On 18 September, SBS WorldWatch is set to transition from a linear television channel to an enhanced digital-only service on SBS On Demand, providing international news in 38 languages from 49 broadcasters around the world.
The move gives multilingual Australians more content, greater choice and flexibility in when and how they watch international news, as audiences increasingly shift to digital platforms.
SBS WorldWatch will expand over the coming weeks to include two or more daily bulletins in most languages. This is more content than could be accommodated on a single linear channel. Audiences will be able to watch bulletins as soon as they become available, rather than waiting for a scheduled broadcast. SBS On Demand also features two 24-hour FAST channels for English-language news called Euronews and France 24.
For many Australians, SBS On Demand is an established destination for the public broadcaster’s distinctive content. During SBS’s broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 which reached 18.1 million Australians, most watched via SBS On Demand, demonstrating the platform’s ability to reach audiences at scale.
“SBS WorldWatch plays an important role in connecting Australians with news and perspectives from around the world, in their preferred language. Moving to SBS On Demand gives us the opportunity to build on that service, with more international news bulletins and greater flexibility for audiences to decide when and how they watch,” said SBS director of news and current affairs Mandi Wicks.
“We recognise this will be a change for some audiences who are accustomed to watching SBS WorldWatch on linear television. We’re committed to supporting them through the transition, while continuing to evolve our services for the future.”
To help audiences make the transition, SBS is providing multilingual information and guidance through SBS Audio language programs and on SBS WorldWatch channel 35 ahead of the change.
The SBS WorldWatch – News In-Language hub can be found on the SBS On Demand homepage, where audiences can also search for content in their preferred language. Additional bulletins will be added over the coming weeks.
The SBS WorldWatch linear television channel 35 will close on Friday 18 September 2026.
