Australia Introduces “Landmark” Streaming Content Quotas
The Australian government has introduced content quotas for global broadcasters.
Under the rules, Netflix, Prime Video and other global broadcasters with more than one million Australian subscribers must spend 10% of their total spend in Australia (or 7.5% of their revenue) on local originals, whether drama, children’s shows, documentaries or arts and education programmes.
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Following the announcement, the law will be presented to the Australian parliament.
Australia’s Labor government had long planned to introduce quotas as part of its Revitalization cultural policy, but months of delays had left the local industry wondering how committed its political leaders were to the plan. Global broadcasters have generally rejected the need for quotas, claiming that local investments in content and work offset the quotas.
But the quota was announced today, with Arts Minister Tony Burke saying: “We have Australian content requirements for free television and pay television, but until now there has been no guarantee that we would be able to see our own stories on streaming services.
“Since launching in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows. This commitment will ensure that these stories – our stories – continue to be made.
“These platforms have no problem getting their content to Australia. With this legislation, we’ll ensure Australian stories are at your fingertips no matter what remote control you hold.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells added: “Many broadcasters are already producing great programs in Australia. Apple Cider Vinegar, The Narrow Road to the Deep North And The Boy Devours the Universe; “This announcement ensures that shows like this continue to be a part of our national identity.”
The Australian Writers Guild (AWG) and Screen Producers Australia (SPA) were among the organizations that welcomed the quotas.
AWG President and showrunner Peter Mattessi said: “World events are moving fast and impacting our industry in many different ways. Meanwhile, streaming platforms are funneling billions of dollars out of the country in subscription fees from Australians who tell us over and over again that they want to see more Australian content on their screens.”
“We have come a long way to get to this point and, after lengthy discussions with the government, we are pleased to see our input included in this model and to see our nation once again require those providing on-screen content to invest in the importance of Australian storytellers telling Australian stories.
“Not only will this help us get back to the level Australian creative workers deserve and ensure our industry thrives, it will also ensure that current and future generations of viewers can enjoy and celebrate Australian content on their screens.”
“This announcement marks a landmark day for the Australian display industry,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner. “For too long our local production industry has operated in an unstable environment where global broadcast services have been able to take advantage of doing business in Australia without making a fair contribution to the creation of Australian stories.
“Today’s commitment from the Government of Albania is the result of years of advocacy. It recognizes that Australian stories matter and they deserve to be seen and heard on every platform.”
No word from the publishers yet, but we’ll update if anything changes.
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