Special Broadcasting Service
Australian public broadcaster seeking payment for AI use of its journalism.
SBS traces its origins to multilingual radio programmes in 1975. Australia's multicultural public broadcaster now reaches audiences through television, audio and streaming.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why does SBS object to relying on crawler opt-outs?
Timeline for Special Broadcasting Service
Told the committee that robots.txt is routinely ignored
Media's AI Pivot: Australian broadcasters press AI to payBackground
The Special Broadcasting Service, known as SBS, is Australia's multicultural public broadcaster. It provides television, radio, online and streaming services, with programming intended to reflect a society made up of many languages and cultural backgrounds. Its origins lie in radio programmes launched in 1975. SBS Audio continues that language-service role through broadcasts, podcasts and other digital distribution. [About SBS](https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/).
The television portfolio includes the main SBS service and National Indigenous Television, which focuses on First Nations stories, culture and news. Specialist channels cover food, international cinema and world news. SBS On Demand gives viewers access to Australian and international programmes online. Across these services, the broadcaster combines news and documentary work with drama, sport and entertainment for different Australian communities. [SBS services](https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/).
Why does SBS object to robots.txt as an AI safeguard?
How does SBS use AI in its own work?
What safeguards does SBS require for AI-generated content?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.