Current anti-siphoning list to continue to 2023

The current broadcast anti-siphoning list will remain in effect until April 2023.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said that the Government will review the list over the next two years as part of its reforms to support broadcasters and enhance the quality of services and content available to all Australians.

The anti-siphoning scheme started in 1992 and aims to give free-to-air broadcasters the first opportunity to acquire the rights to broadcast events on the anti-siphoning list. The scheme lowers the risk of subscription television broadcasters obtaining exclusive rights to televise events of national importance and cultural significance.

“We recognise that many Australians have strong views about being able to watch culturally significant events for free. It is clear that the current anti-siphoning list requires review to make sure that it continues to meet the expectation of Australian audiences,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We also need to consider the impact that COVID-19 has had on how live sporting events are broadcast and the associated changes in deals negotiated between broadcasters and rights holders.

“This decision means that for the next two years the free-to-air networks will continue to have the first opportunity to purchase the rights to culturally significant events, such as the Olympic Games and other major sporting events.”

The Government is currently consulting on the next stage of its media reform program, and stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the media reform green paper by 23 May 2021.

More information on the anti-siphoning scheme is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.