ABC welcomes ‘funding certainty’ as Morrison government responds to media reform paper

The Morrison government will restore ABC funding to 2018 levels, when Malcolm Turnbull imposed an $84m indexation pause, with the public broadcaster to be given $3.3bn for the next three years.

The communications minister, Paul Fletcher, has also announced SBS will receive $953.7m, including an additional $37.5m in ongoing funding to support its long-term sustainability, as part of the government's response to the media reform green paper.

The triennium funding package includes $45.8m for the ABC's enhanced news gathering program to continue public interest journalism in regional communities.

"We've delivered an increase in funding for both national broadcasters compared to both the 2016-19 and 2019-22 funding period," Fletcher said.

"This funding commitment is designed to provide certainty for both broadcasters and is being announced well in advance of the next funding period to assist the ABC and SBS to develop their forward plans."

While funding remains stable between 2023 and 2026, the government will impose new reporting conditions on both public broadcasters. Statements of expectation will ask them to detail the levels of Australian content, and other key services.

The ABC's managing director David Anderson welcomed what he called "funding certainty".