ABC and SBS will receive $4.2 Billion in funding over the period 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2025. It’s great news for people who are blind or have low vision, this will include ongoing support for audio description ensuring high-quality TV for all Australians. Other critical services for people with disability including radio and digital media are also supported by the funding.
The Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, has said: “The ABC and SBS are essential components of Australia’s diverse media landscape.”
Importantly, both the ABC and SBS have received notification from the Minister, of the three-year funding packages. This included a Statement of Expectation regarding a number of key activities. The ABC network funding will also include their rural and regional activities as part of these expectations.
The ABC has received funding for:
- Enhanced News Gathering strengthening local public interest journalism in regional communities.
- Audio Description services for the blind and vision impaired.
SBS has received funding for:
- Extension to non-English language services.
- Audio Description services for the blind and vision impaired.
For additional information, visit the Statement of Expectations for the National Broadcasters. Audio description is available.
If you would like to see the official announcement visit Minister Fletchers’ announcement page. Audio description is available.