The Australian television industry is facing a perfect storm, with radical change on every front – changing media ownership, the impact of the global financial crisis, changing policy framework, new channels, new platforms, new technology and the fragmentation of audiences. At risk is the creation and delivery of high levels of quality Australian programming for local audiences.

At a time when more Australians are watching more local programs than at any other time in our history, the Australia: You’re Watching It Conference brought together key industry members to recommend ideas for generating future success in an increasingly challenging digital environment.

In the final session, delegates agreed on major issues confronting the industry as it moves forward.

1. The need for adequate regulation and up-to-date policy that will deliver local content to Australian audiences.

The current policy framework is under stress. It was developed in an analogue world, and will increasingly be unable to cope with a multi-channel, multi-platform, digital environment. Without overhauling the current approach, Australian content is at risk of being replaced by cheaper international imports, and marginalised by foreign owned interests.

2. Revision of current funding models that address increasing pressure on content financing.

The difficulties of funding television programs were highlighted. Although audiences are strong, low levels of domestic funding and the impact of the economic downturn requires producers to source alternative funding. As broadcasters and producers turn to the international market to recoup costs, increasingly there is a threat of a trade-off between content made specifically for Australians and programming designed to appeal to international audiences.

3. An overwhelming need for a dedicated Australian digital children’s channel.

Presentations by children and educators at the conference emphasised the positive role television plays in children’s lives, and stressed its unique role in providing kids with a way to see the world through Australian eyes. The conference repeatedly recognised the pressing need to establish an Australian digital children’s channel.

4. Public Broadcasters have a unique role to play in ensuring the high levels of quality Australian content.

As we move forward into an era of unparalleled choice and multiple channels, public broadcasters, particularly the ABC, are key to delivering Australian content. However competition is vital to ensure quality is maintained across a diversity of outlets and platforms.

Digital technology is driving the greatest societal shift since the industrial revolution. This conference has focused on how to shape this change to ensure the success of local content. The next step is to take debate about these far-researching issues to the broader community and move forward.

Key Speakers

Janet Holmes A Court – Chairperson, Australian Children’s Television Foundation
Mark Scott – Managing Director, ABC
Simon Whipp – Director, Equity, Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Geoffrey Atherton – Writer
Kim Williams – CEO, Foxtel
Andy Lloyd James – Outside the Box
Steve Waddell – National Executive Director, Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists
David Dale – Journalist
Nigel Pickard – Save Kids TV UK
Gillian Calvert – Commissioner for Children and Young People NSW
Deirdre Brennan – Programmer, Nickelodeon
Georgie McLean – Manager, Policy and Research, SBS
Garry Maddox – Journalist
Bob Campbell – Producer, Screentime
Jock Given – Professor of Media and Communications, Swinburne Institute
Dr Suzanne Rickard – State Director, NSW and ACT Committee for Economic Development of Australia
Penny Chapman – Producer
Jenny Buckland – CEO Australian Children’s Television Foundation
Kim Dalton – Director, ABC TV
Chris Chapman – Chairman, Australian Communication and Media Authority
Rhys Muldoon – Conference Chairman
Michael Ward – Head of Policy, ABC TV