CANBERRA, April 30, 2026 — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft decision proposing to deny authorisation for Screen Producers Australia and its members to collectively negotiate contract terms with broadcasters and major streaming platforms.
The proposed arrangement would have allowed SPA and its producer members to jointly develop model terms of trade when dealing with television networks and streaming services. However, the competition regulator said it was not satisfied that the public benefits would outweigh potential harm to competition.
Concerns over broader market impact
While the ACCC acknowledged that collective bargaining could give some producers greater influence in negotiations, it warned that the arrangement could have wider consequences across the screen production industry.
In its draft determination, the regulator said the proposal could:
- Affect contracting dynamics across the broader sector
- Limit flexibility in negotiations between parties
- Reduce the ability of producers, broadcasters and streaming platforms to reach tailored agreements
As a result, the ACCC concluded the conduct may create public detriment by restricting competition in how contracts are negotiated.
Interim approval also denied
The regulator also rejected a request for interim authorisation, meaning SPA and its members cannot proceed with collective negotiations while the application is under consideration.
Consultation open before final ruling
The ACCC is now inviting stakeholders to submit feedback on the draft decision by May 15, 2026, before issuing a final determination.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in the media and entertainment sector, where smaller producers are seeking greater bargaining power in negotiations with large broadcasters and global streaming platforms, while regulators weigh the impact of such coordination on market competition.
