The ABC continues to be under fire following last week’s unveiling of a new five-year plan that prioritises digital content at the expense of traditional TV and radio platforms.
The restructure is expected to lead to the redundancy of up to 120 roles, including that of Political Editor Andrew Probyn, a position specifically created in 2015 for the 7pm News.
In a bid to connect with an increasingly digital audience, the ABC plans to discontinue its local state-based 7pm Sunday TV news bulletins in favour of a national broadcast.
The proposal also includes a reshuffle at the ABC’s Canberra Parliament House bureau, where two broadcast-focused roles are set to be abolished and replaced with three new roles aimed at delivering political journalism to audiences beyond linear TV.
In the wake of the controversy, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has requested a briefing from ABC management. A spokesperson for the minister clarified that while the ABC maintains operational independence, it is crucial to understand the broadcaster’s strategic direction in light of the recent promise of $6 billion in funding over the next five years.
“The minister has requested a briefing from the ABC management in regards to the ABC Five-Year plan and the announcement this week. This is a very difficult time for any individual whose role may be impacted by the changes,”
In a statement released in response to the criticism, ABC defended the restructure, highlighting the need to adapt to the changing media landscape.
“In a time of media fragmentation, connecting more Australians to political news they can trust, on the platforms they’re increasingly using, is more important than ever,” the statement read.
The broadcaster also emphasised that the restructuring would not compromise its political coverage. Despite the removal of the Political Editor role, the positions of Editor, Politics and Deputy Editor will be retained. These roles will continue to hold editorial responsibility for political coverage.
The Canberra bureau, comprising over 20 political reporters and editors, will still feature prominent journalists such as David Speers, Laura Tingle, Greg Jennett, Nour Haydar, Jane Norman, Shalailah Medhora, Andrew Greene, Stephanie Borys, Stephanie Dalzell, Matt Doran, Dana Morse, Stephen Dziedzic and James Glenday.
The broadcaster also pointed to other experienced journalists covering federal issues from outside Canberra, including Sabra Lane (AM), David Lipson (PM), Sarah Ferguson (7.30), Annabel Crabb, Patricia Karvelas (RN Breakfast), Dan Bourchier, and Chief Elections Analyst Antony Green.
However, the restructure and Probyn’s redundancy have triggered a wave of criticism from both current and former ABC staff, as well as sections of the wider community.
SOURCE: SMH
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