Broadcasters welcome licence fee cuts for TV and radio

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The Government earlier in the year indicated that it will consider further reductions

Free TV has welcomed the passing in Parliament this week of the 25% reduction in licence fees for commercial television licensees.

Free TV CEO Brett Savill said, “The Federal Government’s decision to reduce television broadcasting licence fees from up to 4.5% of gross revenue to up to 3.375% is a welcome step towards improving our international competitiveness. The industry looks forward to continuing to work with the Communications Minister on further cuts in 2016 that were foreshadowed in his budget statement.”

The Government earlier in the year indicated that it will consider further reductions in broadcasting licence fees later in 2016 as part of a broader package of reforms that will include consideration of the pricing of broadcasting spectrum.

Commercial radio broadcasters have also welcomed the passing in Parliament of the 25% reduction in licence fees for commercial radio licence holders.

Joan Warner, chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia, said: “The licence fee reduction is a welcome relief and the industry looks forward to continuing to work with the Communications Minister on further cuts in 2016/2017 as foreshadowed in his budget statement.”

The licence fee reduction is applicable for the 2015-16 licence period and was announced by the Communications Minister, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, in May.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s Annual Report shows commercial radio stations paid a total of $24.83 million in broadcasting licence fees in December 2014 for the 2013-14 period.

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