Federal government launches ABC and SBS efficiency review
The Turnbull Government has commenced its efficiency review of the ABC and SBS announced in this year’s federal Budget.
Led by former Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh and ACMA head Richard Bean, the review is taking place alongside an inquiry into the broadcasters’ competitive neutrality and is due to report in October 2018.
Former Foxtel boss Peter Tonagh will co-chair the review into the ABC and SBS
The review will examine the current operations of the ABC and SBS,and make recommendations on areas where greater efficiencies can be found.
In the terms of reference released today the government made clear it was not planning any ownership changes to the two organisations, saying: “The Government will not merge or otherwise change the ownership arrangements of the ABC and SBS.
“Efficiency options will be consistent with ABC and SBS continuing as distinct corporate entities in public hands and under separate legislation.”
The statement follows the government being forced to deny in July that it planned to sell the ABC after the Liberal Party federal council voted for the privatisation of the public broadcaster.
Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield, said the review would support the organisations to identify best public broadcasting practice: “The ABC and SBS are vital public news and cultural institutions that are an important underpinning of media diversity and represent a major Commonwealth contribution to civic journalism.”
“In the fast-evolving world of media organisations, it is important to support our public broadcasters to be the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars in undertaking their important work for the community.”
“The review will assist the public broadcasters as they approach the next funding triennium through which more than $3.9 billion will be provided from July 2019.”
An SBS spokesperson said: “The Efficiency Review is another opportunity for SBS to demonstrate that it has a long-ingrained culture of efficiency and maximising the value of its unique services to the Australian community.
“Just as SBS is participating in the current Competitive Neutrality review, we will participate in this latest efficiency review noting the Lewis Efficiency Study in 2014 found that SBS is an extremely efficient and effective organisation.
“We are fully confident that this review will yet again demonstrate the efficiency of SBS, and we remain committed to demonstrating our value to the Australian community.”
Does anyone have information that show this is NOT ground work for more cuts to the ABC?
Gee, I wonder what the findings will be with Tonagh in charge. Are conservative boomers going to leave anything to the next crop of Aussies?
They really will be the only generation better off than both their parents AND their children.
Ffs. When will someone in authority recognise that the question about the abc is not efficiency. It’s about content. Specifically, quality.
The government consistently appoints ceo and board members who know nothing about editorial or media production and quality. Then get pissed off when the quality is weak.
Totally predictable that these guys will say there are too many bureaucrats. Dead certain that they won’t say anything about poor value for the taxpayer buck.
Looks like the Kind have stacked the deck once again. Something they seem to be getting good at.
They might as well call this the ‘Excuses to cut more budget review’
Hey let’s get one of Rupert’s buddies to help further our attack of the ABC. I wonder if he will find it more cost effective to run Sky News on the ABC?
Just sell them already. State media is not consistent with a market economy.
Not so cunning but glaringly obvious plan to attack public broadcasters with the thousand cuts treatment.
Mitch “IPA” Fifield just doing the bidding of his ideologue mates who know a direct attempt to shut them down would infuriate Australia. So distract them with this sort of thing (two inquiries at once would you believe) and try to make them stagger a bit.
Then do it again! And again!
I’ve got a better idea.
Given how shit privatisation has been for the average Joe for that past 40 or so years, how about we buy back our state assets and have them publicly owned again.
You know, a decent water supply system (that cost less). A decent reliable electricity and energy system that didn’t cost the earth (both financially and ecologically). A banking system that worked for the people. Roads that didn’t cost a fortune to use. Public transport that worked. A communications system that worked – mail, phone, mobile and internet. Airlines that provided services we value.