ABC will cut 250 jobs and will end programs after announcing a $84million budget shortfall
- ABC will cut up to 250 jobs and end programs as part of its five year strategy
- The national broadcaster will also axe its flagship 7.45am radio news bulletin
- Funding reallocated to ensure the ABC is more relevant to more Australians
The ABC will slash up to 250 jobs and axe its flagship 7.45am radio news bulletin in a major shake-up at the national broadcaster.
The changes are part of the national broadcaster's five-year strategy, which would see funding reallocated to ensure the ABC is more relevant to more Australians.
ABC Life will be rebranded, ABC Comedy repurposed and underperforming news programs reviewed.
ABC will cut up to 250 jobs and end programs after announcing a budget shortfall of $84 million
No division will be spared in the job cuts as the broadcaster tries to save $40million under a five-year plan.
Staff travel budgets will be reduced by a quarter and $5million will be shaved off the independent production budget.
Its travel budget will be cut by 25 per cent.
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ABC Life will become ABC Local, which will cost half of staff their jobs as content is sourced from across the broadcaster.
'This is a difficult time for us, as it is for the broader economy and community as we all struggle with the events of this year,' Managing director David Anderson told the ABC.
The changes are part of the national broadcaster's five-year strategy, which would see funding reallocated to ensure the ABC is more relevant to more Australians
'This is a difficult time for everyone. But the changes we have announced today are necessary to ensure the continuation of the essential services we provide in an increasingly challenging global media market.
'The changes we make today will strengthen our position for the next five years and beyond.'
ABC Life editor Bhakthi Puvanenthiran shared on Twitter that she would lose half her team under the change.
The ABC's property portfolio will also go under the microscope, with management hoping to relocate or lease unused office space.
Leasing empty space at the broadcaster's headquarters in Ultimo, Sydney, could add up to $4 million to its coffers.
Three-quarters of content-making staff will be working outside of Ultimo by 2025.
Another round of voluntary redundancies will be offered on Wednesday, which will see at least 10 more workers go.
Earlier this month the ABC asked staff to volunteer for redundancies as it prepared for the budget cut due to the Morrison Government's funding freeze.
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