Television Project

What is the Television Project?

As part of the National Film and Sound Archive's existing Collection Development Policy, the Television Project seeks to collect a representative example of Australian television programming for the National Collection.

Why collect television programs?

Comprehensive, planned and consistent archiving of Australia's television output has never existed and much of our almost 50 years of television history has not survived.

The National Film and Sound Archive seeks to work with television networks and producers to ensure that appropriate representational archiving is possible.

Direct access to information about existing television holdings is available on the online collection database.

How can your station contribute to the Television Project at the National Film and Sound Archive?

Your station can assist the National Film and Sound Archive to safeguard this important period of our social and cultural history by providing a portion of your television programs to the National Collection.

We are interested in examples of:

  • significant special events/celebrations, sport, festivals and award presentations;
  • drama serial/series;
  • landmark or significant episode(s) e.g. the first and last episodes of each series, plus those where there is a change in cast (high profile programs only). 'Best Ofs' or anniversary episodes. The Archive will be guided by the TV station as to the best ones to acquire;
  • significant mini-series, telemovies, short films and documentaries;
  • current affairs, actuality (live coverage); and
  • advertisements/comedy/infotainment/variety/quiz/game/talent shows such as: Good News Week, Burke's Backyard, The Great Outdoors and Better Homes and Gardens.

Our aim is to set in place a video transfer process that best suits your television station or company without placing a heavy burden on your staff.

Your network, or the production company nominated by your network, will be recorded as the copyright contact. The material you provide will be used for archive purposes only and cannot be copied or broadcast for external clients without the express permission of the copyright owner.

If necessary, we are happy to provide the master video stock for all transfers or to replace stock used by your station. Where possible, we do request that your network provide the time and expertise to carry out the transfers.

If your station would like to participate in the Television Project or you would like more information about the project please contact:

Collection Development
Television Project Coordinator
National Film and Sound Archive
PO Box 2002
CANBERRA CITY 2601

Telephone: +61 2 6248 2147
Fax: +61 2 6248 2167
Email: collection.nfsa@afc.gov.au