TV broadcasters agree to share programme listings info Tim Addington
After months of wrangling and negotiations, Australia’s free-to-air broadcasters have finally agreed to the development of electronic programme guides for digital services.
Commercial broadcasters will make their programme guides available to manufactures of set top boxes, personal video recorders and other service providers.
The agreement was secured by Free TV Australia, the industry body that represents the commercial broadcasters.
Julie Flynn, CEO at Free TV Australia, said the development is a significant advance for the industry. But privately, Free TV has been annoyed by the length of time it has taken for the deal to be struck, with some networks showing reluctance to take part.
"Free-to-view digital television is an open platform – available to every household in Australia. In the same spirit, we believe all consumers should be able to access our electronic program information,” Flynn said.
"Following our announcement today, any EPG service provider will be able to receive our data and make it available on a range of retail consumer equipment.
"Free TV members acknowledge widespread availability of electronic program information is a critical plank in the transition to digital television, and today's announcement is a major step forward."
