So, the Senate Committee backs the Media Reform Bill but Labor...

So, the Senate Committee backs the Media Reform Bill but Labor and the Greens have said that they will vote against it in its present state. They are unhappy about the 2 out of 3 rule but seem ok with the rest of the bill.

What does this now mean?

If the Coalition wants to get the bill passed in its entirety without having to make any amendments they will have to convince other members of the Senate to vote for it.

With the Coalition only holding 30 seats and Labor with the Greens holding 35 seats that leaves 11 Independents to try and convince that the bill should be passed. (It may be only 10 seats depending on what is happening with Bob Day's Family First seat up in the air).

Nick Xenophon has stated in the past that he backs the bill but wants to introduce laws pertaining to the viewing times of gambling commercials. (3 seats)

With Derryn Hinch being an old media buff one would expect him to also back the bill. (1 seat)

One Nation will no doubt use the opportunity to make a bargain of some sort or other but could go either way. (4 seats)

As for Jacqui Lambie, being from NW Tasmania she may show some empathy for rural broadcasters but with Jacqui who knows. (1 seat)

The Liberal Democrats David Leyonhjelm should be a supporter as he has stated that he is in favour of deregulation that builds international competitiveness. (1 seat)

That leaves the Family First seat which I believe is currently vacant or does Bob get to hang around until a replacement is found?

Personally I think that the Coalition will do all that it can to get the bill through in its entirety but if they look at losing the vote then they are very likely to scrap the 2 out of 3 rule and try and pass just the 75% reach rule on its own.

As for PRT I'm not entirely sure how much they were hoping for the 2 out of 3 rule to be passed and what their plans would be if it was passed. In my opinion I don't think that it matters much and they will be happy to just stay in the TV business. The reach rule is of greater benefit for them with the amalgamation benefits that it holds.