SBS is now like the mardi gras parade during its rough patch.

Controversy and distrust from those who’ve been burned, changing audiences, and a few whiz kids who’ve talked their way into getting a free ride for the status and CV opportunities who are causing misery for all but upper management.

A major difference of course is that the mardi gras is self-funded, while SBS uses Commonwealth money.

The political and social situation that led to the creation of SBS has changed. The internet now connects Australians with the world in a way that SBS can only dream about. With so little funding given to public broadcasting and the film industry in Australia, and the possibilities technology offers the ABC with multi-channeling, it has to be asked seriously why SBS exists at all. The audiences are just so bloody small. SBS can make some of the best stuff in the country but if no-one is watching then why should so much money be spent in this way? Is it so important to service a few hundred thousand Australians with incredible and very expensive television when there are so many other community needs? Is this where migrant communities want funds directed? If so, then why aren’t they watching? And if what is promoted and placed in prime time is no different to what is available on other stations, then why continue to fund SBS? Senior executives at SBS are excited at being the fourth commercial station in Australia and staff are frightened that the obvious moves towards an internal cultural change from public broadcaster to commercial station are all about selling the place. Crikey yesterday pointed out the lack of television experience of board members. This is now the case throughout the organisation in positions of power with Paul Cutler as an obvious exception. SBS is a small pond with some giant puffer fish. Working alongside staff who live and breathe the charter are those who have been promoted beyond their experience and whose loyalty is very much to those who promoted them rather than to SBS. Many have leapt to their first senior executive television station job at SBS in recent times. Such appointments offer SBS a wildcard possibility that maybe a complete lack of practical television experience will give a fresh perspective.

But it also rocks staff morale and leaves SBS vulnerable with those at the top lacking experience.