PacificAus TV has launched in Timor-Leste, extending the Australian Government-backed television initiative into a new market through local broadcaster Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL).
Delivered by Free TV Australia, PacificAus TV gives broadcasters across the Pacific and Timor-Leste free access to Australian television programming. The Timor-Leste launch coincides with RTTL’s broadcast of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which Free TV said marks a further step in Australia’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy.
Bridget Fair, chief executive officer of Free TV Australia, said the expansion broadens the initiative’s reach in the region.
“Free TV was proud to deliver the PacificAus TV initiative as a key component of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, extending its reach to Timor-Leste,” Fair said.
She said partnerships with local broadcasters were central to the model. “Through trusted local partners like RTTL, PacificAus TV can deliver world-class content for free to communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.”
Fair said the AFC Women’s Asian Cup was a fitting launch vehicle for the service. “What better way to launch than with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup – a celebration of women’s football that speaks directly to communities across the region.”
The launch also drew support from Timor-Leste’s government and public broadcaster, both of which pointed to the partnership’s role in strengthening media and cultural links.
Expedito Dias Ximenes, Timor-Leste’s State Secretary for Social Communications, said: “Through this collaboration with PacificAus TV, we strengthen cultural and media ties between Timor-Leste and the region, while supporting the visibility and development of women’s football across Asia.”
Rosario da Graça Maia, president of the board of directors at RTTL, said the agreement would broaden the range of programming available to local viewers.
“The launch of PacificAus TV through RTTL marks a significant step in expanding the quality and diversity of content available to our audiences,” Maia said.
He added that carrying events such as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup aligned with RTTL’s public broadcasting role “to inform, educate, and inspire, while promoting values of equality, excellence, and regional cooperation”.
Top image: NRL Pacific Championship Finals