Concern for the safety of ABC foreign journos
ABC foreign staff fear for the safety of journalists if the network axes support staff in its foreign bureaus.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
A group of ABC correspondents, producers and cinematographers has written to Director of News Kate Torney concerned that the safety of journalists will be compromised if the ABC axes support staff in its foreign bureaus.
“We believe that sacking or making locally engaged staff part-time or outsourcing their functions will compromise the safety and security of ABC personnel,” they wrote.
Journalists told The Australian they were under increasing pressure to produce more content to serve the corporation’s growing platforms, including ABC News 24, Australia Network and online.
ABC is planning to move its foreign correspondents to offices at Associated Press Television News and share camera staff, fixers, translators and drivers.
But the group letter accuses management of not consulting staff, treating international staff with disrespect, and “blatantly breaking promises” to maintain international resources.
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance has previously expressed concern over the plans.
Earlier this month Torney announced a new Kabul bureau to open in 2011, while the ABC noted that review of bureaux would not involve the closure of any existing bureau or a reduction in the number of correspondents.
Source: The Australian
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3 Responses
This really signals the beginning of the slippery slope. The use of fixers etc who only work for the ABC enables them to actually get the story. Sharing resources while initally saving money, will remove the uniqueness of the ABC reporting.
Is nothing sacred? The untouchable is about to be touched! When are they going to learn. They meddle with core business, and the safety and human side of the business and they will regret it.
cinematographers? fancy way of saying cameraman, right? lol