Minister for communications Michelle Rowland’s prioritisation of a legislated prominence regime was welcomed today by Free TV with the Future of Broadcasting Working Group to contribute to the process.
Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair said that the Albanese Government’s election commitment is extremely important in maximising Free TV availability to all Australians.
“Today’s meeting of the Future of Broadcasting Working Group was extremely productive with a clear path forward established by the Minister on this important policy initiative,” she said.
“Minister Rowland has taken decisive action to progress the Albanese Government’s election commitment to ensure that free television services can be easily accessed on all television devices.”
“Ensuring prominence of Australian television services on smart TVs and other connected devices is the most urgent regulatory issue for the television sector right now. Audiences are increasingly dependent on smart TV operating systems for how they find their local television services, and we strongly support the Minister’s view that regulation is needed.”
“Australians from all walks of life rely on Free TV services for live and free sport, Australian entertainment and drama and trusted local news. A post-election survey of 1000 voters conducted by JWS Research found that Australians considered commercial television the most useful source of news and information during the election campaign.”
“Free TV services bring the Australian community together. We need to maximise their availability to all Australians and prominence is key to achieving this critical public policy outcome.”
“Free TV looks forward to participating in the work of the Future of Broadcasting Working Group on this issue.”
In March this year, Free TV Australia called for dependable and free access to news and sport for Australians living in regional and rural communities.
Fair stated that it was critical to ensure broadcasting policy supports access to news and sport for all Australians.
“Events at home and abroad over recent years have underlined how important it is for regional and rural communities to be well served with reliable local commercial TV services.”