A$1b for national broadcasters

Australia's two national broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, will receive at least A$1 billion ($1.22 billion) over the next decade to move into the digital era and boost the take-up of the new technology.

The Government revealed the cost of the conversion in its budget papers released yesterday.

Communications Minister Helen Coonan said the ABC's move to digital would cost the Government about A$600 million, while SBS would receive A$400 million over the decade.

Coonan has previously announced the existing analogue TV system would be switched off by 2012, while capital cities could expect to start receiving digital radio from 2009.