Australian Broadcasters Align to Drive DTT

SYDNEY, July 17:
Australia’s free-to-air commercial networks and public broadcasters have
formally announced the creation of a DTT platform, Freeview, which is set to
launch with a bouquet of 15 channels.

Freeview shareholders
include ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten, Prime, WIN and
Southern Cross. The consortium will be chaired by Kim Dalton, ABC’s director of
television.

Each of the free-to-air
networks will be able to launch one additional standard-definition channel, as
of next year. The three new networks from Seven, Nine and TEN, along with two
ABC and two SBS channels and their respective HD services, will bring the
Freeview bouquet up to a total of 15. Consumers will need an HD digital set-top
box, digital video recorder or an integrated digital television. An awareness
campaign is due to roll out in the coming months ahead of Freeview’s launch
next year.

“This is an extraordinary
step forward for the free-to-air broadcasters,” Dalton said. “Together we have
pioneered digital television in Australia, investing millions in infrastructure
and converting our equipment and studios accordingly. Now it’s time for
Australians to reap the rewards; Freeview will offer viewers more channels,
great content and the very best quality picture and sound.”

—By Mansha Daswani