On Thursday evening, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced that the federal government has launched a review into the funding and governance arrangements of the ABC and SBS.
The terms of reference – which were developed in consultation with the ABC and SBS – are to “Support stable funding arrangements by identifying potential mechanisms to implement and maintain 5‑year funding terms at the amount announced by the government, while retaining the ability to provide additional funding during these terms” and to “Support effective governance arrangements for the national broadcasters.”
The review will not suggest changes to advertising restrictions or limits on the ABC or SBS, or changes to the legislative Charters or corporate character of the national broadcasters. Merging the two broadcasters is also off the table.
Speaking at the ABC Friends Winter Dinner, Rowland said that “The Albanese Government is committed to delivering better funding for the ABC and SBS so they have greater certainty as they deliver on their Charters for the Australian people.
“This review is an opportunity for Australians to have their say on the funding and governance arrangements for the ABC and SBS, including measures to support stable funding terms and promote effective board appointments.
“The ABC and SBS are key democratic and cultural institutions that provide essential services for communities across the country.”
After a public consultation paper, the review will be conducted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
To make a submission, members of the public can have their say here.
Last month, in the wake of the assumption that by 2028 the majority of audience engagement will be on ABC’s digital platforms – the public broadcaster announced a series of sweeping changes.
Referred to as ‘savings measures and reinvestment initiatives,’ the changes were designed to address rising costs and support the transition to a digital-first format.
See Also: ABC restructure: What’s in and what’s out at the public broadcaster
Continuing her speech at the dinner, Rowland criticised the previous government’s handling of the ABC in particular, saying that “Under the former Liberal National government, the threat of privatisation was real, arbitrary funding cuts caused disruption and uncertainty, and there was scant regard for the independent merit-based selection process for ABC board members.
“These issues were considered at length in the Senate inquiry into allegations of political interference in the ABC, which reported in April 2019.”
Ita Buttrose currently leads the ABC board, and right now two of the nine positions on it are vacant. There are reports that the move to fill those positions could be “several months away”.