How the ABC benefitted from the Federal Budget

In tonight's Federal Budget, new funding arrangements for the ABC will see :-

• $59.4 million over three years to build upon the ABC’s news and current affairs services
• $30 million over three years for the ABC’s online content distribution; and
• A loan of $90 million to consolidate its Melbourne operations in new premises at the Southbank site

Mark Scott, the managing director of the ABC says:

"This investment acknowledges two of the prime areas where the ABC is using its digital expertise to deliver on its Charter obligations to inform, educate and entertain Australians."

“The funding will better equip the ABC to provide the mobile and online content that audiences are demanding in ever-increasing numbers. It will also allow our News Division to create new cross-platform content that showcases the best of the ABC’s journalism, including the work of our new specialist reporters, bureaux and regional resources.”

The $90m loan to construct a new purpose-built facility for ABC Melbourne’s radio, TV and online operations is still subject to parliamentary approval, with the ABC planning to fund the remaining project costs from its existing resources and will repay the loan by 2020-21.

“At a time of rapid change in the media landscape, public support for the ABC and trust in its output has never been stronger. This new tri-funding package is important to meeting that audience expectation,” Scott said.