SBS to propose launch of Indigenous channel

sofien72tu

Super VIP
Messages
25,214
SBS to propose launch of Indigenous channel
September 2nd, 2011 - 15:11 UTC
by Andy Sennitt.

Australia’s Spcial Broadcasting Service (SBS) has been invited to join forces with the National Indigenous TV (NITV) network to create a new channel dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in a proposal outlined by Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, The Australian reports. Whereas four-year-old NITV is only available through pay-TV transmission, this move would instantly create a national, free-to-air Indigenous channel.

Mr Conroy said there was strong support for a national Indigenous TV service in the community. “The Australian government is determined to ensure that the resources allocated to Indigenous broadcasting are delivering the best outcomes for Indigenous people,” he said in a statement. “The government’s aim is to provide a national platform for free-to-air delivery of predominantly Australian Indigenous content without the creation of a third national broadcaster. “SBS is well placed to facilitate the evolution of this service and bring Indigenous television on to a free-to-air platform,” he said.

Mr Conroy said the principal objective of a new Indigenous service “would be to increase the amount and overall quality of original Australian Indigenous content on free-to-air television”.

NITV chairman Ken Reys welcomed the proposal for an SBS Indigenous channel. “We see this as a potential opportunity to achieve a long-awaited ambition of securing national free-to-air transmission for Indigenous television,” he said. “There are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and millions of other Australians who currently don’t have access to NITV.”
 
Top