Free TV Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s decision to extend the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for another two years, saying it will provide certainty for commercial television broadcasters.
The extension, to be included in the forthcoming Federal Budget, will continue the 100 per cent rebate of CBT liabilities until 8 June 2028. Free TV said the decision will deliver $111.3 million in savings for the commercial broadcasting sector.
The CBT costs the commercial television industry around $50 million each year. Free TV said the extension recognises the financial pressure on broadcasters as they face declining advertising revenue, competition from global digital platforms and rising costs.
Support for free-to-air television
Free TV said the decision sits alongside other government commitments, including the News Bargaining Incentive, the News Media Assistance Program and a prominence framework for connected TVs.
The organisation said these measures are designed to support the sustainability of local media services and help Australians access free television on connected devices.
Free TV broadcasters invest $1.6 billion each year in Australian content, according to the industry body. It said commercial free-to-air television reaches 19 million Australians each week and delivers 390 local news bulletins across the country.
Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV Australia, said: “We thank Minister Wells and the Albanese Government for recognising the real pressures facing commercial television and taking this important step. This is money that can go directly into Australian content, trusted news, live and free sport, and the infrastructure that keeps free television available to every Australian.
“Today, the Government has shown that it understands the value of commercial television services to Australian communities and has backed it with real action. We remain committed to delivering for the communities that rely on Free TV services and look forward to working with the Albanese Government to keep the policy settings right for the long term so we can do just that.”
Bridget Fair, CEO, Free TV
Broadcasters welcome the decision
Matt Stanton, Chief Executive Officer, Nine Entertainment Co, said commercial broadcasters continue to play a major role in supporting journalism.
“Trusted journalism is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy, and Australian commercial broadcasters carry an enormous share of the load, unlike the global digital platforms. The Government’s decision frees up real resources to support Australian journalism.”
Beverley McGarvey, President of Network 10, Head of Streaming and Regional Lead for Australia and New Zealand, Paramount Australia and New Zealand, said Network 10 welcomed the extension.
“Network 10 warmly welcomes this decision from the Albanese Government. The two year extension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax suspension is a meaningful acknowledgement of the pressures facing our industry.
“We are the biggest investors in Australian content and this decision will help ensure we can continue delivering the quality entertainment programming, news and live sport that our audiences depend on. We thank Minister Wells and the Government for their commitment to the future of free-to-air television.”
Rohan Lund, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Cross Media Group, said the extension would support continued investment in local news, sport and entertainment.
“This is a positive step for commercial broadcasters and for the millions of Australians who rely on us every day. The two-year extension means we can keep investing in local newsrooms, live sport and homegrown entertainment that delivers our services to every household.
“A pause, however, is not the same as a permanent fix. The case for permanent abolition of the CBT has never been stronger. It is a tax with no equivalent anywhere in the world, and we look forward to working with the Government to make this relief permanent.”
Regional broadcasters cite local news impact
Andrew Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer, WIN Television, said the decision was particularly important for regional broadcasters.
“For regional Australia, free-to-air television is the connection to local news, local communities and emergency information when bushfires or floods hit. Commercial television is the only place that delivers local television news services.
“Regional licensees like WIN face cost pressures, particularly for transmission, that simply do not apply to global streaming services. This extension gives regional broadcasters breathing room to keep investing in local journalists and the infrastructure that keeps signals reaching every postcode.”
Amy Graham, Chief Executive Officer, Imparja Television, said the extension would support regional and remote broadcasters.
“This is a positive and timely measure that supports the sustainability of the entire free-to-air sector, and regional and remote broadcasters in particular. Imparja operates across some of Australia’s most remote communities, including many First Nations communities.
“This extension is a practical and forward-thinking measure that strengthens the sustainability of free television and ensures that regional and remote Australians remain at the heart of Australia’s media future.”