Community television

In 1992, the then Australian Broadcasting Authority (now known as the Australian Communications and Media Authority or ACMA) licensed community television (CTV) services on a trial basis. Six CTV operators were allocated licences to provide community-based television programming in Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , Adelaide , Perth , and Lismore.

In December 2002, new amendments were made to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA) to legislate for CTV licences. The new licence conditions are detailed in section 87A of the BSA.

On 17 February 2003, the ABA advertised for applicants for long-term licences. During 2004, licences were awarded to Television Sydney (TVS) Ltd, Channel 31 in Melbourne and Briz 31 (now QCTV) in Brisbane. Since this time, ACMA has cancelled Access 31's licence. ACMA took this decision as Access 31 had ceased to broadcast its community television service from 6 August 2008.

On 18 December 2008, West TV Ltd (new Vision 31) was allocated a two-year trial licence to broadcast in Perth . Other CTV trials are currently operating in Lismore (LINC TV) and Adelaide (C31 Adelaide ).

• Document ID: 8437 |
• Last modified: 2 June 2009, 4:33pm