The Budget: What’s in it for broadcasters?

The ABC and SBS will move to 5 year funding arrangements under new measures announced in the Federal Budget.

The ABC’s annual funding for next year will be $1.1 billion.

SBS will receive $334.9 million, delivering modest increases in base funding. There’ll also be a small amount of additional funding for special projects.

The ABC will also receive $8.5 million over four years to expand transmission infrastructure in the Pacific.

Funding for the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service, which also carries radio services across regional and remote Australia, will be renewed for a further seven years.

The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) will get a $2 million increase in government funding, from $22.9 million this financial to $24.2 million next financial year.

It will be expected to earn another $10 million of its own revenue from course fees, production sales and other revenue measures.

AFTRS’ staffing level is expected to increase modestly from 140 to 145 staff next financial year.

It will receive half a million dollars to support course offerings and upgrade facilities.

The National Film and Sound Archive is in for a sizeable funding boost, up from $29.7 million this financial to $37.2 million next financial year (2023-24) with further increases in the following years.

Measures for community broadcasting and commercial radio were previously announced in last year’s mini-budget.

In welcoming the new funding announcements, ABC Managing Director David Anderson says “The five-year budget allocation reflects the ABC’s important role in Australian life and the value it delivers to the community.”

“The funding provides a solid foundation as the ABC continues to evolve its services to meet the needs of Australian audiences.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says the government will deliver a more connected, informed and empowered Australia by providing funding stability to critical institutions in the communications sector.