The ABC has strongly rejected the commercial free-to-air broadcasters’ demands that it restrict its role to providing programming which they cannot or will not provide.
The Department of Communications and the Arts, Screen Australia and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have launched a consultation paper inviting industry input towards the Australian and Children’s Screen Content Review.
Fifield said the content review is looking for an "identification of a mix of regulation and incentives fit for a multi-platform, highly competitive digital era".
The Australian Directors’ Guild has implored the Federal Government not to dismantle the current local content quotas without having a viable alternative in place.
Foxtel has proposed stripping away Screen Australia’s funding for drama and documentary and using the money to cover the costs of raising the Location and TV Producer Offsets.
To be specifically reviewed are the mechanisms that support Australian drama, documentary and children’s content, and the Australian Screen Production Incentive.
Netflix has publicly cautioned the Australian Government against imposing local content obligations on its Australian service, warning of its disruptive effect.
Australia’s commercial free-to-air broadcasters have asked the government for sweeping changes to local content regulations.