Extension for Community TV C31 and C44
Melbourne and Adelaide Community TV stations no longer face switch-off this June, under a new govt move.
- Published by David Knox
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Channel 31 Melbourne / Geelong and Channel 44 Adelaide will remain on air under new legislation until an alternative use for the radiofrequency spectrum they use has been realised.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) Bill 2024 will repeal previous legislation, under which both stations’ broadcasting licences were due to expire on 30 June this year.
The Bill delivers on an election commitment by Labor to extend the licences of both community television stations.
It brings them in line with the Codes of Practice as developed by the Australian Community Television Alliance and gives the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) the power to declare when an alternative use for the spectrum has been identified, and to determine a specified date.
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said, “Community television is a vibrant part of Australia’s media landscape – adding to media diversity, providing local news and content, supporting local businesses and serving as a platform for the next generation of industry talent.
“These changes will ensure Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide can continue to provide these valuable services until there is an alternative use for the radiofrequency spectrum they occupy.
“By introducing this Bill, the Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to support a strong, diverse community broadcasting sector and the audiences they serve.”
“This Bill is a significant stride towards ensuring the continued existence and vibrancy of Community TV,” said ACTA president and C31 Melbourne and Geelong general manager Shane Dunlop.
“The Community TV sector has suffered incredibly since 2014, due to the uncertainty caused by repeated short-term renewals to stations’ broadcasting licenses. Today’s legislation is a great validation of the resilience shown by C44 Adelaide and C31 Melbourne on behalf of their communities, and of the unique role played by Community TV in the Australian media landscape as a platform and pathway for diverse voices and emerging media talent.”
8 Responses
There’s really no reason why they can’t be allowed to remain on the air.
I hope WTV in WA can get back on air.. it was suppose to move to an online model but heard nothing from it for a while, unless I’m out of touch
I wish Sydney still had their community TV station they should leave the communities TV stations where they are they are the breeding ground for the new people coming up in the industry and it could grief it does not take up that much space it’s all about follow the money
I see it like this if they can remain viable in this tough broadcast space then let them. What harm do they make to FTA or Streamers?
Always wondered why the community channel couldn’t be moved to the ABC or SBS mux in MPEG-4 SD. It would expand reach in each State while freeing up that spectrum.
… “The Community TV sector has suffered incredibly since 2014”? gotta love the rewriting of political history … the community stations were told that they would have to get off the sixth digital licence by Stephen Conroy in his Convergence Review in 2012 … of course the date he set was the end of 2014 which meant it was Malcolm Turnbull who actually had to do the deed … short term memory loss seems to affect all politicians and their media advisers!!!
I don’t see any problem with the wording…. the sector has endured all kinds of fatal blows / repeals / indecision / extensions since that period. It also includes the shutdown of CTV stations in other cities entirely. I’d view that as in line with the statement.
The intention to stop licensing Channel 31 and 44 was one of the very few things I disagreed with the previous department on. This is because the frequencies were not being used, or had no alternative use listed yet.
Paul Fletcher did decide to renew the licenses in the end.
I’d also recommend bringing back community TV in other cities, like Brisbane, Canberra etc. These channels should also be added to national Freeview. Give an insight into the cities and communities. Freeview would advertise more variety and choice, so why not implement that into practice?
I think community TV should be expanded.