Ch 31 & Ch 44 launch CTV+ app

Today, Melbourne’s Channel 31 and Adelaide’s Channel 44 released a joint CTV+ community television streaming application.

CTV+ is comprised of 100% Australian-made and produced content and follows a push by the previous LNP governments to suspend spectrum for Community TV broadcasters in favour of streaming.

Community TV has been pivotal to early careers of Rove McManus, Hamish & Andy, Waleed Aly, Nazeem Hussain, Emmylou MacCarthy, and Tommy Little.

Minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos: “Community television has not only provided a rich training ground for some of our most talented TV stars, but it also offers a wide variety of locally-made content and diverse programming for our multicultural communities. The launch of CTV+ will see this offering go from strength to strength.”

Channel 31’s General Manager Shane Dunlop: “We are incredibly excited to be launching the first national Community TV app, CTV+, in partnership with C44 in Adelaide. This new broadcast video-on-demand platform will allow our audiences to view hyperlocal content anywhere, at any time. Despite the challenges we have faced over the past few years, Community TV stations in Melbourne and Adelaide continue to produce high-quality, uniquely local and culturally diverse content which has cemented us as a vital part of the Australian media sector. The CTV+ app will expand our reach beyond metro Melbourne to engage new audiences and program makers in regional Victoria and interstate.”

With over 80 programs currently available, and with over 100+ slated for the platform’s Smart TV app launch in early 2023, there is sure to be something for even the most diverse viewing preferences on the CTV+ app. Viewers can tune in for expert furniture-making tips on Woodworking Masterclass or discover their new favourite local band on MUUZOSTREAM. If they’re looking for a little travel inspiration, viewers can join comedian Annie Louey on a whistlestop tour of their own backyard on Rediscover Victoria or be inspired by the tantalizing cuisines of Italy with Caterina Borsato on Regional Italian Cuisine. With over 1,000 episodes and 25,000 minutes of content available on the platform, CTV+ provides unique and curated programming catered to the diverse interest of viewers.

Peter Bain Hogg, executive producer of CTV+’s MUUZOSTREAM and Producer on SBS’s Rockwiz: “Having been involved with Community Television since the 90s, I know how vital it is as a medium for the development of talent on both sides of the camera. There’s an impressive list of well-known alumni working at the highest levels of commercial and public broadcasting in Australia whose first foray into the industry was on Community TV.
“Content makers struggling to break into the public or commercial broadcasting spaces have been able to test their ideas and hone their skills on C31 and C44, and the CTV+ app will continue to hold space for budding talent for years to come. Most importantly though, special interest groups can also create programming for the platform that reflects and reaches their communities.”

“While traditional terrestrial broadcasting is still an important delivery medium, there is no doubt that streaming is the future, and the development of CTV+ is truly a game changer for Community Television. Also, with CTV+ offering audiences such a vast selection to watch on demand, the platform will undoubtedly increase the reach of community-produced programming.”