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ABC jobs at risk if funding not renewed

News funding which employs more than 100 staff at the ABC will soon expire, with the broadcaster warning of job losses unless it's renewed.

Signage at the ABC offices in Sydney
Jobs are on the line at the ABC if funding set aside for its news division isn't renewed. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Jobs and programs are on the line at the ABC if money the Gillard government set aside for its news division isn't renewed.

Nearly $70 million over four years was pledged for the broadcaster's news division in 2013, but funding will wrap up at the end of June.

Outgoing ABC managing director Mark Scott has warned there will be significant cuts to programs and potential job losses if the Turnbull government doesn't commit to extend the funding.

In an answer to a Senate estimates question on notice from Liberal Eric Abetz, the ABC says 106 people are employed using the funding, with more than half located outside Sydney and Melbourne.

More than 10 new positions for journalists and video crews were created in places such as Bunbury, Alice Springs, Broome and Geelong.

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The money was spent supporting live video linking around the country which helps brings regional stories to the state capitals.

It also went towards the ABC's Fact Check ($1.2 million in 2015/16) and helping create documentaries including `The Killing Season' about the last Labor government.

"If the tied funding is not renewed, it will inevitably result in cuts to programming, content and personnel," the broadcaster says.

The ABC is working on contingency plans, but says it's not possible to say what they are until the outcome of the May 3 budget.


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