The stations have given ordinary Australians the opportunity to tell their stories on the small screen, and launched the careers of many creatives.
But now, the government wants the sector to move online - a transition the stations fear they won't survive.
Melbourne's Channel 31 has been on the air for over 25 years.
Some of Australia's most popular entertainers launched their careers on the channel, including Rove McManus, Hamish Blake and Andy Lee.
