The ABC has gained a slight increase in the federal budget for 2008/09, and extra funds have been allocated for digital radio and the expansion of NewsRadio. SBS has also received funding for digital radio.
ABC Radio will receive $232,966 in government allocations, up from $227 239 the previous year. Unspecified additional confidential amounts are also allocated to Digital and NewsRadio.
The ABC “is an integral part of the radio, television and online production industries and the news and information media,” according to budget documents released in Canberra as part of treasurer Wayne Swan’s first Labor budget.
The ABC plays an important role in digital broadcasting and the introduction of new media services. Accountable to Parliament and to the Australian people, the ABC can provide equity of access to traditional media and new media to all Australians.
Throughout this budget period the ABC “will strive to maintain a leadership position in digital media, capitalising fully on its strength in key content areas. The Corporation will build on its presence in broadcast and new media platforms while acknowledging the changing expectations of audiences for content and services on–demand – seeking access to information and entertainment when they want it, not just when the ABC wants to schedule it.”
The ABC aims to deliver audiences more content on digital television and radio networks. It seeks to increase Australian content levels on television and to strengthen its presence in online news.
Throughout metropolitan and regional centres, the ABC looks to enrich further its commitment to localism, reflecting the interests of local communities while also connecting those communities with national and world issues.
The 2008–09 budget year is the final year of the ABC’s current triennial funding agreement with the Federal Government.
The government recognises that there is considerable external pressure which the ABC must respond to if it is to maintain a leadership position in the digital media. Audience expectations are changing rapidly resulting in fragmentation of markets increasing the need for new content, while the traditional platforms of radio, television and online are facing competition from new and emerging media. This changing external market requires the ABC to keep pace and to continue to anticipate audience expectations if it is to remain a distinctive and relevant national public broadcaster.
The Radio Division says it will provide “distinctive radio programs that give an Australia-wide focus to local and regional communities, and satisfy diverse audience needs, nationally and internationally,” in the coming year.