FAQs

  • In December 2023, Minister the Hon Michelle Rowland MP introduced a new Bill to Parliament. The Bill establishes a prominence framework for connected TV devices and reforms the anti-siphoning scheme to limit subscription streamers from putting our favourite sports behind a paywall.

    You can find out more about this important legislation here.

    This was an important positive step in our campaign to ensure that all Australians can continue to enjoy the free local TV services that they love.

    But while this is a major positive development, there are a few significant issues with the Bill that we believe the Government needs to address before it is passed to ensure that it works as intended.

  • The Bill as it stands, delays the implementation of requirements for smart TVs, meaning that many viewers could miss out on accessing free TV services until 2026 or beyond. And people who already own a smart TV would miss out completely on software updates to keep their free services easy to find.

    In addition, it allows subscription streaming services like Amazon, Apple, and Disney to acquire exclusive digital rights to iconic sporting events such as the Olympics, AFL, NRL, and cricket. This threatens to lock out millions of Australians who rely on free platforms like 7plus, 9Now, and 10 Play to watch free sport.

  • To address these issues, Free TV is advocating for the following changes to the bill:

    Prominence:

    • Reduce the implementation period from 18 months to a maximum of 6 months

    • Extend the rules to existing TVs that receive software updates

    • Ensure that viewers are presented with both free and paid options when searching for content

    • Require electronic TV guides to include local free TV services

    Anti-siphoning:

    • Require that both the free broadcast and free digital streaming rights be acquired by a free broadcaster before the event can be acquired by a pay TV or subscription streaming provider

    • Do not extend the automatic de-listing period from six to 12 months as many sporting events are acquired within this timeframe

  • The mission of free-to-air TV is to provide trusted news, entertainment, and community-focused programming to all Australians. Free-to-air TV plays an essential role in our society, particularly in times of crises and when connecting communities.

  • If you feel strongly about this issue, please write to Minister the Hon Michelle Rowland MP or to Prime Minister Albanese to express your concerns around the Bill and ask them to make the key changes we have set out here so the reforms the Government is introducing will work to secure your ability to watch valued free local TV services.

    You can find the Minister’s contact details here and the online contact form for the PM here.

    Thank you for your continued support and viewership. We will keep you updated on developments regarding this important issue. In the meantime, you can read our recent Media Releases regarding this matter.