Conroy signals funding boost for ABC and SBS
Digital minister Stephen Conroy has dropped a heavy hint that SBS and the ABC can expect a funding boost in a move which would allow the broadcasters to go ahead with their plans for digital TV and radio.
Acknowledging that the two broadcasters are at a “critical juncture”, Conroy added, in an interview published over the weekend, that the ABC is “seriously underfunded”.
The ABC currently runs one additional TV service – ABC2 – while it has plans for a public affairs channel and a children’s channel. Its ambitions for digital radio are likely to include upgrading Dig, Dig Jazz and Dig Country, which are currently unavailable on terrestrial radio, plus new children’s and sports channels.
Meanwhile SBS has said it also has plans for new digital TV and radio offerings – but they remain dependent on receiving proper funding.
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