The Senate has passed Bob Brown’s motion calling on the government to guarantee the future of ABC’s Radio National.

Greens Senator Bob Brown told radioinfo:

“This will reassure ABC listeners that the Senate stands by Radio National beyond the assurances given by ABC management last Sunday in response to reports that the network was on the chopping block.

“Concerns about Radio National will remain while the Howard government squeezes the ABC’s budget. ABC adherents will be looking to a real increase in ABC funding in the May budget.”

The Senate motions reads:

The Senate

a) Notes:

1) Radio National is a vital part of Australia’s broadcasting sector, offering analysis and in-depth coverage of current
affairs, politics, the arts, health, law and other key aspects of contemporary life;

and

2) Media reports that ABC’s Radio National network may be abolished; and

b) Calls on the government to guarantee the future of Radio National.