Hebrew programs continue to be broadcast by SBS following review
SBS has announced its new programming for its foreign language radio broadcasts and has flagged no change to Hebrew schedule.
Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of Audio Language and Content told the The Executive Council of Australian Jewry: “I am pleased to let you know that the SBS Hebrew program will continue with no change to the current service.”
She added in a media release: “SBS Radio is the most linguistically diverse public broadcaster in the world and our services have never been more vital providing Australian-focused news and information in languages other than English. The implementation of the new SBS Radio services will ensure SBS Radio is relevant by reflecting the changing demographics of today’s Australia. While live, linear radio is important to many communities, audiences are increasingly consuming our content via digital platforms, listening to programs on demand and downloading podcasts. Through the review we will re-align our services to ensure they are tailored to the different communities’ needs, delivering more audio and online content when and where audiences are consuming it via mobile devices and tablets.”
Nitza Lowenstein
During a four-week consultation process (14 November – 11 December 2016) which gave people and organisations the opportunity to provide feedback on the Selection Criteria that was being proposed, SBS Radio received more than 600 submissions; representing 85 languages. The submissions received were taken into consideration in finalising the Selection Criteria, which in conjunction with the 2016 Census data, has determined the revised language services to be provided by SBS Radio. The last review of SBS Radio was conducted during 2012-2013, after the 2011 Census.
Following the changes, SBS Radio will offer services in 68 languages and the new SBS Radio services will be implemented on air effective Monday 20 November 2017.
The executive director of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry Peter Wertheim told J-Wire: “The SBS Jewish radio program on Sunday at midday will continue with no change to the current service. The program has for many years had a strong following in the Jewish community, especially among the elderly ,and also Hebrew speakers and Yiddish speakers. That following is now growing rapidly with a new digital media audience. This is a great tribute to the work of the program presenter, Nitza Lowenstein, and to SBS Radio.”
