Williams issues plea for proper funding to keep broadcaster as a bulwark against misinformation and ‘downright lies’

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A funding reduction of $150m each year over the past decade has taken a “very real toll” on the broadcaster’s output – especially in drama, children’s programming, documentaries and regional coverage, ABC chair Kim Williams has told the national press club.

“We stood back for the best part of three or four decades and allowed the ABC to lose one-third of its funding in real terms when its services have been needed more than ever before,” Williams said.