Communications Minister the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP announced that the Government will undertake a consultation process in early-2025 to develop a shared industry and Government understanding of the future of television.
The Minister stated that she “believed in the broadcasting platform” and emphasized that “there is an essential and ongoing role for broadcasters in our media future” as well as the fact that free-to-air broadcasting “remains a critical delivery platform with significant impacts for social inclusion and community cohesion”.
Recognizing the changes in the way audiences are accessing free television content, including increasing use of free streaming services delivered over the internet, Minister Rowland pointed out that a sustainable television broadcasting sector will necessitate some form of spectrum and infrastructure consolidation and committed the Government to working closely with industry on a plan to secure the future of free-to-air television. She opened up the possibility of realizing a second digital dividend from this process but was careful to clarify that no decisions have been made on this matter, which will be carefully considered in the process.
Minister Rowland’s full speech.
In response Free TV committed to playing an active role in the Government’s consultation process to ensure the best outcome for the 20+ million Australian TV viewers who rely on Free TV broadcasters for trusted news, live and free sport and Australian entertainment.