The ABC has officially launched from its new broadcast facility in Parramatta with ABC Radio Sydney presenters now live on air from the site.
ABC Chair Kim Williams told Sarah Macdonald the new facility will serve the ABC now and into the future:
“From here the ABC will deliver on its continuing obligation to the Australian community as a foundation stone of our democracy, providing news, sharing knowledge and myriad rich stories which reflect our nation. As always, the work done here as with all ABC output provides a core element in contributing to our sense of national identity.
The move of local news and local radio to Parramatta is another chapter in that adaptive history, meeting audience expectations and honouring legislative obligations. ABC Parramatta will increase our presence in the nation’s fastest growing residential region, boosting the ABC’s effectiveness in Greater Western Sydney.”
ABC Managing Director David Anderson said:
“Today is the culmination of several years planning and it is exciting to be here at the stage where new and loyal audiences can experience the ABC broadcasting from this technology-driven facility. Over coming months more of our journalists, producers and digital content teams will be based here, connecting and engaging with one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing communities.
The relocation to western Sydney is a key part of the commitment outlined in the ABC’s Five-Year Plan to see 75% of content makers working outside its Ultimo head office by 2025. I want to thank everyone involved in the development of this facility, in particular the team members who will be based here and who have supported the move with such professionalism.”
Mornings with Sarah McDonald (pictured) quietly became the first show to broadcast from the new studios, located at 6-8 Parramatta Square. Richard Glover (pictured below) hosted the opening event attended by Williams, Anderson, Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton MP, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Councillor Pierre Esber, State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP and other members of the ABC’s leadership, content and support teams.
Sydney Drive and Weekends will commence broadcasting from ABC Parramatta in the coming weeks, and Afternoons later today. In the next couple of months two ground floor studios will open for ABC News and the Audio and Digital teams.
Sarah Macdonald and Tim Webster in the new ABC Radio Sydney Parramatta studios.
