Aussie programming ‘stimulates $1.23b in production’
Free TV Australia, the industry body that represents the commercial free-to-air broadcasters has released figures that suggest Australian TV productions last year were at an all-time high.
The industry body states that $1.23 billion was invested in local content over 2010-11.
The figures also report 25,650 hours of content was broadcast across all networks in 2010 while over 6,400 hours were broadcast on the multi channels, where no local content obligation is enforced.
On the network channels, where local content quotas of 55 per cent are required, Free TV have averaged 65 per cent of Australian content, which includes 716 hours of drama and documentaries and 315 hours of news and current affairs each week.
The press release also points out that the nation’s top 40 rating programs in 2010, all were Australian productions, such as Packed to the Rafters, Underbelly, Offspring and Australia’s Got Talent, The Block, MasterChef Australia.
Free TV CEO Julie Flynn took the opportunity to take a view on the current media regulations.
“Media regulation hasn’t kept up with the technological advances and the changes in viewing behaviour. Free TV broadcasters are burdened by a raft of financial and regulatory obligations under the Broadcast Services Act, which was formulated twenty years ago; obligations other media do not have. Networks need greater flexibility.”
“We need a fair and balanced regulatory framework to ensure free-to-air commercial broadcasters can continue to do what they do best – delivering high quality television services to Australian audiences, for free,” said Flynn.
Smoke & Mirrors.
Keep seeing all these big numbers – but no jobs?
Flynn’s “free” comment cracked me up – what he works for nothing?
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Skippy’s right on the money.
The future is on-line and the major networks are ‘circling the drain’
Take a good look at google TV to see the future of TV.
The king is dead god save the king!
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