The Free TV ‘Shaping a Nation’ showcase brought together Australia’s commercial networks, Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment, Network 10, WIN Television, and Imparja to highlight their vital role as the nation’s trusted news source and cultural unifier. Held in the Theatrette Foyer at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, our message was to reflect the way Free TV has helped shape Australian identity and continues to bring communities together – through trusted news, iconic shows, Australian storytelling, and free sport.
Led by our wonderful hosts – Matt Shirvington (Sunrise, Seven), Ally Langdon (A Current Affair, Nine), and Julia Morris (I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Ten) – we heard from the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Communication Minister Hon Anika Wells MP, and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley MP, and welcomed our new Parliamentary Friends of Free TV Co-chairs Hon Tim Watts MP and Senator the Hon Jane Hume. The evening showcased the incredible talent of our commercial networks and the national reach that Free TV has, whilst also speaking about the key issues facing our industry.
In his address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Your role is absolutely essential in our democracy because the nation of the product that you produce is democratic. Anyone can turn on their TV. They don’t have to pay for it. It’s available to everyone. You are a last bastion of an essential part of our democracy and of a cohesive society.”
The Showcase also highlighted key policy priorities to secure a strong and sustainable future for commercial television:
- Abolish the outdated Commercial Broadcasting Tax
- Close the digital rights loophole in the anti-siphoning rules to keep sport free
- Urgent support for regional television
- Balanced advertising restrictions
- Introduce a News Production Offset