Access to local TV services and free sport under threat unless laws are strengthened

Media Release 9 February 2024 Access to local TV services and free sport under threat unless laws are strengthened Millions of Australians will be unable to watch the biggest sporting events or find free TV services on their smart devices if crucial changes are not made to a federal bill, according to Free TV. [...] “In its current form the bill does not guarantee the availability of free sporting coverage for those who are reliant on the internet for their free TV viewing and sets an unnecessarily long timeframe to secure the availability of free local TV services on smart TVs,” said Free TV CEO Bridget Fair. [...] “These two major oversights must be fixed to protect the free universal access of local TV services and sport for every Australian.” The bill prevents subscription streaming services such as Amazon, Apple and Disney from buying exclusive terrestrial broadcast rights to iconic sporting events like the Olympics, AFL, NRL and cricket, but they can still acquire exclusive digital rights and lock out t. [...] All Australians deserve access to the great sporting events, trusted news and great entertainment programs that bring our nation together, regardless of their income or whether they have an antenna on their home.” Meanwhile, the bill only requires the free apps of local broadcasters and a Live TV tile be available on new smart TVs that are manufactured 18 months after the legislation receives asse. [...] If we wait until 2026 to even start addressing the problem it will simply be too little too late.” Free TV is calling for the following changes to the bill: Prominence • Reduce the implementation period from 18 months to a maximum of six months • Extend the rules to existing TVs that receive software updates • Ensure that viewers are presented with both free and paid options when searching for con.