The ABC has opened its new state-of-the-art broadcast facility at Parramatta in Sydney’s west as part of its commitment to move three-quarters of content staff from its Ultimo HQ by next year. Chair Kim Williams says the new location is proof of the ABC’s ability to adapt to meet changing needs.
Image: Radio Info Australia
ABC Chair Kim Williams recently opened ABC Parramatta with Managing Director, David Anderson. ABC Sydney Radio presenters are now on-air from the site, with ABC News, Audio and Digital teams joining them over the next few months.
Williams said the new facility will enable the ABC to “deliver on its continuing obligation to the Australian community as a foundation stone of our democracy, providing news, sharing knowledge and myriad rich stories which reflect our nation”.
“As always, the work done here as with all ABC output provides a core element in contributing to our sense of national identity,” he said.
Mr Williams said, throughout its 90 years, the ABC has always been able to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of the Australian public.
“The move of local news and local radio to Parramatta is another chapter in that adaptive history, meeting audience expectations and honouring legislative obligations. ABC Parramatta will increase our presence in the nation’s fastest growing residential region, boosting the ABC’s effectiveness in Greater Western Sydney.”
David Anderson said the new facility was a key part of the ABC’s Five-Year plan, particularly the commitment to move 75% of content makers away from the ABC’s Ultimo headquarters by next year.
“Today is the culmination of several years planning and it is exciting to be here at the stage where new and loyal audiences can experience the ABC broadcasting from this technology-driven facility,” he said.
Mornings on ABC Radio Sydney was the first show to broadcast from the new facility, with Afternoons following later the same day. Sydney Drive and Weekends will commence broadcasting from ABC Parramatta in the coming weeks. Two new ground floor studios will open for use by ABC News and ABC Sydney teams.
ABC Sydney Radio presenters will be hoping for a turnaround in ratings after a poor showing in the first survey for 2024. ABC Sydney fell to a 5.4 per cent share overall down from 6 per cent.
Sophie Arnold
Enews Editor