SBS seeks risk-taking and boundary-breaking ideas for its next factual hit with return of development initiative

At a time when Australians feel the country is becoming more divided, SBS is calling out for original bold, thought-provoking and channel-defining factual format ideas that explore the subject of polarisation in Australia, with up to $50,000 in development funding on offer.

Recent research through the latest McKinnon Poll reveals that more than half of the nation believes Australia is more divided than five years ago, and almost a third feel that Australia is extremely or very divided on key political, economic and social issues*. SBS is looking for inventive and ambitious series ideas to expose the growing divide in the nation’s public opinions and beliefs, and also look beyond to explore polarisation across society more broadly. SBS is seeking shows that take new risks to delve into what’s driving division, shine a light on the cost, and explore solutions to bridge the widening gaps.

The announcement today, to coincide with the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) in Melbourne, follows the launch of the first-of-its-kind initiative at AIDC last year. The 2024 call out was focused on ideas exploring themes of inequality and social cohesion in Australian society, and led to SBS commissioning ROBODEBT (working title), a genre-bending and innovative series combining factual storytelling and high-end drama. Produced by CJZ, this new landmark series will expose how ordinary Australians fought back against the notorious Robodebt scheme, and is set to premiere on SBS later this year.

Bethan Arwel-Lewis, Factual Commissioning Editor, SBS, said: “We’re excited to once again be challenging creatives across the country to shock us and surprise audiences with something never seen on screens before. With growing polarisation one of the most significant social issues impacting the nation, we’re urging producers to break new ground to drive an important national conversation, and create must-see TV.

“We want daring ideas that examine the political, social and cultural lines dividing communities. What’s driving rifts and disparities, what is the toll on society and which Australians feel the biggest impact? Are there ways we can bridge this division?

“From politics to socio-economics, gender, race, religion, or something else entirely, keeping the SBS Charter at the heart of the idea is key, and concepts must demonstrate an undeniable sense of scale, boldness and ambition.”

Entries are now open, with pitches being considered by SBS with a pot of up to $50,000 in development funding available. Ideas must have the SBS Charter at their core and demonstrate an approach that is overwhelmingly new and fresh. Whether it’s genre-bending or format-flipping, ideas must grab the nation’s attention, and appeal to a big and broad prime time audience on television and on SBS On Demand.

Submission information
· SBS is seeking original factual format ideas that are 3-4 x 1 hour episodes.
· Ideas must explore the subject of polarisation in Australia today, and align with the SBS Charter.
· Project proposals should be no more than three pages, and submissions must include a title, a logline and a single paragraph synopsis.
· Ideas must be submitted to the SBS factual pitching portal by emailing factual@sbs.com.au, with the subject title ‘New Factual Format’.
· All applications need to be eligible for state/federal documentary funding programs.
· Entries are now open and will close Sunday 4th of May 2025.