COALITION Senator Eric Abetz has blasted the ABC's cash splash on the Chaser team's slick new TV series.
Leaked documents have revealed the ABC is paying $1.2 million, as well as most of the production costs, for The Hampster Wheel.
The second episode of the half-hour show which analyses the media airs tonight.
Senator Abetz said while everyday Australians were doing it tough, the publicly-financed broadcaster was blowing its budget on glitzy shows that seemed out of touch with most viewers.
"They are seeing a taxpayer funded service going on a taxpayer funded frolic at a time when everyone else is tightening their belts," he said.
The Hampster Wheel is a collaboration between the ABC and the Chaser's production company, Giant Dwarf, and at a total cost of $3.2 million, averages $400,000 an episode.
The Chaser team's Julian Morrow defended the show.
"It is important for the committee to understand that as independent producers we bring projects to the ABC because we believe in public broadcasting and the program-making values that go with (it)," Morrow told The Australian.
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If you don't agree with how ABC is spending your money then have your voice heard!
We are asking the Australian public, organisations and communities to write letters to their local MP's and Federal Senators requesting:
1. A Full Public Inquiry into the ABC (similar to the 1981 Dix review)
2. An audit of the ABC by the Australian National Audit Office
3. Recomittment to broadcasting Lawn Bowls (our campaign succeeded in gaining this commitment for local football)
4. Recommitment to the internal development of Arts, Science and Education programming to ensure independence and diversity of content.
You can find links contact details of Federal Senators on the following Blog pages:
ABC Science and EducationABC Arts
