2003 - 04 Annual Report - Sbs

721.7OBJECTIVE:Use the potential of digital technology innovation to increase the quality and quantity of SBS content available toAustralian audiences, including through:1.7.1 Increase the SBS services produced and available on different platforms – TV, Radio, Online and other NewMedia platforms1.7.2 Increase our interactive servicesMEASUREMENTS:1.7 Growth in content produced for digital platforms1.7.1 Growth in the amount of quality multichannelling content and enhancements1.7.2 Growth in interactive servicesIn March 2004, the re-transmission of the SBS digital signal began on the Foxtel satellite service. At the same time,SBS continued to refine and develop the World News Channel (exclusively broadcasting in languages other thanEnglish) and SBS Essential (the program and information guide).Following successful trials of SBS developed interactive applications on the Austar digital platform in late 2003, SBSEssential was again used to trial program enhancements to the UEFA Champions League Soccer finals in April 2004.SBS also plans to use SBS Essential as a multimedia platform to broadcast a schedule of short-form video features,interspersed with the current SBS Essential data and news format. Among the new applications scheduled to be testedbefore the end of 2004 is an interactive option for SBS Television’s current affairs program Insight.SBS Television reached new audiences through interactive applications that included Insight forums on the SBSwebsite; SMS delivered television program alerts; emailed SBS World News headlines; and short SBS news headlinesprojected on big screens at railway stations in and around Sydney’s central business district.Working with SBS Digital Media, SBS Radio updated and upgraded its websites in all 68 languages, adding featuresand new methods of content presentation. The Alchemy youth program, in particular, utilised web ‘chat’ pages and SMSservices to communicate with listeners. Several language programs continued to publish e-newsletters for subscribers.SBS Radio completed work on new digital production facilities in its Melbourne offices and commenced a similar digitalupgrade of studios in Sydney.SBS became a partner in two trials of digital radio broadcasting; one under the auspices of Broadcast Australia(BA) in Melbourne, and the other conducted by Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) in Sydney. By June 2004, bothtrials had structures in place, were broadcasting test signals, and had begun audience research. Both trials will testmultichannelling and the provision of program associated data (PAD).1.8OBJECTIVE:Extend the quality and reach of SBS transmission to all Australians as quickly as possible, including to:1.8.1 Promote greater take up of self-help services1.8.2 Improve signal quality