As an election looms near, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has announced the ABC and SBS will receive a boost totaling $4.2 billion in funding. The funding will be distributed over the next three years.
The government has also announced planned reforms to the television sector as a whole, including potential local content quotas equalling 5% of revenue for streaming services.
The ABC will get $3.2 billion over the period from July 1 2022 to June 30 2025, a number that includes $45.8 million under the Enhanced News Gathering scheme, which is aimed at giving regional journalism a leg up.
SBS will get $953.7 million over the same period.
The move breaks from previous Coalition governments, who have cut funding to the ABC. The Abbott government made cuts in 2014, and in 2018 the Turnbull government paused indexation – a move which saw many ABC staff lose their jobs.
In May, the Morrison government announced that it would be lifting the indexation freeze of its predecessor in the budget.
“The ABC and SBS are essential components of Australia’s diverse media landscape,” Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said.
“We’ve delivered an increase in funding for both national broadcasters compared to both the 2016-19 and 2019-22 funding period. This funding commitment is designed to provide certainty for both broadcasters and is being announced well in advance of the next funding period to assist the ABC and SBS to develop their forward plans.”
“I am delighted with the Government’s decision to commit $3.3 billion over the next three years to the ABC. It will allow the national broadcaster to continue doing what it does best – provide information and entertainment to Australians wherever they live,” said ABC Chair, Ita Buttrose.
ABC managing director David Anderson said “I would like to thank the Minister, Paul Fletcher and the Government for recognising the enduring value of the ABC as we mark 90 years of serving of Australians.”