SBS

NITV has recently introduced more diverse programming in prime time to include documentaries relating to segregation in the US last century amongst others.

NITV became part of SBS’s group of channels late last year after existing for years through pay TV. Continue reading »

On 27 November 2012, areas of northern NSW will switch off their analogue TV signals and switch to digital only TV. This region is served by commercial channels NBN, Prime and SC10 as well as national broadcasters ABC and SBS. Continue reading »

The BBC announced it was not going ahead with a second series of Hunted after the spy thriller suffered a disastrous drop in the ratings.

But the show’s joint producer, HBO, revealed today it was working with George and Hunter’s creator, Frank Spotnitz, to further the series. Continue reading »

New content and the return of many old favourites have been announced by SBS for 2013.

Highlights include four-part drama series Better Man, which tells the true story of Vietnamese-Australian Van Nguyen, who was convicted of drug trafficking in Singapore and executed for his crime in 2005. His hanging was the first execution of an Australian in Southeast Asia since 1993. Continue reading »

Despite spending a month in the traumatic and terrifying life of an asylum seeker on the SBS TV series Go Back to Where You Came From, Angry Anderson still wants them to stay away.

The former Rose Tattoo frontman and would-be politician said he would rather the refugees be housed in “safe areas” in their own countries. And where would they be?? Continue reading »

Updated March 28, 2013

Here is the list of digital channels updated as at March 28, 2013. All channels in SD (standard definition), unless otherwise stated.

ABC
ABC1 – 2 & 21
ABC2 – 22
ABC3 – 23
ABC News 24 – 24 (HD Channel). Also on 20 is some areas.
ABC HD channel 20 phased out to make way for ABC News 24 on channel 24.

SBS
SBS ONE – 3 & 31
SBS TWO – 32
SBS ONE HD – 30 (HD Channel, simulcast of SBS ONE)
SBS also transmits channels 33 and 34 (until early December 2012) which are clones of SBS ONE
NITV – 34 from December 12, 2012

Seven
Seven – 7, 70 & 71
7TWO – 72
7mate – 73 (HD Channel)
7HD that used to be on 70 no longer exists.
74 – TV 4ME – Information / infomercial / paid program channel

Nine
Nine – 9
GO! – 99
GEM - 90 (HD Channel)
GEM replaced 9HD or Nine High Def ch 90.
Extra – 94 – Information / Infomercial / paid programming channel from March 26, 2012
Extra2 – 95 – appeared as part of Nine’s digital channel matrix March 28, 2013. So far, as I can only say it is the Sydney market only.

Ten
Ten – 10
ELEVEN – 11
ONE – 12 & 1
SD simulcast of ONE formerly on ch 12 was dropped to make way for ELEVEN
TVSN – Channel 14 (Home Shopping)

Community
Ch 31, TVS and the like now digital in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on digital ch 44

Special / part time
TV 4ME – Essentially 24 hour infomercial channel launched December 2011 on channel 74 in 5 metro and regional QLD, part of Seven’s multi-plex
Extra – Essentially 24 hour infomercial channel launching March 26 2012 on channel 94 in at least the 3 eastern state capitals, part of Nine’s multi-plex
3D Channel – 40 (HD, used only for 3D trials in 2010, not currently on the air)
3D Channel – 95 (HD, used for London Olympics daily 3D highlights during the 2012 Olympics)
Extra2 – 95 – appeared March 28 (Sydney market).

Regional (eastern states).
Prime
Prime Main Channel – 6, 60 & 61
7TWO on Prime – 62
7mate on Prime – 63 (HD Channel)
Prime HD channel 60 no longer exists. Note: 7mate on ch 60 in some markets.
64 – TV 4ME. Regional NSW, VIC, ACT. Essentially same as 74.

NBN/WIN
Main Channel – 8
GO! – 88
GEM - 80 (HD Channel)
Extra – 84

SC10
SC10 Main channel – 5
ONE HD – 50 (HD channel).
Eleven – 55

Special
Television 4 / TV 4ME – 64. Launched September 18, 2011. Only those who are in Prime markets will get this channel.
Extra – 24 hour infomercial channel launched March 26 2012 on channel 84. Known as WIN GOLD in WIN markets.

Digital channel summary.

Main channels
Nine – 9.
Seven – 7, 70 & 71
Ten – 10
ABC1 – 2 & 21
SBS ONE – 3 & 31. Available in HD on ch 30.

Digital Channels (in launch order)
ABC2 – 22 Launched 2007
ONE – 1 & 11 (at the time, now 1 & 12) Launched March 27, 2009
SBS TWO – 32 Launched June 1, 2009 (replacing SBS News channel)
GO! – 99 Launched August 9, 2009
7TWO – 72 Launched November 1, 2009
ABC3 – 23 Launched December 3, 2009
ABC News 24 – 24 Launched July 22, 2010
7mate – 73 Launched September 25, 2010
GEM – 90 Launched September 26, 2010
ELEVEN – 11 Launched January 11, 2011
Community – 44 Various dates for various mator markets
TV4 – 74 – Launch December 2011. Five city metro and regional QLD
Extra – 94 – from March 26, 2012 – Syd / Melb / Bris
TVSN – 14 – September 24, 2012. Metro markets only
NITV – 34 – December 12, 2012.
Extra2 – 95 – from March 28, 2013 (Sydney market only so far – subject to confirmation from other markets).

Still to come:
SBS THREE – 33 – possible for late 2013 / 2014.

Regional (NSW, VIC, ACT)
Main channels
WIN, NBN - 8.
Prime - 6, 60 & 61
SC10 - 5, 55
ABC1 – 2 & 21
SBS ONE – 3 & 31. Available in HD on ch 30.

Digital Channels
ABC2 – 22
ONE - 50
SBS TWO – 32
GO! - 88
7TWO – 62
ABC3 – 23
ABC News 24 – 24
7mate – 63
GEM – 80
ELEVEN – 55
TV4 – 64 Launched September 18, 2011. Prime regional markets only. Read more here.
Extra – 84 from March 26. NBN regionals, can’t confirm WIN at this point.

The rebranding of SBS television, radio and online will feature a new animated advertising campaign “The Birth of the 7th Billion Story‟ which celebrates the world population reaching seven billion.

The SBS logo has been Six Billion Stories for the past three years and the new look is one of the first initiatives of the new managing director Michael Ebeid, who is facing severe budgetary pressures and a dispute with staff over pay rises.

The campaign is an exclusive partnership with the United Nations Population Fund campaign, called “7 Billion Actions”, which is a program to raise awareness and encourage action to address key world issues associated with population growth: poverty and inequality; women and girls; young people; reproductive health and rights; environment; ageing; and urbanisation.

“Since launching “Six Billion Stories and counting…” three years ago, audiences now view SBS as braver, creative, relevant, and intelligent. As a true multi-platform broadcaster we are well positioned for the changes taking place in the media marketplace with a brand that is built to last.

“As we mark the change to seven billion people on our planet, we’re updating our famous line and reminding Australians that SBS is still the only broadcaster with both the purpose and capacity to tell the stories of the whole world.”

The Seven Billion Stories campaign will be translated into three languages for SBS TV (Arabic, Dinka – the language of the world’s newest nation South Sudan and the Aboriginal language of Yolngu Matha – the language of the Arnhem Land region) and 15 languages for SBS Radio.

The update will also include a 15-second TVC featuring the initiatives of the “7 Billion Actions” program, an in-language radio campaign, a digital campaign across www.sbs.com.au, social media via Facebook, Twitter and SBS blogs.

Source: The Australian

SBS has denied reports that one of its sports reporters was dismissed because he criticised SBS’s football boss Les Murray on an episode of ABC’s 7:30 and on a sports blog.

It was reported that Davidde Corran was advised via email that his services would no longer be required after he finished covering the current FIFA under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Corran appeared on 7:30 where he discussed Les Murray’s positions as the SBS Sport editorial supervisor and as a member of the ethics committee of FIFA.

Corran said on the show: “The issues I have personally had trouble with have all related to essentially theWorld Cup bid, Australia’s World Cup bid for the 2022 World Cup and before that the 2018 World Cup. In particular, the issues – the trouble I’ve ran into is when covering what other consultants, Football Federation Australia, hired, Peter Hargitay.”

7:30 stated that members of the SBS team had been pressured into producing pieces that supported Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup.

However, SBS rubbished the claims, saying in a statement: “SBS refutes the suggestion that Les Murray instructed SBS staff to have no regard for impartiality in relation to the Australian bid to host the World Cup, nor did he instruct staff to report negatively on other nation’s bids.

“SBS refutes the suggestion that Les Murray’s position on the FIFA ethics committee conflicts with his position as SBS’s editorial supervisor, sport. Mr Fink, during his time with SBS, has expressed a range of views on matters relating to FIFA, the FFA and football generally, none of which were curtailed at the direction of Les Murray.”

SBS says that Corran was only ever employed “on a freelance basis . . . and his arrangement is on a project-by-project basis.”

Source: TV Tonight

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced six appointments to the ABC and SBS boards under the government’s merit-based system.

The new ABC non-executive directors are Professor Fiona Stanley AC and Ms Jane Bennett.

The new SBS non-executive directors are Ms Jacqueline Hey and Ms Daryl Karp. In addition, Dr Bulent Hass Dellal OAM has been appointed as deputy Chairperson of SBS and Ms Patricia Azarias has been reappointed to the SBS Board for a second five-year term.

Senator Conroy said the appointments will strengthen Australia’s national broadcasters. 

“I congratulate Professor Stanley, Ms Bennett, Ms Hey, Ms Karp, Dr Dellal and Ms Azarias on their appointments,” Senator Conroy said.

“Each of these appointees brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill to the boards of the ABC and SBS.”

This is the third recruitment round for the ABC and SBS boards since the government’s merit-based appointment process was implemented in 2008.

“These merit-based appointments demonstrate our resolve to remove political interference and to promote independence in the ABC and SBS boards,” said Senator Conroy.

“The Government has made a strong commitment to ensure the future strength and independence of our national broadcasters.”

Each of the new appointments and the reappointment of Ms Azarias is for a period of five years from 30 June 2011. The appointment of Dr Dellal as deputy chair is effective until the end of his current term as a non-executive director on 2 June 2015.

Applications for positions on each board were open to all Australians and more than 300 expressions of interest were received.

A four-member independent nomination panel, consisting of Mr Ric Smith AO PSM, Professor Allan Fels AO, Ms Leneen Forde AC and Mr David Gonski AC, assessed applications, interviewed selected candidates and provided the Minister with a short-list of candidates for each board. The four new directors were selected from this short-list.

Legislation to entrench the merit-based appointment process is currently before Parliament.

Professor Fiona Stanley AC – ABC non-executive director

Professor Stanley is an outstanding Australian with expertise in maternal and child health research and a strong ongoing commitment to improving aboriginal and community health. Professor Stanley is a former Australian of the Year and was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 1996.

“Professor Stanley’s technical expertise, her broad involvement in and knowledge of children’s, youth and Indigenous cultural issues, as well as her experience in the management of large organisations will be invaluable to the ABC in fulfilling its charter obligations’, Senator Conroy said.

Ms Jane Bennett – ABC non-executive director

Ms Bennett has been managing director of Ashgrove Cheese Pty Ltd since 2001. In this role she was honoured as ABC Radio Australian Rural Woman of the Year (1997), National Regional Development Award-Young Australian of the Year Awards (1998) and 2010 Tasmanian Telstra Business Woman of the Year. Ms Bennett is currently chair of the Tasmanian State Government Food Industry Advisory Committee and a member of the Brand Tasmania Council.  Ms Bennett has previously been a member of the Telecommunications Industry Inquiry, the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry and the Productivity Group of the Australian government’s 2020 Summit.

“Ms Bennett has made a valuable contribution to a range of government boards and inquiries. Her strong background in commerce, management and understanding of the provision of communications services, particularly in regional areas, will provide a valuable perspective to the ABC board,” Senator Conroy said.

Ms Jacqueline Hey – SBS non-executive director

Ms Hey was Chief Executive Officer of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand from 2008-10 and has 23 years experience in the local and international communications industry. Previously she was CEO Ericsson UK & Ireland (2004-08) including Saudi Arabia (2005-06). Ms Hey was a member of Ericsson Global Management Team and a member of Ericsson Steering Boards for Global Hutchison, Global Vodafone and Global IT.

“Ms Hey’s comprehensive expertise in telecommunications services, digital rights management and online services at both the management and board level will balance the skills of the existing board. She will also bring an understanding of Australia’s multicultural society and the needs and interests of SBS’s culturally diverse audience, based on her international experience,” Senator Conroy said.

Ms Daryl Karp – SBS non-executive director

Ms Karp is a senior consultant with RPR Consulting, specialising in industry analysis, growth and innovation in the creative industries and Managing Director of Tattooed Media Pty Ltd. She is also a director of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. Her previous positions include CEO and Managing Director, Film Australia, Head of Factual Programs (Television), Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and Head of Science and Documentaries/Science and Features at the ABC.

“Ms Karp’s extensive experience in Australian broadcasting and media and her understanding of the needs and interests of SBS’s culturally diverse audience will bring value to the SBS board,” Senator Conroy said.

Dr Bulent (Hass) Dellal – SBS deputy chairperson

Dr Dellal was appointed as a non-executive Director to the SBS board on 3 June 2010. He has made a significant contribution to the board in the last year, including as a member of the Community Engagement Sub-committee.

“Dr Dellal’s active involvement in the cultural sector, his extensive business experience, service on the SBS board and high-level skills in governance and leadership make him particularly suitable to undertake the responsibilities of deputy Chairperson of the board,” Senator Conroy said.

Ms Patricia Azarias – SBS non-executive director

Ms Azarias is currently Regional General Manager for Business and Organisational Performance at the National Australia Bank. She is also Deputy Chair of the NSW Community Relations Commission and a member of the board of the Australian Government’s Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation. She has served one five year term as a non-executive director of the SBS board and is a member of the SBS Community Advisory and Audit and Finance sub-committees.

“Ms Azarias’ reappointment ensures continuity for the board’s deliberations and enables the SBS to continue to benefit from her considerable experience in the finance industry” Senator Conroy said.

SBS is said to be considering a third channel in the future to provide more competition for other digital channels.

The network’s programmer Jane Roscoe told C21: “We’re thinking about it, we’re planning for it, but we’re not sure when.

“It’s not going to happen this year. We’d have liked it to, but we’re going into our next tri-annual funding round with the government so I think we’re going to wait and see what sort of funding we get.”

“At the moment we are debating every option, and looking at what all the other channels have done. Some of them have gone for a demographic-based channel, some of them have gone genre-based. There’s a limited number of options, but we’re thinking those through.”

Source: TV Tonight