Bonus for TV networks as government waters-down content quota recommendations
The Government has cut the free TV networks’ licence fees and chosen not to apply tough new quotas for Australian local content on digital channels which were recommended by the Convergence Review.
The early Christmas present for the TV networks was slipped out on the last sitting day of parliament by media minister Stephen Conroy. The ruling was condemned by industry body Screen Producers Association of Australia.
The Convergence Review had recommended that as part of their licence requirements, broadcasters should be able to count Australian content on the multichannels. However, the Review also suggested networks must increase local drama, children’s and documentary investment by 50% across their three channels.
But instead, the Government has handed down a total Australian content quota, which can include news, sport and reality, across entire commercial networks, and ignored the more expensive drama and documentary aspect of the Review’s recommendation.
They should do the same with the radio restrictions regarding local content. It currently impinges on free trade. A radio station should be allowed to play whatever tune it chooses without being told they have to play X amount of Australian songs. If a band’s music is good enough, it should be played regardless of where it came from. Quotas are discriminatory.