As Australians' viewing habits shift to online, the Albanese Government is ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of free-to-air television, with consultation opening today on the future of TV.

Free-to-air television plays a vital role in Australia’s media landscape, providing access to local news, sport, Australian stories and entertainment to people across the country.

Until now, it has largely been broadcast via traditional radiofrequency spectrum.

But with the past decade seeing significant growth in online streaming services, the Government is examining ways to ensure free-to-air TV can continue to be delivered in a sensible and sustainable way.

The Government is seeking views on potential technology scenarios that reflect the new reality of television and address the challenges facing the sector.

This includes growing financial pressures on commercial television networks, the high costs of operating and renewing broadcast transmission networks and an increasingly crowded market for viewers in the face of subscription streaming services and online platforms.

Read the discussion paper and have your say by visiting https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/consultation-future-free-air-television-delivery.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:

"We want free-to-air TV to always be available to Australians, however they choose to access it.

“Free-to-air TV has been a fixture in Australian homes for nearly 70 years, bringing us the stories and characters we love, and the news and entertainment that matters to Australians.

"The way people watch TV has changed dramatically and we are working with the industry to ensure it is sustainable into the future.

"This consultation is an important initial step, and I welcome everyone to share their views.

"The Albanese Government is already backing free-to-air TV through the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for two years, along with delivering the News Bargaining Incentive, which supports journalists and their important work."