Free TV Australia, the peak industry body for commercial free-to-air broadcasters, today launches its Free. For Everyone campaign.
The campaign is prompted by issues raised in the federal government’s Media Reform Green Paper and will run in the lead up to the 2022 federal election.
It seeks to reinforce the value of free commercial television to all Australians and to set out a policy proposal to help ensure the vibrant future of the industry.
Bridget Fair, cEO, Free TV Australia: “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 is calling on the government to:
1. Introduce a new law to require that free TV services, including live TV and catch-up apps, are easy to find on new TVs that are becoming more like large computer screens
2. Protect Australians' right to live and free sport by renewing the anti-siphoning list and expanding it to guard against sport being put behind the paywalls of multi-national streaming companies
3. Extend the support for regional broadcasters disproportionately impacted by one of the world's highest spectrum taxes that is currently levied on all commercial broadcasters.
Free TV chairman Greg Hywood: “Television has undergone a lot of change. Australians have more choice now than ever before with new technology and the arrival of multi-national entertainment companies.
“But free-to-air television delivers critical services that no other platform does – free, universal, locally relevant viewing to all Australian homes.”
The Free. For Everyone campaign launches today and will be rolled out on outdoor, radio, TV, and digital advertising with a call to action for the government to continue and extend support.
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