Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 03 December 2008 09:40
Opinion and Analysis
Page 1 of 3
The Australian Government claims the switchover to digital television planned for 2013 has been put into doubt following Opposition amendments to the Digital Television Switchover Bill 2008 that were passed in the Senate today.
According to Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, "The Opposition is deliberately attempting to sabotage Australia’s digital television revolution."
The government had proposed a progressive switchover from analogue to digital TV. The first region to see an end to analogue broadcasts was to be the Mildura/Sunraysia district in northern Victoria.
"The regional broadcasting licence covering the Sunraysia district in northern Victoria has the highest penetration of digital TV in Australia, at over 70 per cent of homes, so it makes sense to start there," Conroy previously stated.
The switch was scheduled to be completed with an analogue switchoff in Sydney. Melbourne, Adelaide and remote areas by 31 December 2013.
"A firm timetable is vital for industry certainty and to assist viewers to make the digital switch," declared Conroy.
According to
one report, Conroy "appeared to rest his eyes" during the debate on the bill.
Why are we messing around with the digital switchover? Please
read on.
