Galaxy (Australian television)

Galaxy was an Australian subscription television service operating from 1995 to 1997. It was one of the first pay television services available in Australia, launching alongside Optus Vision and Foxtel. Galaxy was owned by Continental Century Pay-TV, a consortium comprised of Continental Cablevision, Century Communications, and Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL).

The service offered a range of channels, including movie channels such as Galaxy Premiere and Galaxy Greats, general entertainment channels like Galaxy Channel, and news and information channels. It also included niche channels covering subjects like arts, sports, and lifestyle.

Galaxy was delivered via satellite, using the Optus B3 satellite. Customers required a set-top box and satellite dish to access the service.

Despite being an early entrant to the Australian pay TV market, Galaxy faced significant challenges. Competition from Optus Vision and Foxtel, who had the backing of larger telecommunications companies and media groups, was intense. Issues with content licensing, distribution, and marketing also contributed to its struggles.

Ultimately, Galaxy failed to achieve sustainable subscriber numbers and ceased broadcasting in 1997. Its remaining subscribers were transitioned to Foxtel. The Galaxy brand and its assets were subsequently acquired by Foxtel. The failure of Galaxy highlighted the difficulties and competitive nature of the emerging pay television landscape in Australia during the mid-1990s.