ABC TO LAUNCH NEW CHILDREN'S TV CHANNEL IN APRIL 2008

The ABC plans to have a dedicated free-to-air children's TV channel on

The ABC has welcomed the Government's commitment to provide $82 million over four years to fund the channel, which is a joint proposal put forward by both the ABC and the Australian Children's Television Foundation. The ALP is also considering the proposal.

ABC Director of Television, Kim Dalton, speaking from the Screen
Producers Association of Australia Conference on the Gold Coast, said
ABC3, as the new channel will be known, will be a tremendous addition to the entertainment choices available to Australian families.

"Australian parents know and trust the ABC brand because of the quality and educational value of ABC Children's TV. We will build on that reputation in providing this dedicated commercial-free children's
channel. It will be available to Australian children of all ages across the country," Mr Dalton said.

"The children's channel will also have tremendous potential for the
education sector in Australia. It will provide an opportunity for the
ABC to rebuild its schools and educational services.

"Without a dedicated free-to-air children's channel, with a high level
of Australian content, Australian children will continue to drift to the commercial and overseas content provided on subscription children's channels.

"As well as the popular ABC Kids programs currently screening on ABC TV, we'll be commissioning and acquiring new material for the new channel," he said.

"We believe a balance is needed, and we need to ensure that future
generations of Australian children can still see and hear Australian
stories, and Australian voices, on children's television.

Planning is already underway at the ABC for the provision of ABC3, which will be a digital channel, available free to viewers who have a digital television or a digital set-top box.

Mr Dalton said, "Provided the funds are approved by government soon
after the election, we will be on air by April 2008."