MEDIA RELEASE
7 August 2006
For immediate release
AUSTRALIA NETWORK GOES ON-AIR
The new Australia Network television service to the Asia Pacific region went on air for the first time today with an exciting mix of news, sport, documentaries, drama and lifestyle programs.
Formerly known as ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Asia Pacific, Australia Network has a different schedule but the same high standard of content.
When welcoming the launch the Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Michael Potts, said: “Australia Network provides a credible and independent voice with programs that present a window on Australia and Australian perspectives of the world.
“It offers high quality programs about Australia and its engagement with the region to more than 40 countries, including PNG.
“While covering news from around the globe it focuses on the region in which we live and as such it offers a much needed perspective from this part of the world.”
The service will continue to be managed by the ABC from 2006 to 2011.
In Papua New Guinea it can either be watched on cable TV (Hitron, Channel 8 and Tolec) or by using a satellite dish and digital decoder.
Australia Network offers news bulletins nightly at 19.00, 21.00 and 23.00, Port Moresby time. Focus, a half hour current affairs program, will air Tuesdays and Thursdays at 23.00, Port Moresby time.
Australia Network broadcasts to 10 million homes and 200,000 hotel rooms in 41 countries in the region.
Further information is available at www.australianetwork.com
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Affairs Manager, Ph: 325 9333 ext 275, Mobile: 683 9811