Free-TV Broadcasters Raise Investment in Australian Content

SYDNEY: Free-TV broadcasters invested a record AUD$1.35 billion ($1.41 billion) in Australian content for the 12 months ending in June 2012, according to Free TV Australia.

This tops last year’s record AUD$1.23 billion. Commercial broadcasters’ investment in Australian content grew by AUD$267.6 million over the last two years. This figure far exceeds the temporary license-fee rebates valued in the 2010-11 federal budget at AUD$142 million.

According to OzTAM and RegionalTAM data, 45 of the top 50 shows so far this year are Australian-made. This includes first-run Australian drama, live sports, news and current affairs and reality and lifestyle shows.

Free TV CEO Julie Flynn commented: “We know audiences love Australian programming and the ratings confirm it. Every day, more than 14 million viewers choose to spend time with commercial free-to-air television.

“We are the leading investors in this industry, employing 15,000 people directly or indirectly while providing training and developing expertise.

“We also remain the major underwriters of the independent production sector, contracting with more than 70 independent producers.

“Commercial broadcasters continue to invest in local content, even as programming costs rise and revenues and budgets come under intense pressure from structural change.

“Those changes have permanently altered the media environment and reforms are urgently needed to ensure that broadcasters can continue to deliver a strong and vibrant Australian voice.”