Radio National’s Asia Pacific may face cutbacks

Sources inside the ABC have revealed plans to cut back Asia Pacific – Radio National’s specialist Asian and Pacific affairs program – and “move it to a less accessible time slot next year,” according to the Friends of the ABC.

Asia Pacific is broadcast on Radio National at 8.00 pm Monday-Fridays, Saturday Mornings and on Radio Australia and NewsRadio.

FABC understands the ABC plans to cut Asia Pacific’s budget by around $100,000 pa. “This cut, of more than a quarter of the program’s budget ($380,000 pa), would result in the loss one full time position and considerable resources. Radio National intends to reschedule Asia Pacific to very early morning broadcasts, possibly before 6.00 am.”

“Friends of the ABC is calling on the ABC to explain its actions, and the Federal Government to restore the ABC’s funds to enable the national broadcaster to meet its Charter requirements and the needs of the Australian community,” Friends of the ABC spokesperson Terry Laidler told radioinfo.

“Recent events have brought home to all Australians the significance of Australia’s location in the Asia-Pacific region. Never before has the community been so keenly interested in, and needed to understand more about, what is happening in our region… It is inexplicable that the ABC would cut a significant, unique program which provides invaluable information and important insights into our region.”

Radio National has a history of broadcasting on Asian and Pacific affairs which stretches back around 40 years.

“The public is entitled to know why the ABC plans to cut Asia Pacific and reschedule it to a less accessible time. Is it the result of external pressure?” says Laidler.