ABC REGIONAL AND LOCAL PROGRAMMING TO BE BOOSTED

The ABC will get $54.4 million over three years to continue its development of regional and local programs in the 2004-05 Federal Budget.

This is a significant contribution for the ABC's Regional and Local Programming (RLP) initiative. And it reflects the Australian Government's commitment to ensuring that the ABC continues to provide services that are relevant and useful to all Australians, regardless of where they live.

The new funding from July 2005 builds on the $71.2 million provided to the ABC in the 2001-02 Budget to support the broadcaster's National Interest Initiatives programme.

It will allow the ABC to plan with greater certainty for the continued development of regional and local programming - including business, finance, children's and educational content - across all media platforms.

The RLP funding has already been successful in developing new local ABC radio stations, additional local radio content and greater business affairs coverage.

It has also contributed to increased production of drama, children's and documentary content.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of local programming for regional communities, not just for the content, but also for the employment opportunities provided. As a result of the 2001-02 RLP funding, 57 extra staff were employed in 37 local radio positions across regional Australia.

Apart from the programming benefits, the new RLP funding will allow an ongoing expansion of The Backyard web portal, which is a valuable source of information relevant to local communities around Australia.