ABC redundancy process to begin within weeks as management responds to federal budget cuts – SMH – 28 May.14

ABC managing director Mark Scott has foreshadowed a downsizing of the national broadcaster, including job losses, programming cuts and property sales as a result of budget cuts.

Mr Scott told Senate estimates hearings the axing of the Australia Network international broadcasting service will lead to job losses – including a reduction in the ABC’s number of foreign correspondents. A voluntary redundancy process will begin within weeks.

The government cut $35.5 million from the ABC over four years in this year’s budget and further cuts are expected following an efficiency review into the ABC and SBS. (more…)

$38 million funding hit for Screen Australia – IF – 13 May.14

Screen Australia will be $38 million worse off over the next four years due to the federal Budget cuts.

The agency is losing $25 million in government funding in that period while the termination of the Australian Interactive Games Fund which it administered means a reduction of $10 million in 2014-2015. The fund had been due to run for another year. (more…)

Budget cuts for ABC, SBS, Screen Australia – IF – 13 May.14

The ABC and SBS will lose a combined $43.5 million in funding over four years and the ABC’s contract for the pan-Asian Australia Network is being terminated.

Screen Australia will incur a $25.1 million funding cut: $5.2 million in 2014-2015 and $5.3 million, $7.3 million and $7.3 million in the ensuing years. This may affect programs such as the revamped Enterprise Industry scheme, whose annual allocation depended on the Budget.

In the financial year ending June 30 the agency received $100.8 million. The government will achieve savings of $87.1 million over four years by reducing funding to arts programs administered by the Attorney-General’s Department, the Australia Council and Screen Australia. It said these savings would be redirected to “repair the Budget and fund policy priorities.” (more…)

Wagga, be prepared to be bowled over – Daily Advertiser – 17 Sep.13

LIGHTS, camera, action – the stage, and the stumps, have been set.

Wagga’s very own feature film, Backyard Ashes, will hold its world premiere in the city on November 6.

The following day it will open in selected cinemas around the region before being released on the metropolitan stage on November 21 to coincide with the Ashes beginning in Australia. 

International showing also isn’t out of the question – with  a sales deal already in place. (more…)