ABC plans to boost Pacific presence as China’s shadow grows

It struck a $1.9 billion deal with telecoms giant Telstra to buy South Pacific operator Digicel in October. It also finalised multi-million dollar agreements with commercial TV networks Nine Entertainment Co (owner of this masthead), Seven West Media and Network Ten to broadcast live sport and entertainment programs across the region.

But at the same time, the ABC’s investment into the region has fallen. The ABC switched off its shortwave transmissions to remote parts of northern Australia and across the Pacific in January 2017 following a series of budget cuts and funding freezes. The move was strongly criticised by Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who was minister for International Development and the Pacific in the Turnbull government.

“The decision by the ABC to shut down its short-wave radio services in the Pacific was a monumental mistake displaying a lack of strategic perspective with poor departmental oversight,” she said. “It left Pacific nations vulnerable during threatening climate events—noting the Pacific is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world.”

The ABC insisted at the time the shortwave technology was outdated and it would save $1.9 million by cutting the service, which would be reinvested in expanding content and services. Since the move, a Chinese station has taken over some frequencies once used by the national broadcaster.