The ABC’s newly appointed Managing Director, David Anderson, has told Radio National that the broadcaster has a couple of priorities that need to be addressed immediately.

David Anderson has been confirmed as the ABC's new Managing Director.

The Acting Managing Director of the ABC, David Anderson,  has written to staff telling them that despite extensive requests from the ABC, the Budget papers have locked in the $83.7 million pause in indexation funding flagged in last year’s budget.

He has told staff that on top of the $254 million the ABC has had to absorb in efficiency cuts over the past five years, the first year impact of a $14.6 million cut will mean that to meet costs there will have to be some tough decisions on staffing and services.

David Anderson is this afternoon appearing before the Senate, Environment and Communications References Committee into allegations of political interference in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The Committee has also grilled other ABC staff regarding interference from former Chairman Justin Milne.

Acting ABC Managing Director David Anderson performed well in his first Senate committee hearing last week in Canberra.
 
Answering a range of questions about the turmoil of the last couple of months, Anderson was forthcoming about issues facing the national broadcaster as he answered the questions from Senators.
 
In an opening statement he said:
 

In the wake of Justin Milne's resignation from the position of ABC Chairman, Acting Managing Director David Anderson has put out a message to ABC staff:

Dear Colleagues,

As everyone is now aware, Justin Milne has resigned as ABC Chairman after several very difficult days for the ABC.

The ABC has announced a significant restructure, cutting up to 200 jobs to create a $50 million Content Fund and new positions in regional areas.

Managing director Michelle Guthrie has announced the ABC will cut management positions by an average of 20 percent across the organisation. Other positions will go as part of an attempt to reduce duplication in support roles.

Up to 200 staff will leave the ABC by June this year as a result of moves to reduce management, cut support roles and remove duplication, she said.