Media laws out of step: Fifield

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield is keen to press ahead with reform of Australia's media laws despite the federal government's preoccupation with the looming plausibility of a double dissolution.

Senator Fifield reminded members of the industry on Wednesday the media landscape has changed immeasurably since 1987 when the current laws - which do not even recognise the internet - were put in place.

The government's proposed media reform legislation is expected to unleash a raft of mergers and acquisitions as metropolitan broadcasters eye off their regional affiliates.

That's because the so-called reach rule, which prohibits a proprietor from controlling commercial television licences that collectively reach more than 75 per cent of the population, will be scrapped.

So too will be the two-out-of-three rule, which prevents a proprietor from controlling more than two of these three - radio, television or newspaper businesses - in the one commercial radio licence area.

Senator Fifield told the Melbourne Press Club he was relaxed about what the changes could mean for media diversity.

"People will get their news the way they want ... It's up to companies to decide how they package that," he said on Wednesday.

A self-described optimist, Senator Fifield believes Australia's media has a strong future, particularly with the proposed changes.

The media reform legislation has been referred to the Senate communications committee, which will report back on May 12. Once that report is received the matters will be debated, he said.

"I'm keen to see it passed as soon as possible but we need the numbers to do it," Senator Fifield said.

Meanwhile both houses of federal parliament have been recalled for a three-week sitting from April 18 to deal with the ABCC and other union-related legislation.

If the bills aren't passed, they will become a trigger for a double-dissolution election on July 2.