ABC TV Closes Tas Production Unit
ABC News 20 November 2012
The head of the ABC says television job cuts in Hobart will not mean less Tasmanian content, as the national broadcaster announces it is closing the state's production unit.
Up to 16 jobs will go and the programs Auction Room and Collectors will not be recommissioned.
ABC managing director Mark Scott made the announcement to staff in Hobart this afternoon.
Mr Scott says Tasmania does not have the scale and market needed to justify the costs of running an internal production unit.
"I would like to acknowledge the creative output of the Tasmanian TV production team over many years and their strong efforts under challenging circumstances since 2010, including the uncertainty of the past 12 months," Mr Scott said in his statement.
"The decision does not reflect on them or on the wider Tasmanian branch.
"The fact is that Tasmania does not have the scale and market to justify the high fixed costs involved in maintaining an internal television production unit and associated labour and infrastructure.
"We have finite money, there's a lot we're trying to do with it. We're trying to fulfil our charter and operate in the most effective way we can and that's why we've needed to make the decision."
The ABC will invest $1.5 million over three years in a production fund and hopes the money will be matched by the
Tasmanian Government to encourage co-productions with the private sector.
"Through this initiative, it is intended that the ABC will support Tasmanian production and provide a greater incentive for independent producers to pitch content across a range of genres, not just lifestyle programs.
"The ABC is committed to telling stories from Tasmania.
"We want to find the way that we can make the most television, the most efficient way that we can and we think that's working with the independent production fund."
'Reconsider'
Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has urged the ABC to reconsider.
"As the national broadcaster, it is concerning that the ABC continues to centralise its production processes in Sydney and Melbourne," he said.
"I call on the ABC Board to ensure that the broadcaster upholds its clear obligations in relation to cultural diversity and local programming."
"Programs like the former Collectors, and the antiques show, they will disappear," she said.
"The ABC must not lose sight of the fact that it is a national broadcaster.
"It must commit to the regions as much as it does to Sydney and Melbourne."
The Tasmanian president of the Friends of the ABC, Margaret Reynolds, also wants the ABC to rethink the decision.
"Mark Scott wants to centralise everything," she said.
"The history of the ABC is that it's a national broadcaster, reflecting the people of this country.
"It's not about reflecting Sydney or what is the latest BBC material to be bought by the ABC."
The cut-backs don't affect the news department, which gets an extra reporter for the Landline program.
Online story: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-20/abc-tv-closes-tas-production-unit/4381976
Online story: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-20/abc-tv-closes-tas-production-unit/4381976
