A new report by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) found commercial TV networks invested A$1.62 billion on Australian programs in the 2023-24 financial year, representing 88% of total programming expenditure. This is down from $1.67 billion the previous year.
Overall, the networks spent $1.84 billion on Australian and overseas programs combined, a decrease from $1.91 billion the previous year.
Despite this there were multiple genres that experienced an increase in expenditure including Australian children’s drama and other, Australian light entertainment variety and other and Australian documentaries.
Categories that maintained the same expenditure were Australian news and current affairs and ‘Overseas other’ programs.
The report shows that $408 million was spent on trusted news sources, including continued funding for regional news and current affairs.
This investment was welcomed by Free TV CEO Bridget Fair who said their commitment to local content for trusted news and sports content remains strong.
“Despite challenging economic conditions and increasing competition from global digital platforms, Free TV broadcasters continue to step up and deliver for Australian audiences,” Fair said.
“While global streamers sell stories, we tell the stories that matter to Australians – and all for free.
“Australians value Australian television and the vital role it plays in our democracy, our culture, and our everyday lives.
Free TV is the peak body representing commercial free-to-air television broadcasters like Seven, Nine and Ten.
Australian sport decreased from $635.1 million in 2022-23 to $567.4 million in 2023-24 and Overseas drama dropped from $211.1 million to $190.8 million.
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