Australia's television networks oppose government attempts to put local content quotas on streaming service providers.
Saying the abundance of local content on free-to-air and streaming services shows there is no need for this intervention.
A submission by industry body Free TV, which represents Nine Entertainment (the owner of this masthead), Seven West Media, and Network Ten, said it opposed the introduction of investment requirements for streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix, and Ten's owner Paramount, given research that shows the screen production industry in Australia is booming.
“There is no demonstrable market failure which would suggest a need for introducing these obligations,” it said.
Netflix has invested in successful local shows, like the global hit Heartbreak High, despite there being no requirement for it to do so.
Netflix has invested in successful local shows, like the global hit Heartbreak High, despite there being no requirement for it to do so. CREDIT: GETTY
Last month, the federal government said it was considering forcing streaming giants, which are under no obligation to produce or even carry Australian content, to spend up to 20 percent of the money they make locally on new Australian programs. Investment in sports or buying local films or schedules will not count towards new quotas.
Free TV says any benefits of the quota system being considered by the government would flow only to those viewers with the wealth and technology to access it behind streaming paywalls.
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