Free TV broadcasters are leading the charge in delivering Australian content, with a record $1.67 billion investment in local programming, according to ACMA’s Report TV in Australia: Spending on commercial TV programs report for 2023. Commercial television broadcasters spent 87% of total programming expenditure on Australian content, confirming Free TV as the dominant platform for Australian content expenditure – far outpacing any other platform.
Delivering trusted news, live sports, and local entertainment is at the core of what commercial television broadcasters do, especially in regional areas where they remain the sole providers of local TV news. Despite facing rising costs, such as a 17% increase in sports rights, Free TV broadcasters consistently exceed their content obligations, continuing to deliver programs that matter most to Australians and resonate with audiences nationwide.