Abstract: The Australian free-to-air (FTA) TV industry remains a major force in Australian media, despite the narrative of decline. Indeed, it is stronger than in most other comparable countries. This is a policy-driven success. Australian governments took significant decisions over the last few decades to scale and diversify the FTA TV industry. The contrast with New Zealand is instructive. 

This matters because FTA TV remains a key local alternative to an increasingly globalised (or Americanised) media. The recent surge in “America First” rhetoric in the United States shows that this globalisation isn’t necessarily going to be benign or in local interests. A look at history, however, shows that Australia and New Zealand can affect outcomes – should they choose to do so.