ABC cuts: Jobs lost at Canberra Northbourne bureau
It is expected that eight jobs will be lost from the ABC's Canberra headquarters on Northbourne Avenue as part of a 10 per cent reduction in the broadcaster's workforce nationally.
Most jobs will be lost from behind-the-scenes operations as part of funding cuts across the ABC.
666 ABC Canberra will lose one full-time senior radio producer, but programs have remained unscathed.
Contrary to some speculation, no producing positions have been downgraded and the bureau has retained its status as a metropolitan station.
The ABC's Canberra-based current affairs program 7.30 ACT, which currently airs on Friday at 7:30pm, was also cut.
Management is consulting with several staff members likely to be affected by the changes.
Similar bulletins in other states and territories have also been cut to be replaced by a new, national end-of-week edition of 7.30.
The position of ABC Canberra director, currently held by Elizabeth McGrath, will also be made redundant by mid-2015.
Ms McGrath's position has been cut as part of a reduction in management positions, which make 10 per cent of the total cuts.
Managing director Mark Scott said there would also be a rationalisation of the ABC's television outside broadcast vans and a scaling-back of television sporting broadcasts.
Mr Scott said the ABC was the only broadcaster maintaining its own outside broadcast fleet.
"With the ABC facing declining audience interest in local sport competitions and some codes chasing commercial opportunities, ABC Television is revising its sports strategy to ensure the most cost-efficient use of resources and optimal audience impact," he said.
As a result W-League, WNBL, Shute Shield and NT Football will not be broadcast on ABC Television from the end of season.
Many outside broadcasts are conducted from Canberra.
Consultation with the unions is now occurring on all proposed job losses.
It was also announced today the ABC would create Australia's first mobile-led newsroom in the ACT.
It is understood the trial was announced separately to the cuts and would not be supported by the $20 million digital investment fund.
Mr Scott today announced new investments in News Digital, including extending the capacity for breaking and rolling news coverage to online and mobile audiences.
