Community TV “shattered” by govt decision to shift it online
Community TV broadcasters learn their fate from Malcolm Turnbull -forced off the air by the end of 2015.
- Published by David Knox
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First Australia Network, now Community Television…..
The Community TV sector is “shattered” following confirmation by Minister of Communications Malcolm Turnbull that it will cease their access to broadcast spectrum at the end of 2015.
Community broadcasters including Channel 31 Melbourne, TVS Sydney, 44 Adelaide, 31 Brisbane, West TV Perth have until the end of next year to move to an online model.
The spectrum will be freed up for sale to Free to Air broadcasters or telcos.
“I have no doubt that this transition is in the best interests of community television. It will deliver wider audiences, at less cost on a wider range of devices and the ability to do more than linear broadcasting,” Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull told an Australian Communication and Media Authority event this morning.
“Some community television representatives, acknowledging that the internet is their ultimate home, have nonetheless argued that they should not be ‘rushed into the new media world’. The internet is not new. It is the universal uber-platform to which most people in Australia are connected 24/7.”
But the Australia Community Television Alliance has rejected the Ministers assertion that this decision “is in the best interests of community television” claiming a decision to resell spectrum has been made in the interests of the major media organisations.
In a statement it said, “Community Television’s purpose is to ensure that free-to-air broadcast spectrum is accessible by all members of the public – to make and screen content that is local, provides access to community groups and provides industry based learning for media students and independent filmmakers.
“ACTA asserts that free-to-air television is presently the dominant form of media in this country and that community access to spectrum is a vital contributor to media diversity. ACTA accepts audiences are moving online and the sector should be preparing for this future, however it is unfair that community television be forced off the air well in advance of all other television broadcasters and in a time frame that is likely to cause the closure of all stations.
“At a time when there are six shopping channels broadcasting on free-to-air in the capital cities, it is unfortunate that the Minister does not value the contribution community television has made – and could continue to make – to media diversity in this country.”
Community Television has a 20 year history in Australia where Gold Logie winners including Rove McManus and Hamish Blake got an early start. Countless others behind the scenes also owe a debt of gratitude to the Community TV sector having honed their craft at a grass-roots level, while numerous community groups have been able to bring attention to their activities.
The sector, which had asked for a 3 year transition to online, has been fighting against the move with a campaign here.
34 Responses
What will happen to that guy on The Couch?
More jobs to go, they want people to work but they keep putting people out of jobs.
Community TV plays a huge part in breaking into the industry whether working behind or in front of the cameras, Do they expect people to go to uni to “study” it at the deregulated fee structure they are planning?
They are simply silencing any independent voice by stopping Community TV and cutting millions out of ABC & SBS. Because Rupert has a new Foxtel online streaming venture and we can only get his propaganda views.
It reminds me of that Simpsons episode where Lisa had to print her own paper.
This is so disappointing, especially when it doesn’t even cost the government extra money to allow for these channels to continue. Also the current media trends are leaning towards the amalgamation of both TV and the internet to provide a transmedia experience, it would be a step backwards I think to just move to entirely to the internet.
PS – You are completely wrong there. Conroy never intended community television to transition to IPTV. Never. His problem was that he couldn’t come up with a viable plan to sell off the rest of the sixth channel with a must-carry for CTV.
Now, the public servants in the Department of Communications, on the other hand, have always been anti-CTV and have pushed the IPTV line since about 2005 – and sadly they’ve finally struck a minister who will listen to them.
Wow! So much misinformation. Conroy first announced the shift to online for community channels in 2012 and provided them with ‘temporary’ access to the 6th mux (when analogue closed) until 2014. In that period they were supposed to have migrated their audiences to IPTV but Turnbull has now extended their licences for a further 12 months. It’s sad to see anything shut down but the CTV sector has been it’s own worst enemy. And who knows, something great may emerge from the ashes.
The Fed Govt are very cash hungry to sell the vacated analogue and 6th channel frequencies to big corporate interests. Expect the Govt to make room on the ABC frequency to squeeze SBS onto it so as to share the one frequency with the ABC so as to free up a vacated SBS frequency to sell off for cash. This may lead to either ABC2, ABC3, ABCNews24, SBS2, SBSHD and NITV either being closed down or forced on-line as a result of the current ABC/SBS Efficiency Review process, time will tell.
Thank you for those who have pointed out the experience people get out of community tv, etc. I never understood the concept of CTV, when I have flicked over the programs were not of my interest but given the feedback I can now appreciate the value of the medium. In that case it is very sad for those wanting a foot in the door to have this opportunity now unavailable.
@jezza – some people can’t actually afford the internet (or not much GB), don’t have a computer and/or are not as computer literate as others. I would hate that as I watch nearly all my TV via the net but sadly it is the case.
A Liberal government helping the big end of town at the expense of the little guy.Who would have thought such a thing was possible?
I actually agree with Malcolm on this one. with the digital spectrum nowadays their is no way of making sure that you always get the signal. I think the online option is better it will alow people more options in what they want to watch. Also it will enhance their revenue stream. I dont think its a bad idea.