Save Our SBS has welcomed the Budget announcement that the SBS will receive an additional $20 million over three years to help the broadcaster lift its level of Australian production.
Save Our SBS spokesperson Darce Cassidy said “The government has made the first move. It is now time for the SBS to listen to the government, and, more importantly, to its viewers. Both the viewers and the government want the SBS to stop interrupting programs with advertisements.”
“It is time for the SBS Board to put the “special” back into SBS television, to return the SBS to its multicultural Charter. Programs in English dominate prime time television. Indeed on some nights there are no programs in languages other than English in prime time.”
“As a first step the SBS should immediately cease interrupting programs for commercials. In the longer term the SBS should be required to operate on the same basis as the ABC, without advertisements of any kind. The prohibition of advertising should be accompanied by a substantial funding increase to bring the SBS budget to half that of the ABC”.
Further information: Darce Cassidy 03 9005 8660 or 0412 685 178
