Australian Free-TV Networks Exceed Content Quotas

SYDNEY: According to new figures from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), free-TV broadcasters in Australia continue to exceed their required levels of programming home-grown content.

In 2013, commercial networks surpassed their primary channel content quotas, averaging 64.3 percent across the networks. Broadcasters aired more than double the amount of content required on their multichannels. Last year, every one of the top 50 programs broadcast on free TV in the country was Australian. For the full year 2013, commercial free-to-air broadcasters in Australia invested A$1.36 billion ($1.3 billion) in Aussie-originated content.

Harold Mitchell AC, chairman of Free TV Australia, said: “The ACMA figures demonstrate commercial free-to- air broadcasters’ commitment to producing high-quality home-grown content that Australian viewers love to watch.

“Free TV remains the leading underwriter of Australian programming, despite increasing competition from companies that don’t produce any local content whatsoever, and in some cases don’t even pay their fair share of taxes in Australia.”