Seven, Nine and 10 happily exceeded the Australian content requirements in 2023, which they have done in successive years now, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority content compliance data.
Commercial networks are required to broadcast a minimum of 55% in local content on their primary channel from 6am – midnight (this can span genres including News, Reality, Light Entertainment, Sport etc). With diminished interest in international Free to Air titles, they were well ahead of the minimum.
Transmission Quota:
Nine: 78.35%
Seven: 76.42%
10: 69.61%
Hours:
Nine: 5,147.74 hrs
Seven: 5,020.69 hrs
10: 4,573.62 hrs
Points:
Networks are also required to screen 250 points in first release content across their network (primary + multichannels).
First-release Australian programs are either commissioned Australian drama (including children’s drama), commissioned Australian documentary (capped at 50 points annually), commissioned Australian children’s non-drama programs, or acquired Australian films (NZ content also qualifies). Licensees may ‘carry over’ up to 50 points achieved in excess of the annual points quota from one calendar year to the next calendar year.
Includes carry over points:
10 broadcast 434.50 points.
Seven was next at 381.50 points.
Nine broadcast 280.78 points.
Australian Drama:
It was 10 which accrued the most points in local Drama (including Children’s Drama) narrowly followed by Seven. Nine only screened one 2023 drama, Warnie.
Total points of Australian drama programs (excluding Australian film) claimed:
10: 288 points
Seven: 287 points
Nine: 21.58 points
Total points of Australian Film:
Nine: 37.17
Seven: 4.0
10: 0
Documentary:
Total points of all Australian documentary programs claimed (includes carry over points):
10: 434.50 points
Seven: 381.50 points
Nine: 280.91 points
Children’s TV:
Nine’s titles including The Actually Really Very Difficult Show, Smashhdown! Search for the G.O.A.T. and Earth Science Investigators all produced at QTQ9 amassed 90 hours.
10 made the sole Children’s drama Rock Mysteries 2.
Total average hours of all Australian children’s programs (excluding drama) claimed:
Nine: 90 hours
Seven: 0
10: 0
Total average hours of Australian Children’s Drama programs claimed:
10: 10 hours
Seven: 0
Nine: 0
NZ content:
Network 10 was the only network to claim NZ content (13%) towards its quota points.
All 62 regional licensees met the required points quota by reporting a range of 260 to 423 quota points.
Free TV Australia:
“These results matter because they show the commitment of metropolitan and regional commercial broadcasters alike to Australian content. The Australian content our members make informs, educates, entertains and connects all Australians. And the $1.67 billion we spend on Australian content is an essential contribution to Australia’s local screen production industry”, said Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair.
“This is an important reminder of the commitment of Australian commercial broadcasters to Australian content and audiences. Aussie content is in our DNA and tells our local stories, whether that’s in news and current affairs, entertainment, drama or sport”.
“With economic headwinds buffeting us all, it’s time to remember the commitment of local broadcasters to free local stories, and importance of supporting the sustainability of our sector.
“Whether it’s abolishing the unjustified Commercial Broadcasting Tax, which costs our industry $46 million per year, supporting regional broadcasters to keep the lights on, or finalising a position in relation to Meta’s withdrawal from the News Media Bargaining Code, action from the Albanese Government is needed now more than ever. A strong local television broadcast sector is in the public interest and must be part of the Government’s Future Made in Australia”.
links to content on ABC
TV Tonight
