Is the federal government’s $308 million plan to provide pensioners with digital set-top boxes really a vital service for vulnerable Australians?
Digital TV
Aussie boob tube for blokes
The Seven Network has announced a new digital TV channel marketed specifically towards men. Set to leave the locker room late next month, 7Mate will have an emphasis on sport and cars. Struth! says Dan Barrett.
More movies, more news or more Two and a Half Men? Australia’s new channels
Each commercial broadcaster will offer three unique channels by the end of 2010. So what can we expect? Dan Barrett wraps the rumours and speculation.
Another justification for the FTA handout goes
The free-to-air television networks have repeatedly changed their justification for the licence fee handout. Now the latest excuse has been demolished by Foxtel.
How Australia ended up with five terrible, govt-funded TV stations
Australians once had a chance to get new and original TV channels. Instead, we got repeats of Alf and something called “Slamball” — and we’re now paying for the privilege. Peter Martin explains how the networks pulled it off.
The furphies fly in the Great Free TV Handout Debate
There’s plenty of nonsense circulating about the Government’s half-billion dollar handout to the television networks. And not all of it from the Government.
How much local content are we getting for our $250k?
Australia’s digital channels are still exempt from the “55% local content” rules. Given they just got a $250k hand-out from the government under the guise of protecting Australian TV, isn’t it time some quotas were enforced? asks David Knox.
Can Latin America save Japanese electronics?
Japan’s ailing electronics industry is looking offshore to save the country from its economic woes, attempting to convince 400 million-odd South Americans to get on board with the country’s digital-TV standard in order to flog them new sets and TV phones. Will they buy in?
TV ratings wars: Seven wins 2009
Even by its own low standards, Australia’s TV ratings system has been particularly messy this year, due to the introduction of Digital TV. Seven has clearly taken out All People for the year, but the other demographics are a lot harder to read.
Summer in November at the ABC: it just shouldn’t happen
Mark Scott has the well-supported ambition of making the ABC into something more than just a national broadcaster. It is starting to happen in some bits, but in others it resembles a sheltered workshop. Part-time current affairs is no longer good enough.
Community TV finally gets the digital green light
Fans of giant microphones and awkward presenting rejoice: after a hard-fought campaign by Australia’s community TV stations, the government has finally agreed to allocate them a vacant spectrum to simulcast their broadcasts — at least until the switch to digital-only TV in 2013
Seven’s new digital channel is a GO
The Seven network has announced its new digital channel: 7TWO, which bares a remarkable resemblance to Nine’s GO. Glenn Dyer has the scoop on all the tired programming choices.
leaked 
Seven’s new digital channel: “Channel Mate”
Details of Seven’s second digital channel have leaked after the network filed trademark applications this week for its new logo. It looks like it will be called “Channel Mate” or just “Mate”, with “sonic waves” or a “stylised silhouette of a man” as its logo.
ABC on WIN TV deal: “we will keep control”
The ABC’s David Pendleton responds to controversy caused by the news that the broadcaster will by part of a joint venture with commercial network WIN TV.
Computer says no: there’s little new in Digital Britain
Britain’s digital White Paper is by and large a patch up and an attempt to find the money to try and meet some of the high flying objectives.
Alston’s cold, dead hand still controls broadband
The National Broadband Network should be the solution to Australia’s commerical television woes. It isn’t.
After three years and three court battles, Ice TV beats Channel Nine
After three years and three court battles, controversial electronic program guide IceTV this morning emerged victorious with a High Court win against Channel Nine.
Regional TV in SA: still stuck in the sixties
Do you get the impression that, as far as big business and politicians are concerned, regional South Australia doesn’t matter? asks regional TV veteran Chris Jeremy.
Shaun Brown: Get set for SBS Mark 2
The multicultural broadcaster has its hand out for more funds, says Managing Director Shaun Brown, and that could mean more channels like SBS2.
Olympics a missed opportunity for digital TV
The Olympics were a great chance to use digital TV to benefit consumers, but weren’t. It’s time for the government to rethink its current broadcasting agenda, writes Peter Cox.
