Statement from SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid on Competitive Neutrality Review Terms of Reference

 
SBS will participate fully in the Government’s inquiry into the competitive neutrality of the national broadcasters, noting that existing, robust accountability frameworks governing SBS are operating effectively and we continue to operate within our relevant legislative frameworks to deliver on our Charter. 

Undoubtedly, the rapidly increasing penetration of international operators, along with new domestic streaming services is changing our media environment. But it is difficult to contemplate how a broadcaster the size of SBS that has its commercial operations limited by legislation could be a threat to the business activities of its commercial counterparts, which benefited only recently from changes to media laws and a major reduction of their licence fees. 

SBS has built its reputation over the past four decades as a trusted and highly efficient media institution with very loyal audiences, offering Australians a real point of difference. We provide audiences with a diversity of views and voices; deliver value for money to the Australian taxpayer and enormous social value to contemporary multicultural Australia.

The Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said recently that successful Australian multiculturalism cannot be taken for granted. The reason SBS exists today is to contribute to the advancement of our successful multiculturalism and diversity. We look forward to demonstrating the value of our services through this review.