ABC Classic FM’s Countdown ahead of potential sweeping cuts

ABC Classic FM is readying itself to for its Classic Dance 100 Countdown, but it could be its last with reports emerging that the national broadcaster is considering a series of closures and mergers in response to the recent Federal Budget.

Crikey reports that a series of proposals have been made to consider changes resulting several of ABC Radio’s services either merged or closed altogether.

The recent budget saw $84.7 million cut from the national broadcaster.

ABC Classic FM is understood to be on the chopping block, or to face severe cuts.

Classical rates between 1-2% in most markets, and its strongest demo is People aged 55+.

A move actively being discussed is the merging of Radio National and ABC News Radio.

In Sydney, both RN and News Radio rate 1.5% respectively.

Other, more radical solutions, could be to cut one of ABC’s television channels.

This Saturday June 9 will see ABC Classic FM’s The Classic 100 Dance Countdown, celebrating “the vivid colour and irresistible impulse of dance music written across four centuries.”

The countdown was voted for by listeners in May, and will be presented by Russell Torrance, Vanessa Hughes, Greta Bradman, Martin Buzacott, Christopher Lawrence, Tamara-Anna Cislowska, Damien Beaumont, Genevieve Lang, Margaret Throsby and Mairi Nicolson.

The countdown can also be heard online or via ABC Listen App.