SBS Audio launches new digital language services

SBS Audio has launched two of five new digital language services to help the public broadcaster better serve the evolving multicultural make-up of contemporary Australia.

It’s now offering digital programs in Telugu (used in India) and Bislama (used in Vanuatu), to help grow connection and belonging.

New services in Malay, Oromo and Tetum are due to go live in September.

With India being the second-highest migrant community in Australia and Nepal being the fastest-growing, SBS is also increasing investment in its Punjabi and Nepali programs with plans to launch an English-language podcast and social media offering for younger audiences across the broader South Asian community in 2024.

Director of SBS Audio and Language Content David Hua says “SBS Audio is continuously evolving to meet the needs of contemporary Australia.”

“We have a proud history of responding to key waves of migration across large, small and high needs language groups to help build connection and belonging in more than 60 diverse languages.”

SBS Telugu Executive Producer Sandya Veduri is herself a new migrant, having moved to Australia from India five years ago, and a passionate believer in sharing stories that matter to the community.

She says “SBS Telugu looks forward to being a trusted voice for the Australian-Telugu diaspora and helping build the vital connections and understanding needed for social cohesion.”

SBS Audio content is delivered via its website and app which can be downloaded via the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

Selected SBS Audio content is also available wherever audiences consume podcasts and radio streams, including Apple Podcasts, LiSTNR, Spotify and TuneIn.

*Photo: SBS Director of Audio & Language Content David Hua with SBS Telugu Executive Producer and AFTRS graduate Sandya Veduri