A Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic says news that the troubled TV Network TEN has been placed in administration is a worrying sign for media diversity in Australia.

Lecturer in communication and digital media Mr Travis Holland (pictured) in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst said this could prompt media ownership law reforms.

"The announcement by TEN will increase pressure on Parliament to quickly approve the government's media ownership changes as a way to help save jobs at TEN," Mr Holland said.

"It seems likely we will see further consolidation in Australian media ownership.

"If the legislation passes, a merger between TEN and another media company would then trigger new rules to increase the amount of local content required on television.

"The legislation proposes that local content requirements be increased from 720 minutes to 900 minutes per week in many areas, and additional small markets have a new requirement of at least 360 minutes per week."

Mr Holland said it remains to be seen what the outcome will be for TEN's regional broadcasting partners such as the WIN Network.

"Free TV Australia has called for the media reforms to be passed urgently, so unfortunately I think it's a wait-and-see-what-happens situation," he said.

"We'll see pressure for the law changes and then consolidation in ownership, as opposed to just more journalists out of work. Ultimately, we may see that, but until there's a buyer, it's hard to say."