The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) report shows a steep decline in local children’s content aired on Australian commercial free-to-air networks.
The ACMA report discloses that the total Australian children’s content broadcasted in 2022 was a mere 95 hours. This is a significant drop from 605 hours in 2019, before the implementation of the revised ACMA’s Children’s Television Standards (ACCTS) framework.
According to the report, the Nine Network aired 85 hours of non-drama content, while Network Ten accounted for 10 hours of children’s drama.
Alarmingly, the Seven Network reported no new release children’s programs for the year.
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) CEO, Matthew Deaner, has slammed the findings as a “damming evidence” of the networks’ inability to provide relevant content for the country’s children.
SPA has criticised the current framework for the drastic decrease in hours dedicated to new release Australian children’s programming. They argue it is pivotal for Australian children to have access to a diverse range of local content, especially given the socioeconomic benefits and public interest.
Moreover, Deaner criticises the networks for relying on low-cost programs. Only 35 hours (15%) of new drama aired were high-cost, high-quality Australian dramas. This trend contradicts the original intent of the ACCTS framework, which aimed to deliver high-quality Australian content to local viewers.
Deaner also calls out the commercial broadcasters’ representative, Free TV Australia. Despite emphasising the importance of accessible Australian content, Deaner accuses them of neglecting the needs of the nation’s children. Simultaneously, they reportedly oppose a proposed 20% reinvestment obligation for their online streaming competitors. Deaner believes this obligation, aligned with the National Cultural Policy, could provide a vital funding stream to support local narratives.
With commercial networks failing to invest in children’s and quality drama content, Deaner warns of a cultural loss if Australian stories continue to be neglected.
He urgently calls for a review of the existing ACCTS framework and stresses the necessity for reform to safeguard Australia’s cultural heritage on-screen.
