Prime Minister backs ABC’s move to Parramatta studio

Last night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened ABC’s new state-of-the-art studios in Parramatta, a move that has attracted plenty of attention—and some controversy—as the national broadcaster shifts its focus further into Western Sydney.

The milestone event saw Albanese unveil a commemorative plaque before sitting down for the first live interview from the newsroom studio with broadcaster Joe O’Brien.

From ABC:

The ABC has officially marked the opening of its new studios in Sydney’s Parramatta with Prime Minster Anthony Albanese unveiling a plaque and doing the first live, on-set TV interview from the new newsroom.

ABC Chair Kim Williams hosted the event, which was also attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and ABC Managing Director David Anderson.

Mr Albanese was shown the new promenade level, which includes a 220-square metre video studio with 100 square metres of LED screens, equipped with augmented reality capabilities, and live radio and audio studios.

ABC Radio Sydney has been working from ABC Parramatta since May last year, the NSW 7PM News moved there in December and ABC NEWS Channel did its first transmission from the new Studio 91 on Monday. Other ABC teams also use the facility.

Speaking to ABC NEWS Channel, the Prime Minister said it was important for major media outlets to be based in areas such as Greater Western Sydney.

“This is Sydney’s heartland here. And what we’re seeing is that Sydney is now looking out rather than just in,” he said.

“And that’s really important for this great global city.”

Mr Albanese said the public broadcaster had an important role to play.

“The public broadcaster is so important. It’s a trusted news source,” he said.

“Throughout its various platforms, whether it be TV, radio or online, the ABC is an important part of Australia’s democracy.”

ABC Chair Kim Williams said the move would improve the ABC’s connection with audiences in western Sydney.

“Today Greater Western Sydney is home to one in every ten Australians. And GWS residents come from more than 170 countries speaking over 100 different languages. The majority of new immigrants that come to Australia settle in Greater Western Sydney,” he said.

“So it is entirely fitting that Australia’s ABC is now prominently, substantially, indeed visibly located here, in the heart of Paramatta.”

“This state-of-the art studio will be the template for all the ABC’s future production facilities.”

ABC Parramatta has been funded entirely by the sale of former ABC property in Artarmon and leasing out space in its Ultimo headquarters.

Also attending the launch were Senator Maria Kovacic, who represented Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton, NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, Member for Granville Julia Finn, Member for Mitchell Alex Hawke, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter, Cumberland Shire Lord Mayor Ola Hamed, Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor Professor George Williams, Committee for Sydney Chief Executive Eamon Waterford, Executive Director of Business Western Sydney David Borger and leaders from sports, arts and community organisations.