The CEOs of Seven, Nine, and Ten networks are set to appear at a Senate inquiry to argue the importance of free TV access for Australians. They will be joined by Free TV Chair Greg Hywood and CEO Bridget Fair before the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.

The executives will advocate for the strengthening of the prominence and anti-siphoning bill, which currently prevents subscription streaming services such as Amazon, Apple, and Disney from purchasing exclusive terrestrial broadcast rights to iconic sporting events. However, these services can still acquire exclusive digital rights.

The bill only requires the free apps of local broadcasters and a Live TV tile to be available on new smart TVs manufactured 18 months after the legislation receives assent. Free TV is calling for changes to the bill, including reducing the implementation period from 18 months to a maximum of six months, extending the rules to existing TVs that receive software updates, and requiring electronic TV guides to include local free TV services.

"We welcome the Government’s intention to make free local TV services easy to find on connected TVs and to stop global streaming giants putting our major sports behind a TV paywall. But this Bill contains some significant oversights that we will be highlighting to the Committee today," said Greg Hywood, Free TV Chair.

James Warburton, Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of free access to live sporting events, stating, "Live sporting moments bring our nation together and must remain free and accessible to everyone regardless of their income."

Mike Sneesby, Nine Chief Executive Officer, echoed these sentiments, adding, "All Australians deserve free access to the sporting events, trusted news and entertainment programs that bring communities together."

Beverley McGarvey, EVP of Ten, highlighted the unique role of free TV in Australian society, saying, "No other platform or service has the ability to reach Australians and unite Australians like Free TV can. Millions of homes turn to us day and night because they trust us, whether that be to deliver local shows their friends and family are talking about or to stay informed and safe during crises. Only local free TV can deliver all that."

Free TV also wants the bill to require that both the free broadcast and free digital streaming rights be acquired by a free broadcaster before the event can be acquired by a pay TV or subscription streaming provider. They do not want the automatic de-listing period to be extended from six to 12 months.

"The government has rightly acknowledged that Australians’ access to free TV is under threat - but there are some crucial gaps in the bill. With just a few simple changes, it could become an excellent piece of legislation that fulfills its purpose and safeguards Australians’ access to free TV for years to come," said Bridget Fair, Free TV Chief Executive Officer.