SBS Operations

Television SBS
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SBS beats ABC as gender pay gaps revealed

SBS is doing far better than the ABC in terms of the gender pay gap, according to public sector data released for the first time today.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has published the gender pay gaps for 120 Commonwealth public sector employers and two corporate groups, including the Reserve Bank, CSIRO, and the ATO, among others.

Of particular interest to Mumbrella readers is the comparison between ABC and SBS. They both have a majority female workforce, at 54% (of 5,259 employees) and 53% (of 1,783 employees), respectively.

With with ABC, 46% of the its upper quartile (the top-paid quarter of employees) is made up of women, compared to SBS’ 50%. And on the other end, the ABC’s lower quartile is 67% female, while SBS’ is 60%.

These differences in quartile composition drive a much bigger gender pay gap at the ABC than SBS.

The median total remuneration gender pay gap at the ABC was 9.8% and base salary gender pay gap was 8.7%.

SBS had a total remuneration gap of 1.9% and base salary gap of 2.0%.

More info:

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SBS celebrates 50 years of reflecting a diverse and contemporary Australia

SBS50_2EA radio host Cleo Demopoulos of the original Greek program (2) (3)

Marking 50 years of broadcasting on 9 June 2025, SBS reflects contemporary Australia like no other media network. With its bold and inclusive storytelling reaching more Australians than ever before, our hybrid funded national public broadcaster is celebrating its SBS50 birthday week with a special line-up of programming that pays homage to its unique past and looks forward to its distinctive future.

“The thing that I love about SBS is it doesn’t tell me what to think.
It just opens my eyes and my heart to see the world differently.”
– Rachel Griffiths

“Fifty years ago, we were given the chance to see the world from a different point of view.
And fifty years today, the world has had a chance to see us.”

– Ernie Dingo

“It’s a true reflection of the Australian story and the Australian experience.”
– Melissa Leong

Program highlights:

  • Special SBS50-themed episodes of Insight , Living Black , Mastermind,
    The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, and The Weekly Football Wrap .
  • Reruns of cult classic South Park and new episodes of If You Are The One.
  • An SBS World Movies collection featuring original commentary from The Movie Show with iconic duo Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton.
  • Community features with SBS Audio’s 60+ language services, including video interviews with original 2EA/3EA radio presenters and exploring the changing multicultural faces of Australia.

Watch SBS50 birthday video messages from Rachel Griffiths, Hugh Jackman, Ernie Dingo, Melissa Leong, Benjamin Law, Courtney Act, Marc Fennell, Karla Grant, Adam Liaw, John Paul Janke, Joel Creasey, Jenny Brockie, Nornie Bero, Voyager, Lily Serna, Lydia Williams, John Aloisi, Maeve O’Meara, Peter Kuruvita, Kathy Lette, Claudia Karvan and Shane Delia.

In a country home to the oldest continuous culture and where almost one-third of people were born overseas, SBS has long been holding up a mirror, enabling all Australians to see themselves and their stories through a distinctive media offering that can’t be found elsewhere.

“The Australia you see on SBS is the Australia we all see when we walk out our front door every day,” said James Taylor, Managing Director of SBS. “SBS’s role is to protect a plurality of perspectives, foster deeper understanding, and promote a sense of belonging for all Australians – regardless of their background and where their story began. As Australia’s most trusted news brand, trust is the foundation that drives our innovation-led news and multilingual content and that’s never been more important than in today’s global landscape of misinformation and distrust.

“We don’t tell people what to think, or feel, but provide opportunities for everyone to experience the world around them. For 50 years, SBS has been unafraid to entertain, educate and provoke audiences with bold, human stories that amplify diverse voices and connect us all. I am proud that we never stand still, continuously evolving to meet the needs of a diverse, contemporary Australia. Today we are reaching the highest audience numbers in our history with the largest volume of original Australian content.”

Where we have been

Founded in 1975 as two small multilingual radio stations, 2EA and 3EA, to help promote the Australian Government’s public health care scheme to non-English speaking communities and legislated in 1978, SBS’s multi-platform services are today free and available for all Australians in over 60 languages. And since premiering the nation’s first major prime-time Indigenous current affairs TV program, First In Line, in 1989, SBS has continued to pioneer First Nations representation, including welcoming National Indigenous Television (NITV) to its network as a free-to-air channel in 2012.

Affectionately referred to as ‘Sex Before Soccer’ in the 1980s – a reference to its raunchy foreign films and European football called by iconic sports presenter and former refugee, the late Les Murray AM – SBS over the decades has also been synonymous with bringing South Park, Scandi Noir and the Eurovision Song Contest to Australians.

Just as important has been SBS’s sustained investment in locally-produced content and Australian talent, which is focused on supporting diversity both on and off screen to reflect a contemporary Australia often not otherwise fully seen or represented.

The results are real, restless and daring stories that audiences love across news, current affairs, drama, documentary, food, sport and more.

SBS has always punched well above its weight, from the ground-breaking factual series First Australians and Go Back to Where You Came From, to more recently Gina Chick winning the premiere season of Alone Australia, hard-hitting drama Safe Home, and Courtney Act and Tony Armstrong hosting this year’s Eurovision watched by over 2.2 million Australians.

Where we are going

Today, SBS is an award-winning multiplatform, multilingual network that has been named Australia’s most trusted news provider[1] and national podcaster of the year three years running[2]. It is also the first broadcaster to allow viewers to opt-out of advertising related to alcohol, gambling and quick-service restaurants, as well as being on track to reach Net Zero by 2045.

“SBS is for all Australians, by all Australians, and we’ve never been afraid to take risks and boldly go where others won’t. Whether that’s through content that reflects and helps shape our collective national identity, digital innovation that delivers world-class audience experiences, or socially and environmentally responsible practices that show care for community,” said Taylor.

“We’ve always known who we are and what we stand for at SBS. Our success is grounded in the deep trusted relationships we have built with Australian communities over half a century and this is what makes us unique. If you want to understand the real Australia, then let SBS be your guide because in myriad ways, we are leading the way forward for a more inclusive and cohesive nation.”

SBS50 content line-up

L-R: Karla Grant, Adam Liaw, Kumi Taguchi and Marc Fennell will host special SBS50 episodes of
Living Black, The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, Insight and Mastermind respectively.

SBS is marking its milestone 50th birthday with a distinctive slate of cross-network, multilingual content and activities, including outside broadcasts in regional locations and a partnership with VIVID Sydney. On SBS On Demand, a dedicated SBS50 Hub (www.sbs.com.au/sbs50) is celebrating all things SBS from across the decades including powerful SBS and NITV Originals and iconic arthouse films.

SBS World Movies will feature an SBS50 curated collection of game-changing and quotable films, with original commentary from The Movie Show and SBS Cult Movies.In particular don’t miss Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton who captivated audiences for almost 20 years from 1986 with their hearty debate, love for cinema and memorable reviews. A must watch!

SBS’s rich legacy of broadcasting football to a nation of ‘non-soccer lovers’ since the 80s is celebrated with a special episode of The Weekly Football Wrap that looks at the pioneers that championed the game and how far Australia has come in embracing the World Game (Monday 2 June at 10.20-11.20pm, VICELAND and SBS On Demand).

Australia’s longest running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander current affairs program, Living Black with Karla Grant, will explore how SBS with NITV at its heart has redefined the way Australia tells First Nations stories. (Monday 9 June at 8.30-9.30pm on NITV and 10.35-11.35pm on SBS).

Marc Fennell unpacks SBS’s milestone moments one question at a time with a special SBS50 themed week of Mastermind, each night dedicated to a defining SBS genre (sport, world movies, drama/documentary, and food) with special guests Silvia Colloca, Craig Foster, Ray Martin and Pia Miranda. (Monday 2 June to Friday 6 June at 6.00-6.30pm, SBS and SBS On Demand).

The perfect recipe of food, chat and laughs in an SBS50 themed week of The Cook Up with Adam Liawwill feature some of SBS’s biggest names in food, entertainment and sport to make the big five-0 a week to remember with five nightly episodes. (Monday 2 June to Friday 6 June at 7.00-7.30pm, SBS Food and SBS On Demand).

Insight, hosted by Kumi Taguchi, asks is turning 50 a big deal for those Australians marking this milestone birthday in 2025. From mid-life crises to menopause, finding undiscovered family members and starting afresh, should 50 be feared, or embraced as a new beginning? (Tuesday 10 June at 8.30-9.30pm, SBS and SBS On Demand).

Oh my God – we killed Kenny! The US cult classic South Park, which was first shown in Australia on SBS in 1998, is back for Aussie audiences, with seasons 1-15 now streaming on SBS On Demand until 30 June. And for those looking for a love story that pre-dates Tinder, the iconic Chinese dating reality show If You Are The One,returns with new episodes of season 15 (Fridays at 6pm, VICELAND and SBS On Demand) and season 16 premiering on 8 August.

SBS Audio’s 60+ language services are producing community features exploring the changing faces of Australia. This ranges from video interviews with original 2EA and 3EA radio presenters to a ‘Changing Street Corners’ series focused on some of Australia’s oldest and newest migrant communities, sharing their diverse perspectives and valuable contributions.

Celebrating 50 years of connecting with communities, SBS Audio will also be conducting outside broadcasts with over 15 language programs including Filipino, Greek, Malayalam, Mandarin and Punjabi across Australia including Darwin, NT (Thursday 22 May), Toowoomba, Qld (Wednesday 18 June) and Gold Coast, Qld (Friday 27 June).

[1] Reuters Digital News Report 2024
[2] Australian Podcast Awards 2022, 2023, 2024
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Stories of love, loyalty and self-discovery among six shortlisted Digital Originals, as applications open for 2025

Applications are now being received for the sixth year of the trailblazing initiative, showcasing under-represented voices and uncovering fresh Australian screen stories.

SBS, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Screen Australia have announced six new series receiving development funding through the successful Digital Originals initiative, supporting pathways for emerging under-represented screen creatives.

The six shortlisted Digital Originals feature everything from body switching, sinking boats, screaming toddlers and supernatural journeys, pushing boundaries in the ways they explore themes of love and loyalty, friendship and community, resilience and self-discovery.

Digital Originals is a long-running partnership between SBS, NITV and Screen Australia with a proven record for elevating talent, and uncovering exciting, innovative and risk-taking scripted series. The initiative supports the development of emerging screen creatives historically under-represented in the sector, including those who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations, d/Deaf and with disability, women and gender diverse, LGBTQIA+ and those from regional and remote areas. It offers a valuable pathway in the industry, equipping creatives with skills, industry connections and support to bring distinctive Australian stories to life.

The following six Digital Originals selected for development were chosen from the 10 teams who took part in an exclusive workshop hosted by Screen Australia, SBS and NITV in November 2024. Up to three projects from this cohort will be chosen for production funding and commissioning.

‘Banana Milkshake’ (L-R) Jonathan Lo, David Ma and Georgia Noe

Banana Milkshake (NSW)

When budding high school filmmaker Oliver Zhang is roped into blackmailing his teacher to save his cousin from expulsion, he finds himself in way too deep, confronted by moral choices he thought only existed in movies.

Producer: Georgia Noe (Floating Leaf Pictures)
Writers: David Ma and Johnathan Lo
Director: David Ma

‘Hardly a Wallflower’ (L-R) Jessica Smith, Scarlett Koehne and Olivia Muscat

Hardly a Wallflower (VIC)

When a blind novelist goes undercover at her best friend’s flower shop in a desperate bid to save her writing career, her cynical views on love are tested by the spirit of Valentine’s Day and a romantic complication of her own.

Producer: Scarlett Koehne (Pikelet Pictures)
Writer: Olivia Muscat
Writer/Director: Jessica Smith

‘In Her Body’ (L-R) Rachel Maxine Anderson and Rae Choi

In Her Body ( QLD)

When two migrant women – Vanessa, an architect at the height of her career, and her unassuming housecleaner, Thelma – switch bodies, they must confront the cost of their unspoken sacrifices before it’s too late.

Writers/Directors: Rachel Maxine Anderson and Rae Choi

‘Mangrove Mansion’ (L-R) Mary Duong and Rhianna Malezer

Mangrove Mansion (QLD)

When her estranged dad derails their wedding plans, Sunny and fiancĂŠ Alex commandeer his houseboat to get him to the mainland. Crashing into a stinking mess of mud and mangroves, they must survive the sinking boat, Country, and each other to get unstuck.

Writer/Producer: Mary Duong (Super Fruity)
Writer/Director: Rhianna Malezer

‘Nailing It’ (L-R) Kartanya Maynard and Takani Clark

Nailing It! (TAS)

After botching a Welcome to Country, a culturally disconnected Aboriginal woman accidentally opens a passageway to the spiritual realm. Now supernatural entities wreak havoc, forcing her to juggle exorcisms and entrepreneurship, and embark on a challenging journey of self-discovery.

Writers: Takani Clark and Kartanya Maynard

‘Tantrum’ (L-R) Sunanda Sachatrakul, Vidya Rajan and Jemma Cotter

Tantrum (VIC)

Varsha’s doing a career-defining comedy gig. So, when best friend Jeev’s screaming toddler derails the night – she snaps, calling out their entitlement in an anti-parent rant that goes viral… and tilts their friendship into a bitter, life-altering feud.
Writers: Vidya Rajan and Sunanda Sachatrakul

Directors: Jemma Cotter and Vidya Rajan

SBS Head of Scripted, Nakul Legha, said:With such an exciting and ambitious group of projects at our Digital Originals workshops, it was very tough shortlisting six to take into development. We’re thrilled to be working closely with this talented cohort of creatives to develop their projects.

“For any emerging creatives out there with a killer story to tell, I encourage you to apply to this round of Digital Originals. The resources, platform and pathway into the industry that this initiative offers is unmatched in the world. I can’t wait to see the next wave of creative voices emerge through this year’s round.”

NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, Dena Curtis, said: “Congratulations to the teams shortlisted, with bold, and innovative narratives showcased across an incredibly diverse range of stories. We continue to see First Nations creatives shining through with powerful and entertaining stories that connect with all Australians through Digital Originals, and we look forward to seeing how the participants develop their projects in 2025.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content, Louise Gough, said: “Digital Originals continues to play a critical role in opening doors for exceptional, diverse voices, and this cohort of projects is testament to the initiative’s role in unearthing new Australian screen stories. We’re thrilled to partner again with SBS and NITV on this initiative, and look forward to discovering the next wave of original storytellers whose work reflects and celebrates the richness of contemporary Australia.”

Applications for Digital Originals in 2025 are now open, and will close at 5pm AEST on 17 July 2025. Applications can be made with Screen Australia, here. Shortlisted teams will then be invited to attend an exclusive workshop in October, followed by a pitch day in November, with a select number of projects then offered further development funding.

Screen Australia, SBS and NITV will also host a Digital Originals information webinar on 13 June. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend and hear from SBS Scripted Development Executive, Zaina Ahmed, NITV Commissioning Editor, Joseph Meldrum, and Screen Australia Investment Manager, Joanna Beveridge, 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 13 June 2025
  • Time: 12.30-1.15pm 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.

Today’s announcement comes as the three latest Digital Originals – Moonbird, Warm Props and Moni – are set to premiere on SBS On Demand and NITV weekly from 19 June.

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50 Years Strong: SBS and NITV Supercharge NAIDOC Week 2025 in a joint 50th celebration

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As SBS and NAIDOC Week mark 50 years, NITV and SBS unleash a powerhouse lineup for 2025 to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. with curated content for NAIDOC Week 2025 premiering across SBS and NITV from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July.

Recognising the significant contributions of the world’s oldest continuous culture, and providing distinctive and authentic Indigenous perspectives, NITV and SBS’s extensive line-up for NAIDOC Week’s 50th anniversary includes the NAIDOC Awards digital broadcast, a laugh-out-loud entertainment series, timely news and current affairs programs and compelling documentaries for all Australians, exploring the official 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and Director, First Nations at SBS, said*:* “This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week, and also 50 years of SBS as a network. We are proud to honour the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures through programming across NITV and all SBS platforms, and reflect on the legacy of past leaders and draw inspiration from the next generation. Our content showcases the achievements and voices of First Nations peoples, unapologetically Blak, loud, and proud, premiering new original NITV commissions, and amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices right across the network.

“Once again, Shelley Ware’s educational resources through SBS Learn will foster deeper understanding and connection for school children across the country. We’re also proud to feature this year’s NAIDOC Week poster artwork, ‘Ancestral Lines,’ created by Ngarbal Gamilaraay artist and NITV graphic designer, Jeremy Worrall, which is a powerful tribute to intergenerational knowledge and cultural strength.”

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chairs, Steven Satour and Lynette Riley, said:

“NITV has delivered a deadly line-up for NAIDOC Week 2025 — a true celebration of Blak excellence on screen. From groundbreaking documentaries to laugh-out-loud entertainment and thought-provoking current affairs, this programming honours our past, celebrates our present, and champions our next generation.

“As we mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week, we’re proud to see our stories told with such strength, pride and creativity. We’re especially thrilled to have Barkaa headlining the 2025 National NAIDOC Awards — her voice, her fire, and her message embody the heart of this year’s theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy .”

SBS and NITV’s impressive multiplatform and multilingual offering includes:

  • Big Backyard Quiz (BBQ), a cheeky new entertainment series hosted by 10 News First’s Narelda Jacobs OAM and comedian Steven Oliver that challenges contestants to see who knows the most about the people and history of Australia from a Blak lens. This season’s stellar line-up of comedians as contestants includes Meyne Wyatt (The Moogai, We Are Still Here), Shari Sebbens (The Moogai, Little J & Big Cuz) , Matt Okine, Nina Oyama, Rhys Nicholson and Emma Holland, all in Episode 1. Also featuring this season will be Ernie Dingo, Rove McManus, Tasma Walton, and Peter Rowsthorn. Big Backyard Quiz is executive produced by Adam Manovic and Daniel Gallahar and was filmed with the support of ScreenWest in Boorloo (Perth).

Big Backyard Quiz premieres on Saturday 12 July at 7:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand.

  • Emily: I Am Kam (pronounced karma) is a heartfelt documentary about internationally renowned artist, Emily Kam Kngwarray from the Utopia community in the Northern Territory. The film delves into Emily Kam Kngwarray’s transformative impact on the international contemporary art world and her enduring legacy, providing a rare opportunity to witness her journey and the profound influence of her art and the power of Emily’s work to protect her Country, Alhalker. The documentary is produced by Tamarind Tree Pictures and directed by Danielle McLean (Barrumbi Kids).

Emily: I am Kam premieres on NITV and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm, and on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm, after its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival this month.

  • Weekly flagship Indigenous news and current affairs programs Living Black, and The Point will also premiere special NAIDOC Week episodes.

  • Living Black is Australia’s longest running Indigenous current affairs television program, featuring inspiring and influential people talking about their lives and careers. Walkley Award-winning journalist Karla Grant explores the issues affecting First Nations peoples through candid interviews and powerful investigations. For this NAIDOC Week episode, she interviews legendary Australian tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE. Fifty years after winning the Australian Open, Evonne is still firmly entrenched in the sport. Keen to hear her insights, Karla travelled to Darwin to attend the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival where she spoke to Evonne about her extraordinary life and career, and how her foundation is on the lookout for the next generation of tennis stars.

Living Black, featuring Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE and hosted by Walkley Award-winning Executive Producer Karla Grant, premieres on Monday 7 July at 8:30pm.

  • The Point is the home of First Nations perspectives, with the team travelling the country to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Join proud Wuthathi and Meriam man and SBS and NITV National Indigenous Affairs Editor, John Paul Janke, as NAIDOC celebrates 50 years. In this episode, The Point sits down with emerging leaders who continue in their ancestor’s footprints. What is it like to carry a name like Mabo, Dodson, or Bayles?

The Point will premiere a NAIDOC-themed episode on Tuesday 8 July at 7:30pm, hosted by National Indigenous Affairs Editor John Paul Janke.

  • The 2025 National NAIDOC Awards will take centre stage in Boorloo (Perth), honouring the outstanding achievements of First Nations people across the continent. Hosted by 10 News First’s Narelda Jacobs OAM and Mark Coles Smith, this year’s NAIDOC Awards are set against the backdrop of Whadjuk Noongar Country in Boorloo (Perth). The awards shine a spotlight on those who lead with strength, creativity, and Cultural pride. NITV, as the home of Indigenous storytelling on national television and digital media, is the Principal Media Partner and will be on the ground to capture all the colour, celebration, and community spirit — from Blak carpet arrivals and powerful performances to exclusive interviews with this year’s winners and changemakers.

The 2025 National NAIDOC Awards will air on Saturday 5 July at 7:30pm (WST) (9:30pm AEST) on SBS On Demand, and NITV’s Facebook and YouTube channel, and distributed to First Nations Media Australia (FNMA).

  • Ablaze is an incredible biographical documentary from opera singer Tiriki Onus, who finds a 70-year-old silent film believed to be made by his grandfather, Aboriginal leader and filmmaker Bill Onus. As Tiriki travels across the continent and pieces together clues to the film’s origins, he discovers more about Bill, his fight for Aboriginal rights and the price he paid for speaking out.

Ablaze premieres on NITV and SBS On Demand on Sunday 6 July at 8:30pm.

  • To kick off NAIDOC Week, SBS’s Elder in Residence, Widjabul Wiabul woman Rhoda Roberts AO, will deliver her third annual SBS Elder in Residence Oration, creating a historical record of Indigenous thought leadership while addressing current challenges and futures aspiration. The SBS Elder in Residence Oration provides a platform for First Nations voices to be amplified, offering a space for reflection, connection, and learning for all Australians.

The 2025 SBS Elder in Residence Oration premieres on NITV and SBS On Demand on Sunday July 6 at 6:30pm.

In addition to the above content, a dedicated hub of iconic and award-winning First Nations content will be available to STREAM FREE on SBS On Demand and will air across the network’s channels. SBS will share news and information in more than 60 languages across the network this NAIDOC Week. Multilingual and multiplatform coverage throughSBS Audio shares First Nations perspectives, celebrates cultures, knowledges and history, and showcases SBS’s unique ability toconnect the newest Australians with the world’s oldest living continuous culture.TheSBS Audio offering includesvideos, podcasts and articles in Filipino, Vietnamese and Urdu, and a special NAIDOC Week explainer video in Arabic, English, Greek, Mandarin, Punjabi and Vietnamese.

Additional highlights of the multiplatform offering across the SBS network during NAIDOC Week include:

  • NITV News – Covering NAIDOC events from across the week and sharing the latest news from the oldest living culture, join Mudburra and Wagadagam woman Natalie Ahmat, Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man Michael Rennie, and Worimi woman Breanna Holden for NITV News. Supported by a team of journalists, watch NITV News for stories from an Indigenous perspective, culminating on Friday 11 July with a special edition of Nula at 5.30pm, featuring NAIDOC marches and community gatherings from around the country.

Monday to Thursday, 7-10 July at 6.30pm and Friday 11 July at 5:30pm on NITV and 3:00pm on SBS and SBS On Demand

  • Throughout the week, SBS Food is proud to present NAIDOC themed episodes of The Cook Up with guest host Nornie Bero (Island Echoes with Nornie Bero), premiering weekdays from Monday 7 July to Wednesday 9 July at 7:00pm. Nornie will share stories and create incredible dishes with guests including entertainer Jay Wymarra, the ‘Bush Tukka Woman’ Samantha Martin, comedian Andy Saunders, and journalist Rae Johnston (Going Places with Ernie Dingo and The Secret DNA of Us).

  • SBS World Movies will host a curated collection of acclaimed Australian cinema telling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ stories from Monday 7 to Friday 11 July at 9:30pm. This includes Sweet As, Mad Bastards, Walkabout, Bran Nue Dae and The New Boy.

  • 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 seventh 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, discussion prompts and videos to enable teachers to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into primary and secondary classrooms all year-round.

  • As part of NAIDOC Week and aligning with this year’s theme of The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, NITV will launch a selection of Jarjums branded interstitials with First Nations children sharing their stories of culture and language.

  • The NAIDOC Week Collection, including Shelley Ware Guest Curates and more, will live on the NITV Muy Ngulayg hub, a dedicated streaming hub on SBS On Demand that provides a platform for First Nations storytelling including First Nations films, documentaries and TV series from Australia and around the world that illuminate inner knowledge, traditional culture and lore.

8 SBS’s National NAIDOC Week activation 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.

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SBS Farewells Chair George Savvides AM

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Born of Greek Cypriot parents, Mr Savvides joined the SBS Board as Deputy Chair in February 2017 and was appointed Chair in July 2020. Throughout his service to the organisation, he has been strongly committed to serving contemporary Australia with diverse, multilingual and First Nations media services that strengthen inclusion and belonging for all.

During Mr Savvides’ time as Chair, the public broadcaster has undergone a significant digital transformation, supported Australian communities through the Covid-19 pandemic, was recognised as the nation’s most trusted news brand¹, named Australian podcaster of the year three years in a row², commenced work on its expansion to Western Sydney, and launched its Elevate Reconciliation Plan.

SBS Managing Director, James Taylor, said: “I’d like to congratulate George, on behalf of the Board and the organisation, for the immense contribution he has made to SBS over the last eight years. From the very beginning, he saw the potential and responsibility of SBS — not just to be a broadcaster, but to be a builder of trust, identity, and inclusion in this country.

“He’s been a fierce advocate for SBS’s independence and public value, and his voice has carried weight with government and community stakeholders who trust and respect him deeply.”

Mr Savvides described his time as Chair of SBS, concluding with the broadcaster’s 50th anniversary year, as “one of the greatest privileges of my professional life” and said he was supremely confident in the future of the organisation, which is today reaching more audiences than ever in over 60 languages across multiple platforms.

“As I prepare to depart the role of a lifetime, I’m proud that SBS continues to go from strength to strength, delivering essential services to all Australians with a strong focus on building respect, understanding and cohesion to deliver better social and economic outcomes for all the communities we serve,” he said.

“SBS is a public institution that enjoys deep levels of trust among our audiences in an age of misinformation and polarisation. It continues to be an exemplar, offering a seat at the table to all Australians in every language, from every background, across a diverse range of experiences. The story of SBS is – and always has been – the story of Australia.’’

“I want to thank my fellow Board members and Managing Director James Taylor for their support and expertise over the years, as well as the incredible SBS team – who every day look to the future with the same courage and conviction that brought SBS into being 50 years ago.”

Current SBS Deputy Chair Christine Zeitz will serve as Acting Chair until a new Chairperson is appointed by the Federal Government.

“George has been an outstanding Chair – bringing a rare combination of strategic discipline, lived values, and deeply personal leadership to the role. I thank him for his service, and I look forward to bringing an equal level of passion and dedication to delivering on SBS’s Charter whilst serving as Acting Chair,” she said.

šReuter Institute Digital News Report 2024

²Australian Podcast Awards 2022, 2023, 2024

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SBS strengthens commitment to inclusion with new commissioning guidelines

SBS Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines 2025-2028

SBS has launched new Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines (2025-2028), reaffirming the broadcaster’s commitment to ensuring all Australians see themselves and their communities represented in its commissioned content.

The guidelines outline comprehensive multi-year targets for inclusion of talent from historically and ongoing under-represented communities in roles across SBS-commissioned programs, including internal productions.* They include strengthened targets aimed at addressing gaps in industry representation on and off screen, and continue five decades of SBS’s leadership in authentically reflecting Australia and driving industry change.

“At SBS, inclusion is central to who we are as an organisation, and underpins how we commission and create content,” said Kathryn Fink, SBS Director of Television.

“Our previous guidelines set a new benchmark for representation in our sector, and our new Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines for 2025-2028 continue to support our ambition, and SBS’s unique purpose as a network.

“We believe that an industry without barriers to having your voice heard is essential to fuelling the ongoing success of Australian storytelling – both at home, and globally. Our goal is to drive meaningful, long-term industry change by investing in the depth and breadth of Australian talent, on and off screen. We’re proud to continue working closely with production partners across the sector to deliver a truly authentic portrayal of contemporary Australia through the stories we commission, and the people who bring them to life,” she added.

The launch of the SBS Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines (2025-2028) follows the conclusion of SBS’s first Commissioning Equity & Inclusion Guidelines (2021-2024), with SBS successfully achieving all of its targets, which were then extended a year while the next iteration was developed.

SBS’s guidelines aim to remove barriers when casting on-screen talent and hiring off-screen crew, and focus on representation of people from five key under-represented groups – First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people, people with disability, and women – based on what Australia looks like today.

In the new guidelines, SBS has updated benchmarks for people with disability and introduced a new sub-target for non-European culturally and linguistically diverse communities. These updates recognise areas where improvement is needed across the sector. SBS’s guidelines were also informed by industry engagement and consultation, as well as taking on board SBS’s previous performance, and analysis of population and industry data.

SBS’s Scripted and Unscripted commissioned programs have targets for on- and off-screen roles, and for career progression, on a show-by-show basis. In measuring this, SBS will also track how it is representing key groups across its entire commissioned content slate.

SBS’s commitment to transparency and accountability continues with its new guidelines, with public reporting each year to measure and update on progress. SBS also continues to invest in initiatives providing meaningful career opportunities and pathways for under-represented talent and enriched storytelling. These opportunities, and more information about the guidelines, are available on the SBS website.

** SBS’s Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines do not apply to SBS’s News and Current Affairs and Sports programming. Targets do not apply to NITV productions which have their own unique equity goals, as outlined in the NITV* Commissioning Guidelines.

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Untitled design (3)

SBS shortlists proponents to proceed to next stage for Western Sydney production hub location

SBS has today confirmed that it has shortlisted a number of the proposals received in response to its recent Request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for the future location of its planned new production hub and talent incubator in Western Sydney.

The shortlisting marks a key milestone in the project, with the shortlisted proponents now invited to participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, the next step in determining the final proposed location for SBS’s new world-class production facility in one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions.

The EOI process attracted a range of high-quality submissions from across Western Sydney. Each was carefully assessed against SBS’s functional and strategic requirements, including the ability to support a state-of-the-art television, digital, and audio production facility, as well as strong alignment with SBS’s mission to reflect and serve diverse Australian communities.

SBS Chief Technology Officer Darren Farnham said: “We’re incredibly encouraged by the calibre of responses received and the shared vision for building a truly distinctive and impactful SBS presence in Western Sydney. This next stage brings us closer to creating a production hub that will amplify First Nations and multilingual voices, support new content partnerships, and foster the next generation of diverse media talent.”

SBS Western Sydney Project Director Simon Hayes said: “The shortlisted proposals represent exciting potential to deliver on our ambition for a vibrant, fully accessible, future-facing media hub. The RFP stage will allow us to further explore how each potential premises can support SBS’s specialised and highly technical operational needs and community impact objectives.”

SBS intends on selecting a preferred location in late 2025, subject to the outcomes of the RFP stage and various approval processes. This will support the submission of a detailed business case to the Australian Government later this year as part of the project funding consideration process.

The new SBS Production Hub will become a home for more distinctive SBS content – spanning news and current affairs, First Nations storytelling, multilingual programming, and community-led productions – while also creating local employment and education pathways.

More information on the SBS Western Sydney Production Hub project is available at: sbs.com.au/sbswesternsydney.

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one day ABC and SBS will realise that a whole country exists outside of (Western) Sydney.

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So they will have two facilities operating in Sydney?

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Don’t forget our pollies. It used to be said that NSW stood for Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong. Drop the N and the W and you’d be right.

From the sounds of things. More duplication.

If you’re going to build out here, move the entire thing out here.

More taxpayer dollars being wasted.

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Agree. There is no need for two facilities in Sydney. Absolutely a waste of tax payers money.

Looking forward to SBS launching Geelong and Gold Coast centres. Same mind set.

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SBS’s 2026 upfronts will be held on Wednesday the 3rd of September.

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That’s the earliest date an SBS upfront has ever been held.

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SBS Managing Director James Taylor

SBS Managing Director James Taylor steps down

SBS Managing Director will depart the organisation later this year

SBS Managing Director James Taylor will be stepping down from his role at the public broadcaster after 13 years of service, with the last seven years as Managing Director.

Appointed as Managing Director in October 2018, Taylor has presided over a period of record growth for SBS.

“It’s been a privilege to lead SBS and work alongside such a talented and committed team. I’m incredibly proud that today we’re reaching the biggest audiences in our history, producing more original local content than ever, and doing it with a credibility we’ve earned, not claimed,” said Taylor.

“SBS has a clear purpose: to serve, reflect and connect all Australians – no matter where their story began or what language they speak. We strengthen society by sharing diverse perspectives and experiences – reflecting the rich, complex reality of contemporary Australia.

“I’d like to thank the whole SBS team and in particular my Board and Executive colleagues for their commitment to SBS and the support they’ve shown me over the years.”

Acting SBS Chairperson Christine Zeitz said: “James has been an outstanding leader for SBS, delivering a world-class digital transformation at a challenging time for the industry, implementing an end-to-end multilingual strategy for all our content, and embedding First Nations storytelling including through a transformative Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan. SBS On Demand is the highest rated Australian app on the Apple and Android app stores, last year SBS was named as Australia’s most trusted news, and SBS currently enjoys the highest total revenues in its history.

“In our 50th year, with plans for SBS to expand to Western Sydney, staff engagement at record highs, and the excitement building for the men’s FIFA World Cup™ in 2026, James is leaving the organisation in remarkable health. On behalf of the Board I want to thank him for his thoughtful and committed leadership of SBS for the past seven years.”

Taylor will depart SBS in the coming months. The SBS Board of Directors will immediately begin a recruitment process to recruit a new Managing Director.

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According to Mediaweek, James Taylor will become managing director and CEO of oOh!media, replacing Cathy O’Connor. Taylor will join the outdoor media firm in late 2025 or early 2026.

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Good, SBS has really plateaued or gone backwards in a number of areas in the last few years, even as they boast about having the highest total revenues in its history. Let’s get back to commissioning risky content (including comedies like it used to have!), invest in more experienced talent for its news service, freshen up the 6:30 bulletin and reinvest in its tentpoles - bring back premium food content like Destination Flavour, Food Safari, Gourmet Farmer and put more money in to Eurovision, TdF, soccer world cup, etc.

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I notice that all three series have not had new episodes in recent years.

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Dan Bourchier, General Manager of NITV

Dan Bourchier appointed General Manager of NITV

The respected journalist, presenter and accomplished leader will join National Indigenous Television (NITV) in September

Bourchier brings more than 25 years’ media experience, including most recently as a presenter and journalist at the ABC, and previously with Sky News and NITV. A proud Aboriginal man who grew up on Warumungu Country, NT, with family connections in Victoria, he has a record of championing First Nations storytelling, and has reported stories and delivered coverage from across the country. He is also passionate about creating culturally safe spaces for Indigenous voices, including as Chair of the ABC’s Bonner Committee, the broadcaster’s primary First Nations advisory body.

As General Manager, Bourchier will play a critical role in driving continued audience and community impact for NITV, working closely with NITV’s senior leadership team and across the SBS network. He will oversee broadcast and digital strategy and lead day-to-day operations across its portfolio, as well as contribute through select on-air appearances and public outreach.

He joins as SBS expands its commitment to amplifying First Nations stories and perspectives, following the announcement earlier this year of Tanya Denning-Orman’s appointment as SBS Director, First Nations, to lead a network-wide strategy to increase Indigenous content, culture and leadership throughout SBS – including the elevation of NITV at the heart of the network.

“This feels like coming home. NITV gave me my start in television back in 2010 as a political reporter, and returning now as General Manager is a privilege. NITV has always been an incubator of talented journalists and storytellers and is today investing more than ever in original First Nations programming, working with the First Nations media sector across the country,” said Bourchier.

“I’m excited to work alongside such incredible people – a team that continues to blaze a trail in truth-telling the stories that reflect the depth, diversity and strength of our communities. Together, we’ll build on NITV’s proud legacy and take it even more powerfully into the future.”

Bourchier was most recently a senior news anchor for the ABC News Channel since 2024 and has been Chair of the ABC’s Bonner Committee since 2022. Prior to this, he led the ABC’s national coverage of the Voice to Parliament Referendum and hosted The Drum. He is also an accomplished company director and has held governance leadership roles including Chair of BlakDance, Council Member of the University of Canberra Council, and Non-Executive Director of Outback Stores.

“Dan brings a wealth of media experience, strong cultural knowledge, and a passion for championing First Nations voices — all deeply valuable as NITV enters this exciting new era,” said Denning-Orman.

“I look forward to working with Dan to share the vital work delivered by NITV with wider audiences across the entire network, and ensuring First Nations voices are deeply embedded in our national storytelling.”

SBS Director of Television Kathryn Fink said: ”We’re delighted to welcome Dan back. His incredible experience and commitment to First Nations storytelling will be instrumental as he leads NITV’s talented team. NITV has never been stronger, with prime-time audiences growing in a declining linear market, thriving digital platforms, a rich pipeline of First Nations content, and growing commercial revenue. Dan’s leadership will build on this momentum and take NITV to the next level, while ensuring its influence continues to be felt across the media landscape, elevating First Nations stories.”

Established in 2007, NITV is available free-to-air as part of the SBS network since December 2012 and today delivers award-winning, critically acclaimed First Nations content across news, current affairs, drama, documentary, entertainment, sport and children’s programming. In 2024-25, NITV reached 4.1 million Australians monthly on linear and SBS On Demand,1 helping drive almost 19 million hours of Indigenous content consumed across the SBS network’s television, audio and digital platforms.2

Bourchier will commence in his role as General Manager of NITV on 29 September 2025.

1 OzTAM VOZ data, Total People, NITV, Jul’24 – Jun’25, When Watched, Total TV Average Monthly Reach (TV 1 min, BVOD 15 secs)

2 SBS internal data and OzTam data 2024-25