<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
</head>
<body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;">
<div>Dear Pacific Institute members and friends</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The Following message just came my way and may be of interest.</div>
<div>If you would like to respond you can contact Jemima at <a href="mailto:garrett.jemima@abc.net.au">garrett.jemima@abc.net.au</a></div>
<div>Apologies for the short notice.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Regards</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Nick</div>
<div><br>
<blockquote type="cite">..............................................<br>
<br>
Hi friends, <br>
<br>
I hope you are well!<br>
<br>
ABC management is looking at how to cope with the budget cuts resulting<br>
from the cancellation of the Australia Network contract.<br>
<br>
This doesn't just affect Australia Network but may result in substantial<br>
cuts to Radio Australia as the ABC tries to use some of the money it<br>
still has for radio to keep some TV programs, contracts in Asia, the<br>
mobile and online services connected with Australia Network going too.<br>
<br>
The scale of the cut is huge - 60 per cent of our budget has been lost<br>
($21 of $35 million a year). This is for broadcasts to a geographic area<br>
ranging French Polynesia in the east to India in the west and FSM and<br>
China in the north.<br>
<br>
I don't think anyone out there much knows that Radio Australia and its<br>
online offering is on the line.<br>
<br>
Management has just sent out an email (an hour ago) asking for any<br>
feedback we have from our audience about the cuts - and they want it by<br>
close of business tomorrow (Friday 23rd May)!! <br>
<br>
If you or any of your network have thoughts you would like to share on<br>
what you value about Radio Australia, Australia Network, online services<br>
etc (or for that matter what isn't needed!) , its role in the region or<br>
in your own life please me know so I can pass it on.<br>
<br>
If you wish to give some feedback but want me to keep your name<br>
confidential I would be happy to do that.<br>
<br>
Your input would be much appreciated!<br>
<br>
Thanks very much - and sorry for the very short notice!<br>
<br>
All the best<br>
<br>
Jemima,<br>
Pacific Economic and Business reporter,<br>
Radio Australia <br>
</blockquote>
</div>
<br>
</body>
</html>