SBS launches free-to-air multilingual news channel, SBS WorldWatch
SBS has launched a new free-to-air 24-hour multilingual news channel, SBS WorldWatch, featuring bulletins from international broadcasters and SBS’ own Arabic and Mandarin News.
SBS WorldWatch broadcasts international news services from 30 countries, enabling culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia to watch news in their preferred language. Plans to launch the channel were first announced in 2021.
In addition, SBS Arabic and Mandarin New, which the broadcaster soft-launched on SBS On Demand earlier this year, will have a half-hour prime time spot on SBS WorldWatch channel, providing coverage of national and international stories every weeknight by teams of bilingual journalists.
James Taylor, managing director of SBS, said the channel expands SBS’ multilingual offerings.
“Our multilingual strategy sits at the heart of SBS and we are very excited to extend our offering with the launch of the SBS WorldWatch channel today, which sees us further expand our in-language news bulletins for people whose preferred language may not be English,” Taylor said.
SBS director of news and current affairs Mandi Wicks said the launch of the channel aligns with the broadcaster’s strategy to meet the needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse Australia.
“SBS is uniquely placed to reach and engage the many Australians who speak a language other than English, and we are thrilled to be evolving and enhancing our offering with the launch of SBS WorldWatch. It is exciting to be increasing our commitment to more SBS-produced multilingual news through the Arabic and Mandarin bulletins, ensuring access to relevant and current news for two of Australia’s largest and fastest growing language communities,” Wicks said.
SBS WorldWatch is available on free-to-air television (channel 35) and on SBS On Demand from today.
SBS WorldWatch is the network’s sixth free-to-air channel joining SBS, National Indigenous Television (NITV), SBS VICELAND, SBS Food and SBS World Movies.
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Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
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