The Annual Performance Statement (APS) outlines the identified deliverable, the performance criterion, the target outcome and the actual result for the year, as well as any relevant commentary regarding performance against each of the criteria. The APS has been compiled and reviewed for accuracy by SBS’s Finance team with input from other teams including Television and Online Content, Audio and Language Content, Corporate Affairs, Audience Data and Insights, and Technology.

The data is retrieved from a number of different internal and external data sources, which include:

• IBMS and Oracle (internal); and,
• OzTAM and RegTAM TV ratings databases and Broadcast Australia (external)

These source systems are essential business information systems routinely used by SBS management for resource planning and management reporting and are maintained accordingly.

SBS performed strongly across key initiatives for 2019-20. Significant changes that had an impact on the highly competitive market for audiences in Australia included:

• Increased viewership on mobile devices, smart TVs and streaming boxes and devices, resulting in on-demand content consumed through multiple mediums.
• Further competition in the Australian market for subscription video on demand services with the entry of Disney+, Apple+ and Foxtel’s new Binge over-the-top service. New entrants to the market may impact SBS’ competitive standing when they compete directly with SBS for content, and/or compete with SBS for audience time.
• Commercial TV networks continue to invest heavily in live sport and reality TV to retain declining TV audiences, although COVID-19 resulted in the suspension of major sporting competitions and TV production for several months.

Despite these challenges, SBS achieved increased audience engagement and also delivered on commercial objectives.

The tables below summarise SBS’s results against the purpose of the organisation, using the criteria identified in the Portfolio Budget Statements and the SBS 2019-20 Corporate Plan. These results are broken down by significant activity area, all of which contribute to SBS achieving its purpose.