Our Story

SBS: what's the story?

SBS was founded on the belief that all Australians, regardless of geography, age, cultural background or language skills should have access to high quality, independent, culturally-relevant Australian media.

The multiple language programs available through SBS Television, Radio and Online ensure that all Australians, including the estimated three million Australians who speak a language other than English in their homes, are able to share in the experiences of others, and participate in public life.  The quality of our programs and the multiplicity of our viewpoints come from the freedom we have to draw on the best of all cultures for our programming.

Working at SBS we are bound together by a vision for programs that have meaning and make a difference; we share a passion for what we do and a set of principles that guide our progress.  

Being brave, being committed to life-changing programming, makes each of our jobs at SBS harder in some ways, but it also makes the rewards (and the awards) so much sweeter.

Nobody else does it like we do.

The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is a rare beast: inclusive, courageous, interested in individuals and trusted by Australians.

Through SBS Radio, SBS Television and SBS Online, we tell the stories of humankind in more languages than any other broadcaster in the world; at last count, 74 languages on radio, more than 60 on television and more than 50 online.

Australia's cultural and creative identity is expansive, shaped by all Australians regardless of their origin or language. SBS is driven by a Charter that demands we "provide multilingual and multicultural radio and television services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians and, in doing so, reflect Australia's multicultural society". 

Our charter ensures a commitment to our audience and to making a difference; beyond that, our passion and our drive, our curiosity and creativity force us to think past the mundane into ground-breaking ideas, and quality programs.

"Multicultural" - the new definition

In the 21st century, multiculturalism means more than bringing the cultures of other worlds into your home.  It is reflecting back to us the increasingly multicultural spirit of our own community. SBS celebrates diversity and contributes to the social inclusion and cross-cultural understanding of all Australians - linguistically, sociologically and culturally.

SBS Future

Our vision for the next decades includes the production and acquisition of more hours of original multicultural programming on SBS TV; more digital television and radio channels giving access to more in-language shows; and an increased online presence.

SBS Join In

Join In is all about inviting Australians to explore and celebrate what it is to be an Australian in all of our diversity. It comes from the heart of SBS and speaks to our purpose of inspiring all Australians to explore and celebrate our diversity. At SBS we are inviting you to join in – to join us in sharing the stories of all Australians; to join in as we explore new cultures; and to join in as we celebrate the diversity that is all around us and which makes us who we are. To find out more about how you can Join in, visit sbs.com.au/joinin