Govt study to examine possible shift of SBS to Western Sydney
Report is set to recommend SBS future base by the end of the year, but a decision is up to the broadcaster.
- Published by David Knox
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The government has commissioned a feasibility study into a possible relocation of SBS from its Artarmon headquarters to Western Sydney.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is leading the feasibility study, in collaboration with SBS.
The study will look at whether moving SBS could help address inequality in infrastructure, skilled jobs and cultural investment in Western Sydney.
Any decision on relocation will ultimately be one for the SBS Board.
The Board will be in a position to consider the Feasibility Study’s outcomes in 2024 while any decision to move would be implemented in the years following. Expressions of interest would only be called for if a move is found to be feasible.
SBS managing director James Taylor, in a note to staff said, “I appreciate that for some of you who have made significant choices based on our Artarmon location, this process may feel unsettling. Conversely, there may be others who feel the project could lead to an opportunity to work closer to home, family or childcare.
“We will be approaching this project constructively, maintain an open mind and will of course keep you updated. SBS is nothing without our people, and there will be consultation with you as this project progresses.”
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland said, “While a number of parties have already indicated they are interested in lodging an expression of interest for hosting SBS in Western Sydney, it’s important that all relevant factors are identified and considered.
“Having the right mix of independent experts with leadership, infrastructure, finance, property and broadcasting expertise on the Steering Committee is critical to ensuring the project is well-managed.”
While Willoughby Council supports the retention of SBS and its 900 staff of over 25 years locally, Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour has previously hit back saying, “Willoughby Council has had it good since 1992 and let’s not forget SBS was put there because it needed to be located near the other networks such as Channel 9 and ABC and they’ve now moved out of the area.
“There’s no reason for it to be in Willoughby and if the Willoughby Council thinks they’re diverse and multicultural but they should come over to Campsie to see what multicultural Australia really looks like.”
Ouch.
A preliminary finding on whether relocation is feasible (or not) is expected later this year.
3 Responses
If they move SBS then they should move ABC as well. It’ll be seen as political to move SBS from a Liberal/LNP electorate to a Labor electorate. There’s no need as Artarmon is already one of the most diverse places in Australia, and has a history of broadcasting.
… isn’t the push to move SBS west partly because of the ABC already moving three hundred people west? and I don’t think “history” is a factor otherwise SBS would have never left their original home in Milsons Point, ABC television would still be in Gore Hill, 7 in Epping, 9 in Willoughby and 10 in North Ryde …
The ABC is already in the process of moving onto Parramatta. Is Campsie really considered West when Sydney extends out to Penrith, surely it would be considered inner West now. Does it really matter where a TV station is located, its the workforce that matters.