Jack Hudson

GAWLER community TV personality Ethan White is hoping for a little bit of deja vu.

Only 12 months ago, his South Australian community TV station Channel 44’s future was up in the air, saved only at the 11th hour.

But now the future of grassroots TV around Australia is again under a cloud, with a switch-off set to occur on June 30.

The change came about because of apparent changes to the landscape of Australian media, which has now been set by the Federal Government for 2024.

Channel 44 and Channel 31 in Victoria are hoping to remain on the air for the next three years while the media changes are worked out.

Ethan has been a regular on Channel 44 with his self-produced travel program Off the Couch with Ethan.

Speaking on his TV show’s Facebook page, Ethan emphasised the importance of grassroots TV.

“Community TV is a place for communities to come together to share their passions, culture, ideas and opinions to the wider community,” he said.

“It’s also a great place for new and upcoming media personalities and producers, like myself, to chuck their L-plates on and give it a crack and see how they go before they enter the commercial landscapes.

“It’s an essential resource to our media landscape here in Australia, but on June 30, what you might be seeing on Channel 44 is static.”

The SA and Victorian channels are the last remaining community TV stations in the country, with those in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth closing in recent years.

Channel 44 Adelaide acting general manager Kristen Hamill said last year she believed community TV was a sector worth fighting for.

“Not only are we a platform for local voices and a training ground for emerging media professionals, but we have also been able to adapt quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify needs within the local community,” she said.

“There are many Australians that don’t have access to the internet, and our local broadcasts provide an essential service to keep people connected, comforted and informed.”

While some testing was completed – using spectrum vacated by interstate stations – in 2018, there is currently no planned alternative use for the broadcast spectrum occupied by channels 44 and 31.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority said last year there was no planned use for the channels for at least the next four or so years.

Community TV relies on sponsorship deals and volunteers to operate and has never been taxpayer-funded.

An online petition can be signed at www.change.org/p/hon-paul-fletchermp-for-communicationscyber-safety-and-the-artssave-community-television.