ABC Managing Director, Russell Balding welcomed the Government's commitment to renew this funding that would be used to continue many regional programs, positions and services.

Mr Balding said the budget announcement was good news for the ABC. Funding for the National Interest Initiatives projects was due to cease in June 2005 and would now continue. Mr Balding said, 'This funding of almost $18 million per annum will allow the ABC to continue delivering its new programs and services, particularly to regional centres throughout Australia. With over 57 new full-time regional radio positions created, new regional radio stations in Wagin, Ballarat, Katherine and Erina and over 110 hours of additional television programming - we can safely assure their continuation with this funding.'

Mr Balding was also pleased the Government had agreed to allocate a much needed extra $4.2 million per annum to the ABC to cover cost increases in television program acquisitions, 'It is encouraging to see the Federal Government has responded positively to the ABC's funding submission of late last year,' he said.

inside the abc may04