Broadcasters meet content quota obligations – but lean on NZ to get there

Tim Burrowes

June 26, 2012 12:42

Australia’s free to air networks met their obligations on airing locally created drama content – but increased their reliance on NZ made shows to get there, annual numbers from the Australian Communications and Media Authority suggest.

According to the ACMA, Ten sailed closest to the 55% minimum, averaging 62%. Seven and Nine were both on 66%.

The quota covers what must be aired between 6am and midnight. NZ must be counted because of trade agreements between the two countries.

“Australian content quotas have played an important role in maintaining the production of quality Australian stories and programs to screen on commercial free-to-air television,’ said, ACMA chairman Chris Chapman. However, the ACMA notes that the amount of New Zealand drama programming claimed as first release Australian drama quota has been increasing.”

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.