ABC fends off Murdoch

The ABC will keep Australia’s international television service, the Australia Network.

The Network supplies non stop television programs to more than 44 countries across Asia, the Pacific and Indian subcontinent.

The Federal government had put the service out to tender.

That attracted a bid from Sky Television, in which Rupert Murdoch has a significant stake.

However the government announced tonight, after a Cabinet meeting, that it had decided that the Australia Network would become “a permanent feature of the ABC. “

The Communications Minister Stephen Conroy admitted that there had been problems.

“The Government was hoping that the tender process for the Australia Network would have been completed in good faith,” he said.

“ However, several leaks have compromised the process and prevented a fair consideration of the bids,” he added.

“The Government believes it is unfortunate that this process did not reach a satisfactory solution, Senator Conroysaid.

“However, in light of the circumstances it is now in the national interest to make a clear decision about the future of the service rather than allowing uncertainty to continue,” he said

“Having reflected upon the process to date, and what the service really needs to provide, the Government has determined that Australia’s international broadcasting service should be delivered by the national broadcaster.” he said.

Senator Conroy described the Australia Network as “a major public diplomacy platform.”

“And, as is the case with comparable operators such as the UK’s BBC World Service and Germany’s Deutsche Welle, the Government believes the service should be provided by Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC,” he said..

The Senator said this decision provides certainty for the future.

“It also allows the ABC to get on with the job of delivering an outstanding international broadcasting service for Australia,” he said.

“The Government also believes that the ABC is well placed to explore the opportunity to combine the Australia Network with its current international radio service,” Senator Conroy said.