Government’s $54m media bailout further punishes music creators

Australian screen composers are in the firing line after the Government announced that content quotas would be scrapped under a new $54 million package for big media.

The decision means that content quotas across drama, kids shows and documentaries – on both free-to-air and subscription TV – would be void for the remainder of the year.

However,  the requirement for 55% of Australian content on small screens remains unchanged.

TMN understands that radio is excluded from them newly-relaxed measures, meaning that commercial stations must continue to play the required amount of Australian music.

In addition to suspending screen the quotas, $41 million in tax rebates have been offered and a $50m regional journalism program has been created.

The bailout was announced by Communications Minister Paul Fletcher on Wednesday, responding to pleas from media players to extend a helping hand as the sector aches.

“We are acting to offer urgent short-term support to the media sector,” said Fletcher.

“At the same time, we are progressing our December 2019 commitment to consult on the future framework to support Australian stories on our screens.”

“Regulated free-to-air broadcasters are competing with unregulated digital platforms and video streaming services,” he added. “It has been evident for some time – and the Covid-19 crisis has made it even more obvious – that this is not sustainable.

APRA AMCOS chief executive Dean Ormston is “deeply concerned” at the move, saying productions ready for release and in the final stages of post-production should proceed.

“The move to water down content obligations will incentivise television broadcasters and subscription services to reduce the programming of new productions to the detriment of the local industry, including our screen composer members,” said Ormston.

Commercial Radio Australia has welcomed the relief package but said “much more action was needed” to address the severity of the impact of COVID-19 on radio broadcasters.

CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner said its members, including the big four radio networks, are disappointed that hyper-local stations have been overlooked.

“We welcome the move to waive spectrum fees but the measures announced today do not go far enough in addressing the pressures facing the radio industry,” said Warner.

As well as backing calls for a $650 million industry package to help the music industry and live performance sector bounce-back from the COVID-19 crisis, APRA AMCOS also supports screen industry calls for Government to implement a $1 billion screen content fund to boost local tax offset arrangements and provide direct support through Screen Australia.

“Providing targeted relief for one part of the sector means you must support the broader screen production sector that creates the amazing drama, children’s television and factual programs of the local industry,” said Ormston.

“Whether it’s screen composers or others throughout the music industry, most professionals in our industry work on a contractual basis and many may not be eligible for much of the stimulus announced by the Australian Government.”

APRA AMCOS has said it will continue to consult with the screen industry to look at how best to support Australian stories on our screens in a modern, multi-platform environment.