AUSTRALIA will have a new public and political affairs television network next year.
The network, named A-SPAN, is based on the US network C-SPAN which broadcasts proceedings from the US Congress and Congressional committees. A-SPAN includes deals with C-SPAN and British network BSkyB.
It is a joint effort from 24-hour news network Sky News and pay-TV providers Foxtel and Austar and is scheduled to kick off next year.
Announcing the network, News Limited chief executive John Hartigan promised A-SPAN would provide "live coverage of the internal machinations of government".
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he was a fan of the US version, which was surprisingly addictive for news and politics junkies.
He said the concept allowed the public "first-hand, unedited access to records of public debate".
He said the idea was mentioned in passing at the Government's 2020 summit earlier this year.
Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, currently chairman of pay-TV body ASTRA, said constant live broadcasting of parliament could have the welcome effect of "moderating" the behaviour of some of Australia's state politicians.
The New South Wales Parliament, known as the "bear pit" for its raucous debate, will have its sittings broadcast on the network along with the Queensland and Victorian chambers.
Other states will join the coverage later.
Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd launched the Australian Subscription Public Affairs Network today. The channel, a production of Sky News and subscription television providers Foxtel and Austar is modeled on the United States' C-SPAN channel. Broadcasts will commence January 20, 2009.
A-SPAN will commence broadcasting January 20, 2009
The initiative is solely funded by industry with no contribution from the government.

The network will be available on subscription television, the Internet and digital free-to-air television and will show sittings of Federal parliament as well as the United States Congress, New Zealand parliament, British House of Commons and state parliaments in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Live speeches at the National Press Club will also be covered.

A-SPAN has also entered into a deal to show Australian politics on the US C-SPAN network.

Prime Minister Rudd said that A-SPAN will give a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective of politics, in the same vein as C-SPAN in the US. He said A-SPAN is "a good thing for our democracy" and that "it's a superb initiative".

Mr Rudd conceded that the channel will be popular among fans of politics.

“Political junkies will of course love it, they'll now have one more way to drive their family and friends absolutely mad,” Mr Rudd said. 

Mr Rudd said he looked forward to introducing Australian English from the parliament of Australia to an international audience.