By NOEL MURPHY
THE ABC is about to set up a Geelong multimedia news bureau across radio, TV and social media platforms.
A video-journalist, a producer and technical staff will operate the facility as one of three new regional bureaus, also including Parramatta, in New South Wales, and Ipswich, Queensland.
Federal Government announced the additional Aunty outlets months ago in tandem with a new fact-checking unit and more network reporters, adding about 60 staff and $10 million in funding .
The additional ABC resources come as major news stables News Ltd and Fairfax have been carving back staff levels and pursuing increased online presences.
The new bureaus were to be set up as a matter of urgency but six months later the ABC has begun confirming reporting staff, appointed on 18-month contracts.
The ABC said the new bureaus followed a news gathering review that “repositions the organisation for the challenges of convergence”.
