Special Broadcasting Service—broadcasting rights to sporting events

The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) will receive an additional $4.7 million in 2005–06 to assist with the increasing costs of acquiring broadcast rights for major sporting events.

“SBS has a long track record of serving the needs of Australia’s diverse cultural communities and developing broad audience interest in a wide range of sports such as soccer, cycling and athletics,” the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan said.

“SBS has been a regular broadcaster of international and national soccer, the Tour de France and World Cup Athletics. It has recently covered the Paralympics and provided complementary coverage of the Athens Olympics to the main rights holder, Channel 7.

“Wherever possible SBS broadcasts all matches in major events acquired and generally does so live. SBS’s sports coverage is widely praised and attracts loyal audiences.”

The additional funding of $4.7 million in 2005-06 will assist SBS in securing broadcasting rights to a range of sports. The Government will consider the continuation of this funding as part of its review of SBS’s 2006-07 to 2008-09 triennium funding.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jane McMillan 0438 690 305