The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) was set up in the late 1970s to provide multicultural television and radio for all Australians. Broadcasting began in 1980. The television station showed films, dramas, news and documentaries from overseas that would not otherwise be available here. This helped Australians have a better idea of what was happening overseas. It was also important for people whose first language was not English to be able watch programs and listen to shows in their own languages as well as in English.