CPSU ‘in like Flint’

Date: 23 November 2001

The CPSU has welcomed news Australian Broadcasting Authority chief, Professor David Flint, is to hold an inquiry into the adequacy of local television news in non-metropolitan areas.

The announcement followed the closure of five country news services by Southern Cross Broadcasting earlier this week.
As well as costing 60 jobs, the decision sounds the death knell for local news coverage in Canberra, Darwin, Alice Springs,Cairns and Townsville.
CPSU spokesperson Adrian O'Connell said, "There is huge unrest about this issue in regional Australia. People are tired of seeing their services cut, whether it's Telstra, the bank or the local TV news. Providing the terms of reference are broad enough, the inquiry is a good place to start addressing these concerns. We certainly look forward to participating fully in the inquiry."

However the union believes Government should be more active in ensuring people in regional Australia are not disenfranchised through the loss of local news coverage.

"Government's role is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the social and economic life of the community. Local news is a vital part of this. By creating an environment where services can be continually cut, the Government are not performing their role," he said.

The CPSU is continuing to work with community groups and local politicians to protest these cuts.

The CPSU is a long time supporter of regional broadcasting and represents hundreds of non-journalist television workers across Australia.

For comment
Adrian O'Connell 0418 977 170
Paul Ingwersen 0407 062 944

For further information

Contact:	Adrian O’Connell
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	0418 977 170

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