Free-for-all underscores latest campaign for Free TV Australia
Commercial free-to-air broadcasters’ peak industry group, Free TV Australia, has launched its ‘Free. For Everyone’ campaign today.
As part of the build-up to the 2022 federal election, the new campaign will highlight the critical issues raised in the Federal Government’s Media Reform Green Paper.
The report sets out a policy proposal to ensure the future of commercial television for all Australians.
Bridget Fair, Free TV Australia chief executive officer, said: “With over 13 million daily viewers and $1.5 billion invested in Australian local content, commercial free-to-air television continues to unite the nation through broadcasting moments of national and cultural significance without cost to the viewer.
“We are an inherently inclusive service that all Australians can access no matter where they live or what they do. As our government considers what the future of broadcasting looks like in Australia, we need to ensure no one is left out and free commercial services can continue to thrive.”
The campaign aims to ensure that all Australians can watch iconic sporting events for free, rather than behind paywalls of streaming services.
Furthermore, that local TV services are easily accessible on smart televisions, and support for regional TV services.
Australian free-to-air commercial television invests $1.5 billion in local content, bringing Australians together through the broadcast of cultural and historical moments.
In the lead-up to the 2022 federal election, the campaign urges the government to:
- New laws to require that free TV services, including live TV and catch-up apps, can easily be found on new televisions, which are more like large computers
- Renewal and expansion of the anti-siphoning list can safeguard Australians’ right to live and free sport and help guard them from streaming companies’ paywalls.
Free TV chairman, Greg Hywood said: “Television has undergone a lot of change. Australians have more choice now than ever before with new technology and the arrival of multinational entertainment companies.
“But free-to-air television delivers critical services that no other platform does – free, universal, locally relevant viewing to all Australian homes.”
Free TV Australia members are Nine Entertainment Co, Network Ten, Prime Media Group, Seven West Media, Southern Cross Austereo, WIN Network and Imparja Television.
The ‘Free. For Everyone’ campaign is produced by Red Engine along with consultants CT Group, and will be rolled out on outdoor, radio, TV, and digital advertising – starting with online today.
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