Thunder down under: Australia's TV disaster

William Phillips

A survey of television in Australia. It looked like almost perfect competition: three long-established networks acquired by big-spending newcomers in 1987.

Thunder down under: Australia's TV disaster

William Phillips

Perfect competition exists in television no more than in most industries, but Australia has been experiencing a condition closer than most to the ideal which some economists cherish. Three long-established networks, already relieved of most public service burdens and given an easy ride by friendly politicians, were acquired by big-spending newcomers in 1987. The public was given what it was deemed to want with a vengeance for two or three years.

Neither the audience nor the advertisers were impressed. Viewing declined; extra revenue was not forthcoming. Two of the three networks have...

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