SBS is set to launch a free-to-air television channel dedicated to food.
The channel will become SBS’s fourth free-to-air channel when it launches on SBS 3 in November, joining the portfolio of SBS, SBS 2 and NITV.
SBS has entered in to a major output deal and licensing agreement with Scripps Networks Interactive to provide content for the new channel.
Scripps is a producer of lifestyle content.
Scripps will supply programming including cooking competitions, culinary adventures and home entertaining.
The new channel will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be available on SBS 3. Content from the channel will also available to catch up online on SBS On Demand.
The channel launch date, channel name and schedule of programs, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
SBS Managing Director, Michael Ebeid, said SBS’s unique purpose, to inspire all Australians to explore and appreciate the diverse world we live in, was at the heart of this exciting new channel.
“The channel will take one of our strongest and well-known genres to new heights," he said.
"We know how much audiences love to be taken on a journey of culinary and cultural discovery with our food shows every Thursday night."
Ebeid said the new channel was an opportunity to extend that offering with a world of food programming available all day, every day, for free.
“SBS’s Charter drives all the decisions we make," he said.
"As we face funding pressures and an increasingly competitive market, we need to find new ways to bring audiences the best content from around the world and create a commercial return to continue to fund high quality Australian programs on our main SBS channels.
“This channel also builds on our success bringing movies acquired from around the world to Australian audiences through our subscription channel, World Movies.”
SBS Chief Content Officer, Helen Kellie said the new channel would be a daily destination for your love of everyday food.
"As well as bringing some of the world’s most popular programs in the genre to local audiences, the new channel will help SBS to continue discovering and nurturing Australian talent and developing new programs," he said.
"It’s an exciting new extension to SBS’s food, travel and culture offer for audiences.”
Scripps Networks Interactive managing director, Asia-Pacific, Derek Chang, said Australia was an important market for Scripps Networks and a key driver of growth in the region.
“SBS already has a long history of delivering great food content to Australian audiences – and this collaboration is a strategic move to bring together two powerful brands to deliver even more engaging and entertaining food programming from around the world to more homes across the continent,” Chang added.
Scripps Networks’ global lifestyle media portfolio includes Food Network, Cooking Channel, Asian Food Channel, HGTV, DIY Network, Fine Living Network, Travel Channel and Great American Country.