Content acquisitions

Do you want to submit a completed program for SBS to consider? Here you will find all the information you need to know about SBS’s acquisition assessment process.

In this article

The SBS programming team is responsible for acquiring completed programs for SBS, SBS VICELAND, NITV, SBS Food, SBS World Movies and SBS On Demand. You can find channel-specific guidance in the article below.

We focus on our five core content pillars – being fearless, innovative, world class, inspiring and entertaining. We want to ensure we are bringing the most thought-provoking and impactful content to our audiences.

Acquisition Assessment Process

Programs are evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • The SBS Charter
  • Subject matter, including whether SBS has already acquired programs with a similar subject
  • Schedule and timeslot requirements
  • Quality of the production
  • Relevance to SBS viewers and audience interest

SBS only accepts submissions via email to
acquisitions@sbs.com.au

Please note that due to the high volume of content we receive, we are not able to respond to every email. If we are interested in getting a copy of your program for assessment we will contact you to request materials. Please note we do not accept unsolicited material, and only requested submissions will be considered by our Acquisitions team.

Channel Briefs

SBS

At SBS we are inspired by the bigger picture. On our main channel, we deliver a richer, more holistic understanding of our world by presenting surprising perspectives in entertaining ways.

Program Criteria:

  • Ability to cut through and immediately captivate in a crowded, competitive media environment
  • Substance over volume or format
  • We look for unique stories, not slot-fillers
  • Engaging and intelligent on-screen talent
  • Programs that provoke passion, engage our audiencec, and drive conversation
  • Documentary (60’/90’), history (ancient, royal, biography, travelogue), health, travel (series), crime (series), feature (pop culture/ anniversary/politics/history/science/ crime)
  • Drama and comedy (30'/60')- Action-packed, historic, crime and thriller
  • Movies - High profile, broad appeal intelligent entertainment.

SBS VICELAND

Curious and connected, through SBS VICELAND we want to share our passion for entertainment that is distinctive, diverse, and daring. We push boundaries, provoke debate, promote action and engage audiences both on-air and online.

Program Criteria:

  • Irreverent, informal and interesting
  • Provocative, challenging and surprising
  • Inclusive, diverse and authentic
  • Relevant to, and reflective of, our target audience

Genres:

  • Entertainment (30’/60’) – presenter-led factual entertainment (science/technology, relationships, travel/adventure) game shows, competitive reality and pop culture/variety series (English and non-English language)
  • Comedy (30’) – narrative comedy/sitcoms (live action and animated)
  • Drama (60’) – genre or high concept drama, mystery/ thrillers, provocative relationship dramas (English and non-English language)
  • Documentary (30’/60’ & feature) – access and ob docos, presenter-led investigation, travel/adventure, sexuality, music, engineering, distinctive theatrical features
  • Movies (feature) – genre (sci-fi, fantasy, martial arts, action), cult classics, high profile retro and irreverent fun (English and non-English language)

NITV

NITV celebrates Indigenous storytelling, challenges perceptions and facilitates quality debate through distinctive content that promotes cultural understanding and reconciliation and celebrates diversity.

We consider all international content, with a strong interest in programs around social justice, the experience of minorities, civil rights movements and arts/culture offerings.

Program Criteria:

  • Indigenous storytelling and unique perspectives
  • Strengthen the sustainability of Indigenous cultural heritage
  • Accelerate the development of the Indigenous media industry
  • Secure and strengthen Indigenous voices
  • Ensure that broadcasting landscape supports Aboriginal languages and cultures

Genres:

  • Music, People, Art and Contemporary Factual
  • Drama Series
  • Entertainment Series
  • Factual Series
  • Lifestyle/Cooking/Travel
  • Films
  • Family Feature Films
  • Children’s Programs
  • Programs from an Indigenous Perspective focusing on: Environmental Issues, History, Race, Bios, Adventure, People, Art and Conte

SBS Food

Australia’s first free-to-air food channel offers accessible recipe ideas and food entertainment, primarily aimed at Women 25-64.

Program Criteria:

  • Accessible, inspiring and entertaining food content
  • Knowledgeable and accessible hosts, with talent access for publicity
  • English-language content with an emphasis on non-US productions
  • Family co-viewing & female-skewed content
  • Additional short-form materials fo digital purposes

Programming Strategy:

  • Food series across all genres including lifestyle, cooking, reality and travel
  • Fun, family viewing, entertaining content
  • Diverse talent and cuisines showcased across the channel
  • Monthly and weekly curated programming stunts
  • High-volume lifestyle and cooking series

SBS World Movies

SBS World Movies showcases a diverse selection of award-winning favourites and acclaimed new release titles from across the globe.

Program Criteria:

  • International feature films from a wide range of countries and languages.
  • High quality titles with recognised directors or cast, festival selection, awards or strong audience appeal.
  • A mix of new releases and enduring classics that invite repeat viewing.
  • Programming for 35-64 audiences seeking entertaining, intelligent and culturally resonant films,
  • Family friendly strands and seasons.
  • Curated weekly and monthly seasons that support discovery and audience loyalty

Genres:

  • Award-winning international cinema and global crowd favourites
  • Beloved classics with strong rewatch value
  • Drama, crime, thrillers, actions, westerns, war and sci-fi
  • Romance and sensual cinema from diverse perspectives
  • Cult, unusual, boundary pushing and auteur films
  • First Nations stories, both local and international

SBS On Demand 

SBS On Demand is the digital stage for the best of SBS, showcasing exclusive, premium content that reflects global perspectives, sparks curiosity and celebrates our shared humanity. Our audiences are passionate about content with a world view. They love drama, entertainment and foreign language content. They are curious, culturally engaged and drawn to buzzy, fast-tracked series, standout international storytelling and distinctive drama series and films. They trust SBS On Demand to deliver exclusive content that feels personal, purposeful and different.

Program Criteria:

  • Bingeable and impactful drama and comedy series in any language
  • Acclaimed international cinema showcasing distinctive voices and global storytelling
  • Compelling, accessible, documentaries with a strong world view
  • Exclusive content that offers fresh perspectives and reflects SBS’s diverse, inclusive values