7Direction — ACMA to consider whether to vary a conversion scheme

7 Direction – ACMA to consider whether to vary a conversion scheme

(1) I direct the ACMA under clauses 15 and 29 of Schedule 4 to the BSA to have regard to the digital dividend policy objectives and to consider whether to exercise its powers under clauses 16 or 30 of Schedule 4 to the BSA to vary the commercial television conversion scheme or the national television conversion scheme (the conversion schemes) so as to make or vary, over time, a DCP, or to allot channels for transmission in digital mode.

(2) Pursuant to subclause (1), in deciding whether (and, if so, how) to exercise its power to vary the conversion schemes, I direct ACMA under section 14 of the ACMA Act to take into account the following Commonwealth policy objectives:

(a) the desirability that, where practicable, commercial television broadcasting services and national television broadcasting services in a metropolitan licence area be located in the same frequency band;

(b) the desirability that where DCPs are made or varied, or channels for digital transmission allotted, in regional licence areas or remote licence areas and the particular DCP activity or channel allotment is not necessary for, or directly consequential to, clearing the digital dividend spectrum, such planning or allotment is to:

(i) minimise the financial impact on affected commercial television broadcasting services and national television broadcasting services;

(ii) minimise disruption for the affected television audience including, but not limited to, disruption caused by the need to re‑orientate, upgrade, or replace antennas.