‘Things are getting worse’: Far North MP blasts ABC for broadcasting Cairns’ ‘local’ news bulletins from Townsville

The ABC has been forced to admit that it cut Far North radio news bulletins for more than six weeks after a leaked email revealed multiple staff members within the Cairns newsroom have yet to be replaced.

ABC Far North’s morning bulletins have been broadcast from Townsville since April. Picture: Richard Walker

The public broadcaster has been forced to admit it cut Far North radio news bulletins for more than six weeks after a leaked email revealed multiple staff members within the Cairns newsroom are yet to be replaced.

ABC Far North’s morning bulletins have been broadcast from Townsville since April 12 featuring minimal local content while shorthanded staff prioritise TV and digital content instead.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says the public broadcaster’s local radio contact has worsened significantly in recent years. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In a scathing letter to Queensland regional editor Sue McVay, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said it appeared the broadcaster had been reducing its services “by stealth” with more staff based in Townsville.

“These (on-air) absences have led to meagre coverage of key issues in recent times and an increase in networked content,” Mr Entsch said.

“I have it on good authority that there are now seven journalists in Townsville while there are just two (currently) in Cairns.

“It certainly appears as though resources are being pooled and the ABC is effectively trialling this new approach by stealth.”

Longtime ABC Far North broadcaster Pat Morrish was “appalled” by the decision to move the Cairns-based Mornings program to Townsville last year.

The letter follows the ABC’s decision to axe its once flagship Cairns-based Mornings program in March last year, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum as well as former staff.

Mr Entsch, who wrote to Ms McVay following the cut, said he’d grown “increasingly concerned” about the publicly-funded service’s lack of local content.

“The last time we spoke, assurances were given regarding the ABC’s commitment to local radio in Far North Queensland,” he said.

“Specifically you expressed a very strong commitment to local audiences and local resources.

“It is clear to me that in spite of these assurances, things are getting worse. I am now very much of the view that I have been significantly misled.”

In a statement, an ABC spokeswoman confirmed the bureau has yet to replace its Cairns-based senior reporter, who vacated the role almost six months ago, but added it would be seeking to add more journalists in the near future.

“There is no ongoing reduction to either content or staffing in the ABC’s Cairns office,” the spokeswoman said.

“A new reporter position has just been advertised, in addition to a senior journalist in the bureau being elevated to a national round.”

An email obtained by the Cairns Post last year revealed the broadcaster plans to shift away from the wireless, opting to invest more in social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram instead.

Regular bulletins are expected to resume from Cairns next Monday, the spokeswoman said.

ABC Tropical North’s Mornings program, based in Mackay, was also cut in 2021.

FULL STATEMENT FROM THE ABC

There is no ongoing reduction to either content or staffing in the ABC’s Cairns office.

A new reporter position has just been advertised, in addition to a senior journalist in the bureau being elevated to a national round. From time to time, to cover annual and other leave, the ABC may share programming between teams as a short-term measure.

The ABC remains deeply committed to our Local Radio audience in Far North Queensland.

This summer, during Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily and their aftermath, the Cairns team delivered more than 100 hours of Emergency Broadcasting, as well as extensive additional programming and coverage from affected communities as they recovered.

Short-term staffing pressures in Cairns have required sharing the 0630 and 0730 bulletins with Townsville since 12 April. Regular bulletins from Cairns are due to resume on Monday 27 May.

The Townsville bulletins are not being shared with Mackay.

Originally published as ‘Things are getting worse’: Far North MP blasts ABC for broadcasting Cairns’ ‘local’ news bulletins from Townsville