Oz pay TV channels boost drama spend

Australia’s pay TV channels increased their spend on local drama by 43% in 2006-2007, taking the total to A$26.44 million (US$24.5 million).

The level of spending on local drama, which includes programmes hailing from New Zealand, meant the channels exceeded the required 10% of overall spending on drama.

The drama spend is detailed in an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) report. ACMA reports on seventeen designated drama channels including Hallmark, Showtime and Sci Fi. Kids channels Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel Playhouse Disney and Nickelodeon are also covered.

The drama programmes included in this year’s report include Satisfaction, McLeod’s Daughters and Sarvo Shorts.