3V and Merlin Integrated Media
Submission to the Productivity Commission Broadcasting Inquiry,

May 1999.

Part 9

Appendices - Tier Zero and Open Access Cable

9.1 Tier Zero

Tier Zero would be a public non-government "communications commons" - the first level of a set of telecommunications service tiers carrying media and communications services between groups and individuals on free-to-air (FTA), cable, internet and emergent electronic media services.

It would provide a technology neutral "lifeline data dialtone" in all domains of communications ensuring: that the Australian media and communications industries have increased diversity of ownership and control; a source of innovative, relevant and definably Australian independently-produced content; technologically critical and aware Australian consumers; and a healthy communications industry essential for the success of the new media and information economy.

Tier Zero would provide a managed "communications commons" for the new digitally-based communications environment. As an alliance between a wide range of community, cultural and educational non-profit (CCEN) companies, organisations and providers of services to those interests - the carriers or distributors of digital media and information - it would play a vital role in building Australia’s new media and information economy.

It would carry public services while other higher-cost government and user-pays premium commercial tiers would provide additional services. Many government information and service providers would also use this tier while others would operate in higher-cost tiers.

This lifeline data dialtone would provide, no matter where you live in Australia, a "connection" to a non-profit FTA channel, freely-delivered cable channels, and a cheaply-priced, high-quality internet service - a commons or "portal" guaranteeing a minimum set of services for all Australians. Tier Zero would carry digital data from all forms of electronic media and communications regardless of the way in which the distribution and reception of this data is carried out.

It would provide services that are complementary and supplementary to those provided by larger companies and government organisations, and would assist in the development of new markets and opportunities for both large and small companies and organisations. Because of its relevance, immediacy and connections to its many audiences it will increase community awareness and familiarity with new media and communications services.

The cost of this tier would be cross-subsidised by governmental and commercial service tiers in exchange for the economic, social and cultural benefits derived from its operation with both cash and non-cash support and sponsorship.

This vital access to the communications commons would be reflected in policy and underpinned by legislation in recognition of its many public benefits and to ensure tenure of access for new and smaller independent CCEN media and communications organisations in an uncertain and rapidly-changing environment.

However access to the use of technology is only half the picture. There can be no such service if there is little or no "content" to make the use of these technologies attractive and useful. Ongoing government support for this independently-produced content is necessary and vital. A public lifeline tier could then also promote the development of diverse and innovative ways of using CCEN services, and communications and media services generally. It would also promote the creation of new forms of audio-visual program material, software, electronic media arts and design and other "content" for these services. It would enable participants to gain skills in a wide range of creative, communications and management activities through the operation and promotion of these services and the production and distribution of audiovisual and other material.

These strategies are difficult and complex - but without them the increasing concentration of media ownership and the commercial industry’s purely economic imperatives will not equitably deliver the benefits of communications and technological development and evolution to all citizens of Australia.

9.2 Open Access Cable (1992 to 1997)

Open Access Cable was a communications company that between 1992 and 1997 provided project management skills and strategic advice and consultancy to a range of non-profit and for-profit organisations and acted as an advocate in regards of access to and appropriate use of communications technologies to promote a more equitable, connected, creative and informed society. It was incorporated into Merlin Integrated Media in 1997.

Objective

OAC's main aim was to promote the efficient and equitable implementation and operation of a public communications "backbone" or lifeline data dialtone in all domains of communications: Tier Zero.

Activities

OAC was involved in setting up and operating alternative marketing and distribution channels, with particular emphasis on the social and cultural implications of the use of new technologies. OAC specialised in packaging, scheduling and presenting program and other televisual material.

OAC was the co-ordinating consultant to Telstra, developing and operating the Community and Educational Channel in collaboration with Metro Television (now Metro Screen) on the Residential Video Trial at Centennial Park in Sydney from 1993 to 1995. This was Australia’s first test of cable television prior to the startup of the Foxtel service.

It was a founding member of Merlin Integrated Media, contributing in an independent manner, and in some cases as an advocate for independent and community-based organisations, to over 15 federal government inquiries into media arts, innovation, media, broadcasting, economics and Australia's future and place in the world.

9.3 3V and Merlin Integrated Media

3V is an electronic and digital media producer and publisher, working in many media forms, and specialising in the digital arts and sciences. It incorporates Open Access Cable, a communications consultancy and contributor to over 15 government inquiries into Broadcasting, Communications, Telecommunications, Competition, Copyright, the Arts and related areas between 1992 and 1995. Merlin Integrated Media and arts and web organisation was founded in 1995 and was consolidated into 3V in 1998.

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