Why Netflix could be forced to provide more Aussie shows
Netflix, Stan and other streaming services may be forced to make more Australian shows.
The concept is currently being debated by the government in a review of Australian and children’s screen content on subscription video on-demand services.
The review aims to implement a policy that will support Australian content in the current digital landscape.
Currently, Australia’s free commercial free-to-air television networks must offer 55 per cent local content on main channels between 6am and midnight.
There are also sub-quotas for Australian drama, documentary and children’s programs to be met.
There is currently no legislation in place that requires streaming services like Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime Video to offer similar quotas.
The review is being conducted by the Department of Communications and the Arts, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and Screen Australia, and hopes to develop reasonable local content quotas for streaming services.
“Over the past decade, fundamental changes have taken place in the media landscape, defined by the entry of new online services offering catch up TV, streaming, subscription video on demand and user generated video,” the Department of Communications wrote.
“While industry changes provide new opportunities for Australia’s world class screen practitioners to deliver their work to new audiences here and internationally, they have also challenged existing business models.”
“In this rapidly changing environment, it is necessary to review our support and regulatory measures to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the digital era.”
The government body highlighted the importance of Australian stories being conceived, produced and distributed to domestic and international audiences.
“Content produced in Australia, or under Australian creative control, reflects and shapes our national identity, character and cultural diversity,” the department wrote.
“When exported, Australian content promotes an Australian view of the world and showcases our cultural and creative talents. It also delivers economic benefits and encourages tourism.”
Stan currently has No Activity, Wolf Creek and six local stand-up comedy films that were commissioned by the service with more Australian content to come later this year.
Netflix has a small amount of Aussie content licensed locally from the ABC and other networks with Australian content also being distributed in other countries on the service.
Australia has not set quotas for online streaming services before but they could follow the European Council which is posing a local content quota of 30 per cent on services in EU member states.
The review recommendations are expected to be provided to the government by the end of the year.
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