Free TV over Subscription for Regional Australians

Cost of Living is a top concern for regional Australians, who value commercial Free to Air networks more than subscription services, with inadequate internet connectivity as a key factor.

Regional Australians are also compelled by free Sport and the unifying role it plays, according to a new survey.

More than 2000 online Australians were surveyed by CIT Group for industry lobby group Free TV Australia.

78% of respondents said Free TV broadcast services are crucial, particularly in communities that might not have a strong internet connection.

74% wanted access to iconic sporting events, such as the Olympics, AFL and NRL competitions without having to pay.

71% believed Commercial Free to Air TV plays an important role as an information source in times of crisis such as the pandemic or natural disasters.

The survey results, which did not include ABC or SBS broadcasting, touch upon key issues in Free TV’s campaign ahead of the Federal Election around regional services, anti-siphoning list and spectrum fees.

Free TV Australia chief executive Bridget Fair said, “Events at home and abroad over recent years have underlined how important it is for regional and rural communities to be well served with reliable local commercial TV services.

“We are living through an age of great innovation in the delivery of TV services, especially through the new streaming platforms. Clarity from government is essential to ensure the people of regional and rural Australia continue to be able to access their free-to-air TV services far into the future.”

People in regional and rural Australia are also disproportionately affected by patchy internet services and cost of living pressures. An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) study released in December showed that NBN’s service in regional Australia achieved only 44.8% of advertised speeds. Users in metro areas achieved 84.9% of advertised speeds.

“Equal access to news and sport for all Australians is something we can all say we support, but that needs to be backed up by government action,” Ms Fair said. “The needs of people in regional and rural Australia must be addressed in our broadcasting legislation – we cannot keep kicking the can down the road.”

A “Free For Everyone” campaign is also seeking an urgent review of the sports anti-siphoning list, and regulations to force TV manufacturers ensure that Australian media services are easy to find on smart TVs.

“This is about access to the news and sport services that people deserve, and about guaranteeing a sustainable future for the commercial broadcasters that work tirelessly to serve their local communities. TV delivers moments of national unity like no other medium, and the legislative framework for broadcasting should reflect Australian values by offering fair and equitable access to Free TV services for everyone,” Ms Fair said.