Synopsis
The broadcast industry has experienced inordinate change over the past decade and most significantly over the last year with the formation of Free TV and Freeview. Since 2001, all of the free-to-air broadcasters have been simulcasting their primary channels in both analogue and digital however, eventually, the analogue transmission will be switched off. The switch-off will be phased throughout Australia, commencing in the first half of 2010 and continuing through until 2013.
Digital technology, like the Internet, mobiles and PVRs, is providing even more ways for consumers to engage with their favourite shows, complementing the primary broadcast and including additional broadcast broadband offerings such as ABC’s iView.
Freeview was ushered in by launch of Free TV’s new digital multi-channels and the expansion of the networks’ online and cross platform offerings of the medium. Free TV has held up against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, which has impacted on all media. In the past nine months, Seven, Nine and Ten have all launched free-to-view digital channels on the Freeview platform with the promise of additional channels in the coming year.
This report provides an extensive overview of Australia’s Free-to-Air broadcasting market, including detailed overviews of all the major commercial and public broadcasters: Nine Network, Seven Network, Network Ten, ABC, and SBS, as well as the regional players.