TV content quota changes mean networks and streaming platforms are ‘let off the hook’: screen industry
The screen industry has rallied against the Morrison government’s overhaul of the quota system for free-to-air TV networks, drawing attention to the “power imbalance” between the businesses making local content and those buying and broadcasting it.
The TV networks roundly applauded the changed announced yesterday by Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, which involve the scrapping of children’s content quotas in favour of a ‘simplified’ system that allows broadcasters to pick and choose the types of Australian content they air to fulfil their ongoing obligations.
TV companies will still have to broadcast 55% local content between 6am and midnight, and 1,460 hours of Australian content each year on their multi-channels. Subscription TV businesses like Foxtel, meanwhile, will be able to halve their spend on local content, with the requirement dropping from 10% to 5% from July next year.
