Australia offers live streaming content quotas
The Australian government has introduced content quotas on global broadcasting companies.
The rules require Netflix, Prime Video and other global streaming companies with more than 1 million Australian subscribers to spend 10% of their total Australian spending – or 7.5% of their revenue – on local originals, whether dramas, children’s shows, documentaries or arts and education programming.
Following the announcement, the legislation will be introduced to the Australian Parliament.
Australia’s Labor government had long planned to join these quotas as part of its cultural policy, but months and months of delays have left the local industry questioning the extent of its political leaders’ commitment to the plan. Global broadcasters have widely rejected the necessity of quotas, claiming that their local investment in content and jobs offsets them.
However, the quota was revealed today, with Arts Minister Tony Burke saying: “We have Australian content requirements on free TV and pay TV, but as of yet, there is no guarantee we can see our own stories on streaming services.
“Since their introduction in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows. This commitment will ensure those stories – our stories – continue to be produced.”
“These platforms have no problem getting their content into Australia. With this legislation, we will be able to ensure that no matter which remote you hold, Australian stories will be at your fingertips.”
Communications Minister Annika Wells added: “Many streamers are producing great Australian shows such as Apple cider vinegar, The narrow road to the far north and The boy swallows the universe; This announcement ensures that such performances remain part of our national identity.
The Australian Writers Guild (AWG) and Screen Producers Australia (SPA) were among the bodies that welcomed the quotas.
“Global events are moving quickly and impacting our industry in so many different ways,” AWG President and Show Director Peter Mattesi said. “At the same time, streaming platforms are taking billions of dollars out of the country in subscription fees from Australians – Australians who repeatedly tell us they want to see more Australian content on their screens.
“It has been a long road to get to this point, and after lengthy conversations with government, we are pleased to see our input incorporated into this model, and to see our nation once again asking those providing screen content to invest in the importance of Australian storytellers telling Australian stories.
“Not only will this help return us to the level playing field that Australian creative workers deserve and set our industry to thrive, but it will also ensure that current and future generations of viewers can enjoy and celebrate Australian content on their screens.”
“This announcement marks a historic day for the Australian screen industry,” SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said. “For too long, our local production sector has operated in an unequal environment where global streaming services can reap the benefits of doing business in Australia without contributing equitably to the creation of Australian stories.
“The Albanian government’s commitment today is the result of years of advocacy. They recognize that Australian stories matter, and they deserve to be seen and heard on every platform.”
There’s no news yet from the streamers, but we’ll update if anything changes.