A decision on who wins the contract for the running of the Australia Network is likely to be delayed six months, The Australian reports.
And the decision is likely to be taken by Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's department instead of Kevin Rudd's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Government sources have told the newspaper that an announcement on the change is imminent.
The contract has been hotly contested between Sky News and the ABC.
The ABC currently runs the service on a five-year contract with DFAT, which expires on 8 August. But the government put the tender out to open competition, offering an A$223 million (US$234 million) contract over 10 years.
The service broadcasts into 45 markets through the Asia-Pacific region on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis.
The ABC has strenuously challenged the bid for the contract by Sky News, which is one third owned by BSkyB, controlled by News Corporation.
(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)
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