Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended proposed legislation that would provide certain television stations with prominence on smart TVs.
The federal government opened consultations on a “prominence framework” for smart TVs from Dec. 23, 2022, to Feb. 24, 2023.
The government is currently considering the issues and views provided in the submissions with a view to legislate in the future.
Free-to-air television stations such as the ABC and SBS may be given more prominence than commercial television stations on Foxtel.
“This isn’t about controlling what people can watch. This is simply about making sure that people can get access in a reasonable way. That’s why we’re consulting, to make sure we can get the detail right,” he said.
“When I turn on my smart TV, it certainly has some free-to-airs there on the front page, that’s appropriate. It is appropriate that people be able to access free-to-air TV and so we’re examining that. We’ll consult and we’ll respond appropriately.”
“Next we’ll start seeing they’ll want a ministry of truth. I think they’ve read some of Orwell’s books and taken them too literally,” she said.
Polling By YouGov Australia
Recent YouGov polling commissioned by Foxtel claims 94 percent of Australians do not wish to see the government controlling the order and layout of apps on their television.In addition, 73 percent of Australians indicated they want to be able to tailor the order and layout of the apps on the television themselves.
However, 21 percent of Australians are happy for manufacturers and service providers to prepare this order and layout for them.
The government says a legislated prominence framework would shape the way TV applications and content are presented to Australian audiences.
“It would seek to ensure that local TV services can be easily found on TV devices, so that they can continue to contribute to Australia’s public and cultural life,” the government said.
Recently, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman revealed the government is hoping to legislate on the prominence framework “in the new future.”
Public Campaigns
Both the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) and Free TV Australia have now launched public campaigns on the issue.Free TV legislation Australia launched a new campaign “Don’t let big tech take your free away” on Nov. 20.
The campaign includes television ads on commercial free-to-air networks that highlights the “importance of the federal government” introducing legislation to help people find local free television channels.
“Free local TV services bring our communities together—it doesn’t matter where we live, or how much we earn, free TV entertains, informs and unites all Australians. ” Free TV Australia CEO Bridget Fair said.
“Don’t let the government tell you what to watch or limit your search results. You wouldn’t allow it on your phone. It’s your TV. It’s your living room. The choice should be yours.”
“Services should not be hidden from consumers or altered both in terms of app accessibility and in search. That control should sit with the Australian public who are paying for their devices and the services available on them. Overwhelmingly they have said they want this control,” ASTRA said.
The technology giant said the regulatory framework should focus on ways to offer opportunities to consumers that they may or may not take up—rather than “forcing particular choices on consumers.”
“When a person searches for something, the results should be the best attempt at responding to that request—without any overlay of regulated prominence,” Google said.
