Australia Network to join with Radio Australia

The ABC reports Foreign Minister Bob Carr has confirmed ongoing funding of a new-look Australia Network Service, combining television, radio and digital media.

Senator Carr said the deal for an ‘Integrated Multiplatform International Media Service’ would allow the ABC to combine the existing Australia Network television operation with Radio Australia’s services.

Australia Network service will become a permanent feature of the ABC “bringing greater certainty for the future, (and) allowing the ABC to make more flexible and integrated broadcasting decisions for Australia’s international target audiences.”

The ABC will run the channel for the next 10 years under the new contract.

The move follows a disastrous and abandoned pitching process under Kevin Rudd’s portfolio.

Source: ABC, The Australian