Subscription video on demand (SVOD) providers spent $341 million on Australian programs in the 2023–24 financial year, up from $324 million in 2022–23, according to new data from Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA) fifth SVOD Australian content report, which includes figures provided on a voluntary basis from Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Paramount+ and Stan. This included a $6 million increase in expenditure for commissioned programs, mainly across the adult drama and light entertainment genres, and an $11 million increase in expenditure on acquired programs. However, there was decreased expenditure on Australian children’s programs and Australian documentaries.
Overall, Australians were able to watch more Australian content across all five SVOD services. On June 30, 2024, 3,776 Australian program titles were available to Australian audiences across these services, up from 3,757 in the previous year.
Australian programs continued to be available to international audiences. For 2023–24, the largest number of Australian program titles and hours were available in North and South American countries.
In addition to expenditure on Australian content, providers also spent $200 million on acquiring, producing, or investing in 32 Australian-related programs, which meet some, but not all the criteria to be classified as Australian content. This expenditure included commissioning Australian-related programs, producing foreign programs in Australia, and providing long-term employment opportunities through local production facilities.
The increased investment in adult drama and light entertainment reflects evolving viewer preferences, while the rise in Australian titles available globally demonstrates the expanding reach of local storytelling. However, the decline in expenditure on children’s programs and documentaries points to areas for potential growth and diversification. As the industry continues to evolve, fostering a balance across genres and investing in uniquely Australian narratives will be key to sustaining this upward trajectory and ensuring a vibrant future for local content on the global stage.
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