SBS has a long and proud history of helping build belonging and connection for all Australians. The Language Services Review (LSR) is a process undertaken by SBS to examine our language offering and ensure our services reflect and meet the needs of Australia’s rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society.
What is the SBS Language Services Review?
The Language Services Review is a process undertaken by SBS to examine our language offering and ensure our services reflect and meet the needs of Australia’s rapidly changing and increasingly diverse society. The Review occurs every five years in conjunction with the 2026 Australian Census and considers factors such as the Australian Census data, audience listening habits, digital platform use, demographic trends and financial parameters.
Why does SBS review its language services?
As part of SBS’s commitment to meeting the needs of today’s Australia and recognising the evolving needs of Australia into the future, SBS undertakes a Language Services Review. Guided by its Charter, SBS undertakes a regular review of its audio and language offering, including services on radio, SBS On Demand, podcasting and other digital platforms, to ensure it continues to reflect the needs of Australia’s diverse communities. Regularly updating the services enables SBS to better serve Australia’s large, high-needs and emerging communities.
What is the timeline for the Language Services Review?
The SBS Language Services Review contains the following stages:
5 October-13 November 2026:
Public consultation to seek feedback about the draft Selection Criteria. The final Selection Criteria will be used in conjunction with 2026 Australian Census data to determine the languages which will be serviced by SBS Audio.
May 2027:
Publish final Selection Criteria
June 2027:
2026 Australian Census data released
September 2027:
Changes to SBS Audio Services announced, including revised languages to be serviced and how each language service will be delivered – e.g. via AM/FM, digital radio, digital television, online and/or podcast.
December 2027:
Revised SBS language services implemented from December 2027.
To learn more please click here.
Feedback and comments on the SBS Language Services Review can be made by contacting SBS here.