Australian reality television shows could soon be screened in the Pacific region through a government-funded soft-diplomacy push.
Last year, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $17 million package to provide 1000 hours of top-rating Australian content a year to Pacific broadcasters.
Negotiations are underway with commercial television industry body FreeTV to select and buy the content to be offered to broadcasters in the region.
During Senate estimates hearings this week, Communications Department Secretary Mike Mrdak said he expected the "full-suite" of top-rating programming to be made available.
"That would cover the variety of programs ranging from drama, Australian comedy, Australian documentary and Australian reality television programming."
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young questioned whether reality television shows should be part of the offering.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young was surprised to hear reality television would be supplied to the Pacific at taxpayers expense. Source: AAP
"So Married At First Sight and The Bachelor - that's the kind of stuff we're going to be exporting to our Pacific neighbours?"
The two shows, which feature single Australians searching for love, are among the highest-rating shows in the country.
Senator Hanson-Young also wanted to know who would make the decision about which programs were appropriate for the soft-diplomacy push.
"Surely it shouldn't be left to the commercial broadcasters or the producers of Married At First Sight?"
Mr Mrdak said they would be guided by what Pacific broadcasters wanted to air.
