SBS has commenced its regular review of its language services provided through SBS Radio, today opening public consultation to invite feedback on the draft selection criteria.
The SBS Language Services Review is a process undertaken every five years in line with the national Census, to ensure SBS Radio services reflect Australia’s rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society.
The selection criteria will be used in conjunction with the 2021 Census data to determine the languages to be serviced. and help inform the way those services are delivered, for the next five years.
The Language Services Review encompasses SBS’s audio and language offering including radio, SBS On Demand, podcasting and other digital platforms.
The six-week public consultation, which begins today and concludes on 12 November 2021, is an important opportunity for communities to contribute to the future of SBS Radio services and the network’s broader audio and language offering, with all feedback considered in establishing the final selection criteria that will be used.
SBS Director of Audio and Language Content, David Hua, says, “SBS has a unique ability to reach and connect with Australia’s diverse communities through its multilingual services, across multiple touchpoints. For more than 45 years, we’ve been continuing to adapt the way we provide innovative and meaningful services to communities, and today we do so across radio, online, podcasts and apps in more than 60 languages. This review will help shape SBS as we look towards turning 50.
“The vital role of SBS’s multilingual services has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering critical updates and health information to communities in their preferred language. The Language Services Review is an important opportunity to ensure we continue to reflect the needs of communities in Australia today.
“Regularly updating our language offering enables SBS to better service the largest communities with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as offering services to emerging and high-needs communities. Giving our audiences a voice in this process is a critical element, and we encourage communities across Australia to share their feedback.”
The selection criteria are due to be finalised by May 2022, with the revised SBS language services to be implemented before the end of 2022.
The public consultation period for the selection criteria runs from 5 October to 12 November 2021.
To view the draft selection criteria and submit feedback, go to sbs.com.au/consultation.