Free TV welcomes Government consultation on the future of television – Free TV Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s new consultation paper on the future delivery of free-to-air television, saying the interests of the 20 million Australians who watch free TV each week must remain central as broadcast and online technology evolve.
Communications Minister Anika Wells launched Technology scenarios for free-to-air television at the Uniting a Nation Parliamentary Showcase in Canberra. The paper outlines three medium- to long-term technology scenarios and seeks views on the future mix of broadcast and online delivery, spectrum, and the investment required to sustain the sector.
The consultation places the long-term accessibility of free-to-air television on the policy agenda at a time when audiences are using both broadcast networks and online services. Free TV says the outcome will matter particularly for viewers in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia who rely on universal access to television content.
The paper’s release coincided with new Deloitte Access Economics research, also launched at the Showcase, on commercial television’s economic and cultural role. The research found commercial TV remains a trusted source of news and a shared civic space, while contributing billions of dollars to the economy.
Free TV Australia chief executive Bridget Fair said the consultation marked the beginning of an important process for the sector.
“We thank Minister Wells for starting this important work today,” Fair said, pointing to the value of free television for Australian viewers.
Fair said technological change was a normal part of media markets, but argued planning for the future needed to be undertaken with government and industry. She said any eventual technology choices should put viewers first.
According to Free TV, broadcasters are already investing in both broadcast networks and online services as viewing habits change. The organisation said government also had a role in establishing the policy and regulatory settings, and supporting the infrastructure needed for Australians to keep receiving free television services.
Free TV said it would participate in the consultation and work with the telecommunications sector and other stakeholders. It said the decision was significant not only for broadcasters, but for Australians across metro, regional and remote communities who depend on universal access to television.
Free TV Australia represents commercial free-to-air television licensees including Southern Cross, Nine, Network 10, WIN and Imparja. The organisation says it will make a detailed submission to the consultation.
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