MEDIA RELEASE: In language radio services must be core SBS priority from Federal Budget funding

Wednesday 9 May 2012

 The $95m Federal Government budget funding boost for SBS is a key opportunity to expand its role as Australia’s leading information provider to diverse Australia.

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria Chairperson Joe Caputo said today that SBS must use this funding to meet the communication needs of multicultural Australia.

“In a tight budget with many cutbacks, the Federal Government has endorsed the current work of SBS in reaching diverse Australia,” Mr Caputo said.

“The work of SBS is vital in promoting the rich cultures, skills and talent of the Australian people and in promoting social inclusion.”

Mr Caputo said he urged SBS to use the budget funding to expand and renew its commitment to reaching ageing diverse Australians in particular through radio.

 “Radio is unique because it targets diverse communities specifically, can deliver important community information announcements and can reach isolated individuals within those communities.”

Mr Caputo said the recent SBS radio services review must ensure that greater weight is given to providing radio services for the language needs for the elderly.

“Older diverse Australians are rapidly outgrowing other sections of the population,” Mr Caputo said.

“Our consultations show these individuals are the predominate group to rely heavily on radio to provide key information services in their preferred language.”

Mr Caputo said the Council also saw benefits in expanding SBS services across new TV formats, social media platforms and online services.

“We support SBS reaching a wider cross section of the community to promote a strong multicultural society,” Mr Caputo said.

 “As SBS Ambassador, I wish to promote new SBS media content, while also ensuring that SBS’s core audience receive the vital communication services they need.”

Mr Joe Caputo OAM is available for comment. Contact Sarah Hunt (03) 9349 4122.