Federal government demands streaming platforms produce more Australian content

The federal government plans to introduce content obligations that would require streaming services to provide a set amount of Australian content every year.

Plans to force streaming giants to spend a portion of their revenue on local content has been met with mixed reaction. Picture: AFP

The federal government’s plans to force streaming giants to spend a portion of their revenue on local content has been met with mixed reaction from the film and TV industry.

On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Arts Minister Tony Burke will launch the National Cultural Policy that will provide ongoing direction for the industry.

Despite reports that streaming giants including Netflix, Disney, Amazon Prime, Paramount+ and Stan would be required to abide by quotas to spend 20 per cent of revenue on local content, this has not been confirmed to those companies.

Foxtel Group, which owns BINGE and Foxtel (65 per cent owned by News Corp, publisher of The Australian), said on Sunday it “should not be subject to duplicative obligations”.

“Every year the Foxtel Group makes a substantial contribution to the Australian economy and media landscape as a significant player in the local production and dissemination of high-quality Australia stories through its Foxtel and BINGE Originals,” a spokeswoman said.

A Paramount ANZ spokeswoman said since the launch of their service in 2021, it has commissioned 19 Australian programs.