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The Television Black Spots Program (TVBSP) was designed to improve access to analogue television services in areas of poor television reception. The program sought to fix at least 200 black spots prior to its closure on 30 June 2005. By that date, new services had commenced in 238 black spots. Facilities were awaiting construction in 2005–06 at a further five locations.

In addition to establishing new services, the TVBSP also funded the replacement of obsolete equipment at 182 existing self-help retransmission sites, 106 of which serve indigenous communities.

TVBSP funded retransmission facilities

Improving television reception

Communities with poor television reception may be interested in establishing self-help national and/or commercial television services.

Under the self-help arrangements, community groups or local councils purchase and install the equipment necessary to receive and locally retransmit a service from a nearby terrestrial transmitter or satellite. The community group or local council would then be responsible for meeting any ongoing licensing, operations and maintenance costs.

Further information on self-help is available from the Australian Communications and Media Authority by calling 1800 810 241 or reviewing its website at: www.acma.gov.au/acmainter

There are currently no government programs that would offer communities or local Councils financial assistance to establish ABC or commercial self-help television services.

SBS does, however, administer the SBS Self-help Retransmission Subsidy Scheme which makes up to $25,000 available to local councils and community groups to establish an SBS television self-help service. As the scheme is administered by SBS, further details on this scheme can be found on SBS' website at www.sbs.com.au/transmission.html#selfhelp or by contacting Mr Hugh James, Manager Communications Strategy and Planning, on 1800 500 727.

The ABC also offers a help line, freecall number 1300 139 994, to provide communities with information about setting up their own self-help facilities to access ABC television (and radio) services.

• Document ID: 10731 |
• Last modified: 5 February 2008, 11:14am