An agreement has been reached between the Australian Government and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for the ongoing funding of a new-look Australia Network Service, combining television, radio and digital media.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Carr said the deal for an ‘Integrated Multiplatform International Media Service’ would allow the ABC to combine the existing Australia Network television operation with Radio Australia’s services, and the ABC’s news online and digital operations.
“It will ensure delivery of a comprehensive service to diverse regional audiences using the media platforms of their choice, effectively extending Australia’s public diplomacy reach,” Senator Carr said.
He explained that under the agreement the Australia Network service would become a permanent feature of the ABC “bringing greater certainty for the future, (and) allowing the ABC to make more flexible and integrated broadcasting decisions for Australia’s international target audiences.”
The Government and the ABC will now mutually review the terms for renewal.
Lynley Marshall, CEO of ABC International, said the agreement “will enable the ABC to operate more effectively by combining Radio Australia and Australia Network resources. It will, for the first time, produce a fully converged offering on multiple platforms with an increased focus on digital services including online and mobile.
“The service description now also provides greater flexibility to shape the services for the future. This is obviously necessary given the changing nature of audience trends, technology and service delivery,” she added.
(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)
No comments:
Post a Comment