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Australia's national public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC), will cut more than 400 jobs as it attempts to cope with the federal government's 220 million U.S. dollar budget cuts.
Radio budgets will be significantly decreased, television production in Adelaide and Perth will end, property in Sydney will be sold and coverage of local sport will stop as the broadcaster restructures its entire organization.
The radical budget cuts have prompted widespread protests across the country, with many feeling that the ABC will lose its preeminent position as Australia's independent voice as a result.
More than 2,000 people protested the ABC's budget cuts at Melbourne's Federation Square on Sunday, with even more turning out at Sydney's Town Hall on Saturday.
"Our national government is attacking our national voice," Opposition leader Bill Shorten said on Sunday. "This is not a government of competition, this is a government of censorship. This is a government of savages, ripping at the heart of our national institution."
ABC managing director Mark Scott detailed the changes on Monday, confirming to staff that 179 million U.S. dollars would be taken from the broadcaster's budget by July 2015.
"We anticipate that more than 400 people close to 10 percent of our ongoing workforce face potential redundancy as we adjust our activities over coming months," Scott said.
"We regard the changes as vital to securing the long-term health of the organization, but I acknowledge that is no comfort to those who will lose their positions."
The ABC will also cut local radio programs; instead favoring network shows from the major capital cities around the country.
At least five regional radio outlets will be closed in place of a 17-million-U.S. dollar digital investment fund, with ABC chief James Spigelman suggesting that digital media was the way forward for the corporation.
"They provide funds to invest in essential new online and mobile strategies that better connect with ABC and its audience," Spigelman said on Monday.
"Like the best media companies across the globe, the ABC is using its digital expertise to achieve deeper and broader audience engagement and relevance."
Over the next fortnight, Scott will visit ABC headquarters in each state to personally brief staff on the changes to the organization.
"The message I will convey, both internally and externally, over the next few weeks is that the ABC cannot stand still and run the risk of becoming less relevant and compelling to this and future generations," Scott said.
"What we are doing today is in the best interests of the ABC and its many stakeholders. It is designed to position the organization for the future."
"Working together, we can be confident in our ability to see through these changes and to build a stronger ABC."
