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Government cleans up definition of Documentaries

The government redefines Documentaries in legislation to elbow out Lifestyle and Infotainment.

When is a Documentary not a Documentary? And when is Lifestyle, Infotainment and Magazine not a Documentary?

That’s been part of an ongoing discussion ever since PayTV series Lush House was knocked back by Screen Australia for tax subsidy eligibility.

Essential Media eventually appealed the decision all the way to the Federal Court and won.

But now the Arts Minister Simon Crean and Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury will define Documentary in legislation:

A ‘documentary’ in this context is a creative interpretation of actuality and does not include an infotainment or lifestyle program, or a magazine program.

Mr Bradbury said relevant definitions will be consistent with the Australian Content Standard made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

“The new definition will be developed to align with relevant broadcasting legislation and long-standing industry practice,” he said.

The new definition will apply to all productions whose principal photography starts after July 1st this year.

Dare we now trouble the minister for rulings on Ob-Docs and “Dramality”?

2 Responses

  1. If it’s legislation then the headline should be “Parliament to” rather than Government probably. If it’s just by regulation then Government is fine.

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