ABC and SBS television
Australia's national broadcasters, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), provide a diverse range of television, radio and online services.
The ABC and SBS are in the process of rolling out their digital television services at sites where they operate analog television services. The analog services are being progressively switched off consistent with the government's announced digital switchover timetable.
ABC Television
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 specifies the role of the ABC as a statutory authority with programming and operational independence from the government. The board of directors is, however, guided by the ABC Charter which sets out the functions of the ABC. Under the Charter, the principal function of the ABC is to provide services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians.
ABC television reflects the diversity of interests in the community nationally through a range of distinctive programs of broad and specialist appeal. ABC television commissions, produces, purchases and schedules all general programs as well as current affairs programs. It is watched by approximately 8.5 million Australians every week.
The ABC currently provides an analog television service and four digital television services.
ABC1—carried on the analog channel as well as on a standard definition digital service, is the primary channel for news and entertainment.
ABC2—a standard definition digital-only service, broadcasts a range of new and repeat programming including children's, regional, documentary, arts, international and regional news.
ABC3—a standard definition digital-only service, began operating in December 2009 as a dedicated children's channel broadcasting age-specific programming for children between 6-15 years.
ABC News 24—which commenced on 22 July 2010, is a high definition digital service broadcasting news and current affairs 24 hours a day.
Additionally, Australia Network is an international television service broadcasting via satellite and rebroadcast arrangements to Asia and the Pacific, under contract for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
ABC television programs are also available for viewing online via broadband through the ABC's iView media player.
Funding
The ABC is primarily financed by the federal government through triennial funding arrangements. In 2009–10, total government funding for the ABC was approximately $912 million. For the three years to 2012, government funding to the ABC will total nearly $2.85 billion.
Transmission and access
As at June 2009, ABC television was available via analog signal to 98.29 per cent of the population. The analog service is transmitted via 900 terrestrial transmitters around Australia, including 461 self-help and Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme facilities operated and maintained by local councils or community groups.
As at February 2010, ABC television, including the multi-channels, was available via digital signal to an estimated 97.82 per cent of the population.
The ABC digital television service is also retransmitted on various digital subscription platforms, including FOXTEL, Optus TV, AUSTAR, TransACT and Neighbourhood Cable.
Australia Network is transmitted via satellite and rebroadcasting in countries across Asia and the Pacific.
SBS Television
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is Australia's multicultural and multilingual national public broadcaster.
Under the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991, SBS is a corporation with programming independence from the government. The Board of Directors is, however, guided by the SBS Charter which sets out the functions of SBS. Under the Charter, the principal function of SBS is to provide services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians and reflect Australia's multicultural society.
SBS ONE—the main channel, is available as both an analog service and a digital service (standard definition and high definition).
SBS TWO—formerly the World News Channel, is available as a standard definition digital-only service. It broadcasts programs in more than 28 languages.
STVDIO—a subscription television channel dedicated to entertainment and the arts, is available on the Foxtel and Austar platforms.
With more than 400 international and local program sources, SBS draws on international news and current affairs, documentary, feature film, sports, and other programs, as well as locally commissioned and produced content that articulates an Australian perspective on the world. Around half of the programs on the principal channel are broadcast in languages other than English. These programs are made accessible to all Australians through the use of English subtitles. In all, SBS television is watched by more than 7.9 million Australians every week.
Funding
SBS is funded primarily by the federal government through triennial funding arrangements. SBS's total funding from government in 2009–10 was $211.8 million. For the three years to 2012, government funding to the SBS is in excess of $650 million.
Under its legislation, SBS is permitted to broadcast up to five minutes of advertising per hour on its domestic television broadcasting services.
Transmission and access
As at June 2009, SBS television was available via analog signal to approximately 96.9 per cent of the population. The analog service is transmitted via 251 terrestrial transmitters around Australia plus an additional estimated 366 self-help transmitters owned and operated by local councils or communities.
As at June 2009, SBS digital television, including the multi-channels, was available to more than 96.8 per cent of the population.
