A government watchdog has been asked to begin a review of local content requirements for regional radio in the new media laws.

The request has come from Communications Minister Helen Coonan who wants the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to report back to her in June next year.

New laws will require local radio stations to produce four-and-a-half hours of local content a day.

The ACMA review will also establish whether this requirement should include a provision that twelve-and-a-half minutes of news be produced locally each day.

The review should establish whether the rules are too tough for small radio stations that lack resources.

Senator Coonan has previously conceded that the rules might have to be adjusted.