ABC to Launch New Australian Kids’ Channel in 2008

SYDNEY, November 15: The
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will roll out ABC3, a new dedicated
terrestrial commercial-free children’s TV channel, by April of 2008, with
financial backing from the government.

The Australian government
has committed to provide $82 million over four years to fund the channel, a
joint proposal that was put forward by the ABC and the Australian Children’s
Television Foundation. The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is also considering the
proposal.

Planning is already underway
at the ABC for the provision of ABC3, which will be a digital channel available
free to viewers who have a digital television or a digital set-top box.

ABC’s director of
television, Kim Dalton, spoke about ABC3 at the Screen Producers Association of
Australia Conference on the Gold Coast.

“Australian parents know
and trust the ABC brand because of the quality and educational value of ABC
Children's TV,” he said. “We will build on that reputation in providing this
dedicated commercial-free children's channel. It will be available to
Australian children of all ages across the country. The children's channel will
also have tremendous potential for the education sector in Australia. It will
provide an opportunity for the ABC to rebuild its schools and educational
services.”

Dalton added that “without
a dedicated free-to-air children's channel, with a high level of Australian
content, Australian children will continue to drift to the commercial and
overseas content provided on subscription children's channels. As well as the
popular ABC Kids programs currently screening on ABC TV, we'll be commissioning
and acquiring new material for the new channel. We believe a balance is needed,
and we need to ensure that future generations of Australian children can still
see and hear Australian stories, and Australian voices, on children's
television.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski