Sydney, Australia — Free TV is proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of PacificAus TV, marking half a decade of bringing the best of Australian television to audiences across the Pacific. Since its launch in May 2020 in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, PacificAus TV has grown into a vibrant cultural bridge, now supplying Australian programs to 17 free-to-air broadcasters across 11 Pacific nations.
Funded by the Australian Government as part of the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and delivered by Free TV, PacificAus TV has supplied thousands of hours of popular Australian content—from drama and children’s programming to lifestyle, current affairs, and live sport—fostering stronger cultural and people-to-people ties between Australia and the Pacific.
“We are incredibly proud of what PacificAus TV has achieved in just five years,” said Bridget Fair, CEO at Free TV. “It’s more than just delivering TV programs—it’s a platform for media resilience, cultural exchange, and shared values across the region.”
The Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications, said PacificAus TV has gone from strength to strength over the past 5 years.
“With quality Australian programs now being accessed by 11 nations across the Pacific, PacificAus TV is a powerful example of our commitment to the region – fostering stronger cultural links and a more vibrant regional media landscape. We’re pleased that Free TV Australia will be continuing to deliver this important initiative that brings communities in our shared region closer together.”
Francis Herman, Chief Executive Officer of the Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC), also praised the initiative:
“We wish PacificAus TV a happy 5th birthday and acknowledge the immense contribution it makes to quality content on our local television service.”
Launching in late May 2020, PacificAus TV delivered 1,188 hours of programming in its first year alone. These programmes featured entertainment programs such as The Voice, MasterChef and Lego Masters as well as elite sporting codes much loved in the region such as Rugby Union, Rugby League, Football and Netball. In 2025, 2,950 hours will be delivered — more than doubling PacificAus TV’s initial output and underlining its important role in regional broadcasting.
As PacificAus TV celebrates this important milestone, it continues to focus on collaboration, locally relevant programming, and strengthening regional media capacity to support a strong, diverse Pacific voice.
PacificAus TV is a key component of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and supports Australia’s longstanding commitment to supporting a robust media sector in the Pacific.
ENDS
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