TELEVISION – AUSTRALIA – RECEIVERS AND RECEPTION

Free-to-air TV beats streaming giants for events

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Original article by Zoe Samios, Sam Buckingham-Jones
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 21 : 29-Nov-23

The federal government will shortly introduce a bill giving effect to its ‘prominence’ framework for local broadcasters. The legislation will require manufactures of smart TVs to prominently display the channels and apps of free-to-air networks on their interfaces. Streaming companies often pay to have their apps appear in prime positions on connected TV interfaces. The legislation will also include changes to the anti-siphoning rules for major sports events, with free-to-air networks to be given priority in discussions regarding broadcast deals. The government also intends to add women’s sports and para-sports to the anti-siphoning list.

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Free TV in push for prime spot on screens

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Original article by Sam Buckingham-Jones
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 30 : 6-Mar-23

Australia’s commercial free-to-air networks have described prominence on connected TVs as the most important regulatory issue facing the industry. The federal government wants to legislate to ensure that the apps of local networks are pre-installed and prominently displayed on TV sets. However, Free TV Australia believes that the legislation should go further, and mandate that the apps of local broadcasters are displayed first on the home screens of connected TVs. Foxtel has criticised the networks’ push, contending that it constitutes a "free ride on Aussie consumers".

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FREE TV AUSTRALIA LIMITED, FOXTEL MANAGEMENT PTY LTD