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Facebook denies claims its representatives told advertisers to move their money away from traditional media companies and onto the social media platform, or advised businesses on advertising with traditional media companies in any way.

Facebook has held Boost Your Business events in areas like Tumbi Umbi, Caboolture, Safety Beach and Frankston, with June events in Bunbury, Margaret River, Collie and Busselton on the schedule.

In particular, Mr Blackley is concerned about the smaller companies in the regional areas and how they might be influenced by the roadshows and activities of the social media behemoth.

Many of the 45,000 small- and medium-sized businesses Southern Cross Austereo works with across the country do not have appointed agencies, leaving them “more vulnerable” to the messaging from Facebook, he said. He believes larger advertisers think some of the online platforms have been "overcooked".

If these businesses were to move their advertising solely online, it could significantly affect Southern Cross Austereo's bottom line.

“I think it’s critical the government considers the impact of what they’re saying to that group [of smaller businesses],” he said.

He hopes the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will be considering this as part of its world-first inquiry into the digital platforms, which includes investigating how Facebook, Google and other online giants divert advertising revenue away from traditional media.

“I think it’s a data point for the ACCC and I think they should look into it and they should obtain the materials to get the context,” Mr Blackley said.

A Facebook spokesman said the social media platform had been investing in training, technology and tools to help Australians since 2011.

This had predominantly been in metropolitan areas before a 2017 announcement by chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg “that we would increase our investment and focus specifically on building the capacity of regional Australian communities to participate and thrive in the digital economy," the spokesman said.

“The Community Boost program aims to support all members of the local community – from youth and parents, to small businesses owners, not-for-profits and local media – by sharing tools, tips and advice to help regional Australians and local communities engage safely and successfully online,” he said.