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Networks push to end “disparity” with digital platforms

Networks want the ACCC to act as an arbitrary body over content used by Google & Facebook.

Commercial Free to Air networks are pushing for digital platforms such as Google and Facebook to be regulated including disparity over election blackouts periods.

Networks are currently banned from screening election-related advertising from the end of the Wednesday before voting day until the close of the polls.

But the rules do not apply to online, print advertising, catch-up platforms or podcasts.

FreeTV also wants the ACCC to act as an arbitrary body over content used by digital platforms.

FreeTV CEO Bridget Fair said: “In the rest of the economy, if a monopoly provides an essential service we regulate the terms and conditions of access. It’s time to apply the same thinking to digital monopolies.

“What the ACCC Preliminary Report tells us is that Google and Facebook have substantial market power and are unavoidable business partners for Australian companies of all kinds, including the media. We are asking the ACCC to take the logical next step and develop a new regulatory system that will have immediate impact and support the ongoing production of news and Australian content.

“As is already the case for infrastructure and telecommunications, under our proposal once market power and revenue thresholds are met, the ACCC would have the power to set the terms and conditions of access to the digital platform. This would include ensuring that the digital platform did not favour its own business and that prices for advertising services are transparent.”

FreeTV is again citing its Children’s TV quotas as being “outdated.”

Fair added, “There are some areas of reform where the work has already been done and all that is missing is the resolve to make the necessary changes. The ACCC should lead the way in these areas with clear recommendations for substantive change.”

Free TV recommendations

Source: smh.com.au

5 Responses

  1. I understand what Free TV are pushing for, but the unintended consequences is, I think, something they don’t understand. Firstly, the idea that the Australian government are going to block youtube/google/facebook within Australia is, quite frankly, ridiculous. For a start that would render almost every android, google home and android audio device as useless. OK they could block youtube and facebook but it would be political suicide for the PM in power at the time.

    Secondly by removing their children quota, they also risk losing first rights to a lot of sport on the anti siphoning list, their discount on broadcast licensing fees and other benefits of regulation.

    What I would like to see for Free TV is a firm date forcing all of them to adopt HD 720p as a minimum standard (using mpeg 4 or even HEVC technology) and the government working with them to achieve that.

    I would also…

  2. Nice King Canute act from the industry body. Anybody can start a platform and compete with Facebook, Google etc. They have succeeded in what they’re doing by their initial risk taking and business acumen. Would be keen for them to pay more tax, however that’s not exactly what this is about.
    Meanwhile FTA is a virtual monopoly protected by regulation enshrining the existing participants. They have driven audiences away with the dumbing down of content – where so many new choices abound. Make some seriously good drama and spend money on something other than reality garbage and see the results. Take some risks like Google and Facebook once did….. Hypocrites…

    1. Google and Facebook succeeded by buying up all the competition until they were dominant and could intimidate anybody else from trying to compete against them. They were also part of tech cartel fined $US 110m for agreeing not compete against each other for employees, driving down the price of labour.

    1. I disagree, major sports should remain free to view; however:

      One thing that can be removed from anti siphoning right away is the idea that events can’t be exclusively shown on digital multi channels – completely irrelevant since Analogue TV was switched off several years ago.

      I would like to see that removed and ADD in that any rights purchased MUST have every game shown live in full for free online and on a digital multi channel. The network then has the freedom to decide which events can go on Primary channels.

      The networks can resell rights to pay tv broadcasters to provide a ad free experience, but the sports they buy most be shown in full and live online + a multi channel as a minimum standard.

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