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Output 3.2
On this page
Policy advice and program management which promote accessible high-quality broadcasting services
High-quality program administration
Television Black Spots program and Television Black Spots—Alternative Technical Solutions program
As figure 2.37 indicates, there were no applications processed under the Television Black Spots Program following its closure on 30 June 2005. Arrangements were made to allow for the completion of outstanding projects after that date.
The Alternative Technical Solutions program administered nine grants during the year.
As figure 2.38 indicates, all of the milestones required in 2005–06 for both programs were met.
During the year, the Department worked actively with the coordinating bodies to encourage them to acquit projects but in some cases delays were unavoidable, particularly where the projects were located in isolated regions.
Figure 2.37 Television Black Spots/Alternative Technical Solutions grants
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications processed | Funded projects | Grants administered | Applications processed | Funded projects | Grants administered | |
| Television Black Spots program: new services | 81 | 29 | 39 | 22 | 100 | 6 |
| Television Black Spots program: replacement of obsolete equipment | 100 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alternative Technical Solutions | 33 | 1 | 100 | 2 | 100 | 3 |
Figure 2.38 Television Black Spots—Alternative Technical Solutions milestones met and grants acquitted
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milestones met | Grants acquitted | Milestones met | Grants acquitted | |||||
| % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | |
| Television Black Spots program: new services | 81 | 29 | 39 | 22 | 100 | 6 | 25 | 35 |
| Television Black Spots program: replacement of obsolete equipment | 100 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Alternative Technical Solutions | 33 | 1 | 100 | 2 | 100 | 3 | 100 | 2 |
Commercial Radio Black Spots program
In 2005–06, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts approved four projects as part of the sixth and final round of the Commercial Radio Blackspots Program. The four-year program concluded on 30 June 2006. There have been 109 successful projects funded under the program with projects located in all states and the Northern Territory.
Funding for the Commercial Radio Blackspots program was extended into 2005–06 to allow outstanding eligible projects to be completed. Accordingly, as shown in figure 2.39, no new invitations to submit projects were considered in 2005–06, although four projects from previous submissions were approved during the year. A further 73 projects were managed throughout the year.
Figure 2.39 Commercial Radio Black Spots program grants administered
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications processed | Funded projects | Grants administered | Applications processed | Funded projects | Grants administered | |
| Commercial Radio Blackspots program | 0 | 19 | 102 | 0 | 4 | 73 |
Figure 2.40 shows that, in 2005–06, only 8.7 per cent of milestones were met, reflecting the failure of recipients to meet project completion milestones. However, the majority of grant recipients subsequently complied with requirements in the reporting period. The Department worked actively with recipients to encourage them to meet milestones and acquit projects on time, but delays were experienced, particularly where the projects were in more remote areas.
Figure 2.40 Commercial Radio Black Spots program milestones met and grants acquitted
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milestones met | Grants acquitted | Milestones met | Grants acquitted | |||||
| % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | |
| Commercial Radio Blackspots program | 74 | 28 | 96 | 23 | 8.70 | 2 | 10.6 | 47 |
Seventeen projects originally approved in 2003–04 (11), 2004–05 (four) and 2005–06 (two) were surrendered in 2005–06.
ABC and SBS digital interference scheme
In 2005–06, the Department transferred funds from the Scheme to the ABC and SBS to cover costs the national broadcasters had incurred in relation to the Interference Management Strategy. All such invoices or payment requests received by the Department were approved by 30 June 2006.
National Transmission Network residual funding pool
Five grants were provided for community and remote commercial broadcasters and Radio for the Print Handicapped. No applications were required as the grants reflect arrangements agreed at the time of the sale of the National Transmission Network.
As shown in figure 2.41 below, in 2005–06 all 12 milestones were met by the target date.
Figure 2.41 National Transmission Network residual funding pool milestones met and grants acquitted
| Year | Milestones met | Grants acquitted | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | No. | % | No. | |
| 2005-06 | 100 | 12 | 100 | 5 |
| 2004-05 | 79 | 11 | 100 | 5 |
| 2003-04 | 17 | 2 | 100 | 5 |
Community broadcasting
Community broadcasting is not an application-based program. Funding to the community broadcasting sector is provided through the Community Broadcasting Foundation—an independent, non-profit company. In 2005–06, $7.6 million was paid to the Foundation for allocation and distribution.
In 2005–06, all three milestones were met within the required timeframe (see figure 2.42).
Figure 2.42 Community broadcasting milestones met and grants acquitted
| Year | Milestones met | Grants acquitted | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | No. | % | No. | |
| 2005-06 | 100 | 3 | 100 | 1 |
| 2004-05 | 100 | 5 | 100 | 2 |
| 2003-04 | 70 | 7 | 100 | 1 |
Indigenous broadcasting
The Indigenous Broadcasting Program supports culturally appropriate Indigenous community radio services in capital cities and regional centres.
There was a decrease in projects funded in 2005–06 compared with 2004–05, as a number of applications for 2005–06 funding did not meet program guidelines. In this context, the number of grants administered, which includes funded projects and grants acquitted throughout the year, has also decreased slightly (see figure 2.43).
Figure 2.43 Indigenous broadcasting grant administration
| Up to 2000-01 BITS | 2001-02 BITS | 2002-03 BITS | 2003-04 BITS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-05 | 133 | 111 | 187 | NA* |
| 2005-06 | 129 | 87 | 180 | -4% |
* Figure not available as this program was previously managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS).
Regional Equalisation Plan
The Department paid cash grants under the Regional Equalisation Plan totalling $660 000 in 2005–06 in line with the pre-determined schedule.
NetAlert Limited
Under the funding agreement between the Australian Government and NetAlert, the Department must approve NetAlert's annual work plan before it can allocate annual funding. In 2005–06 $1.876 million was paid to NetAlert.
High-quality and timely policy advice and ministerial services
The Department provided a wide range of direct support services to the Minister during the year (see figure 2.44). The majority of correspondence received by the Minister on broadcasting issues related to ABC funding and Board appointments, the availability of digital and analogue television reception, changes to the availability of satellite based television reception, conversion of community television to digital and a range of other matters about radiocommunications. A significant reason for the decline in meeting time requirements for Ministerial correspondence was the need to delay responding to correspondence about ABC funding until the Budget was delivered.
Figure 2.44 Advice provided within agreed time frames
| 2004-05 | 2005-06 | Variation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of advice | Number | % on time | Number | % on time | Change in % on time |
| Ministerial correspondence | 877 | 68 | 1198 | 48 | -20 |
| Briefings | |||||
| - Department initiated minutes | 262 | 86 | 252 | 89 | +3 |
| - Meeting briefs | 68 | 61 | |||
| Question Time briefs | 156 | 82 | 218 | 75 | -7 |
| Parliamentary questions on notice | 36 | 34 | 28 | 64 | +30 |
During the year, major issues on which policy advice to the Minister was provided included media ownership reform, the digital television framework, the anti-siphoning regime, the establishment, operation and regulatory powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the framework for the introduction of digital radio and the regulation of online and broadcasting content.
The Department also provided advice to the Minister on issues relating to funding, accountability and governance of the national broadcasters (including complaints handling and audience consultation) as well as on a range of matters relating to the community television and radio sectors.
Radiocommunications matters on which advice was prepared included legislative instruments required for the auction of spectrum for broadband wireless access services, the implications of technological developments in mobile telephone jamming devices and the trialling and regulation of the delivery of broadband over electricity power lines.
Effective client satisfaction and consultation
As outlined in Figure 2.45, the Department undertook five major reviews relating to broadcasting.
In May 2006, the Department convened a forum to consult with Indigenous broadcasting clients on proposed changes to the Indigenous Broadcasting Program guidelines. More than 60 representatives attended the two-day event.
On 8 November 2005, the Minister released a discussion paper on possible reforms to the broadcasting regulatory powers of ACMA and 12 submissions were received.
The Department conducted a public consultation process via its website as part of the ABC Funding Adequacy and Efficiency Review and received 52 submissions on the review's terms of reference (see case study, page 163).
Figure 2.45 Broadcasting reviews
| Review subject | Consultation paper issued | Number of submissions received |
|---|---|---|
| Proposed reforms to the broadcasting regulatory powers of the Australian Communications & Media Authority | November 2005 |
12 |
| ABC Funding Adequacy and Efficiency | December 2005 |
52 |
| Driving Digital: A review of the duration of the analogue/digital television simulcast period | September 2005 |
34 |
| Meeting the digital challenge—Reforming Australia's media in the digital age | March 2006 | 222 |
| Review of Indigenous Broadcasting Program | April 2006 | 18 |
Compliance with accountability standards
Following the introduction of more stringent reporting requirements in the previous year, there were no recorded instances of payments relating to funding deeds made in excess of 30 days during 2005–06.
Case study
Funding review sees extra $88 million for new ABC initiatives
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has a history spanning more than 70 years and delivers TV, radio and online services to millions of viewers and listeners each week.
In 2004, the Government made an election commitment to review the adequacy and efficiency of the ABC's use of funding. The terms of reference for the review included considering the ABC's legislative obligations, its structure and regional activities, its range of services and the impact of the changing media environment.
KPMG worked closely with the ABC and the Department to conduct the review. Fifty-two public submissions were made from groups including the Screen Producers Association of Australia, the Australian Screen Directors Association, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the Australian Film Commission, the Australia Council, and Friends of the ABC organisations from around Australia.
The review was finalised in February 2006 and was a key input into the 2006–07 Budget process which saw the ABC receive additional funding of $88.2 million up until 2009.
The ABC received $45 million to help improve its capital asset base by purchasing new equipment to replace old or outdated equipment, particularly in its studios outside Sydney and Melbourne.
A further $30 million was provided over three years for new Australian television content production. Through this, the ABC will establish an independent commissioning arm to invest in high-quality drama and documentaries from the Australian independent production sector, and to help address the reduction in Australian content on ABC TV over recent years.
Funding for the ABC's successful Regional and Local Programming initiative was increased by $13.2 million, bringing total funding for this initiative to $68.7 million for 2006–09. The Regional and Local Programming initiative has already resulted in more ABC regional radio stations, further radio and television program production in regional areas, and expanded online content.
Research and analysis activities contribute to corporate objectives
The Department conducts research, analysis and forecasting support on digital broadcasting issues, as well as on a range of policy and technical developments, including international developments, in digital television and radio.
During 2005–06, the number of 'hits' on pages concerning broadcasting and online content matters was 298 984. This is an increase of 108 729 over 2004–05. The most popular single item, with 5929 hits, was the digital review page concerning the provision of commercial television services.
Effective budget management
As identified in the resources for the outcome table on page 94, the overall price of Output 3.2 was $43 000 (or 0.3 per cent) over budget.
Prior to 2005–06, payments to the Community Broadcasting Foundation were made from departmental appropriations (except for Training and Transmission support). In 2005–06, all $7.5 million provided to the foundation was paid from administered appropriations. This change provides greater transparency for Government funding of the community broadcasting sector.
Managers conduct regular evaluation of budget outcomes and commentary on any variations between budget and expenditure is provided to the Department's Executive Management Group on a monthly basis. The commentary also includes forecasting of budget trends where possible.