CONROY MUST STOP TALKING AND START DELIVERING FOR COMMUNITY TVSenator for Victoria, Judith Troeth, today said Senator Conroy, Minister for Communications, had talked a great deal about providing spectrum and financial assistance to help community TV switch to digital, but had delivered nothing since being elected in November 2007.
“The Minister in Question Time today has committed to high level discussions to ensure a positive outcome for community television,” said Senator Troeth.
“This is a significant breakthrough for community television, but now the Minister needs to back up his claims with action, and assign the digital spectrum Channel 31Melbourne needs.
“Channel 31 in Melbourne in particular and community television in general provides an invaluable service to the community.
“Unlike the ABC or SBS, community television is completely self-funded and offers the community the chance to produce quality programming and have it put to air, offering a variety of groups, people and interests the opportunity to express themselves publicly.
“It provides a unique opportunity, started and run by a talented group of people dedicated to providing the service,” said Senator Troeth.
“The ABC received $136 million in the last budget to fund its third channel, yet Channel 31 receives not one cent.
“Channel 31 produces more local content than any other broadcaster in Australia, with 95 shows produced each week. It provides an incredibly valuable training ground for the sector, both in front of and behind the camera.
“It is time to give Channel 31 a fair go.
“In a time when it is seemingly nothing to spend $43 billion on an economic stimulus, why not spend the miniscule amount required to provide for digital conversion for Channel 31, a place that generates hundreds of jobs locally and does not require recurrent funding.
