Press release from ASTRA
$667 million invested in 2011–2012
$1.4 billion direct contribution to the Australian economy
Export of local content internationally
Canberra: The Australian Content Investment and Employment Survey results announced at Parliament House in Canberra this morning reveal an investment of $667 million in Australian content by subscription television (STV) platforms and channels in 2011–12. The figures released by the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) highlight an increase of 13% from financial year 2010–11. The Survey includes all STV genres of programming.
ASTRA also presented Deloitte Access Economics estimates which place the overall direct contribution made by STV to the Australian economy at $1.4 billion in 2011–12 and at least $7 billion overall since the start of STV in 1995.
In addition to the Survey results, ASTRA highlighted that STV is exporting an increasing amount of hours of Australian programming internationally. Programs like Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet, Grand Designs Australia, Camp Orange, Kings Cross ER, Killing Time, Australia’s Great Flood and many more are reaching viewers as far afield as Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Eastern Europe, Holland, South Africa, Spain, and throughout Asia.
Light entertainment proves most popular followed by sport and children’s programming. Highest rated programs include Live: Australia’s Next Top Model, Selling Houses Australia, Christmas Lights Spectacular, Grand Designs Australia and Rove LA.
ASTRA CEO, Petra Buchanan said, “The 13% increase in investment in Australian production indicates that in an increasingly dynamic technology, media and broadcast environment, consumers still desire local content.
“These numbers and recent advances made by the sector demonstrate the ability of STV to adapt and lead the way in managing changing consumer demand and content consumption habits by offering greater choice and convenience, STV continues advocate for pro-investment, pro-innovation and ultimately, pro-consumer policy settings,” added Buchanan.
The Australian Content Investment and Employment Survey results were presented during a breakfast session in Canberra at Parliament House to members of both Houses. Hon. Stephen Conroy – Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy delivered opening remarks and a panel discussion with esteemed producers hosted by Helen Dalley, SKY News including:
• Des Monaghan – Executive Chairman, Screentime
• Brian Walsh – Executive Director of Television, Foxtel
• Penny Chapman – Creative Director, Matchbox Pictures
• John McAvoy – Managing Director, Eyeworks Australia
Survey figures also show that the STV industry employed 6,461 people in 2011–12 with 4,657 staff employed directly by ASTRA members in salaried, part time or contract positions. There is near-gender equality in the industry with women comprising 44% of the workforce.
The STV industry’s commitment to develop Australian producers, actors, writers and other creative talent to share Australian stories, builds a vibrant screen culture as well as developing and reflecting the Australian identity, character and diversity of Australian culture, like no other medium through its niche programming.