The Australian government has broken a key election promise by cutting funding to the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) and cancelling the ABC's contract to run the Australia Network.
The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, gave his word on the night before the 2013 election: “No cuts to the ABC ...” The ABC is a non-profit (non-commercial) provider of news and entertainment, and as such, is seen as providing information free of commercial influences.
ABC managing director Mark Scott says the cut is likely to be about $120 million over four years, with more to come.
However, it has been reported that the government is going to announce more ABC cuts in October in the vicinity of $50 to $100 million.
The ABC provides services (TV, radio, online) to metropolitan and regional areas. It is especially seen as a lifeline for those living in remote areas.
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Managing director of the ABC, Mark Scott, signalled today the broadcaster faces major restructuring following further budget cuts yet to be announced by the government.
As well as outsourcing of TV production, buildings sales, automation and consolidation of websites, Scott said ABC programming and services were not immune.
The Abbott federal government promised no cuts to the ABC! Please share the petition to bring pressure on the government to keep its promise.
