The Australian government said Wednesday an independent inquiry will be held into Australia's print and online media, focusing on regulation and looking at the impact of technological change on business models.

The government "believes it is incumbent upon government to ensure regulatory processes and industry structures are sufficiently strong to support the continuation of a healthy and independent media that is able to fulfil its essential democratic purpose, and to operate in the public interest," Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said in a statement.

The inquiry, to be headed by former Federal Court judge Ray Finkelstein, will be required to report to the government by Feb. 28 next year.

-By Gavin Lower, Dow Jones Newswires; 61-3-9292-2095; gavin.lower@dowjones.com

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