PARRAMATTA is making a pitch for a new Western Sydney studio for SBS to be based in the City’s heart, cementing its position as a key cultural precinct nationally.
The Federal Government this week announced $5.9M for SBS to build a new production hub in the West in lieu of pursuing a full relocation of the broadcaster from Artarmon. It’s believed the new hub would include capacity for a TV studio able to host live audiences and radio and podcast booths.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter (pictured) said Parramatta was the most logical home for a new studio for Australia’s most diverse multilingual media organisation.
“It’s disappointing the Federal Government isn’t prepared to back its original goal and fund a full move of SBS to the west. This is a missed opportunity to back intent with significant investment and show it is serious about Western Sydney being able to share its stories and getting a fairer share of cultural funding,” Cr Zaiter said.
“But we think this new studio is a chance to demonstrate the benefits of basing the broadcaster in the heart of Greater Sydney and closer to its audiences.
“More than half of Parramatta’s population was born overseas and speak a language other than English at home and almost 70 per cent, including me, have two parents born overseas so we understand the importance of sharing the stories of our diverse community.
“I will be reaching out to the chair of SBS to understand what they need and ensure they recognise Parramatta’s distinct advantages including transport connectivity.
“A successful new studio in the west could be the first step to ultimately convincing all players, including the Federal Government, of the merits of investing in a full relocation that better positions SBS for the future.”
The call comes the day after ABC began broadcasting its 7pm TV news bulletin from its state-of-the-art new home in Parramatta Square, where it is set to base around 300 staff.
“We’re proud the ABC is now broadcasting its signature news bulletin against a Parramatta Square backdrop featuring our iconic PHIVE building,” Cr Zaiter said.
“It’s a fitting reflection of Parramatta’s growing importance as Australia’s next global city.”
