Unlocking the Secrets of SBS: Your 60‑Second Guide to a Government Career 📺
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)? We’ve dissected their latest annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quick overview, you’ll discover the core facts about SBS — from its key functions and major projects to the skills and qualifications that could help you land your dream government role. Whether you’re fresh out of school with a Certificate I or a seasoned professional, this guide will equip you with the insights you need to start or grow your government career at SBS.
AT‑A‑GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
Location: Headquartered in Artarmon, New South Wales, with offices and operations across Australia
CEO: Managing Director James Taylor
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 494 million (for 2023–24), combining around AUD 334.9 million in government appropriations with AUD 159.5 million in own-source revenue
Total Number of Employees: About 1,250 ongoing staff (as of 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO SBS
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Communications or Media: Offers strong foundations in content creation, journalism, and broadcasting.
IT or Computer Science: Develop skills that support SBS’s digital infrastructure (from streaming to app development).
Business or Commerce: Useful for roles in finance, procurement, or project management.
Marketing or Advertising: Critical for promoting SBS’s content offerings and growing audiences.
Arts or Humanities (e.g., Cultural Studies, Languages): Ideal for those contributing to multilingual or community-based content.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile): Enhances efficiency in rolling out network-wide initiatives.
Cyber Security Certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+): Key for safeguarding vital online and broadcast systems.
Digital Marketing Certification: Boosts engagement across various platforms.
Broadcast Technology Certifications: Essential for high-quality TV and radio transmission and production.
Editing & Production Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro): Useful for post-production roles and content creation.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Broadcast Technicians: Keep signals running smoothly on TV, radio, and streaming.
Electricians / Audio‑Visual Specialists: Vital for the operational upkeep of studios and on‑location events.
IT Network Engineers: Maintain secure, reliable connectivity for nationwide broadcasting and online services.
Facilities Management Professionals: Ensure seamless operations across multiple SBS sites and offices.
Customer Service Representatives: Engage with the public, handle inquiries, and support audience needs.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Storytelling: Whether in journalism or marketing, narrative skills are at SBS’s heart.
Tech Savviness: SBS is at the forefront of digital transformation, so tech know-how is highly valued.
Collaboration: Cross‑team cooperation is essential to deliver first-class Australian and global content.
Problem‑Solving: Creative solutions are needed to tackle emerging tech and editorial challenges.
Multilingual Abilities: SBS delivers content in 60+ languages, making this a huge advantage.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Media Production / Journalism: Knowledge of creating and managing high-quality content.
Government or Public Sector Roles: Familiarity with procedures, compliance, and meeting public expectations.
Advertising or Sales: Vital to generating revenue that supports SBS’s Charter-based programs.
Community Engagement: Reflects SBS’s commitment to informing and serving Australia’s diverse communities.
ICT / Digital Project Delivery: Focus on developing or supporting digital services, including streaming apps and websites.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
Name of CEO: James Taylor (Managing Director)
Location: National (main HQ in Artarmon, NSW)
Year Founded: 1978 (radio services began in 1975; SBS as we know it was officially formed in 1978)
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
SBS’s Charter is to provide multilingual and multicultural broadcasting, educating and entertaining all Australians while reflecting the nation’s diverse heritage. For example, SBS actively serves various language communities, airs First Nations stories (via NITV), and delivers accessible coverage of major local and international events.Main Duties of the Department:
Spanning TV, online streaming (SBS On Demand), 60+ language radio services, and First Nations programming, SBS connects everyday Australians with content that broadens horizons. An example is their extensive broadcasting of local Aussie stories alongside global news coverage, ensuring communities stay both culturally grounded and globally informed.Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Expanding Language Offerings: Recent additions include Bislama, Malay, Oromo, Telugu, and Tetum
Innovating SBS On Demand: Building a cutting-edge user experience for online streaming
Investing in HD Broadcast: Enhancing NITV and other SBS channels for even clearer, more engaging viewing
Supporting Australian Content Production: Continuously commissioning impactful documentaries, dramas, and NITV programming that showcase our nation’s stories.
Did You Know? SBS was named Australia’s most trusted news brand in 2024, reflecting its editorial integrity and community-driven mission .
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 1,250 staff
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: SBS employs a range of professionals — from entry-level roles through to senior executives — in technical, creative, and corporate areas.
Salary Bands: Positions often begin at around AUD 50,000–60,000 (entry level) and can exceed AUD 200,000+ for senior specialist and executive roles.
Average Salary in the Department: Likely in the AUD 80,000–110,000 range, varying by position and experience.
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 494 million in 2023–24, combining government appropriation and own-source earnings
Average Revenue per Employee: Around AUD 395,200 (494 million ÷ 1,250).
GETTING A JOB AT SBS
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After and of Value to This Department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Screen & Media: Lays the groundwork for production, editing, and storytelling.
Information Technology: Covers network support, website maintenance, and cybersecurity basics.
Business Administration: Ideal for managing day-to-day tasks, logistics, and office operations.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Journalism, Communications, or Media Studies: Dig deeper into editorial standards, writing, and broadcasting.
Computer Science / Software Engineering: Pivotal for improving streaming services and developing robust digital solutions.
Marketing or Advertising: Crucial in attracting audiences and securing commercial partnerships.
PhDs:
Advanced Research / Data Analytics: Contribute to strategic decision-making on audience analytics, forecasting, and service optimization.
Linguistics or Cultural Studies: Shape the multilingual, multicultural content that sets SBS apart.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After and of Value to This Department?
Broadcast technicians, electricians, data-center specialists, facilities managers, and media production freelancers (such as camera operators, sound engineers, editors).
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After and of Value to This Department?
Multimedia Production: Show your capability to handle various forms of on-air or online content.
Public Service or Stakeholder Management: Perfect for navigating government frameworks and audience expectations.
Commercial Sales and Marketing: A key revenue driver that helps fund SBS’s Charter obligations.
Project Coordination: Dealing with complex rollouts across technical and editorial teams.
Community Engagement: SBS’s heart is serving Australia’s diverse peoples.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After and of Value to This Department?
Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, creativity, empathy, adaptability.
Technical Skills: Editing software, digital production, coding, data analytics, and IT support.
General Skills: Organization, problem-solving, time management, research, and cultural awareness.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Creative Pursuits (film, photography, writing): Translate seamlessly into content creation and storytelling.
Language Learning & Travel: SBS’s cultural DNA values global curiosity and multilingual fluency.
Podcasting or Blogging: Showcases your comfort with public-facing communication.
Volunteering: Reflects your inclination to connect with communities, a mission central to SBS.
Want More Information on SBS?
Contact the Department:
Address: 14 Herbert St, Artarmon NSW 2064, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9430 3000
Email: SBS Human Resources Team via humanresources@sbs.com.au
Website: www.sbs.com.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.