The Australian government is considering new streaming quotas, but data reveals a concerning trend in children's TV production. Streaming giants like Netflix, Stan, and Disney+ may soon be mandated to produce Australian content, as the Albanese government's proposed legislation is set to be debated in parliament this week. This move aims to boost local content creation and support the Australian media industry.
Currently, Australian TV broadcasters are subject to strict content quotas, requiring them to air at least 55% Australian content between 6 am and midnight. Prior to 2020, they also had specific sub-quotas for children's shows, drama, and documentaries, but these were replaced by a point system introduced by the Coalition government to offer more flexibility to commercial broadcasters. The result? A dramatic decline in children's TV production.
According to Screen Australia's data, the 2023-24 financial year saw a record-low 35 hours of children's TV content produced. This alarming statistic highlights the struggle faced by the industry. Interestingly, almost all of this content is now produced by the ABC, indicating a shift in production priorities.
The proposed new quotas will target streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers, requiring them to invest a minimum of 10% of their total expenditure on new local drama, children's, documentary, arts, and educational programs. This initiative aims to ensure that streaming platforms contribute to the local content ecosystem and support the growth of the Australian media industry.
