FTA TV’s FY24 viewing data bucks the narrative of decline

Venture Insights data shows FTA TV reach rising in FY24, driven by BVOD growth and a slump in SVOD subscriptions.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights25 October 2024Period: FY243 min read

Last updated 6 May 2026

0.9%↑

Forecast CAGR for FTA TV ad revenue over the next five years

$1.6 billion→

Annual commercial TV industry outlay on news, sport, and local content

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Abstract

Venture Insights’ 2024 Consumer Media survey data shows that FTA TV reach rose significantly in FY24, driven by a surge in the uptake of BVOD. Over the same period, SVOD subscriptions have slumped. This challenges the narrative of decline that has built up around the FTA TV industry, and should force some rethinking about the industry’s future prospects. This will be especially important in the context of the Minister’s recently proposed “exploration” of the industry’s future, and an upcoming 2025 Discussion Paper.

Key Takeaways

FTA TV reach rose significantly in FY24, driven by a surge in BVOD uptake that offset traditional broadcast declines.
SVOD subscription growth has halted following price hikes in FY22 and FY23 and increased pressure on household budgets.
FTA TV ad revenue is forecast to grow at a 0.9% CAGR over the next five years as viewing patterns begin to stabilise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, reach actually rose in FY24 as a surge in BVOD uptake successfully offset traditional broadcast declines. In contrast, SVOD subscription growth has stalled following price hikes in FY22 and FY23 and increased pressure on household budgets.

We forecast FTA TV ad revenue to grow at a 0.9% CAGR over the next five years as viewing patterns begin to stabilize. The combined revenue for FTA and Pay TV is expected to grow at a more modest 0.6% CAGR through the same period.

The commercial TV industry maintains a significant $1.6 billion annual investment in local news, sport, and content production. This spend remains a critical defensive moat as the average viewer still spends 99 minutes per day consuming FTA content.

The government is preparing a Discussion Paper for early 2025 to address industry regulatory obligations and future form. This follows new anti-siphoning arrangements and a proposed staged reduction in gambling advertising, which we expect to be eliminated within a decade.

Abstract

Key Takeaways

FTA TV reach rose significantly in FY24, driven by a surge in BVOD uptake that offset traditional broadcast declines.

SVOD subscription growth has halted following price hikes in FY22 and FY23 and increased pressure on household budgets.

FTA TV ad revenue is forecast to grow at a 0.9% CAGR over the next five years as viewing patterns begin to stabilise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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