VIC TV MEDIA RELEASE
NOVEMBER 1991

Television Victoria, VIC TV, is set to meet the challenges of the most exciting era of Australian television, aggregation. "From January 1st 1992, VIC TV will aggregate across regional Victoria competing with Southern Cross Network and Prime Television" Executive Director of VIC TV, Mr Michael Faulkner said.

The three competing services have each affiliated with a national network - VIC TV with the Nine Network.  Television Victoria - VIC TV, in partnership with the Nine Network, will maintain its lead in regional Victoria, building on the foundations laid by VIC TV, formerly the Six Network Victoria (BTV6/GMV6).

Nine Network programs will be seen exclusively on VIC TV in regional Victoria from the start of next year, and this exceptional program line-up will be complemented by VIC TV's own high standard local programs.

Mr Faulkner says, "VIC TV's commitment to Aggregation is evidenced by its multi-million dollar investment in the latest technology and offices complexes in the new markets.

Transmitters and translators are now arriving.  The Swan Hill transmitter will be installed by the end of November, while installation in Bendigo, Gippsland and Albury is on target for early December.  An extensive microwave link system is in place and the necessary antennas installed in time for signal testing from early December."

At VIC TV's main studio complex in Ballarat, extensive renovations have taken place to allow for new technology in the areas of production, presentation and operations.  A separate presentation control room is being installed to allow independent program co-ordination to VIC TV's Mildura station.

The new studio/office complex in Albury is now fully operational with the Bendigo and Traralgon expected to open early December.  Fully functional news equipment and crews will be in place in these new areas around the same time.

VIC TV's new services will be telecast on UHF frequencies and tests will be conducted on these channels over the next few weeks.  Tests on Bendigo UHF35 and Swan Hill UHF50 will commence on December 4.  Shortly after, similar tests will commence on Albury UHF33, Latrobe Valley UHF43 and Bairnsdale UHF63.

1950s