The future for local content? Options for emerging technologies

This Research report has been prepared by the Australian Key Centre for Cultural and Media Policy as part of the ARC SPIRT research partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Authority. The Research report explores strategies for the achievement of cultural objectives in broadcasting in converged television environments, assuming the continuation of the cultural and social objectives currently embodied in section 3 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. The Research report examines regulatory frameworks in place around the world and proposals for new approaches, and considers the potential for their application in the Australian policy environment. While the ecology of converged television environments will vary from country to country, it is widely expected that such environments may be characterised by a series of technological and market changes, including: the transition to digital transmission; more efficient and extensive use of spectrum; a more competitive environment; multichannel programming; and interactive services. These are some of the features of an 'ideal type' of modern broadcasting system. None of these developments are inevitable; we can make few assumptions about when or whether such an environment will exist in Australia. Nevertheless, these assumptions enable us to begin to consider the future options and problems for broadcasters, producers, policymakers and viewers.