ABC political editor Andrew Probyn has been made redundant amid news of restructuring at the national public broadcaster.
See Also: ABC restructure: What’s in and what’s out at the public broadcaster
Probyn told the Guardian Australia he is “pretty flabbergasted” and said: “I’ve been informed that the national broadcaster no longer need a political editor and that they want to reinvest the money into social and digital reporting roles.”
News of Probyn’s redundancy comes as ABC announced it would cut as many as 100 jobs ahead of a major restructuring of the corporation that will take effect as of 1st of July.
“Very good luck to the ABC. I’m still trying to get to come to terms with it,” Probyn added
“I am very proud of all the stories I’ve broken at the ABC and the determination and vigour with which I’ve brought to political reporting at the national broadcaster,” he concluded.
The publication reported that Probyn is currently the most high-profile journalist so far to be made redundant.
This comes after ABC unveiled its five-year plan to focus on building a digital-majority future, earlier this week.
See Also: ABC unveils the details of its five year plan as it prepares for a digital-majority future
The central purpose of the public broadcaster’s plan, published last Friday, is to ensure the ABC remains relevant, delivers value for Australians, and continues to be the most trusted media organisation in the country. The outline sets out the priorities for the broadcaster over the next five years to deliver this outcome and ensure that it continues to have an essential role in Australian life.
ABC managing director David Anderson said the next stage of the strategy means the public broadcaster will meet changing audience needs while maintaining the commitment to quality, relevance, independence and its role as Australia’s most trusted media organisation.
“By 2028, the ABC will serve more Australians on the platform of their choice with made-for-digital content and journalism on ABC News, ABC iview, ABC listen and on major third-party platforms.
“Australians trust and value the ABC and this will not change. As we move through this period of digital evolution, Australians can continue to rely on us for the content and services that inform, educate and entertain,” he said.
“Our audiences can be assured we will safeguard traditional broadcast services as long as these remain essential for keeping Australians informed and entertained. As Australia changes, so must the ABC.
“This means changing to meet the needs of our audiences wherever they live. We will continue to serve all Australians, contribute to our national identity and remain an essential part of daily life,” Anderson added.
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Top image: Andrew Probyn