Tally room's future hangs in the balance

The ABC plans to move its broadcast of the federal election to Sydney, a shift which follows reports commercial broadcasters were planning to abandon the service in a cost-cutting move that could save them up to $500,000 each.

The commission said in May that the $1 million service would be operating, but AEC spokesman Phil Diak told Fairfax Media that no updated comment could be provided in the wake of the public broadcaster’s withdrawal.

“We’re obviously considering the news that the national broadcaster won’t be attending,” he said.

Mr Diak had previously described the service operated by the commission as a non-integral part of the “practical business of generating the results” and networks had to fund their own broadcast and equipment.

“It is an expensive exercise,” he said.

ABC election analyst Antony Green had earlier voiced concerns for the future of the tally room, usually held at the Budawang building at Exhibition Park in Canberra.

Speaking on ABC Radio on Thursday, Mr Green said the number of outlets using the service was increasingly falling.

“I suspect without television there, which means fewer politicians, there will be less media wanting to go to the tally room and there’s no need for that big space,” he said.

“It’ll just disappear.”

Mr Green said “most of AAP and alike” abandoned the service years ago and smaller operations refer to online data instead.

“There is nothing in the tally room that is any different from what you can get on the internet,” he said.

“There is more information available on the internet at your office desk or at home than is available in the tally room. It’s more reliable and it’s more convenient.”

Are you an election night tragic, heading along to the tally room every election? Is heading along on election night a tradition for you? Tell us your story. Email: online@canberratimes.com.au