Last week saw the launch of MyEPG.com.au, a web site devoted to the freeing of the electronic program guide (EPG) data for Australian free-to-air digital TV. As I've written in the past, the commercial FTA television networks here in Australia actually use copyright law to protect their guide data. It's astounding, in that by their definition it should actually be illegal to program your VCR based on the listings in your local newspaper!

As part of the MyEPG campaign, they suggest that you use one of their form letters to contact your local member and bring the issue to their attention. I didn't use a form letter, but I did contact Sussan Ley, my local representative, and let her know about the site. I was amazed to get a personal reply from Sussan later that evening (6:45pm, no less) saying that she would be contacting the federal minister for communications on my behalf! I've even since received a letter in the (snail) mail from her office promising to forward me any future correspondence she receives on the subject!

I really hope the MyEPG campaign works. As a user of Windows Media Center I rely on Free*EPG for my data, and while those guys do a great job, the information should be free and not need any third-party intervention to make it available.

So if you're in Australia and use FTA digital TV, jump on over to the MyEPG site and sign their petition. Every voice helps!