ALJ301

I watched Media Watch on the ABC last night and was fascinated by what i saw. There was 4 separate interviews on the future of Australian TV. the 4 men interviewed were: Media Analyst Peter Cox, ABC Managing Director Mark Scott, Chairman of Free TV Australia Wayne Goss and CEO of Foxtel Kim Williams.

Now obvioulsy they all had considerably different views on the future. But the general theme was on Januray the 1st commercial networks will be allowed to show different programming on there various digital channels. “The biggest immediate change is that from January 1st, all five free-to-air broadcasters will be able to offer alternative programs on a second, standard definition digital channel.

For two years now, the networks have been allowed to offer new programs on their high definition digital channel. Not that they’ve offered all that much.

But only the ABC has a separate standard definition channel showing new Australian material: ABC 2. ” (mediawatch website)

This is big news for me a non pay tv subscriber, the possibilities of channels available for FREE completly dedicated to one for of media is an idea of TV heaven for myself.

But, this will not eventuate apparently according to the Media analyst Peter Cox. With the availability of more channels the advertising dollar will have to go further, so in theory (According to Mr. Cox) advertising will become more expensive and the mecca of individual sport, news or weather channels on Free to Air TV will not exist!!!!!!!!

Thats not fair, Cox went on to cite the current financial predicament of Channel 9 as a significant reason they might not go down the individual channel path but i for one hope they do.

Bring on Jan 1st, something better happen!!