Canberra's ABC radio and television lineup for 2015 won't be confirmed until the Abbott government announces how much it will cut the national broadcaster's ongoing funding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The future of some programs and on-air presenters, including the Canberra edition of 7.30, remain uncertain as an organisational shake-up continues.
The broadcaster is facing a further substantial reduction in ongoing government funding, following cuts to the ABC and SBS worth $43.5 million over four years in the federal budget and the closure of its overseas arm the Australia Network.
A spokesman said on Wednesday it was too early to announce changes to programming for radio 666 Canberra and local ABC TV, despite commercial radio and television networks beginning to announce their 2015 line-ups this week.
The Canberra Times understands staffing levels for the ABC's Dickson operations are steady, as the ABC draws criticism in an increasingly hysterical campaign by Rupert Murdoch's The Australian newspaper.
Casual employees work on a range of local ABC radio and TV programming for Canberra.
"There are 46 local editorial staff working across radio, TV and online for both ABC News and 666 ABC Canberra across seven days," the spokesman said.
"The ABC is proud of the work done by 666 ABC Canberra and the dedicated and professional service it provides to its audience, as it is with all ABC divisions and programs."
As of this month, the ABC had about 170 staff based in the territory, working at levels equivalent to 160 fulltime positions, the spokesman confirmed.
The positions include 83 staff in editorial roles and 89 in support services, including directors, camera operators, editors and studio staff.
The information was released after The Australian claimed on Monday the ABC was trying to hide details of the number of staff it employed in Canberra.
At Parliament House, the ABC has 56 staff, including 29 in editorial and 27 in support services. Press gallery staff work from 4.30am to midnight on weekdays and from 6am to 7pm on weekends.
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has written this week to ABC managing director Mark Scott calling for the Friday night Canberra edition of 7.30 to be retained.
Ms Gallagher said the program, hosted by Chris Kimball, was essential to Canberra viewers, who loved "their ABC".
"It would be a real loss to the ACT. I think it is something larger cities don't understand," Ms Gallagher said.
"We have the national 7.30 report four nights a week. Friday is the only ABC program dedicated to exploring local stories and I think it is a quality outfit ... and it is worth trying to fight for local content."
