SBS consults community stakeholders about future plans
6 August 2008
SBS is conducting community consultations across the country to gather feedback on the public broadcaster's ambitious plans for the future.
The consultations are an opportunity for multicultural organisations and other stakeholders with an interest in public broadcasting to have their say on SBS's Plans for the Future document which was released last month.
Contingent on an increase in Government funding, the document outlines plans to:
- Add at least 100 hours per year of original Australian multicultural programming on SBS television by 2012. - Expand SBS's programming of the best content from around the world in any language, by increasing the number of SBS digital television channels to four by 2013. - Add nine new digital radio channels with distinctive, credible and culturally relevant Australian perspectives on local and international issues. - Make all SBS content available streamed and on-demand.
Managing Director Shaun Brown will this week host a community forum in Brisbane after a successful Sydney consultation held in Parramatta last week. A further forum will also be held in Melbourne later this month with plans to hold consultations in other States and Territories over the coming weeks.
"The 2009 Federal Budget is critical for SBS and our ambitious plans for the future," Mr Brown said.
"It is important that people who value SBS are aware of our plans for the future and the services we want to provide. It is equally important that SBS gets input from stakeholders about the scope of our plans and considers their input before making our funding submission to Government later this year.
"Without a considerable new investment by the Australian Government, SBS will not be able to continue to deliver its unique service and is likely to be marginalised in the new digital media environment.
"By consulting with local communities across Australia we are seeking to ensure that the importance of cultural diversity is not forgotten by those deciding Australia's media future."
