New bill supports DTV satellite service
The new Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television) Bill 2010 has been introduced to regulate the implementation of the satellite service that will carry digital TV.
Three new commercial TV licence areas will be created for the satellite service: Northern Australia (NT and QLD), South Eastern Australia (ACT, NSW, SA, TAS and VIC) and Western Australia.
The bill aims to guarantee that all Australians can access the same number of DTV services, whether they access it through terrestrial transmission or via satellite.
Under this structure, commercial broadcasters will be required to provide all local news and information programs to the satellite service licensee.
The legislation will be referred to the Senate Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee, for debate in the next Budget sittings.
