The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s news area has outlined content initiatives and proposed changes “to maintain value and relevance for audiences and safeguard our trusted public interest journalism”.
Initiatives include launching a national edition of the 7PM Sunday news, launching a digital-first Stateline, and creating a dedicated Climate, Environment and Energy reporting team.
ABC Director, News, Justin Stevens said there were also proposals to reshape the current affairs, operations and national politics teams in order to introduce more digital journalism skills and expertise.
“As part of these changes, ABC News will lose around 40 existing roles and anticipates creating 24 new roles,” Mr Stevens said.
“All these proposals have the Australian public front of mind. It’s incumbent on us to ensure ABC news and journalism reaches as many Australians as possible.”
He said this meant being able to meet them on digital platforms, and on new platforms they were using, as well as maintaining traditional services.
“Every media organisation is making tough decisions to be able to deliver the best and most useful services to audiences while also dealing with rising costs and budget pressures,” Mr Stevens said.
“Unfortunately, some of these proposals entail an impact on some roles. Over coming weeks we stand to farewell colleagues who have done great work. Their contribution to the ABC and to the public is greatly respected and appreciated,” he said.
