Discussion Paper – Technology scenarios for free-to-air television
The Government is seeking views on the proposed measures outlined in its Media Reform Green Paper, which include:
- offering commercial broadcasters a one time, irrevocable choice to operate under a new commercial television broadcasting licence, with a reduced regulatory burden, provided they agree to move at a future point to using substantially less radiofrequency spectrum
- promoting the public interest derived from spectrum by encouraging multiplex sharing by broadcasters
- introducing an investment obligation for subscription and advertising video-on-demand services, with details to be further developed over the next 12 months
- investing in the future, by using the proceeds raised through the reform process to fund public policy initiatives that deliver value for the Australian public and support the media sector, and
- formalising the role of national broadcasters as key providers of Australian content.
Consultation to help shape future of free-to-air TV
As Australians’ viewing habits shift to online, the Albanese Government is ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of free-to-air television, with consultation opening today on the future of TV.
Free-to-air television plays a vital role in Australia’s media landscape, providing access to local news, sport, Australian stories and entertainment to people across the country.
Until now, it has largely been broadcast via traditional radiofrequency spectrum.
But with the past decade seeing significant growth in online streaming services, the Government is examining ways to ensure free-to-air TV can continue to be delivered in a sensible and sustainable way.
The Government is seeking views on potential technology scenarios that reflect the new reality of television and address the challenges facing the sector.
This includes growing financial pressures on commercial television networks, the high costs of operating and renewing broadcast transmission networks and an increasingly crowded market for viewers in the face of subscription streaming services and online platforms.
Read the discussion paper and have your say by visiting https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/consultation-future-free-air-television-delivery.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"We want free-to-air TV to always be available to Australians, however they choose to access it.
“Free-to-air TV has been a fixture in Australian homes for nearly 70 years, bringing us the stories and characters we love, and the news and entertainment that matters to Australians.
"The way people watch TV has changed dramatically and we are working with the industry to ensure it is sustainable into the future.
"This consultation is an important initial step, and I welcome everyone to share their views.
“The Albanese Government is already backing free-to-air TV through the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for two years, along with delivering the News Bargaining Incentive, which supports journalists and their important work.”
Have your say on the future of free-to-air TV technology
We want to hear your views about how Australians can access free-to-air TV services in the future.
The way Australians consume television has changed significantly over the past decade, and will continue to do so at a pace that makes it difficult to predict what accessing television will look like in 10 to 20 years.
The Australian Government wants to ensure free-to-air TV continues to meet the needs of the public into the future. To start discussion, it has released a consultation paper on a number of technology scenarios that could be used to distribute free-to-air TV.
Review the consultation paper and have your say before 5:00 pm AEDT on Tuesday 24 November 2026.
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/consultation-future-free-air-television-delivery