Telstra has revealed the addition of almost one million new mobile services in the six months to December 2011, but Sensis revenues plummeted 24 percent in 12 months.
Although analogue TV is scheduled to end in Australia in 2013, until today the Community TV sector was - unlike the commercial and public stations - stuck in analogue mode with no spectrum to move to, or funding to make the change.
The Federal Government announced today that it will temporarily allocate spectrum to Community TV to allow simulcasting until TV goes digital-only in 2013.
The decision affects C31 in Melbourne, TVS in Sydney, QCTV in Brisbane and Channel 31 Adelaide. Perth's new community licensee will begin digital-only broadcasts early next year.
The Government has also allocated $A2.6 million to support Community TV's digital migration.
"This initiative will bring Community TV into line with commercial and national broadcasters, and ensure their loyal and passionate audiences can continue to enjoy their beloved local Community TV stations as they switch to digital television," said Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The inability to go digital has reduced Community TV viewer numbers, and hence the sector's ability to raise revenue through sponsorship.
The news was welcomed by the Community sector.
"Today's announcement from Senator Conroy proves that ACTA's [Australian Community Television Alliance's] campaign has worked," said ACTA secretary Laurie Patton. "The Government clearly understood that without a digital pathway Community Television was destined for broadcasting oblivion."
Patton added "Community TV stations provide a unique platform for the expression of the views and interests of a wide range of community groups and individuals that would otherwise go unheard. In addition to providing an outlet for local viewpoints and diverse opinions Community Television acts as a training ground for new entrants to the broadcast industry."
Rove McManus, Corinne Grant, and Hamish and Andy are among the on-air talent that got its start on Community TV.
Neither the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy nor ACTA indicated when digital transmission is likely to start.
David Bass
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