Celebrating 50 Years of SBS: A Milestone in Australian Multiculturalism
A Pioneering Beginning
Whichever way you look at it, turning 50 is a milestone, and it’s one that the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is preparing to celebrate in 2025. This journey began back in 1975 with the establishment of Radio Ethnic Australia, a radio station aimed at providing crucial information to migrant communities. Initiated on June 9, former immigration minister Al Grassby launched the station to explain the new Medibank scheme to diverse groups in their own languages.
The first broadcasts aired in seven languages from Sydney’s 2EA and eight from Melbourne’s 3EA. Notably, the launch began with a greeting in Greek, symbolizing the inclusive vision of SBS.
A Turning Point for a Nation
SBS emerged at a transformative time for Australia, just two years after the abolition of the Immigration Restriction Act, commonly known as the White Australia Policy. Cultural historian and Emeritus Professor Ien Ang from the University of Western Sydney emphasizes the significance of this change. The elimination of racial categories allowed migrants to come from all corners of the globe, breaking a long-standing barrier that limited immigration primarily to white individuals.
The White Australia Policy, dating back to 1901, excluded non-European immigrants, shaping Australia’s demographic landscape for over 70 years. It wasn’t until 1973 that the last remnants of this discriminatory policy were officially erased. Ang highlights this moment as pivotal not just for immigration, but also for the recognition of Indigenous Australians, who were granted citizenship rights in a landmark referendum in 1967.
Political and Cultural Shifts in 1975
1975 was not only significant for the inception of SBS; it was also marked by political upheaval. The dismissal of Gough Whitlam’s government by the Governor-General was an unprecedented constitutional crisis that shook the nation. The Whitlam government, however, also recognized Australia as a multicultural nation—a sentiment echoed by the Opposition and later embraced by Malcolm Fraser’s Liberal government.
Fraser’s administration notably opened its doors to refugees fleeing the Vietnam War, marking a critical shift in Australia’s refugee policy. Jock Collins, Professor of Social Economics at the University of Technology, notes that this was the beginning of a new era in immigration, where many non-European refugees began to find a home Down Under for the first time.
The Evolving Role of SBS
By 1977, the Vietnamese community received its first dedicated program on SBS, providing a vital source of connection and information for newcomers like Nicky Chung. Chung’s family arrived in Australia in 1979, shortly after the fall of Saigon, and her experience illustrates the importance of SBS as a trusted media source for migrants eager to learn about their new home while staying updated on their origins.
The growing Vietnamese community continued to engage with SBS programming, leading to lasting relationships that showcased the station’s potential as a bridge between cultures.
Multiculturalism Beyond the Norm
As the 1970s progressed, Australia began to critique the policy of assimilation, which pressured migrants to conform to mainstream Australian culture. However, Australia’s multicultural fabric is not a new phenomenon; Indigenous Australians have lived here for thousands of years, maintaining rich cultural traditions. SBS began incorporating Indigenous content through NITV, emphasizing the importance of honoring both ancestral and migrant narratives.
The arrival of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia in 1975 further complicated the narrative. With at least 1.5 million deaths resulting from forced labor and executions, countless Cambodians fled to find refuge in Australia. The establishment of Khmer programs on SBS Radio in the late 1970s catered to this new wave of migrants seeking solace and connection.
Media Evolution in a Changing Landscape
With advancements in technology, SBS made the leap to television in 1980, offering news, documentaries, and international films that cemented its role within the Australian media landscape. The onset of color TV and the rise of the internet laid the groundwork for SBS to adapt and evolve. By embracing digital platforms, SBS became a leader in multicultural broadcasting, with 60 languages represented today.
James Taylor, the managing director of SBS, emphasizes that their commitment to delivering multilingual content aligns with the changing media consumption habits of Australians. The station now hosts the highest volume of multilingual audio and digital content in its history, catering to the evolving needs of the population.
The Present and Future
The introduction of Tetum as a broadcast language in 2023 highlights SBS’s ongoing evolution. The Tetum-speaking community in Australia has grown substantially since the civil unrest and Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975. Jose Pires, who arrived in Australia as a child after fleeing violence, represents the resilience of this community and their desire to maintain cultural connections while integrating into Australian society.
Today, SBS broadcasts in 60 languages, serving a multifaceted audience that identifies with over 300 different ancestries. This extensive reach plays a crucial role in shaping conversations around diversity and inclusion within Australia, celebrating the rich tapestry woven from countless migrant stories.
In recognizing its 50-year journey, SBS not only champions the voices of ethnic communities but also serves as a testament to Australia’s evolving identity as a multicultural nation.
