Free TV celebrates 60 years of broadcast television and unveils political support group
Free TV Australia has launched a campaign 60 years in the making as it celebrates the diamond anniversary of broadcasting with key moments that have been brought into Australia’s lounge rooms.
Historic moments such as Neil Armstrong’s moon landing, 9/11 and a host of sporting highlights feature in the 30-second spot narrated by Noni Hazlehurst.
The ad was launched at Parliament House Canberra at an event hosted by Ten’s Sandra Sully, Seven’s Mel Doyle and Nine’s Karl Stefanovic, and will play across the commercial stations over the next several weeks.
Harold Mitchell, Free TV Australia Chairman, unveiled the advertisement to an audience including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, communications minister Mitch Fifield and other parliamentarians and senior government staff.
From left to right: Sandra Sully (Ten); Karl Stefanovic (Nine); Melissa Doyle (Seven); Harold Mitchell (chairman, Free TV Australia) at the Free TV event at Parliament House, Canberra
Mitchell said commercial TV had played an important role in the the evolution of Australian society.
“We are launching this commercial to celebrate the economic and cultural contribution that free to air television has been making for 60 years, and the unique and special place that it continues to hold in the lives of all Australians,” Mitchell said.
“Australia needs free to air television and on this milestone diamond anniversary, it is imperative we ensure that we can continue to provide the free service that Australians value so highly.”
The event was also used to announce the formation the Parliamentary Friends of commercial free to air television.
The apolitical group will aim to promote the free-to-air tv industry and help recognise the cultural and economic importance of broadcasters.
The group will be co-chaired by MPs Melissa Price and Tim Watts.
