Sydney – To support its role as Australia’s only multi-platform, multi-channel, free-to-air broadcaster, Australian Broadcasting Corporation has branched out into two channels, ABC1 and ABC2, rebranded with a new-on air look, and is providing programming online. ABC1 is the main channel while ABC2 is the free digital channel focusing on sports and Australian arts. Aiming to provide more choices to audiences, Kim Dalton, director of television, said, “We have deliberately chosen an alternative path to other Australian networks – embracing true multi-channelling. ABC1 and ABC2 will each offer distinctive Australian programming. Increasingly, much of this content will be available on demand, online, as downloads, and streamed.” Highlights on ABC1 include drama series The Cut and Dirt; the film adaptation of stage musical, Bran Nue Dae with Ernie Dingo; telemovie Conversation Killer; and the second series of East of Everything. Other dramas include East of Everything, Bed of Roses and Valentine’s Day, as well as The Gruen Transfer, which provides an exposé of the advertising world. New comedies include Very Small Business, The Urban Monkey and Lawrence Leung’s Choose Your Own Adventure, a co-prod with Chaser Broadcasting. Other programmes include talkshow Q&A which highlights key issues and events of the week and has viewers participate via mobile, online messaging and email; The Howard Years, a four-hour documentary series from ABC News; Oasis, a documentary on youth in the streets from which a panel discussion will be held; the live coverage of the Stolen Generation Apology by the Prime Minister; as well as sporting events from the 2008 Paralympics which will also air on ABC2. Working with the Australian Film Commission, Opera Australia, Australian Ballet and the Australia Council, ABC2 provides live coverage of music, dance and theatre on TV and in theatres across the country in the ABC2 Live segment. Four hours of Australian and overseas arts content will also air during primetime on Sunday nights. Other shows include Good Game Game which invites viewers to contribute ideas via the Internet to build and a computer game; Review with Myles Barlow, a black comedy on reality TV; Hackfest, a half-hour program hosted by journalist Steve Cannane; as well as an expanded triple j tv offering with up to 40 live concerts in the year and two new weekly programs.