Australian writers’, producers’ and actors’ guilds have hit out at the government’s new content quotas, claiming they won’t guarantee screen time for already-struggling locals.
Last week, communications minister Stephen Conroy said TV licence fees would be cut by 50%, while the 55% local content requirement would be retained and applicable to multichannels, like 7mate and Gem.
But the Australian Writers’ Guild said the proposal is not enough to give the industry peace of mind.
"Behind the headlines and the rhetoric, the proposed regulations do not apply any meaningful requirement for the development of new Australian stories,” executive director Jacqueline Elaine said.
In a joint statement, the bodies said the requirement – which would see Aussie content hit 1460 hours in year three – would actually reduce the percentage of local coverage to 11% from its 2011 rate of 14.8%.
Actors Equity Director Sue McCreadie said: “There is also no joy for local performers in this package because there is no obligation to screen any new Australian drama on the multi‚Äêchannels.”
