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ABC redundancies looming

Editorial staff on key internal programmes face job cuts at the ABC.

The ABC is set to trim up to 35 television editorial staff on programs such as Catalyst, Compass, Sunday Arts, First Tuesday Book Club, Media Watch and Collectors.

According to a email leaked to Crikey.com the changes follow a Production Review in March by Boston Consulting.

In the email, ABC director of television Kim Dalton said “There will be a number of potential redundancies within the TV Division.” Programs have been commissioned adopting a more efficient and effective production methodology, with savings to be re-directed into generating further content.

Internal production is expected to remain the same in 2009 as 2008 and the broadcaster will maintain both internal and external production, with programs from across the states.

According to Dalton, “Over the last few months Television has methodically assessed the way that we approach the planning of the Production Slate. As a result we will be:

  • Amalgamating production units within the same genre eliminating duplication of work and increasing utilisation of staff skill-sets
  • Adopting greater discipline in field production
  • Reducing post production demand through adoption of best practise preparation prior to edit
  • Clear and detailed production planning at program level”

One ABC staff member told Crikey, “This part of the ABC is not over-staffed and from my experience, the people working on these programs work extremely hard and are often under lots of stress due to the work load.”

Source: Crikey.com

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