The Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) suspension will be extended another two years to 2028, delivering an expected $111.3 million in savings for the commercial broadcasting sector.
The extension continues a 100% rebate of CBT liabilities for commercial broadcasters, sparing them from a tax that costs the industry around $50 million annually.
The decision comes as free-to-air broadcasters face declining advertising revenue, intensifying competition from global digital platforms and significant cost pressures.
"We thank minister (Anika) Wells and the Albanese Government for recognising the real pressures facing commercial television and taking this important step," said Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV Australia.
"This is money that can go directly into Australian content, trusted news, live and free sport, and the infrastructure that keeps free television available to every Australian."
The extension sits alongside the government's drafted News Bargaining Incentive, the News Media Assistance Program and a prominence framework to ensure Australians can access free television services on connected TVs.
"The two-year extension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax suspension is a meaningful acknowledgement of the pressures facing our industry,” said Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president, chief content officer and head of Paramount Australia.
“This decision will help ensure we can continue delivering the quality entertainment programming, news and live sport that our audiences depend on.”
Rohan Lund, managing director and CEO of Southern Cross Media Group, said the extension was necessary, but further reform was needed.
"This is a positive step for Australian commercial television and radio, and for the millions of viewers and listeners who rely on our services every day,” said Lund.
“A pause, however, is not the same as a permanent fix, and doesn’t address the structural pressures facing our industry. Commercial TV and radio stations employ local journalists, producers and on-air talent around Australia, all while competing head-on with global tech platforms that carry none of our content or public-interest obligations.
“The CBT has no parallel overseas and removing it for good is the next step. We will keep making that case, and we will keep delivering the journalism, sport and storytelling Australians want and trust,” said Lund.
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