Guthrie’s ABC: “between 150 and 200 staff will leave…”

In an address to staff today, ABC boss Michelle Guthrie has detailed her plans for a major restructure of the ABC.

In that address to employees, she told the room, “We lack the flexibility to quickly adjust to the fast-changing audience trends. Our reach on television and radio is declining, and digital is struggling to bridge the divide.”

Guthrie also delivered a bombshell; management positions are to be cut by an average of 20% across the organisation and, as part of the plans, up to 200 staff will leave the ABC by June this year.

“It’s expected that across these separate activities – reducing management, eliminating duplication and achieving production and support efficiencies – between 150 and 200 staff will leave the ABC by the end of this financial year.”

Part of those saving at least will be allocated towards a $50million Content Fund designed to, among other initiatives, create 80 new jobs in rural and regional Australia.

Here is what you need to know about Guthrie’s “Investing in Audiences” plan;

– ABC is creating a $50million fund open to all employees to source new ideas for content

– ABC will invest $15million per year in regional jobs and extra digital and video output as a key part of the new Fund

– ABC will implement a new streamlined leadership team and structure, reducing management by 20% that address duplication in support roles

– ABC says this signals a transition to a more audience-focussed content structure over the next 12 months

– ABC also hopes this shift will deliver additional production and support efficiencies across ABC TV and ABC News

– ABC’s restructure reduces the number of central divisions from 14 to just eight

Guthrie finished her address today saying, “As I have flagged over recent months, 2017 will be a year of change.

“The actions announced today will result in a stronger, more confident and better-equipped ABC. An ABC that unlocks our full potential and puts our investment directly where it matters – with audiences.”