Its history and market are different. For decades, pay TV in the US was a pattern of local and regional cable monopolies, which had a virtual licence to print money. This has begun to change with the introduction of digital satellite television and some other wireless broadcasters. In contrast, we mandated digital satellite television from the beginning of pay TV and also had cable and wireless transmission available. We have diverse facilities but not enough market to support diverse ownership.
Exclusive programming enables subscriber networks to be established.
Without the guarantee of exclusivity it is doubtful that we would have national pay TV at all in Australia, let alone any competition. It would simply be too risky. We wonder whether those complaining about the current situation simply want to substitute their own local exclusivity for that which now exists or to cherry pick the product now held exclusively by others. Debate over the public interest in these circumstances, as suggested by the ACCC, would take place in a context of complete commercial uncertainty. The proposal to prohibit exclusivity for areas not in the operator's service area seems unworkable.