SBS has launched SBS WorldWatch, a free-to-air 24-hour multilingual news channel that features bulletins from worldwide broadcasters as well as its own SBS’ Arabic and Mandarin News.
The channel’s launch, which was first announced in November 2021, builds on SBS’ expanding range of multilingual services for audiences across TV, radio, and digital platforms.
“Our multilingual strategy sits at the heart of SBS, and we are very excited to extend our offering with the launch of the SBS WorldWatch channel today, which sees us further expand our in-language news bulletins for people whose preferred language may not be English,” said SBS managing director James Taylor.
SBS WorldWatch transmits worldwide news services from 30 nations in 35 languages, allowing Australia’s culturally and linguistically varied communities to view news in their native tongue.
Launched on SBS On Demand earlier, SBS عربي News and SBS 中文 News will also get a half-hour prime time slot on SBS WorldWatch.
The two channels will work with teams of bilingual journalists to provide impartial coverage, insightful context, and balanced analysis of the major national and international stories.
Mandi Wicks, SBS director of news and current affairs, said the launch demonstrates SBS’ commitment to fulfilling the needs of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse population.
Wicks said, “SBS is uniquely placed to reach and engage the many Australians who speak a language other than English, and we are thrilled to be evolving and enhancing our offering with the launch of SBS WorldWatch.”
“It is exciting to be increasing our commitment to more SBS-produced multilingual news through the Arabic and Mandarin bulletins, ensuring access to relevant and current news for two of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing language communities.”
Through SBS Radio, podcasting, and digital platforms, SBS WorldWatch builds on SBS’s commitment to providing comprehensive news and information across its network – in English through SBS World News and in more than 60 foreign languages.
SBS WorldWatch is now accessible on free-to-air television (channel 35) and on SBS On Demand.
SBS WorldWatch joins SBS, National Indigenous Television (NITV), SBS VICELAND, SBS Food, and SBS World Movies as the network’s sixth free-to-air channel.
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
