ABC viewers up in arms over national broadcaster’s decision to axe political editor Andrew Probyn
ABC viewers outraged by national broadcaster’s decision to fire political editor Andrew Probyn in widespread layoffs: ‘It’s like saying a kitchen doesn’t need a chef’
Supporters of ABC news star Andrew Probyn have expressed outrage after the respected journalist learned that his role as the network’s political editor has been cut.
Probyn was fired on Thursday after the national broadcaster announced major changes to its news division as of July 1.
Fans took to social media to mock the new policy after the ABC said resources would be moved to digital platforms in an effort to serve a growing online audience.
“Still reeling from the shock announcement that ABC TV’s Canberra political editor position has been dropped,” former ABC journalist Paul Bongiorno tweeted.
“It’s like saying a kitchen doesn’t need a cook.”
The ABC news division faces a major shake-up as the national broadcaster rolls out a plan to increase its online presence from July 1, reports The Sydney Morning Herald
Layoffs under the new plan include the firing of a political editor, a role currently filled by veteran journalist Andrew Probyn, who has been with the ABC since 2016 (pictured)
Changes announced on Thursday include the launch of a new format for the national news at 7 p.m. on Sunday and the introduction of a climate, environment and energy news team. Pictured: ABC newscaster Jeremy Fernandez
Former ABC journalists react to Andrew Probyn’s firing
Barrie Cassidy, the popular former host of the ABC’s political panel show Insiders, also weighed in on the network’s new direction.
“No,” he tweeted.
“It’s like saying a restaurant doesn’t need a chef. The chefs stay. The ABC must now explain how the kitchen works without a chef./
“Very shocking decision,” another viewer tweeted, adding, “Lots of rubbish going on there… I’m not a huge Probyn fan, but the role [of political editor] is SO critical.’
Changes announced to the ABC news division include the launch of a new format for the national news on Sundays at 7 p.m. and the introduction of a Climate, Environment and Energy news team.
Meanwhile, 120 other jobs will be affected by the proposed change reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
The ABC’s highly respected arts team has also been disbanded, though jobs elsewhere will be absorbed through the news team.
Viewers can expect the launch of ABC News Sunday, a national news show in the 7 p.m. timeslot.
The new format, which covers local and global stories, means the elimination of local and state bulletins
Other plans announced by ABC News executive Justin Stevens include the return of Stateline, which will be available to viewers via ABC iview, and will also be featured during extended broadcasts of Friday’s 7 p.m. News.
Fans took to social media to mock the new policy after the ABC said resources would be shifted to digital platforms in an effort to serve a growing online audience (pictured)
Viewers can expect the launch of ABC News Sunday, a national news show in the 7 p.m. timeslot — the new format means the scrapping of local and state bulletins
The news comes after the ABC announced a five-year plan for their operations, which aims to turn the national broadcaster into a digital operation by 2028. This means that the majority of ABC audiences will experience the network’s content through digital platforms and products. : Veteran ABC newscaster Juanita Phillips
Stevens said new features being created in the shakeup will include digital-only roles to feed moment-to-moment updates on the latest stories.
The news comes after the ABC announced a five-year plan for their operations, which aims to turn the national broadcaster into a digital operation by 2028.
This means that the majority of ABC audiences will experience the network’s content through digital platforms and products.
In the meantime, TV black box reports that the announced changes will lead to 40 layoffs at the ABC, while 24 new jobs will be created under the new plan for a greater digital presence.