Two of Australia's best current affairs programs have just been slashed in half. Both flagship offerings on ABC Radio, they are unique in our broadcasting line-up and critical to our collective education. The World Today, the lunchtime wrap, and PM, in the evening, will run to just 30 minutes, down from one hour. One has to ask, where is the logic?

"Leave the audience wanting more" was one memorable quote justifying the change. What does that mean when it comes to current affairs? How is it relevant? To provide compelling, insightful, well-crafted stories is no doubt expensive but surely the cost of losing such educational, informative shows is far greater?

Eleanor Hall of ABC Radio's The World Today.

Being funded by the taxpayer means the ABC must fulfil particular obligations. Its charter states it will "encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian attitudes on world affairs". Both programs do just that.

Traditionally slated from 12pm til 1pm nationally, The World Today canvasses a broad mix of local and international issues. Running from 6pm til 7pm, PM's focus is local, highlighting the news in Australia.