Why TV networks may regret pushing for streaming quotas; and time to give Triple J’s transmitters to Double J instead?
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Hi Tim, I don’t think the comments of one individual four years ago, although extremely eminent, should be considered to override the consistently stated views of the united industry through its peak body in response to formal Government consultation papers and in various media outlets for the past three years. The first time SVOD quotas were proposed as potential Government policy was in the Media Reform Green Paper in late 2020. Free TV’s submission in response said “Free TV does not support the Green Paper’s proposal that a formal investment obligation be imposed on SVODs and AVODs to invest a percentage of their Australian revenue in Australian content.” and we went on to point out the many unintended consequences of SVOD quotas and implications for commercial television broadcasters. Always happy to chat as this issue unfolds, best regards Bridget
Hi Bridget, I very much accept that your members have a settled view on this issue now. It was the word “never” that I might take issue with.
Regardless, I loom forward to continuing to talk to you and your members about the issue as it unfolds.
All the best, Tim
Hi Tim, sorry to ruin your headline but it is a totally incorrect. FreeTV and its members have never pushed for streaming quotas and in fact are consistently on the record as opposing them.
Hi Bridget,
Thanks very much for that point. While I do accept that recently, Free TV and your members have argued against quotas for the reason I’ve argued above, that has not always been the case.
One example I’d point to would be the comments made by Seven West Media proprietor Kerry Stokes, back at the 2019 SWM AGM.
The West Australian reported it this way (https://thewest.com.au/business/media/seven-west-media-chairman-kerry-stokes-pitch-for-level-local-content-playing-field-with-foreign-streaming-services-ng-b881381427z):
“Seven West chairman Kerry Stokes urged the Government to adopt recommendations made in June by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to subject foreign streaming companies such as Netflix to the same rules including local content quotas that apply to Australian broadcasters.”
Given that Mr Stokes is the proprietor of The West, I’m sure the article would have been corrected long ago, if that was not an accurate summary of his comments at the time.
That said, I do understand that the local industry’s point of view has evolved since then. I’ll be delighted to invite you to join us for a podcast interview to explore that as the Revive process evolves.
All the best,
Tim – Unmade
So from your perspective, is that that FreeTV and its members don’t think it’s necessary or they believe it will have an negative impact on your business?