The ABC has welcomed the renewal of Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy funding that was announced in the Federal Budget.
The additional $14 million investment over two years will allow the ABC to maintain its expanded services across the region as well as further creation of content and regional media partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Funding provided since 2022 has seen the ABC:
• Double ABC Radio Australia’s FM footprint in the Pacific
• Double Pacific-focused radio content
• Establish the Pacific Local Journalism Network including The Pacific news and current affairs program on ABC Australia television, Pacific Beat on ABC Radio Australia and digital platforms
• Create two tailored ABC Australia television streams for Asia and the Pacific with time zone-aligned scheduling and tailored content for each region.
• Expand ABC Asia and ABC Pacific digital and social content
• Launch Asia News Week, a weekly pan-Asian news and current affairs program
• Sign more than 20 content-sharing agreements with national broadcasters across Asia and the Pacific.
• Deliver media capacity-building programs, including online learning resources and support for media partners in Timor-Leste and Indonesia
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said:
“Since the launch of the government’s Pacific Engagement initiatives in 2022 the ABC has welcomed the opportunity to expand our reach, deepen audience engagement and support local media capacity across the Indo-Pacific.
“We look forward to continuing this important work in advancing the region’s access to reliable trusted information, growth in media, skills and improvement in information distribution infrastructure, to benefit audiences in the region and deliver strong value for public investment.”
ABC Head International Claire Gorman said:
“In an uncertain geopolitical environment, trusted media is critical,” she said. “This renewal allows the ABC to keep engaging audiences across the region, share the story of modern Australia and bring important stories back to Australian audiences from our neighbours.
“We look forward to growing the ABC’s soft power impact in this increasingly complex world.”