Extension granted for TV broadcasters' online transition

Community television broadcasters will be given an extra six months to shift their services to an online-only platform.

The federal government will extend broadcast licences to assist with the transition process.

In 2014, the government announced that it would withdraw the use of terrestrial spectrum by CTV broadcasters and provide time and financial support, including up to $450,000 over 2014–15 and 2015–16, to support this transition.

This final extension follows an earlier 12-month extension from 31 December 2015 to 31 December 2016.

Following consultation with CTV broadcasters operating terrestrial services, the government will give those services that wish to take up the extension until the end of June 2017 to transition their services to an online environment.

The extension, along with the funding already provided, aims to ensure a smooth transition to online-only delivery for community television broadcasters, their volunteers and audiences.

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