Australian Writers’ Guild welcomes announcement of screen content requirements for streaming services

The AWG has welcomed Arts Minister Tony Burke’s announcement that new screen content requirements for streaming services will require major streaming services to make new Australian content.

“Amid global uncertainty, the government has said it wants to ensure a future for Australian content,” said AWG CEO Claire Pullen. "Our members work in a volatile market where streaming platforms wield enormous power. There is a growing disparity between broadcast and streaming in terms of how they give back to the community and our local industry, even as streaming comes to dominate how we watch shows and films."

AWG President and Logie Award-winning showrunner Peter Mattessi said, "World events move fast and impact our industry in many different ways. Meanwhile, streaming platforms are taking billions of dollars out of the country in subscription fees from Australians – Australians who tell us over and over again that they want to see more Australian content on their screens."

"It has been a long road to get to this point and after lengthy conversations with Government, we are pleased to see our input incorporated into this model, and to see our nation once again require those who deliver screen content to invest in the importance of Australian storytellers telling Australian stories."

Read the full statement HERE.

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What will screen content requirements for streaming services look like?

The Government has stated that: "legislation to be introduced in Parliament will mandate streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers will need to invest at least 10 per cent of their total expenditure for Australia – or 7.5 per cent of their revenue – on new local drama, children’s, documentary, arts and educational programs". Read the full announcement HERE.