The Australian Community Television Alliance calls on State Premiers to support Federal Government moves to provide digital spectrum for Community Television (CTV) stations when they meet with the Prime Minister in Darwin tomorrow.
The Government recently embarked on a campaign to encourage us all to switch to digital television. While all the other free-to-air stations are broadcasting in both analogue and digital Community TV remains marooned on analogue.
"Every time another household does as the Government asks and buys a new digital TV or a digital set top box they potentially lose the ability to watch their Community TV channel," said ACTA Secretary and TVS Chief Executive Laurie Patton.
As each new digital television channel is launched more overseas programming floods onto our screens. With its predominantly local content Community TV offers a vital source of programs that encourage and support Australian culture, ideas and interests.
Each year Community TV also provides a valuable training ground for hundreds of young Australian wanting careers in television and a platform for innovative new programs and emerging talent.
"The availability of high quality low cost digital recording and editing equipment means that local community based groups and individuals are able to create their own programs. All they need is an outlet and this is what Community TV is all about," Mr Patton added.
ACTA encourages the Premiers and the Prime Minister to look to the potential of Community Television as we enter the challenging new world of digital multi-channel television.
"We need to focus not on what Community Television is now or indeed what it has been in the past but on what it offers us for the future", Mr Patton concluded.
1 July 2009
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