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A N N O U N C E M E N T FAIRFAX JOINS EMERGING CONSENSUS ON BROAD DATACASTING DEFINITION
SYDNEY, July 28, 1999 – John Fairfax Holdings Limited [ASX:FXJ], today noted that its recent submission to the Department of Communications, Information Technology and Arts advocating a broad definition of datacasting was consistent with the views supported by a strong majority other major players. Mr Nigel Dews, Director, Interactive Businesses for Fairfax, said, "Aside from the commercial television broadcasters, there exists a strong consensus for a broad definition of datacasting. If endorsed by Canberra, this consensus will promote a dynamic datacasting industry in Australia, and provide an important first step in bringing the full benefits of digital television to all Australian households." Mr Dews said that of the 11 submitters to the Department’s June 1998 Datacasting Options Paper, only 2 advocated a narrow or restrictive definition of datacasting with eight other major parties -- including Fairfax, News Limited, Telstra, the Australian Consumers Association and NTL -- advocating a broad definition which will allow the public to benefit from a fuller range of interactive and multimedia services. "Those interests who are attempting to prevent datacasting reaching its full potential by advocating restrictive definitions are looking increasingly isolated," Mr Dews said. Seven of the 11 submitters based their proposed definition of datacasting at least partly around the concept of interactivity - whether the user can control or interact with the content of the transmission. Some submitters, including Fairfax, advocated that some non-interactive datacasting should also be allowed. Read the full text of Fairfax’s submission in response to the options paper. For further information, please contact Nigel Dews, Fairfax, (02) 9282 2268 Bruce Wolpe, Manager, Corporate Affairs (02) 9282 3640
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Fairfax > Corporate Affairs & Media Releases > Announcements > consensus on broad datacasting definition
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