ABC to launch 24-hour news centre, breakfast program

The ABC’s Managing Director Mark Scott has anounced plans to introduce a number of new digital services to be launched by the end of the year, including three internet television channels – to be later expanded to include a 24 hour news service – and a continuous news production centre (‘CNC’).

The Australian reports that as part of this initiative, the ABC will launch a breakfast news program to fill the gap left by Seven’s Sunrise and Nine’s Today, both of which have moved towards a more ‘soft news’ format. Initial plans include placing cameras in ABC radio studios to allow live ABC2 broadcasting of key interviews from the popular AM and local breakfast programs.

The CNC will allow for the reproduction of existing ABC News video content for use around the clock, on television and online. The new centre will be funded out of the existing ABC budget. “What this demonstrates is the ABC is running its own operation efficiently to take maximum advantage of the money we’ve been given,” Mr Scott said.