Mi3: Aussies rally for free TV: New research reveals demand for easy access amidst big tech's commercial interests
New research conducted by Free TV and Seven West Media reveals a significant 80% of Australians are demanding easy access to free TV services on their connected TV sets.
The study also found these viewers do not believe local free TV service providers should have to pay a TV manufacturer for a prominent position on the home screen.
The research comes at a crucial time as the Albanese government is planning to legislate a 'prominence' law. This law aims to ensure local free-to-air TV services can easily be found on television devices. The move is seen as a direct response to the commercial interests of big tech and TV manufacturers, which have been criticised by Free TV CEO, Bridget Fair.
"Australians know they are not being given a fair go when it comes to the services they are offered on their connected TVs," Fair said. "They are worried that instead of being offered the local TV services they want to watch, they are being steered in the direction of services that favour the commercial interests of big tech and TV manufacturers."