Free TV Australia Urges License-Fee Reform

SYDNEY: Australia’s Free TV has called for the abolition of license fees “to ensure the future sustainability of the industry.”

The Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Television and Radio Licence Fees) Bill 2016 implements the reduction of TV broadcasting license fees previously announced by the government in the May budget, from 4.5 percent of gross revenue to 3.375 percent. At the time, the government said it would consider further reductions in license fees later in 2016 as part of a broader package of reforms including the pricing of broadcasting spectrum.

Free TV Chairman Harold Mitchell said: “A permanent reduction in license fees is welcomed by our industry, however further reductions to fees are now urgent if our industry is to remain sustainable.

“In the unrelenting new media environment, we need to ensure that TV broadcasters can continue to invest in great Australian programming and transform their businesses to meet advances in technology and changing consumer viewing habits.

“License fees for Australian free-to-air broadcasters must be abolished to ensure that Australia is in line with international best practice.”

He added: “We will continue to work with the Government and Parliament to stress the urgency of license fee cuts to ensure we can continue to deliver a strong and healthy free-to-air broadcasting service to all Australians.”