The SMH welcomes the ABCs massive shake-up, cutting up to 200 jobs to fund content creation. However it also points out that Ms Guthrie's role as a managing director requires more than mere cost cutting.
The SMH argues that it is important to maintain the ABC's independence and integrity while undergoing its significant restructuring.
The paper agrees with several points Michelle Guthrie makes:
·It is important that the ABC spends as much on content creation as possible
·There's not enough Australian content on television
·The ABC hasn't made enough investments in regional areas
·Middle management along with backroom support staff should be the first to go in any cost cutting
·ABC management should be figuring out ways for the organisation to become more adaptable and deliver for audiences as their behaviour changes very substantially
But it also points out that Ms Guthrie, as a managing director, should consider the followings:
·Speak out for the ABC on behalf of its owners: the taxpayers
·Be transparent about her plans
·The ABC should not be driven solely by ratings
·Be open to new revenue-raising options
