[Greens-Media] Digital Switch: Uncertainty remains on Community TV

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Wednesday 3 December 2008 

Digital Switch: Uncertainty remains on Community TV

The Australian Greens warn the country's five community television
stations still face an uncertain future, despite the Senate today voting
to support a compulsory switch to digital television by 2013. 

"While the government says the switch to digital television will give
consumers more choice, consumers will have less choice if community
television stations are left out," said Greens Communications
Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam. 

>From 2013 all television stations will be required to broadcast in
digital format and consumers will be required to purchase digital
televisions or set-top conversion boxes. Community television stations
will not have access to the technology necessary for the change without
government assistance. 

"Community television reflects the diversity of the Australian people
and it brings diversity to an industry that is otherwise dominated by a
few big players. It also provides a vital industry training ground."

"While I understand there is no easy road to digital transmission for
community television, the Government needs to provide specific
information on how it will ensure the survival of community television
in the digital age. As things currently stand, there's a risk the
digital revolution could mean pulling the plug on community TV." 

"Community television's been a fundamental part of the history of
television in Australia. It's crucial that it's part of the future of
television as well," said Senator Ludlam. 

A further 650 self help analog TV transmission sites, accommodating
about 2,400 analog TV transmitters , could be affected by the digital
switch. 



Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>