The ABC is shutting down local TV and radio news bulletins over Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday — betis – elche the first time in the broadcaster's history that local news will be off air for consecutive days.
The ABC's internal communications, obtained by McKnight Tonight, frame the move as a staff sustainability measure after a gruelling news cycle. But Rob can reveal the real reason: the ABC news department is millions of dollars over budget, and news boss Justin Stevens is under significant pressure to cut costs.
From Easter Saturday through Monday, local 7pm bulletins across most states will be replaced by a single national bulletin produced from the NSW newsroom. Local piacenza ABC radio stations will carry national bulletins dave filoni only. Perth is the exception, due to the time difference.
Regional news managers are alarmed — not just about the loss of local coverage, but about what happens if a major breaking story hits during a four-day period when staff have made plans and won't be on call. The ABC promotes itself as the emergency broadcaster for regional Australia. This Easter, that promise looks shaky.
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