Ovation (Australian TV channel)
| Company type | Television channel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | June 1, 1997 |
| Fate | Ceased broadcasting on Foxtel, Austar, SelecTV and Fetch TV; transitioned to online retail |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Arts and entertainment television programming, DVD sales |
| Owner | Optus Television (until 2009) |
The Ovation Channel was introduced by Optus Television on 1 June 1997, designed to feature programming related to dance, opera, theatre, literature, jazz, classical music, design, fashion, cuisine, and wine. Its format was inspired by Canada's Bravo! channel.
In March 2006, operational control transferred to Independent Entertainment under the leadership of former SBS executive Paddy Conroy, although Optus maintained ownership until 2009.
Foxtel announced in November 2009 that Ovation would cease broadcasting in 2010. Following this, SBS Television planned to launch a new arts and entertainment channel as its replacement.
Ovation declared it would stop transmission on Foxtel and Austar from early 2010 but committed to continuing arts content delivery through other means.
Starting 1 June 2010, Ovation adopted an a la carte distribution model on Foxtel and Austar services.
The channel was also accessible via SelecTV until the discontinuation of its English-language service in late 2010.
On 31 May 2012, AUSTAR ended Ovation broadcasts. Subsequently, the channel redirected its efforts towards online distribution and aimed for availability on smart TV platforms including LG, Samsung, and Panasonic.
Transmission of Ovation via Fetch TV concluded on 27 February 2017. Since that date, Ovation has functioned solely as an online retailer offering DVDs of its previous programming.
Primary content areas encompassed:
- Art and design
- Australian productions
- Ballet and dance
- Classical music and opera
- Concerts, jazz, and vocal performances
- Drama, theatre, and cinema
- Literature
- Profiles and biographies
- Specials and musicals