The future of the TV landscape remains difficult to predict, but commercial networks expect to feel the impact of coronavirus on commissioning budgets well into 2021, and many broadcasters are concerned about scheduling into next year and extra costs associated with restarting production.
Arguably the most stressed players in the broadcasting sector, Foxtel, the Seven and Nine Networks and Network 10 are calling for the scrapping of local content quota obligations.
"Our research examines the role of television storytelling, especially the importance of local television. So it’s with great surprise we find ourselves advocating for the elimination of Australian content quotas on commercial free-to-air broadcasters," write Amanda Lotz and Anna Potter.
The Nine Network screened just two first-release Australian dramas - 'Seachange' and 'Bad Mothers' - last year and had to rely on New Zealand imports to fulfill the local drama quota.
Netflix has taken the global rights to eOne and POP Family Entertainment's family series 'Alien TV'.
Nine's program director Hamish Turner explains how he's programming through the pandemic, outlines gains in audiences, a greater focus on news and the likely impact on 2021 schedules.
Amid turbulent times for the sector, Screen Australia has some positive news, announcing production funding for three feature films, four television series, a children’s series and two online projects.
The Seven, Nine and 10 networks insist they are not stockpiling Australian dramas and other local programming despite the suspension of the local content quotas for the rest of this year.