The ABC could be facing another round of budget cuts of up to $50 million as a result of the Government’s efficiency review into the public broadcaster.
But a Government backbencher says they cannot be considered real cuts because they will not affect programming.
News Corp Australia is speculating the Government is considering cutting another $40-$50 million from the ABC.
Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi, who has been advocating for cuts to the public broadcaster, has welcomed the speculation.
“It’s a good start,” he told the ABC.
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull commissioned the efficiency review earlier in the year to see where the ABC and SBS could be more cost-effective.
“This was to ensure they run their organisations as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible without impacting on the quality and range of programming or on editorial independence,” a spokesman for the Minister said.
For more on the $43.5m “down payment” see B&T’s federal budget report here.
