For a while, Australia’s ABC has been dreading the reality of having to cut back on its content. There has been no funding cuts from the Morrison Government. However, due to past cuts, particularly from the Abbott Coalition Government, the ABC in it’s current form has become unsustainable.
One of the platforms that is going to change is ABC Life.
ABC Life was launched in August 2018. It’s aim was to attract young adult audiences to the ABC. It’s set to be called ABC Local with more an emphasis on regional and rural areas.
Rather than politics, the site focused a range of topics such as well being, work, family, sex and relationships.
Stories that were published on the site was of that of 20 – something and 30 – something Australians. Types of post include personal narrative, opinion and recipe advice.
Unfortunately, 250 jobs are set to be cut.
ABC Life and disability activism
One of the great strengths of ABC Life is their disability advocacy. Back in June, they published an article
Filling the void left by collapsed magazines?
Personally, I can’t help but compare ABC Life to collapsed magazines Cosmopolitan (Australia) and Cleo. While the site doesn’t embrace topics like fashion, as a former Cleo and Cosmo reader, I can see some overlap.
ABC Life, Cosmopolitan (Australia) and Cleo covered relationships, sexuality and work frequently. I guess they were all aiming to attract the same age group.
Media collapses, especially in regional areas
ABC isn’t the only station in Australia that’s facing job losses. Channel 10 have also faced job cuts. Kerri – Anne Kennerly, Natarsha Belling, Tim Bailey and Mike Larkin will reportedly lose their positions. Perth and Brisbane will lose their bulletins. All news will be aired from Sydney or Melbourne.
Albury/ Wodonga have also lost so much of their media over the years, with radio stations, 104.9 Star FM and 105.7 The River being largely broadcast in Melbourne.
I don’t like this at all. Why should Sydney and Melbourne have all the media? Why shouldn’t a young person from Albury or Wodonga have the opportunity to study and work in journalism? La Trobe University only offers Bachelor of Communications and Media in Melbourne.
Is this a chance for independent content creators?
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?
Anyone who has read this blog know that I’m passionate about independent content creators and alternatives to mainstream media. I especially love The Young Turks and Secular Talk from the US.
I would love Australia to have something similar. Will this happen now? I guess only time will tell. I think we need more voices in the media landscape. Will Glycerine Queen Media be a part of it? (hey, I can dream can’t I?).
Personally, I will miss ABC Life when it changes. I might give ABC Local a go, but I’ve got a feeling that the change will be noticeable.
Do you read ABC Life? Do you find it useful or good to read? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.