Public missing out, again

The decision about when to cease analog broadcasts could be left to the commercial judgment of broadcasters themselves, and households could make up their own minds about whether to switch to digital, or stick with analog equipment and buy converters when the necessity arises.

The possibility is still open, but there is little hope that it will be realised. The government has come up with a deal that suits everyone that matters. The Packers, Murdochs and Trujillos will all be happy, and there are even some concessions to placate the ABC and SBS. It is only members of the public who miss out.

If this legislation had to pass a potentially hostile senate, there would be some chance of beneficial amendments. As it is, and assuming there is nothing here to cause Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce any difficulties, it will sail through the parliament.

We can look forward to waiting a decade or more before the whole system breaks down under its own weight and we finally realise some benefits from the digital broadcasting revolution.