Communications Minister Anika Wells says investment in journalism is critical to a healthy democracy. Photo: Region.
Protecting homegrown, independent journalism will be one feature of this month’s federal budget, with the government including measures to support the media and broadcast sector.
The latest initiative, announced on Monday morning (4 May), is to extend the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) on free-to-air television and radio.
To be delivered through the 12 May budget, the CBT will be suspended for a further two years, delivering an estimated $111.3 million in savings for the sector.
All commercial television and radio broadcasters will receive a 100 per cent rebate of CBT liabilities until 8 June 2028.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the budget measure is part of the government’s work to help the industry build resilience and keep pace with changing digital technologies, and to deliver outcomes in the interests of the Australian public.
She said the move will ensure Australians can continue to be informed and entertained by the programs they love.
“Australians rely on credible journalism. Investment in journalism is critical to a healthy democracy. It matters,” the Minister said.
“Commercial free-to-air TV and radio play a vital role in keeping Australians informed and entertained, and provide a platform for local voices and stories.
“It follows the release of draft legislation to establish the News Bargaining Incentive, along with applications opening for the $31.5 million News Innovation Fund.
“Extending the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for another two years will help ease the financial pressures facing the sector in today’s challenging and changing environment.
“We are continuing to work with industry to ensure free-to-air television and radio have a bright future.”
The News Innovation Fund (NIF) – with grants available from $10,000 to $9 million – was launched last month to help Australian newsrooms to be more innovative in the face of artificial intelligence and the evolving media landscape.
The NIF supports news outlets with activities that help them expand their reach, develop new or diversified revenue streams to boost sustainability, and build their organisational capability.
Grants go towards initiatives such as establishing subscription models or newsletters to grow their audience, purchasing new equipment for content production, or engaging local web publishers to boost revenue.
The NIF is part of a string of recent targeted support measures the government is giving publishers across the country through the $153.5 million News Media Assistance Program package.
It also includes $67.6 million in support to more than 2000 journalists across 185 Australian news publishers.
Just last week, Anthony Albanese announced he was taking the News Bargaining Incentive to the next stage.
The Prime Minister said social media companies will have to pay more to use Australian news content on their platforms unless they strike deals with media outlets, under new rules the Federal Government plans to implement.
“Our government is taking the next steps to ensure that Australian journalism is sustainable now and into the future by ensuring that large digital platforms cannot avoid their obligations under the News Media Bargaining Code,” Mr Albanese said.
“The News Bargaining Incentive will go to the next stage.”
An exposure draft has been released, with consultation open until 18 May.
The draft legislation encourages dealmaking between tech giants and news organisations.
If deals are made over content, the social media tech companies will pay 1.5 per cent of revenue to the government.
If no agreements are reached, they will have to pay the higher 2.25 per cent levy.
“This is not about government revenue,” the PM said.
“Every single dollar will go back to journalists to pay for the journalism that [is] produced … in newsrooms right around the country.”
The government has also legislated to enable Australians to easily access free-to-air services on new devices, and has supported free-to-air television coverage of iconic sporting events.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
