November 25, 2014
AgForce Queensland today expressed serious concerns over the coverage gap left by cutbacks to the ABC.
Significant changes to programming and the loss of up to 400 jobs, announced yesterday by ABC Managing Director Mark Scott, will include the axing of State-based 7:30 Reports and Radio National’s Bush Telegraph Program.
The announcement follows a reduction in federal funding for the ABC of $254 million over five years.
Incoming AgForce General President Grant Maudsle, said the loss of these two programs would jeopardise the ability for rural issues to be heard by metropolitan audiences and the broader general public.
“The State-based edition of 7:30 provided strong political coverage on a range of issues, including those pertaining to agriculture and rural communities, and reached an audience right across the State,” Mr Maudsley said.
“Similarly, Bush Telegraph was a program that delved into rural and regional issues and delivered in-depth discussion to a broad cross section of listeners who would otherwise not hear a great deal about agriculture and rural communities.”
Mr Maudsley said at this point he did not see a clear alternative for filling this void.
“The devil will be in the detail, but at this time we are unsure of how other ABC cuts will impact country Queensland and believe we have not been presented with satisfactory alternatives.” he said.
“Mr Scott’s proposed way forward relies heavily on digital content. We have serious reservations in terms of the access many of our members will have to this, given poor digital and internet coverage in many regional areas of the State.
“We understand the need for fiscal responsibility, however this feels like another cut of services that our rural communities cannot afford.
“We would urge the ABC to ensure regional Queensland has a platform from which to be heard.”
