Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd has provided court-enforceable undertakings to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to allow Internet advertising in the classified sections of its newspapers.
Complaints were made to the ACCC that a number of internet businesses could not advertise in the classified sections of Queensland Newspapers, including The Courier Mail.
The ACCC expressed concern that Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd has a substantial degree of power in the Queensland markets for newspaper advertising and/or newspaper classified advertising, and having refused supply, may have contravened section 46 of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd has acknowledged the ACCC's concerns and as part of the court-enforceable undertakings, has agreed to:
- establish a new classified advertisement category entitled 'Internet Classified Services' for the general classified section of its newspapers;
- publish this new category next to the 'Internet Services' category in the general classifieds;
- advertisements for a specific good, service or opportunity that contains a Internet/email address less than 25 per cent of the total advertisement will be permitted in the specific good, service or opportunity classified column; and
- place the 'Internet Classified Services' category within lift outs such as Real Estate or Motoring.
"The acknowledgement by Queensland Newspapers of the ACCC's concerns that its actions, in this instance, placed it at risk of contravening the Trade Practices Act, should alert other newspaper publishers that their classified advertising categories should be reviewed to ensure compliance with the Act", ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today.
"The undertakings provide a greater choice for Internet businesses wishing to place classified advertisements with Queensland Newspapers, including placement of classified advertisements in The Courier Mail's motoring, careers and real estate lift outs".
"The ACCC welcomes the court-enforceable undertakings provided by Queensland Newspapers and acknowledges the high level of cooperation it has provided in resolving this matter".
Further information
Professor Allan Fels, Chairman, (03) 9290 1812 or pager (02) 6285 6170
Ms Lin Enright, Media Unit (02) 6243 1108 or mobile (0414) 613 520
MR 308/02
5 December 2002