The conversation around new streaming content quotas is gaining momentum, but the reality is that Australian children’s television has already faced significant challenges—and the data reveals just how severe the decline has been. And this is the part most people overlook... While legislation is now being proposed to compel streaming giants like Netflix, Stan, and Disney+ to produce more local Australian content, the existing landscape tells a different story. Australian broadcasters have been bound by rules requiring that at least 55% of their programming between 6 a.m. and midnight must be Australian-produced. However, prior to 2020, there were additional, more specific quotas for children’s programming, dramas, and documentaries. These sub-quotas aimed to sustain a diverse range of local content but were abolished in 2020 when the government introduced a new point-based system to give broadcasters more flexibility—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change meant that the focus on supporting local content, particularly for children, diminished sharply. Data from Screen Australia shows that in the 2023-24 financial year, children’s TV production plummeted to an all-time low of just 35 hours. Today, nearly all Australian children’s programming is produced by the ABC, with commercial broadcasters significantly reducing their investment. Now, the government is proposing that streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers be required to dedicate at least 10% of their total expenditure for Australia to produce new local dramas, children’s shows, documentaries, arts, and educational programs. But here’s where it gets controversial: does this new legislation truly address the core issue of declining local content, or is it merely a band-aid over a deeper, systemic problem? Many argue that without a solid foundation of ongoing support and investment in local production, these quotas might not make a real difference. What’s your take—are quotas enough, or do we need a fundamental rethink of how Australian content is fostered and funded?
