SBS Operations

TV.Cynic · June 15, 2024, 9:18am

NITV and SBS announce extensive line-up of music, news, entertainment, comedy and acclaimed Australian cinema to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024

Big Backyard Quiz, a new entertainment show hosted by Narelda Jacobs OAM and Steven Oliver, featuring a stellar line-up of comedians and musicians, premieres on Saturday 13 July at 7.30pm on NITV and SBS.
The Point returns for 2024 on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm, with National Indigenous Affairs Editor John Paul Janke.
Logie Award-winning animated children’s series, Little J & Big Cuz, returns to NITV on Monday 8 July at 6.05pm, with voice actors including Deborah Mailman and Miranda Tapsell.
Music program Sounds of Solidarity, hosted by Naomi Wenitong, Jimblah and Andy Saunders premieres on Saturday 6 July at 4.30pm.
NITV will simulcast the annual National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony on Saturday 6 July at 7.30pm, hosted by Rob Collins, Narelda Jacobs OAM and Steph Tisdell.
The SBS Elder-in-Residence Oration with Rhoda Roberts AO returns, this year joined by renowned journalist Stan Grant, on Sunday 7 July at 6.30pm**.**
A dedicated hub of iconic and award-winning Indigenous content will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand and will air across the network’s channels.

SBS is celebrating the strength, resilience and vitality of the world’s oldest continuous culture this National NAIDOC Week 2024, with curated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content premiering across the network from Saturday 6 July. The line-up includes extensive multiplatform and multilingual coverage, featuring a variety of new and returning entertainment and current affairs programs for all Australians, exploring the 2024 NAIDOC Week theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

SBS and NITV’s impressive offering, also available on SBS On Demand, includes Big Backyard Quiz, an hour-long game show hosted by Narelda Jacobs OAM and Steven Oliver, with special guests Barkaa, Dave Woodhead, and comedians Tom Ballard, Nina Oyama, Ivan Aristeguieta and Tegan Higginbotham. Watch on Saturday 13 July at 7.30pm on NITV and SBS to find out who knows the most about the people and history of Australia, while testing your own knowledge.

NITV’s Indigenous current affairs program The Point returns for the year on Tuesday 9 July at 7.30pm for a community-led season to continue tackling the biggest stories on the national agenda. Following the success of the program in 2024 which saw it travel to every state and territory, The Point: Road Trip will again broadcast on-Country in communities across the continent, led by John Paul Janke. The Point: Road Trip elevates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and views with each episode featuring a panel of passionate, local people.

Acclaimed animated children’s series Little J & Big Cuz returns for season 4 on NITV on Monday 8 July at 6.05pm, with voice actors including Deborah Mailman, Miranda Tapsell, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Mark Coles Smith and more. This season, Little J and Big Cuz plan the best birthday party ever, undertake an epic road trip, play superheroes, hunt for honey ants and run a radio station all while learning valuable life lessons along the way.

The SBS Elder-in-Residence Oration returns, presented by Rhoda Roberts AO who this year is joined by special guest, proud Wiradjuri man and renowned journalist Stan Grant. The Oration provides a dedicated space for elevating First Nations perspectives on issues of local and global importance, and an opportunity for exploration, connection and learning for all Australians. In this year’s oration, Grant shares his reflections on the media and his four-decade career. The oration will broadcast on NITV and SBS On Demand on Sunday 7 July at 6.30pm.

Sounds of Solidarity celebrates music from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across all genres, hosted by Naomi Wenitong, Jimblah and comedian Andy Saunders, premiering on Saturday 6 July from 4.30pm. The program will lead into the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony on NITV at 7.30pm. Simulcast with the ABC, this year’s awards are hosted by Rob Collins, Narelda Jacobs OAM and Steph Tisdell.

Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, said: “We are proud that as a network we’re sharing more of our stories through NITV and SBS, every day. This NAIDOC Week, our content is insightful, celebratory and unapologetically Blak, featuring comedy, family and communities in line with the 2024 NAIDOC theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. We have brand new entertainment programs such as Big Backyard Quiz and a new edition of Sounds of Solidarity, plus another season of the family favourite, Little J & Big Cuz and our in-depth look at mob on Country with The Point: Road Trip.

“At NITV, our important work is possible because of trailblazers whose dedication and commitment forged a path in this industry before us. We’re grateful for another Elder-in-Residence Oration which includes two media icons, industry and community leaders, Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO and Stan Grant.”

SBS will share news and information in more than 60 languages across the network. Multilingual and multiplatform coverage through SBS Audio shares First Nations perspectives, celebrates cultures, knowledges and history, and showcases SBS’s unique ability to connect the newest Australians with the world’s oldest living continuous culture. The SBS Audio offering includes videos, podcasts and articles in Filipino, Vietnamese and Urdu, and a special NAIDOC Week explainer video in Arabic, English, Greek, Mandarin, Punjabi and Vietnamese.

Highlights of the multiplatform offering across the SBS network include:
Sounds of Solidarity
Saturday 6 July at 4.30pm on NITV

Returning for a special NAIDOC Week show, join hosts Naomi Wenitong, Jimblah and Andy Saunders for a three-hour program featuring some of the best Indigenous music and entertainment alongside thought-provoking chats. This edition of Sounds of Solidarity was filmed in Port Lincoln, South Australia, at Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association.

National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony
Saturday 6 July from 7.30pm on NITV and ABC

Live from Tarndanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Yerta, the awards will be hosted by acclaimed actor Rob Collins, proud Whadjuk Noongar woman, Network 10 and NITV presenter, Narelda Jacobs OAM, and comedian Steph Tisdell. ARIA award-winning musician Jessica Mauboy will headline the night’s entertainment.

The Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by Indigenous Australians to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples, promote Indigenous issues in the wider community and recognise First Nations excellence.

SBS Elder-in-Residence Oration presented by Rhoda Roberts AO with Stan Grant
Sunday July 7 at 6.30pm

Reflecting on the 2024 NAIDOC Theme: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, and filmed on Mabo Day 2024 – Rhoda Roberts AO, a proud Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Nation, delivers her second oration as SBS’s Elder–in-Residence. Rhoda is joined by prominent Wiradjuri journalist, Stan Grant, and features an in-depth interview where Grant speaks about wide-ranging issues including the state of the media today, world politics, and his personal journey. Torres Strait Islander actor and producer Aaron Fa’Aoso also gives a stirring introduction, paying tribute to Eddie “Koiki” Mabo.

NITV News
Monday to Thursday at 6.30pm and Saturday 13 July at 6.20pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

Covering NAIDOC events from across the week and sharing the latest news from the oldest living culture, join Mudburra and Wagadagam woman Natalie Ahmat, Worimi woman Breanna Holden and Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man Michael Rennie for NITV News. Supported by the team of NITV journalists, watch NITV News for stories from an Indigenous perspective, culminating on Friday 12 July with a special edition of Nula at 5.30pm, broadcast from the national NAIDOC host city, Adelaide.

Little J & Big Cuz
Weekdays from Monday 8 July at 6.05pm on NITV, ABC and on SBS On Demand.

Little J (Miranda Tapsell), he’s five and Big Cuz (Deborah Mailman), she’s nine. They’re a couple of First Nations Australian kids living with their Nanna (Ursula Yovich) and Old Dog (Aaron Fa’Aoso). Little J and Big Cuz are busy with the ups and downs of playground and classroom, and there’s always something surprising going on, whether it’s at school, in the backyard…or beyond. The gaps in Nanna’s ramshackle fence lead to Saltwater, Desert and Freshwater Country, and with the help of Nanna and their teacher Ms Chen (Renee Lim), Little J and Big Cuz are finding out about community, Country and culture.

The award-winning Little J & Big Cuz is a Ned Lander Media, Media World and Blue Rocket production for NITV and ABC Children’s Content. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC and NITV. Financed with support from the Australia Children’s Television Foundation, VicScreen, the Tasmanian Government through Screen Tasmania and the Australian Council for Educational Research.

Available to stream for free on SBS On Demand, with captions available in English and subtitles in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Episode versions are also available in Indigenous languages Kuku Yalanji and Kalaw Kawaw Ya. Watch a sneak peek here.

Sydney Opera House Presents: Generations and Dynasties
Monday 8 July at 9pm on NITV and SBS on Demand

Filmed at the iconic Sydney Opera House during a special evening of music, storytelling, and inspiration, join extraordinary father/daughter duo, the multi-award-winning country musician Troy Cassar-Daley, and his rising indie-pop star daughter Jem Cassar-Daley. Generations and Dynasties explores the rich tapestry of storytelling in First Nations culture, passed down from parents to children and among siblings. This is the third of three episodes, with one and two featuring the Jarrett family and the Briscoe sisters, available on SBS On Demand. Like the symbolic passing of the story stick, each episode reflects the importance of family, community, and culture. It’s a chance to honour these trailblazers and look at the creative journey across generations.

Living Black
Continues weekly on Mondays at 8.30pm on NITV and Tuesdays at 3.15pm on SBS. Also available on SBS On Demand.

Australia’s longest running Indigenous current affairs television program continues, featuring inspiring and influential people talking about their lives and careers. Join Walkley Award-winning journalist Karla Grant as she explores the issues affecting First Nations peoples through candid interviews and powerful investigations.

This year’s NAIDOC Week episode features Emily Wurramara, a singer from Groote Eylandt who can’t be contained by one genre. Grant interviews the talented musician about her life, new music, and how a house fire wouldn’t define her.

The Point: Road Trip
Weekly on Tuesdays at 7.30pm from 9 July on NITV, and on Friday 12 July at 2pm on SBS.

The Point is the home of First Nations perspectives. In this new season of panel discussions, the program becomes The Point: Road Trip, travelling the country to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Join proud Wuthathi and Meriam man and National Indigenous Affairs Editor, John Paul Janke, for honest and insightful discussions about the challenges facing Indigenous communities, as well as highlighting community led solutions to drive change. Whadjuk Noongar woman, Network Ten’s Narelda Jacobs OAM (10 News First: Midday and 10 News First: Afternoons) will feature in the program throughout the season. (For more information, please refer to The Point: Road Trip media release.)

Big Backyard Quiz
Saturday 13 July at 7.30pm on SBS, NITV and on SBS On Demand.

Hosted by Narelda Jacobs OAM and Steven Oliver, featuring a series of games and quiz rounds, test your knowledge about all aspects of the Australian experience – the people, the land, food, music and sport. Two teams of three fight it out to decide who will win! This comedic quiz show looks at the people and history of Australia through a Blak lens, the way we were not taught in school. Join team captains Barkaa and Dave Woodhead, and contestant panellists Tom Ballard, Ivan Aristeguieta, Tegan Higginbotham, and Nina Oyama. BBQ is executive produced by Anthony Watt (Spicks and Specks, Full Frontal) and Daniel Gallahar (NITV).

Throughout the week, SBS Food is proud to present NAIDOC themed episodes of The Cook Up with guest host Nornie Bero, premiering weekdays from Monday 8 July at 7pm. Special guests include AFL legend Nicky Winmar, bush food purveyor Sharon Winsor, Indigenous Literacy Foundation CEO Ben Bowen, ABC journalist and social media sensation Tom Forrest, also known as Outback Tom, and more.

SBS World Movies will host a curated collection of acclaimed Australian cinema telling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ stories from Monday 8 to Friday 12 July at 9.30pm. This includes Australian Rules, The Furnace, The Tracker, Ten Canoes and We Are Still Here.

SBS On Demand will feature a hub dedicated to NAIDOC Week, showcasing all of the network’s content, including documentaries, movies, news and current affairs and more.

Students around Australia can discover more through SBS Learn’s popular NAIDOC Week education resource, authored by proud Yankunyjatjara, Kokatha and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware. This is the sixth National NAIDOC Week curriculum-aligned education resource developed by Shelley for SBS Learn. It is a valuable and culturally informed online teaching guide featuring activities, discussions and videos to enable teachers to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into primary and secondary classrooms all year-round.

SBS’s National NAIDOC Week project proudly continues the work set out in SBS’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2026 . This Plan outlines SBS’s commitment to reflecting, exploring and embedding First Nations stories, knowledges, cultures and languages across the network, and to connecting the oldest continuous culture on Earth with the newest Australians.

Around Australia, SBS and NITV are partnering with local communities to celebrate NAIDOC Week, with more information available on SBS’s cultural celebrations page.

You can read more about NAIDOC Week here.

killy06 · June 15, 2024, 10:28am

Decent line-up, no Big Mob Brekky this year?

sj2450 · June 15, 2024, 11:40am

Nor last year

TV.Cynic · June 17, 2024, 1:19am

Explore the strength and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in classrooms this NAIDOC Week with SBS Learn

SBS Learn has launched its annual curriculum-aligned education resource for National NAIDOC Week (7 – 14 July), to support learning about First Nations cultures, knowledges, histories, and perspectives in classrooms across Australia.

This is SBS Learn’s sixth National NAIDOC Week education resource, once again authored by proud Yankunyjatjara, Kokatha and Wirangu educator, Shelley Ware. The resource explores this year’s NAIDOC Week theme**, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud**, providing educators with a range of engaging activities for primary and secondary students, from Foundation to Year 10.

Available online, it features classroom-ready clips, questions and prompts to guide meaningful conversations, targeted reading lists, collaborative classroom activities, and more, equipping educators with tools and activities to engage students this NAIDOC Week. The resource will also be available as a colourful pdf for educators on June 25th.

Shelley Ware said: “This year’s NAIDOC theme celebrates the core of our community. We keep the fire burning in our hearts and souls and pass this passion and courage down to our young ones through storytelling, songs, cultures, traditions and ceremonies – I am delighted to once again extend this to classrooms with our new teaching resource. It’s been an honour to write the SBS Learn NAIDOC Week resources for the past six years and be a part of the teaching journey for educators across Australia.”

Liam, a secondary school English teacher in NSW, said: “SBS Learn’s NAIDOC Week resource provides me with the confidence to deliver First Nations content in the classroom. As a teacher, it is so important to use resources developed by First Nations educators, because their materials provide perspectives and insights that are often not present in the classroom.”

Each year, the SBS Learn resource is available to download for free from the SBS Learn website. Last year, there were more than 50,000 visits to the SBS Learn website for NAIDOC Week content with many thousands copies also downloaded. The 2024 resource – and all the previous SBS Learn NAIDOC Week materials – can also be used throughout the year to support teachers in the classroom.

During NAIDOC Week 2024, SBS and NITV will be championing First Nations perspectives and celebrating Blak excellence through a range of content across the network, with more details about this year’s line-up to be shared in the coming weeks.

SBS Learn’s NAIDOC Week resource proudly continues the work set out in SBS’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2022-2026. The RAP outlines SBS’s commitment to reflecting, exploring and embedding First Nations stories, knowledges, cultures and languages across the network, and to connecting the oldest continuous culture on Earth with the newest Australians.

For more free Australian Curriculum aligned learning resources for teachers and educators, visit the SBS Learn website.

JohnsonTV · July 5, 2024, 11:44am

Content London 2024 will be held from December 3 to 5.

TV.Cynic · July 9, 2024, 1:28am

Three new ground-breaking dramas coming to screens with fresh collection of Digital Originals underway

SBS, NITV and Screen Australia also announce five more short-form projects selected for further development.
Applications now open for the fifth year of the successful initiative backing emerging under-represented creatives.
Register for Digital Originals information webinar on 19 July.

SBS, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Screen Australia have announced three new Australian series coming to screens through the successful Digital Originals initiative, with production underway for Moni in NSW, Moonbird in Tasmania and Warm Props in Western Australia.

An ongoing partnership between SBS, NITV and Screen Australia, Digital Originals aims to develop exciting, innovative and risk-taking short-form drama projects to premiere on SBS On Demand, SBS VICELAND and NITV, from emerging screen creatives who are currently under-represented in the sector.

Behind the scenes of filming Moni with (L-R) 1st AD, Tin Pang, creator and writer Taofia Pelesasa, and director Alana Hicks.

In Pasifika led series Moni, a gay Samoan man must reluctantly work out why his dead mother has unexpectedly plummeted from the heavens, and in doing so, learn to embrace his own truth. Led by creator, writer, and showrunner Taofia Pelesasa, director Alana Hicks, producer Nicole Coventry and executive producer Eliorah Malifa with Pelesasa Pics, the series explores identity, belonging and self-acceptance.

(L-R) Director, co-creator and co-writer, Nathan Maynard, co-creator, co-writer and producer Adam Thompson, and producer Catherine Pettman.

Moonbird is a co-production between the first-ever Tasmanian Aboriginal screen production company, Kutikina Productions, and Sheoak Films. Produced by Catherine Pettman and Adam Thompson, Moonbird explores the relationship between a recently sober father and his son who attempt to reconnect through a traditional muttonbirding season on a remote Tasmanian island. The compelling series is directed, co-created, and co-written by Nathan Maynard, and co-created and co-written by Adam Thompson.

Warm Props filming in WA last week with creator, director, and writer, Jub Clerc.

Warm Props takes audiences behind the scenes with Charlie, who returns to a chaotic film shoot in her hometown in Western Australia and must then face her past as her narcissistic boss threatens the stability of her career and personal life. The heartening series is brought to life by creator and writer Jub Clerc, co-writer Kimberly Benjamin, directed by Clerc and Benjamin, and produced by Jodie Bell for Ramu Productions.

Commissioning Editor, SBS Scripted, Nakul Legha, said: “We’re proud to be commissioning and developing such bold and ambitious scripted series that continue to raise the bar for Australian storytelling. The Digital Originals initiative consistently delivers award-winning, creatively brilliant series that have launched the careers of Australia’s most talented emerging and under-represented voices. We can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with Moni, Moonbird and Warm Props. And we’re thrilled to back the next wave of creatives in bringing their fresh and exciting stories to the screen.”

NITV Acting Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, Adam Manovic, added: “Digital Originals provides a unique platform for emerging First Nations creatives to showcase their innovation and share their stories. With incredible talent shining through in this latest announcement of commissions and development projects, we’re excited to see what new stories and voices will come through as applications open for 2024.”

Screen Australia Head of Online and Games, Lee Naimo , said: “Digital Originals is a flagship partnership that supports emerging creatives. It gives teams the tools to create online projects of scale in a way that isn’t seen anywhere else in the world and has uncovered talent from across Australia who have gone on to work on ground-breaking dramas. The pitches for the latest cohort were particularly impressive, and it’s so encouraging to see these teams take on board feedback during the workshop and apply it to their projects as they move forward.”

Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth, said: “Digital Originals is such a fantastic platform for under-represented voices and Screen NSW is excited to support Moni and the entire team. This project is a great example of the new wave of fresh and authentic voices coming from Western Sydney and I can’t wait to see the series come to life.”

Executive Manager of Screen Tasmania, Alex Sangston, said: “We have been working with the Moonbird team since the project’s inception and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition. It is invaluable that palawa people can share their stories, cultural heritage and practices, and we’re proud to support that. Congratulations to Nathan Maynard, Adam Thompson, Catherine Pettman, Kutikina Productions and Sheoak Films on bringing a powerful and vital story the screen.”

CEO of Screenwest, Rikki Lea Bestall, said: “It’s wonderful to see another Western Australian series produced through this fantastic initiative, which enables talent to hone their creative voices and deliver innovative, contemporary scripted projects. We’re proud to be supporting this unique First Nations story – congratulations to Jub, Jodie, Kimba and the incredible cast and crew who brought this series to life in WA’s beautiful Kimberley region. We look forward to seeing Warm Props hit SBS and NITV soon!”

Loani Arman is Executive Producer for SBS on Moni, Moonbird and Warm Props, and has been working with and mentoring teams during the development and production of the projects.

As the Digital Originals initiative enters its fifth year, five projects have also been selected for further development from the 10 shortlisted teams who took part in an exclusive workshop hosted by Screen Australia, SBS and NITV in December 2023. Up to three will later be chosen for production funding and commissioning. The creative teams, and their projects, selected for further development, are:

Boundary’s End (QLD)

Two Blak Queens living in Meanjin’s West End are thrust into the unknown when their landlord dabbles in witchcraft, sending the young women on a quest to unblur the lines between fantasy and reality.

Writer/Directors: Miriam Dynevor and Makisha Broome

DisMISSable (VIC)

Disabled activist Alana has always hated her family’s obsession with the local Miss Sultanah Beauty Pageant, but her able-bodied sister Nicky would do anything to save it… So when its financial backing is cut and Nicky makes it ‘disabled-only’ in a secret ploy for diversity funding, Alana enters to burn down this supposed family legacy once and for all.

Producer: Hannah Ngo (Lazy Susan Films)

Writers: Artemis Munoz and Rhian Wilson Ruge

Director: Alistair Baldwin

Fish Boi (NSW)

A disgraced sneaker hustler takes the leap to save his parents’ bankrupt Filipino mini-mart to reclaim his family’s respect – by going all-in on setting up the biggest underground fish delivery hustle in Western Sydney.

Producers: Robertino Zambrano, Dulce Aguilar, Gabrielle Joosten (KAPWA Studioworks)

Writer/Director: Robertino Zambrano

Lingered (NSW)

When trans man Darcy returns to his regional hometown to help his estranged mother Nora, he discovers that someone unexpected from his past has been living in his family home since the day he left.

Producer: Cyna Strachan,

Executive Producer: Liam Heyen (Mad Ones Films)

Writer: AP Pobjoy

Little Korea (QLD)

Two migrant Korean women spiral out of control when they become locked into a battle between their restaurants.

Producer: Lark Lee (Lark Films)

Writers/Directors: Lark Lee and Katrina Irawati Graham

The announcement of this latest wave of Digital Originals comes as applications open for another round of the initiative for 2024 from today. Applications are open until 5pm AEST, Thursday 15 August 2024, and can be made with Screen Australia, here. To read the full guidelines, click here.

Screen Australia, SBS and NITV will also host a Digital Originals information webinar on 19 July. Applicants are encouraged to attend and hear from SBS Scripted Commissioning Editor, Nakul Legha, Acting Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, Adam Manovic, and Screen Australia Head of Online and Games, Lee Naimo, about the history of Digital Originals and what Screen Australia, SBS and NITV are looking for in this current round, followed by a Q&A.

Date: Friday 19 July 2024
Time: 10 – 11am AEST
Register: Click here
Accessibility: An Auslan interpreter will be made available for the webinar. If you would like to discuss this or other accessibility requirements, please contact Online@screenaustralia.gov.au or call 1800 507 901.
A recording of this webinar will be made available on the Screen Australia website soon after.

The Digital Originals initiative was created to elevate talent historically under-represented in the sector, including people who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations Australians, people with disability, female and gender diverse, LGBTQIA+; and those who are located in regional and remote areas. It continues to prove itself as an effective pathway for creators to advance their skills, and as a launch-pad for their projects to attract local interest and break into international markets.

Most recently, Night Bloomers premiered in October 2023, with creator Andrew Uni Lee winning an Australian Writers’ Guild Award for Best Web Series. That followed Appetite in April 2023 which was selected as one of 10 series in the Short Form Competition at Canneseries 2023, and was also nominated for a Rose d’Or. Latecomers premiered in December 2022 and won the 2024 AACTA Award for Best Online Drama or Comedy, and was also featured in the Short Forms Competition at Series Mania in 2023.

Alumni of Digital Originals have also gone on to take on key creative roles across SBS Original drama series and elsewhere in the industry, including Mohini Herse (Appetite) who is set-up Director for the upcoming SBS Original Four Years Later*,* producer Liam Heyen (Latecomers, Erotic Stories), director Madeleine Gottlieb (Latecomers, Erotic Stories), Stevie Cruz-Martin (The Tailings, Safe Home), as well as Corrie Chen and Michelle Law (Homecoming Queens), and Dylan River (Robbie Hood). More information about Digital Originals is available here. The initiative is one of the many delivered by SBS designed to improve inclusion in the screen industry. Read more about this work here.

TV.Cynic · July 31, 2024, 1:21am

TV.Cynic · July 31, 2024, 3:46am

SBS names interim sales leadership as Adam Sadler steps down

Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer (centre), with some members of the SBS Media Sales leadership team (L-R): Lee Callagher, National Manager – Operations and Digital Product; Kevin Harris, Head of Operations and Trading; Kate Young, National Manager – CulturalConnect; Keiran Beasley, National Sales Manager – TV and Digital.

SBS Director of Media Sales Adam Sadler has announced he will step down after a successful six and half year stint leading SBS Media.

Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, will assume temporary leadership of SBS Media over the coming months, while SBS goes through a process to recruit a new Director of Media Sales.

“In recent years, the SBS Media team has made sure it always punches above its weight,” said Palfreyman. “A lot of that has been due to Sads and the SBS Media leadership team’s focus on crafting a successful strategy which put SBS On Demand at the heart of our commercial offering.

“I want to thank Sads for his significant contribution to the business going back 15 years. He leaves SBS Media in a very strong space with a world-class team delivering excellent outcomes for our clients.”

Over this period, Keiran Beasley, National Sales Manager – TV and Digital, Lee Callagher, National Manager – Operations and Digital Product, and Kate Young, National Manager – CulturalConnect will be elevated in their roles.

“We have a really strong leadership team at SBS Media and I look forward to working more closely with this exceptional team,” Palfreyman added.

During his time leading SBS Media, Sadler has ensured the broadcaster was at the forefront of the commercial digital transformation strategy, shifting the digital business from a handheld to a programmatic operating model, that has significantly grown digital revenues over the past six years.

Sadler was instrumental in several innovative market initiatives during his tenure, including SBS On Demand’s opt-out for advertising in certain categories and SBS’s Beyond 3% initiative, which has helped grow media spend in the First Nations media sector.

“SBS Media has truly been a force in the market in recent years,” said Sadler. “We have shown how SBS is a force for good at the intersection of public and commercial media. We have led the market in the shift to digital video, but we have also led on other key areas such as responsible advertising and investment in First Nations media.

“The senior team is in a really strong position and now is the right time for me to move on to new challenges.”

TelevisionAU · July 31, 2024, 4:06am

Ngl, i read that as Adam Sandler. I thought wtf??!

TV.Cynic · August 1, 2024, 4:27am

SBS commits to 10-year renewable energy power purchase agreement with ZEN Energy

The SBS-ZEN Energy wind power partnership provides price certainty for SBS and establishes a model for de-carbonising the media industry.

SBS, Australia’s most diverse broadcaster, is now also Australia’s first 100 per cent renewable media organisation.

ZEN Energy will supply SBS’s New South Wales and Victoria-based operations with 100 per cent renewable energy over the next 10 years with Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) uniquely paired with the 226.8MW Collector Wind Farm in NSW.

SBS is the first Australian media organisation to switch to 100 per cent renewable energy in FY23. This commitment will now be achieved over the long term through the 10-year agreement with ZEN.

SBS Head of Sustainability, Abigail Thomas said, “This 10-year agreement with ZEN Energy through wind power ensures that SBS’s commitment to carbon reduction is not just a short-term initiative but a long-term strategy. By securing a decade of 100% renewable energy, we are taking significant steps towards our Net Zero targets and demonstrating our dedication to sustainability efforts and innovation in Australia’s media sector.”

SBS has set the most ambitious target of any Australian media outlet, to reach Net Zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045. SBS has also partnered with Scope3 to measure emissions from advertising technology, affording advertising clients greater transparency of carbon emissions from their advertising campaigns.

SBS Chief Financial Officer, Nitsa Niarchos said, “SBS is proud to lead the way in the media industry by committing to 100% renewable energy. Our partnership with ZEN Energy underscores our commitment to sustainability and sets a new standard for reducing carbon emissions in media. Our goal is to inspire others in the industry to take meaningful steps towards a greener future.”

ZEN was Australia’s first energy company to commit to the global Science-based Targets initiative for corporate action on climate change. SBS has also applied to have its Net Zero targets validated by the initiative.

The Collector Wind Farm commenced operations in 2022 and consists of 54 turbines collectively producing 528GWh each year, capable of powering 80,000 NSW homes and saving close to 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emission each year. The wind farm project has also involved an industry-leading community benefit sharing scheme.

ZEN Energy CEO, Anthony Garnau said, “SBS is already an industry leader in community engagement and a champion of diversity. ZEN is honoured to be able to now assist SBS deepen its connections to Australians by becoming an industry leader in climate action.”

“As part of our responsibilities under the Science-Based Targets Initiative, ZEN has voluntarily committed to reduce its scope 3 (sold electricity) emissions. This means we are partnering with our customers to transition their contracts to 100 per cent renewable electricity, and we’ve committed to only sign new contracts where 100 per cent renewable is achieved within the contract period.

TV.Cynic · August 14, 2024, 5:23am

2025 SBS Journalism Cadetship opens for applications

Dedicated to the memory of late SBS journalist Bridget Munro.

Australia’s most trusted news service has announced the launch of its journalism cadetship program for 2025, aimed at cultivating the next generation of Australia’s journalistic talent.

SBS is today announcing the launch of the 2025 SBS Journalism Cadetship, a 12-month program designed to develop the skills and experience of journalism graduates and prepare them for exciting and rewarding careers in the profession. From 2025 onwards, the Cadetship will be dedicated to the memory of late SBS News journalist, Bridget Munro.

The SBS Journalism Cadetship offers journalism graduates a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment. Throughout the year, cadets will gain hands-on experience in SBS’s cross-platform newsroom in Sydney, as well as placements in Melbourne and Canberra. Cadets will work across a variety of SBS programs including Dateline, Insight, NITV News and current affairs, and SBS multilingual programs, ensuring a comprehensive development experience.

The program acknowledges the best and brightest journalism graduates, giving them an opportunity to kickstart and develop their careers at Australia’s most trusted news organisation. Cadets will benefit from the coaching and mentorship of a team of experienced journalists.
In 2025, SBS will offer three cadetship positions, including one identified placement for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidate, culturally and financially supported by NITV (National Indigenous Television).

All successful cadets participate in the same program of training and work experience.
SBS Director of News and Current Affairs, Mandi Wicks, said: “We are honoured to dedicate the SBS News and Current Affairs Cadetship to our late colleague and friend, Bridget Munro. Her passion for journalism and mentorship was infectious and has left an indelible mark on SBS. We aim to continue Bridget’s legacy through this program.”

About Bridget Munro

Bridget Munro, a talented, beloved and highly respected senior news producer at SBS, made a significant contribution to the field of journalism and the SBS community. The dedication of the cadetship in her memory honours her work and commitment to nurturing journalistic talent.
Aged just 34, Bridget Munro passed away suddenly from a short illness in November 2023, leaving behind her husband and two young daughters.

Bridget also left behind a powerful legacy. In the space of a decade, Bridget made a significant contribution to the industry through guiding, coaching and mentoring the next generation of journalists. The role of a daily news producer in a busy newsroom is not often celebrated; it is a role that requires a passion for news, a cool head under pressure and a commitment to make on-air colleagues shine. Bridget had all these qualities and more – other people’s success meant as much to Bridget as it did her own.

This posthumous honour will inspire journalists in their formative years, and beyond, to make the most of what you have, when you have it. Bridget’s contribution to Australian journalism will be measured by her quiet, yet enduring influence.

Application process and key dates

The SBS Journalism Cadetship is open to recent journalism graduates who are passionate about pursuing a career in news and current affairs. Interested candidates can apply through the SBS Careers website at: SBS Careers – Job Details.
Aspiring journalists who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander may apply for the News and Current Affairs Cadetship, as well as the Indigenous Cadetship position here: SBS Careers – Job Details.
Applications for the SBS Journalism Cadetship are open until 6 September.
Applications for the SBS Indigenous Journalism Cadetship are open until 30 September, with the possibility of extension.

All Cadetships will commence in February 2025.

TV.Cynic · August 22, 2024, 6:32am

SBS and IMAA partnership unlocks new training for Australia’s independent media agencies

Landmark partnership sees training on core inclusion skills, gender equity, cultural diversity, disability, First Nations, LGBTIQ+, generational diversity and appropriate workplace behaviour made available to all members of the IMAA Academy.

National hybrid-funded broadcaster SBS and the Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) have forged a new landmark partnership which will unlock SBS’s deep library of inclusion training for the more than 175 Australian agencies that make up the leading industry body.

Under the partnership, SBS will become the official Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the IMAA and agrees to provide its market leading Inclusion Program to thousands of employees who make up the IMAA membership.

“This is a significant partnership for the advertising sector,” said Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer. “SBS lives at the intersection of public and commercial media and this deal means we will be providing important training to many of the leading independent agencies across the advertising sector.

“The Program is built to be online, interactive and informative,and is delivered in a very engaging manner. The businesses and agencies who have access to this world-class training for their people also get the reassurance that they are meeting the latest legislative requirements when it comes to areas like workplace behaviour.”

The SBS Inclusion Program is designed to help employers maximise the benefits of diversity and inclusion through Australia’s leading online training courses – covering core inclusion skills, gender equity, cultural diversity, disability, First Nations, LGBTIQ+, generational diversity, and appropriate workplace behaviour.

SBS’s courses are designed to ensure employers are able to meet new legal requirements by providing specific training around issues such as workplace sexual harassment.

IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, welcomed the SBS partnership: “We’re delighted to partner with SBS to provide this important program for our members. Diversity and inclusion is one of the IMAA’s key pillars and the training program provided by SBS will help not only educate our members but also ensure compliance with workplace standards.

“We have partnered with SBS because they house a significant amount of knowledge and training materials, as well as the desire to make real positive change, which will only benefit our members.”

The SBS Inclusion Program content is largely delivered as short films – animations which make difficult concepts easier to understand, and interviews featuring real stories from diverse people, academics and managers of diverse teams. It is complemented by activities designed to make people think about themselves. Additionally, further reading sections provide more detailed information on specific topics and links to a range of resources. Learn more about the SBS Inclusion Program here. Learn more about IMAA Academy here.

JohnsonTV · August 30, 2024, 5:13am

SBS Board statement regarding SBS Non-Executive Director Mr Aaron Fa’Aoso

SBS Non-Executive Director Mr Aaron Fa’Aoso has advised the SBS Chairperson and Board of his intention to seek preselection as the Labor Party candidate for the seat of Mulgrave for the upcoming Queensland State election.

Noting SBS’s important role in providing independent and impartial coverage across its services and platforms and to avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest, Mr Fa’Aoso has requested the Chair grant him a leave of absence from the Board for the relevant period, which has been agreed to. The leave will come into effect immediately.

TV.Cynic · September 17, 2024, 5:33am

Leah Boonthanom has been appointed head of corporate communications for national hybrid-funded broadcaster SBS , effective immediately.

She replaces Nic Christensen who has moved to a consulting role with SBS, after a two-and-a-half-years leading its corporate communications team.

JohnsonTV · September 24, 2024, 12:06am

JohnsonTV · September 25, 2024, 5:39am

It will take place at Sydney Town Hall on October 30.

JohnsonTV · September 30, 2024, 1:49pm

Press release from the office of Communications Minister Michelle Rowland

Statement on the SBS Chair

The Chair of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Mr George Savvides AM has advised the Government that he will not seek reappointment following the completion of his second term in July 2025, as part of his plan to rebalance his professional and family commitments.

The Government acknowledges and thanks Mr Savvides for his excellent governance of SBS, and looks forward to this continuing into the new year, as the process to appoint the next Chair is conducted.

SBS plays a critical role in Australia’s media landscape, by reflecting our diverse society through the provision of multilingual and multicultural radio and television services. Mr Savvides has Chaired the Board of SBS since July 2020, before which he was Deputy Chair from February 2017.

Mr Savvides was Chair through much of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw SBS deliver numerous initiatives to ensure that non-English speaking Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had access to culturally appropriate resources to stay informed and safe. As a result of this work, the SBS Board under the leadership of Mr Savvides put in place a strategic initiative to embed and leverage SBS as an essential piece of cultural and communications infrastructure - working constructively with governments at all levels to better serve Australia’s diverse communities.

Mr Savvides has consistently championed inclusion and as SBS Chair has had oversight of numerous strategies to increase the prominence of First Nations and multicultural stories and perspectives at the broadcaster. SBS is the world’s most multilingual broadcaster - a modern, multiplatform, digitally enabled media organisation that delivers original content in over 60 languages.

Under Mr Savvides’ stewardship, SBS has continued to be a valued and independent source of news, information and entertainment for all Australians, with an innovative and audience focused approach to content and service provision. He leaves SBS in a strong position, with the public broadcaster recently named as a trusted news brand, and its services reaching more Australians than ever before.

The Government will now begin a merit-based selection process to appoint the next Chair, in accordance with the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991.

The selection process will be conducted by the independent Nomination Panel for Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and SBS board appointments, supported by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

Mr Savvides is a champion of diversity and has been instrumental in positioning the SBS as a distinct, contemporary public broadcaster for today’s Australia.

Under his stable leadership the SBS continues to deliver multilingual and multicultural broadcasting and digital media services reflecting our society, fostering social cohesion and celebrating and respecting Australia’s diverse way of life.

Mr Savvides navigated our multicultural public broadcaster through a challenging time that included the COVID-19 pandemic, and demonstrated that the role of the SBS in our nation is as vital as ever, and I want to thank and recognise him for his outstanding service to SBS and the community in this role.

Quotes attributable to Chair George Savvides AM:

SBS continues to go from strength to strength, delivering essential services to all Australians with a strong focus on building respect, understanding and social cohesion across our diverse communities.

I am proud to have been the Chair and Deputy Chair of SBS during this critical period, noting in particular the proactive work of SBS to collaborate across a range of areas to deliver better social and economic outcomes for all the communities we serve, and supporting participation in all facets of life in this country.

It has been a pleasure to work with my talented and committed SBS Board members, who will continue to serve and support the great role that SBS plays in Australia.

Being the Chair of an organisation with such a high performing management team at SBS and led so ably by our Managing Director James Taylor is a privilege. Their passion and commitment to SBS and the communities we serve is second to none.

TV.Cynic · October 10, 2024, 2:25am

New AGL campaign highlights ways to be more energy efficient and save money

The bespoke campaign, created by SBS CulturalConnnect and Identity Communications, sees AGL supporting multicultural and First Nations communities amid cost- of-living pressures.

A new campaign by AGL has seen the brand highlight ways to be more energy efficient, with a focus on reaching Australians in their preferred language, with real stories about real families.

Created by SBS Media’s client solutions division, SBS CulturalConnect, in collaboration with Identity Communications, the campaign is an AGL initiative designed to help Australians better manage their energy use and to help ease cost-of-living pressures families are experiencing nationwide.

AGL worked with SBS to develop bespoke creative based on unique cultural insights, sharing the personal stories and energy-saving insights of five Australian families from First Nations, Lebanese Arabic, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese backgrounds. Executed as 10 x 30’ TVCs, including 15′ cutdowns and supporting social content, the campaign delivers both cultural authenticity and humour.

“Our team has loved working on this exciting first of its kind comunity initiative which is part of our two-year $90 million Customer Support Package to assist customers with cost-of-living pressures,” said Yasmina Pinto, Head of Brand, AGL.

“Cultural and linguistically diverse Australians and First Nations peoples make up over a quarter of the Australian population and a large portion of AGL’s customer base. We felt SBS was the perfect partner to create bespoke, in-language energy literacy content that authentically resonates.”

The campaign is supported by a comprehensive list of additional free in-language tips, translated by SBS and available on an AGL hosted web page, helping Australians achieve greater energy literacy.

“This is beautiful creative work that recognises and celebrates the diversity of Australia,” said Kate Young, National Manager, SBS CulturalConnect. “SBS Media partnered with AGL, collaborating closely with Identity Communications, to develop a campaign that speaks directly to these diverse communities, reflecting SBS’s deep connections with these audiences.

“As subject matter experts, we leveraged our insights to ensure that the campaign not only reaches but resonates authentically with target audiences. For AGL, a brand that values inclusivity and connecting with diverse customers, SBS CulturalConnect designed a tailored approach that seamlessly integrated cultural nuances into the creative strategy.”

Santosh Murthy, Managing Director, Identity Communications, said: “AGL has demonstrated tremendous leadership through this initiative by going above and beyond to engage all Australians. The campaign creative incorporates cultural nuances and showcases the impact of authentic storytelling – ultimately, making a real difference to real families across Australia.

“With their ability to engage real families and its established brand among both multicultural and First Nations (NITV) audience groups, SBS was an ideal partner for co-creation and implementation of this campaign,” Murthy concluded.

The campaign goes live October 10.

TV.Cynic · October 25, 2024, 4:51am

SBS celebrates the Festivals of Lights with distinctive content to entertain all Australians

L-R: Shahana Goswami in Four Years Later, Anupam Sharma in Brand Bollywood Downunder, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Bride and Prejudice, and Ranveer Brar in The Wandering Chef.

Join the cultural celebrations of Diwali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Diwas and Tihar across the SBS network with an exciting collection of content that includes original drama Four Years Later, new podcast My Regional Diwali, a feast of cooking shows, audio content in nine languages, and more.

SBS has something for all Australians during this year’s Festivals of Lights, with a bigger than ever cross-network offering to celebrate Diwali, Deepavali, Bandi Chhor Diwas and Tihar. From now until November, SBS is sharing a distinctive and curated collection of movies, documentaries, recipes, articles, cultural explainers, student resources and festival guides. The Festivals of Lights are celebrated by over a billion people globally, including by more than one million Australians of South Asian heritage.

SBS Managing Director, James Taylor said, “SBS is proud to share the rich and vibrant celebrations of the Festivals of Lights across the network, enabling all Australians to engage in the diverse festivities that are grounded in unity and joy.

“This includes special Diwali and Deepavali collections on SBS On Demand and World Movies, SBS Food shows and recipes highlighting India’s diverse regional culinary heritage, and audio content via new destination channel SBS South Asian with programs in nine languages.”

SBS Audio will offer a new podcast series, My Regional Diwali , which features conversations with regional Australians to understand how they celebrate Diwali. The My Diwali podcast returns with another insightful season, with new interviews with South Asian sportspeople, politicians and artists including cricket royalty, former captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, Lisa Sthalekar, and Australian Bollywood star, Pallavi Sharda. SBS Hindi will present a healthier take on Diwali, featuring culinary expert Sandeep Pandit, sharing recipes for sugar-free Diwali sweets. SBS Audio will also publish cultural explainer videos on the celebration, run audience competitions, produce guides on community festivals, and share community news in Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Nepali, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu via new destination channel SBS South Asian.

SBS Spice, the English-language digital channel for Gen Z, South Asian Australians, will release new audio and video series, Chosen Family,for those celebrating away from home. The series explores how young people are finding a sense of identity and belonging in Australia, giving voice to students studying away from home, interracial couples, and queer and trans people on how they create their own special Diwali traditions and how they make the festival personal.

A curated shelf of fun and vibrant titles inspired by the festival will be available to binge on SBS On Demand. This includes SBS’s commissioned original drama Four Years Later, which tells the difficult love story of newlyweds Sridevi and Yash who are separated after their wedding in India when Yash is offered a medical traineeship in Australia. Iconic feature documentary Brand Bollywood Downunder celebrates Bollywood cinema with stars Anupam Kher, Farhan Akhtar and Ashutosh Gowariker. Laugh out loud with Meet the Patels, a comedy following an Indian-American man who embarks on a quest to find a wife the traditional Indian way.

An SBS World Movies movie marathon kicks off on Friday 1 November with a non-stop line up of feel-good cinema. Beloved Bollywood remake, Bride and Prejudice, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Martin Henderson and Naveen William Sidney Andrews, sees a mother eager to find suitable husbands for her five daughters (5:25 pm); award-winning visual masterpiece Last Film Show follows 10-year-old Samay and his newfound fascination of film (7:30 pm); Maja Ma chronicles a mother’s journey of self-acceptance, caught between family expectations and her own truth (9:35 pm); and popular dramedy,
India Sweets And Spices, starring Sophia Taylor Ali, Rish Shah and Ashritha Kancharla sees a college freshman return home and upend her family’s well-ordered life with her brash new independence (12:05am).

Over in SBS Food, audiences are in for a treat including the return of David Rocco’s Dolce India on Monday to Friday at 1:00pm (14 October to 28 October); Hidden Flavours of India: North East filmed in picturesque north-east India with new episodes Monday to Friday at 4:30pm (14 October to 1 November). Chef Ranveer Brar searches for forgotten recipes in The Wandering Chef with new episodes Monday to Friday at 5:00pm (14 October to Tuesday 29 October); and learn new cooking tips with Luke Nguyen as he explores Southern India in Luke Nguyen’s India from Monday to Saturday at 5:30pm (21 October to 1 November).

Audiences can also engage with a special three-part social media video series for Diwali in collaboration with food influencer, The Modern Desi. Watch how to make traditional Indian recipes for Diwali celebrations, highlighting India’s diverse regional culinary heritage.

SBS’s education arm, SBS Learn isfostering understanding in the classroom with ready-to-use resources for teachers with activities for primary and secondary students including how, why and when Diwali/Deepavali is celebrated. Students can deepen their cultural understanding by making a paper diya, (pronounced dee-aa, an oil lamp used during the Festivals of Lights) and by making a South Asian sweet treat (mithai) – barfi.

Around Australia, SBS will partner with more than 20 community celebrations organised by local councils and associations, bringing festivities to every state and territory including regional centres in Alice Springs, Mildura and Queanbeyan. Check SBS’s Festival Guide for details of this year’s events.

For more information, visit sbs.com.au/Diwali

JohnsonTV · November 4, 2024, 12:23pm

Light up classrooms for the Festivals of Lights with SBS Learn

SBS Learn is providing educators with ready-made resources sharing the traditions and histories of the many South Asian cultures celebrating Diwali/Deepavali.

SBS Learn has launched curriculum-aligned teacher resources to engage students and foster understanding through activities in classrooms across Australia to celebrate the Festivals of Lights.

This year SBS Learn celebrates Diwali/Deepavali in classrooms for the third year, with colourful infographics and colouring-in tasks, as well as instructions on how to make barfi, the delicious South Asian sweet treat that sits at the heart of many celebrations,and paper diya, a clay lamp used by households across the globe to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness.

Emily Yong, Education Lead at SBS Learn, said “The Festivals of Lights are celebrated by millions across Australia. It’s important for students to join in and learn about the festivities happening in their households or in their neighbourhood. Teaching young people to be curious learners about the various cultural celebrations that happen each year is so important in multicultural Australia.

“This year our resource delves into how and why Diwali is celebrated, with hands-on activities exploring the different ways different faiths and cultures celebrate the Festivals of Lights, exploring themes of light over darkness, hope and positivity in the classroom.”

The SBS Learn resource helps teachers share the celebrations of Diwali/Deepavali with Foundation to Year 9 students and is available to download from the SBS Learn website. Download now!

Explore a distinctive range of content in celebration of Diwali/Deepavali across the SBS network, including podcasts, articles and more from SBS Audio’s Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Nepali, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu programs. Also available in English, stream all Diwali content now and free at SBS On Demand.