Holy voices back Community TV extension

Community TV stations Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide have drawn upon some serious firepower in their campaign to extend their license beyond the current deadline of June 30, 2020.

Letters of support have been sent to Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher from religious and multicultural organisations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Community TV broadcasters have broadcast over 40 hours of live-to-air TV  during Easter Week, Ramadan and Vaisakhi while communities have been unable to physically attend services.

Amongst those writing letters of support are:

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide
St. Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne
Adelaide Christian Centre
Board of Imams Victoria
Multifaith Association of SA Inc.
Greek Orthodox Community Parish of St George Thebarton & Western Suburbs Inc.
Christian Family Centre, Seaton
St. Savia Serbian Orthodox Church
Lutheran Church of Australia
Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council
Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri d’Italia Adelaide
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Greek Media Group 3XY Radio Hellas / Ta Nea Greek Newspaper
National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council

Tiffany Davis, Communications Manager at Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, said, “Channel 31 Melbourne have been integral in our provision of Masses on their free-to-air TV platform, enabling us to reach our parishioners across Melbourne in their homes. The provision of free, simple and direct access to our Easter services was widely appreciated. As you would be aware, not all Australians have the technical understanding or capacity to view online livestreams, so the Channel 31 Melbourne broadcasts have been an important part of maintaining connection with our community.”

President of the Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri Adelaide said, “Now is the time to support C44 Adelaide, not interrupt their valuable service by switching off Community Television stations.”

“Throughout our longstanding partnership with Channel 31, we have seen first-hand the integral role they play in supporting Victorians, and in recent weeks, their service has been more relevant and important than ever” added VMC Chair Vivienne Nguyen.

Both C31 and C44 claim Minister Fletcher has not communicated directly with either station since taking on the portfolio.

C31 Melbourne General Manager Shane Dunlop said, “We are keeping the community comforted and connected through this very difficult and isolating time. The response from the multi-faith community to our coverage of cultural and religious services has been overwhelming.”

C44 Adelaide’s Kristen Hamill added, “Community TV is a sector is worth fighting for. Our stations have been able to adapt quickly during the pandemic and identify needs within the local community. We look forward to supporting cultural and religious groups across both states to connect with their audiences while these restrictions are in place. “