Media industry organisation Free TV Australia says the federal governmnet's new content rules for commercial broadcasters are a strong incentive to create quality Australian programs.
CEO Bridget Fair says the simplified framework supports Australian production with incentives and direct funding.
She says free TV broadcasters are committed to making and broadcasting Australian content for a simple, powerful reason: Australians want to watch Australian programs.
The federal government is supporting Australian screen content by injecting $53 million for the development and production of local content as well as modernising content regulation.
Commercial free-to-air television broadcasters will continue to be subject to obligations to broadcast Australian drama, children’s and documentary content, but will have more flexibility around how they meet these obligations.
From January, commercial television broadcasters will be subject to a modified quota that will be able to be met with any mix of Australian drama, film, children’s and documentary content.
This will allow broadcasters to better target their content to suit their audiences, while still protecting and promoting Australian stories and perspectives.
"These reforms will deliver greater flexibility to respond to what our audiences demand," says Bridget Fair.
“Today’s announcement is a huge positive for the Australian film and television production sector. The government has combined a more flexible quota system with strong incentives for production of quality Australian programs in a way that should stimulate a broad range of Australian stories.
“The old quota system was collapsing under its own weight. There has long been a need for the onerous and outdated framework, in place since the 1980’s, to be updated.
“By ensuring broadcasters are incentivised to make the programs that are most relevant to their audiences rather than slavishly meeting sub quota obligations, these reforms will assist to maintain the health and sustainability not only of commercial television broadcasters, but of the entire content production ecosystem.
"The real winners in this reform package are TV audiences, who will continue to enjoy the Australian programs they love."
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