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Community TV given another 6 month extension

Community television broadcasters in Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth given an extension to December 31.

Community television broadcasters in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth have been given another 6 month extension for Free to Air spectrum, just days before they were due to exist online only.

It is the second time Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has granted a last minute lifeline to the sector, now valid until 31st December 2017.

C31 Melbourne said in a statement, “We welcome this decision and thank the Minister for his support. To our many viewers, producers, alumni and just mates of the station whom have been vocal in their support of us through this roller-coaster ride, your passion and spirit for Community TV has most likely had an impact and we sincerely thank you.

“We will use the next six months to continue the progress we’ve made over the last three years, whilst giving us along with our friends at WTV in Perth and Channel 44 in Adelaide a fighting chance to make an online transition work. For your continued support of your local community TV station we love and thank you! Now, excuse us while we have a quick lie down. 6 MORE MONTHS!!!”

Community broadcasters have long argued they need more time to build a business model to transition to online.

6 Responses

  1. How many more extensions are they going to get? They might as well stop giving them the extensions and let them keep their spectrum access if this keeps happening.
    However, they should use the six months to make sure viewers know that the channels have an online presence when they get switched off.
    Also, I don’t see Sydney or Brisbane’s community channels listed here. I’m assuming they’re gonna be switched off.

  2. This is good, I want channel 31 to stay on air but there has to be a better way than these last minute extensions to get channel 31 and other community stations to stay on air.

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