
Geez, the industry has a hard enough time defining what convergence is – how’s Captain Conroy, the Canberra Communications Cluebie coming up with terms of reference into a review of it?
*gets the popcorn*
This one’s gonna be fun to watch.
This is reeeeally gunna confuse them!
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