ABC reverses decision to axe state-based bulletins

A decision by the ABC to axe state-based new bulletins has been scrapped after significant public outcry.

The ABC has backflipped on a decision to cut local news bulletins on Sunday nights after “audience feedback”, its managing director says.

Last month, the broadcaster announced plans to reduce eight state-based bulletins at 7pm in favour of a single national one amid a shake-up to focus on a digital-first operation.

But in an email to staff on Wednesday, David Anderson said the public broadcaster would “not be proceeding with this current proposal”.

“After listening to audience feedback, it is clear that there are some members of the Australian public who continue to rely on the local Sunday night state bulletin,” he said.

“The ABC intends to proceed with all other proposals and initiatives announced in June.”

David Anderson announced in a all-staff email that the plan would not proceed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The plans were first announced in the ABC’s five-year plan released in June, proposing job cuts and a restructure.

“These changes are important to secure the long-term success of the organisation, but we acknowledge it is never easy, particularly for individuals who are directly impacted by these proposals,” Mr Anderson said at the time.

He described the organisational shake-up as “a first step to build an ABC that is prepared for a digital-majority audience”.

Back in June, I called upon the ABC to reconsider its position to end it local 7pm Sunday TV bulletin.

Today, I received an update from ABC’s Managing Director, David Anderson.

In good news, the ABC have reversed their decision. pic.twitter.com/bZMmodIJvR

— Peter Malinauskas (@PMalinauskasMP) August 2, 2023

More to come