Thje Australian Democrats have issued a media release claiming that interrupting SBS programs with advertisements, which has outraged loyal viewers, is earning the broadcaster only 75 cents per person per year.

The Democrats are planning legislation to prohibit the interrupting programs.

The text of the media release follows:

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SBS VIEWING DISRUPTED FOR 75C A YEAR

Tues 11 March 2008

The Democrats want to stop advertising within programs on SBS-TV by amending the broadcaster's Act with their bill to be introduced tomorrow.
“To make about 75 cents per person per year, the government is allowing the SBS to abandon a key element of the SBS charter, interrupting its unique offering with commercial messages,” Senator Allison said today.
“In-program advertising is highly intrusive and dilutes the quality of the SBS offering, particularly since some of its best, most challenging and most rewarding programs were not designed for advertising.

“Minister Conroy criticised these ads while in opposition. Now he has the chance to rectify the problem.

The Democrats called on the Government to immediately fund SBS for the extra $10 to $20 million that comes from in-program ads and properly resource the broadcaster to deliver on its charter.

Beginning in the 1970’s under the Fraser Government, the Special Broadcasting Service was the first multicultural broadcaster in the world. From the outset SBS was a public, tax-payer-funded broadcaster to niche audiences. It did not chase ratings and advertising was not permitted.
“SBS has always been a low cost operation. Now, it has become a low cost commercial operation.
The Special Broadcasting Service (Prohibition of Disruptive Advertising) Amendment Bill 2008 will prohibit non program content being shown during programs on SBS television. The bill does not ban advertising between programs. Overall advertising is expected to bring in $46m gross in 2008/9
“The digital revolution has shrunk free-to-air audiences and revenues and influence. There are enough commercial broadcasters competing for eyeballs and dollars in Australia.

“Running advertising in programs on SBS fails my cost/benefit analysis,” Senator Allison concluded.


Media contact – David Collyer 0417 613 610