Flexible Vision: Emerging Audiovisual Technologies and Services,and Options to Support Australian Content

Abstract

The Australian audiovisual industry is facing two significant policy challenges — rapid technological change and trade liberalisation — both of which have the potential to limit the scope of government regulatory action to support local content. The Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) brought into focus both of these challenges, with Australia's ability to regulate future audiovisual delivery services becoming a central issue of the services negotiations. This article draws upon recent research by the Australian Film Commission on regulatory options to ensure the ongoing availability of Australian content via new media. Internationally, many new media technologies are now regulated to support local content, and many governments are reviewing content regulation options on digital and interactive delivery systems. This article discusses the merits of the key policy levers available to government in order to support the continued presence of Australian content in new services and delivery technologies.

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References

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