8679.0 - Television, Film and Video Production, Australia, 2002-03  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 28/07/2004   
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MEDIA RELEASE

July 28, 2004
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
128/2004
News and sport dominate television production

The highest production costs ($660 million (m)) incurred by Australian television, film and video production businesses in 2002-03 was in the making of news, current affairs and sports programs, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Television, Film and Video Production Activity

News, current affairs and sports programs accounted for more than half (58%) of total production costs ($1,140m) for programs made specifically for television in 2002-03.

Despite having the highest production costs, news and current affairs ($20,000) and sport ($13,000) had the lowest average costs per hour. Drama productions incurred the highest average cost per hour at $247,000 followed by situation and sketch comedy at $223,000 per hour.

At 23,600 hours (43%), sport dominated the number of broadcast hours for first release productions during 2002-03. News and current affairs recorded the second highest amount at 17,800 broadcast hours (33%).

Feature films accounted for just over half (52% or $74m) of the total production costs for productions made, other than for television. The average cost of the 66 feature films produced in 2002-03 was $1.1m.

Film and Video Production Services

New South Wales film and video production services businesses generated 58% ($900m) of the total income earned by these businesses during 2002-03, while Victoria accounted for 24% ($380m).

Nationally these businesses generated $1,600m in income and incurred $1,500m in expenses.

One-quarter ($390m) of the total income was earned through the production of television programs, while commercials accounted for 14% ($230m).

Television Services

Television broadcasting businesses generated $5,200m in income during 2002-03.

The main source of income for Australia's 27 commercial free to air broadcasters was the sale of air time ($2,800m), while subscription and membership fees were the main source of income for the six subscription broadcasters ($1,200m).

Further information is in Television, Film and Video Production, Australia 2002-03 (cat. no. 8679.0).

Media Note: This publication contains information about three distinct topics: (1) Television, Film and Video Production Activity; (2) Film and Video Production Services; and (3) Television Services. Each topic should be reported in isolation.