Sydney gets new FTA channel

A new free-to-air terrestrial station serving viewers in Sydney, Australia is to launch in November.

The channel, 'TVS', plans to feature programmes made "for and about Sydney" by locally-based producers and is also appealing for people and organisations to come forward with show ideas.

"Our aim is to provide a platform for new programme formats and for programme providers with fresh and exciting ideas???, said Laurie Patton, acting chief executive at TVS. "We see TVS as an ‘incubator’ where creative producers can afford to experiment with new concepts and develop new talent???.

He added: "Inevitably some of our more successful initiatives will find their way onto the screens of the major networks, but that’s OK by us."

The not-for-profit venture will broadcast 24/7 and is permitted to sell up to eight hours per day of airtime.