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Free iView at threat as ABC snubs petition

Tony Jones is often cited as one of the network's top-paid talent. Photo: AAP

Tony Jones is often cited as one of the network's top-paid talent. Photo: AAP Photo: AAP

The ABC board has declined to receive a petition from 57,515 concerned viewers amid fears the public broadcaster could charge for some services and axe a host of programs.

Pro-ABC campaigners say the broadcaster could erect a paywall around its popular online catch-up service iView in response to government-imposed funding cuts of about $120 million over the next four years.

• Turnbull: ABC programming cuts would be ‘lazy’
ABC staff rally to save Lateline

Their comments follow this statement from the public broadcaster: “In the past, the ABC has used efficiency savings to fund its new digital initiatives like iView and a string of other mobile and online services.”

“Government cuts mean efficiency savings will now go to Canberra, and reinvestment funds will have to come from somewhere else.”

So far, the broadcaster has already been forced to close its overseas channel, the Australia Network, while there is speculation that some of the network’s current affairs and news programs, including Lateline and 7.30 state editions, will have their funding cut.

There are unconfirmed reports that ABC managing director Mark Scott signalled Lateline would stay.

Concern peaked on Wednesday when the ABC board rejected a ‘Save Lateline’ petition created by former Media Watch host Jonathan Holmes.

“Shame the ABC Board could not spare 3 minutes to receive a petition signed by 57,000 passionate viewers.  Stupid decision IMO [in my opinion],” Mr Holmes wrote on Twitter.

Pro-ABC foundation ABC Friends says any decision to scale back news broadcasting could have disastrous consequences.

“There’s already a dangerously high concentration of media ownership in this country,” Glenys Stradijot, national spokesperson for ABC Friends, told The New Daily.

“News programs on the ABC are so important for informing the community on important matters and helping people analyse and understand. They also have the important function of scrutinising governments and important bodies.”

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull defended the funding cuts earlier this week, saying programming cutbacks were the “easiest and laziest way” a broadcasters could save money.

The ABC declined to comment beyond its written statement.

Lateline

Leigh Sales - ABC

7.30 host Leigh Sales got her big break on Lateline. Photo: ABC

Created in 1990, Lateline is a current affairs program known for its gripping debates and high-profile political interviews. The program is hailed as a highly influential Australian news source and a shaper of public opinion.

Some of journalism’s heavyweights have kicked off their careers on the show, which currently employs a reporting staff of around 12 people.

Kerry O’Brien gained fame as a uncompromising interviewer on Lateline, before moving to The 7.30 Report and, later, Four Corners. Tony Jones, who also hosts Q&A, is the show’s current host. Leigh Sales is also a former anchor.

“I would be deeply saddened to see such a quality program end,” Ms Sales shared on Twitter.

State editions of 7.30

All eight of the broadcaster’s state-based Friday night current affairs shows face the chopping block.

There is the potential for state backlash, as the centralisation of production in Sydney and Melbourne has meant the weekly program is one of the ABC’s few remaining local productions in some states.

The World Today radio program

A midday current affairs newshour broadcast on local ABC and Radio National stations, The World Today offers comprehensive coverage of news and encourages discussion on widespread issues.

The hour is hosted by veteran reporter Eleanor Hall and also regularly features at least seven other temporary reporting staff.

Radio National specialist programming

Up to 10 specialist broadcasts could be scrapped, including Bush Telegraph, Rear Vision, 360, Hindsight, Encounter and By Design.

While the programs don’t draw a large number of listeners due to their weekend or weekday time slots, advocates say they fulfil an important cultural role.

Radio news bulletins

Proposed changes could also involve cutting news bulletins across all ABC stations down from 10 minutes to five minutes.

Classic FM

The classical music station could also be subject to cuts, a move which Ms Stradijot labels “a tragedy”.

“The ABC’s current affairs coverage is really important, but just as important are all the programs that reflect our culture and enrich our lives. Classic FM is a fantastic service for a lot of people.”

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