Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian programs in the 2022–23 financial year, an 8% increase from $1.54 billion the previous year, a report from the ACMA has shown.
Overall, the networks spent $1.91 billion on Australian and overseas programs, down from $1.94 billion in the previous financial year.
The report shows increases in spending on Australian sport, with expenditure of $635 million, up from $545 million in 2021–22, and Australian news and current affairs with expenditure of $413 million, up from $361 million in 2021–22.
Light entertainment—other, Australian documentaries and Overseas drama programs remained at similar expenditure levels to the 2021–22 financial year.
The increase in expenditure on Australian news and current affairs included an additional $4.96 million for licensees in regional Australia, reporting $35.32 million in 2022–23, up from $30.36 million in 2021–22 financial year.
The report also shows spending on Australian children’s other (non-drama) programs decreased to $743,820 in 2022–23, down from $883,445 in 2021–22. No expenditure was reported for Australian children’s drama programs in 2022–23, down from $2,027,426 in 2021–22.
The data is part of the TV in Australia: Spending on commercial TV programs report which comprises commercial TV expenditure information by genre, provided on a voluntary basis on behalf of 69 metropolitan and regional commercial TV broadcasters.
Free TV CEO Bridget Fair said providing quality Australian programming for free to all Australians is part of Free TV's DNA.
"We are committed to bringing Australians the trusted news, live and free sport and local entertainment programming that they love," she said.
“These numbers are a powerful demonstration that Free TV broadcasters see themselves as the home of Australian content. No other media platform makes the consistent investment in our local content year in, year out.
“This level of investment is a clear reason why the Australian Government should ensure that our policy settings support the sustainability of the commercial television sector. If we are going to have a Future Made in Australia, a strong local media industry is central to that objective.”
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