Australia’s commercial networks lobby PM and gov’t for urgent media regulation overhaul
The chief executives of Australia’s commercial networks – Ten, WIN, Nine and Seven – have aligned to lobby the government on a raft of issues currently affecting the free-to-air sector with a focus on immediate reform to media regulatory frameworks.
Organised by Free TV Australia, the lobbying efforts include a ‘Parliamentary Showcase’ which plans to extol the relevance, role and value of free commercial television services for Australians and will be attended by the prime minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells and parliamentary leaders.
Free TV says the showcase comes as commercial television deals with the triple threat of competition from global streaming giants, audiences turning to online services, and mounting funding pressures on traditional broadcasters.
Free TV claims commercial television broadcasters spend A$1.62bn (US$1.05bn) on Australian content annually and deliver over 25,000 hours of home-grown content. Free TVC chief Bridget Fair says that this alone “is a commitment unmatched by any other platform.”
“With around 20 million viewers watching free TV services every week, we are a fundamental part of the Australian way of life, continuing to unite the nation by delivering moments of national and cultural significance. But the future of these services is not guaranteed. We need the right policy settings to protect Australians’ right to free television services,” Fair argued.
Network 10 president, Beverley McGarvey added: “The continued viability of free-to-air television is facing unprecedented challenges, making government recognition of our essential role, as well as the recent measures to address regulatory inefficiencies, especially significant. We welcome the current suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax and encourage its permanent removal to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital service.”
As sport remains a content king both in driving audiences and advertising revenue, Nine CEO, Matt Stanton, stressed the importance of preserving anti-siphoning laws. “Right now there’s nothing to stop big tech and global streamers swiping up all streaming rights for our favourite sports. They’re unregulated, unaccountable and have no interest in what unites us. Let’s close the loophole and keep sport free on your TV.”
Lobbying on behalf of the regional sector, WIN Corporation chief Andrew Lancaster, said that with 36% of Australians living in regional areas, they face higher costs of living and rely more heavily on their regional TV channels, particularly during times of crisis and natural disasters. “It is vital that these communities have equal access to free television services. Government support for infrastructure costs to maintain their connection is urgent and critical,” Lancaster said.
The event will also re-launch non-partisan group, the Parliamentary Friends of Free TV Group, co-chaired by Tim Watts MP and Senator Jane Hume, which aims to promote and support the interests of commercial television.
