Switch off date for Australia Network still unclear, as ABC staff prepare for redundancies

The precise date for the switch off of the Australian Network remains unclear as staff, withinternational satellite television service which broadcasts in 44 countries across Asia and the Pacific, wait anxiously for news the extent of redundancies and what impact the loss government funding will have on the public broadcaster’s ABC International operation.

The Australian union representing many ABC staff, the Community Public Sector Union (CPSU) has called on the broadcaster to clarify the impact of recent budget cuts and in particular the Australian Government’s decision to axed 10-year contract for the Australia Network which is worth $223m to the broadcaster.

CPSU President Michael Tull said: “We understand that the ABC has been placed in a difficult position by the Government  but staff are really anxious about their futures.”

“It’s now been 50 days since the Budget when staff were told that in three months they would be out of a job and still ABC management says it is unable to shed any more light on the situation.”http://mumbrella.asia/2014/07/switch-date-australia-network-still-unclear-abc-staff-prepare-redundancies/?utm_source=DailyNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-02-07-2014&utm_content=PostTitle