Press release from TVS:
The future of the nascent community television sector is in the hands of community producer groups who should grasp the chance to have their programs seen by wider audiences, according to the Chief Executive of Sydney's community channel TVS.
After six years in charge of establishing TVS, Laurie Patton signs off at the end of the week having led the successful campaign to allow community channels to move to digital broadcasting.
Now nearly every household in the major mainland capitals will be able to receive their local community channel.
In March 2010, TVS became the first community channel to go digital, with stations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth to follow in the coming months.
"The big challenge now is for producers to create relevant and interesting programs that people will want to watch," Mr Patton said today.
Mr Patton has told the volunteer program makers at TVS that they hold the keys to community television in their hands and it is up to them to leverage the great opportunity provided by the transition to digital broadcasting.
"Now that the Federal Government has guaranteed the future of community TV in a multi-channel digital world, it is imperative that the sector lives up to its promise by screening high quality watchable locally made programs", Mr Patton added.
Most of the programs screened on TVS are created by volunteers and not-for-profit organisations. Community channels are ideally placed to foster the development of innovative locally produced programs and provide a unique training ground for the next generation of content producers, technicians and on-screen talent.
"There is no better place for newcomers to learn the skills of the television business," Mr Patton told TVS producers in a parting email this week. 2
"What is needed is for people to come forward with ideas for programs that enhance the current offerings on free-to-air TV and complement the programs screened by the networks".
While he is leaving the station he created on behalf of major stakeholder the University of Western Sydney, Mr Patton will retain a link with TVS as Executive Director of the Television Sydney Foundation.
The Foundation has been established to secure funds to support the creation of programs for TVS. This support could include subsidising production expenses, providing experienced industry professionals to mentor producers and covering the costs of training programs.
"We need people to support TVS by donating to the Television Sydney Foundation and help ensure the long term viability of the channel by building a strong quality programming base," Mr Patton said.
TVS will run on-screen calls for people to donate to the Foundation. These appeals direct to viewers will be based on the model used by the American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Donations will be accepted online via the TVS website and are tax deductible. High net worth individuals and philanthropically inclined organisations will also be tapped by the Foundation.