ACMA looking to socialise with new hire

29 January 2010

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is looking to get social in an attempt to understand and engage in the various web 2.0 mediums and platforms that it is charged with regulating.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is to use new social media and networking tools to better engage with its users and has hired Tom Burton former Communications and On-Line Director for The Center for American Progress (CAP).

‘For some time I have been conscious of the importance of using the many new applications to improve the ACMA’s stakeholder engagement and external communications, both domestically and internationally,’ said Chris Chapman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the ACMA.

It appears that the media department in particular may need Tom's help becoming savvy with the social media, referring to Twitter as an 'instant messaging tool' in a statement. The new position will look at ways to involve the online community in the ACMA's affairs, providing new dialogue recommended in the recent Gov2.0 report.

"Rapid changes in media and communications markets are fundamentally changing communication and media industry and consumer behaviour.’" said Mr Burton "I look forward to helping lift the ACMA’s communications and media engagement, but also building a strategy to open up as many channels to the ACMA for genuine dialogue."