TV services receive cash boost

Nearly 1400 Australian households will gain access to a range of television services following a boost of funds, Senator Helen Coonan announced this week.

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts stated that the latest instalment of $227,400 will fund eight new television services in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

The cash comes from the government's $35 million Television Black Spots Program, part of the $120 million Television Fund, established with proceeds from the sale of the second tranche of Telstra.

The funding will be put towards equipment, installation and license fees in black spot affected areas, including Horseshoe Bay (Queensland), Melrose and Wilmington (South Australia) and Lorne and Fairhaven (Victoria).

Senator Coonan said, "This initiative reflects the government's ongoing commitment to ensuring better access to television services for all Australians.

"Many of the people living in these areas will enjoy free-to-air television services for the first time."