West TV

WTV
WTV Logo
Launched	10 April 2010
Owned by	West TV Ltd
Picture format	576i 16:9 (SDTV Digital)
Slogan	The only one for me
Country	Australia
Broadcast area	Perth, Australia (CTV)
Website	wtvperth.com.au
Availability
Terrestrial
SD Digital	Channel 44

West TV or WTV, previously New Visions 31, is a free-to-air community television station that began broadcasting in standard definition digital format on logical channel 44 in Perth on 10 April 2010 at 10 am.^[1][2][3]

History

The station was awarded a two year trial license by the Australian Communications and Media Authority after the closure of previous Perth community station license holder Access 31 in 2008 followed by an apparatus license at the end of April 2009. On 4 November 2009 Communications Minister Stephen Conroy approved a digital TV only license which allows West TV to broadcast with other community television stations which are planning to simulcast their services until the switch to digital-only television in capital cities by 2014.

On 1 April 2010, the first video test was performed, with a testcard and then a promotional video loop going to air.

Programming

West TV features a broad range of local programs broadcast around the clock, seven days a week. The programming reflects the diversity and needs of the Perth community and includes documentaries, films, sport, music, education, religion, multicultural, entertainment, leisure and lifestyle programs.

The focus is on WA-based programming, although some programs are sourced from interstate community channels and from other professional program makers world-wide. As the station progresses, increasing levels of local programming will feature. Upcoming examples include the entertainment show Friday Night Live and current affairs program Undercurrent.

West TV also broadcasts classic movies and television shows and also live programming and news bulletins from Deutsche Welle and Al Jazeera English.

The channel's schedule is currently available on its website and listings now appear in The Sunday Times and The West Australian and are also now available on an EPG guide, with more outlets to follow.

West TV was given the broadcast rights to the world exclusive concert for UK superstar Sir Cliff Richard & The Shadows. The concert is planned to screen in June 2010 and has been sponsored by www.cliffrichardshadows.com

Continual research and development of WTV's digital broadcast systems allows WTV 44 to compete with the big commercials. With new technologies implemented, WTV 44 has achieved Outside Broadcasts live from Bar 138 on Barrack for their Live to Air Launch event, and share with audiences The Tom Hoad Cup VIII - International Water Polo Tournament Live from Melville.

Controversy

Original board member David Valentin was removed from his position after allegations arose that he had falsified his credentials, presenting those of an American visual effects specialist of the same name as his own.^[4][5]

See also

Television in Australia portal

• Channel 31
• Television broadcasting in Australia
• Australian Community Television Alliance

References

1. ^ "Community Television in Perth is back!". WTV. 23 October 2009. http://www.wtvperth.com.au/news-Community-Television-Perth-Back.html. Retrieved 2009-10-23. 
2. ^ "March start for community TV". Rachel Watts, Southern Gazette. 7 November 2009. http://inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/West-TV-given-green-light/7540516/. Retrieved 2009-11-07. 
3. ^ http://www.facebook.com/wtvperth
4. ^ Fishy claims sink TV director
5. ^ Forgery claims sparks special effects in the US

External links

• WTV's Homepage
• WTV's Facebook Page