The managing director of the ABC has today confirmed that more than 70 positions will go following the recent loss of the Australia Network contract.

In a email to staff this morning, Mark Scott described it as a “sad time” for the ABC, and added the losses would include on-air and off-air staff.

“It is a sad time across the Corporation, as we say farewell to many colleagues who have already gone or who will be leaving us in coming days and weeks as a result of the loss of Australia Network funding,” wrote Scott.

“Those departing include people very well known for their work on air. Others are not as well known to the public, but are equally admired and respected for their important work in delivering and supporting the International service we have put to air and online across the region,” he said, referring to well known names such as Australia Network Canberra correspondent Karen Barlow, who yesterday tweeted that she was departing the public broadcaster.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scott also confirmed previous media reports which put the total number of staff departures at around 70 staff.

“With around 70 people taking redundancies, I would estimate that more than 1,000 years of professional experience and dedicated public service is disappearing from the ABC. Through recent months of uncertainty, the 70 have served the public with dedication and professionalism, even though they and their colleagues knew their time was drawing to a close,” he wrote.

Mumbrella understands that the Australia Network will continue its broadcast into Asia until around mid September. It will also fulfil its commitment to the AFL to offer a transitional schedule that will see it broadcast the Grand Final in Asia and the Pacific on September 27.

Nic Christensen

Scott’s note to staff