ABC Set To Axe Radio National Music Programs In 2017

ABC are set to make a massive round of cuts in 2017, which will reportedly include the axing of all but one of Radio National's music programs. 

According to The Guardian, the music programs will be cut as the network moves towards becoming a talk station.

Among the shows reportedly being axed includes The Live Set (which just this month aired live highlights from Courtney Barnett's Splendour In The Grass set), RN Afternoons and Soundproof. 

Eight Radio National staff are also reportedly set to be let go, which ABC expects to save $3 million and put towards ABC Radio's digital strategy. 

The Guardian has reported that staff will be officially told of the changes this week, with some staff moving to different programs, while others will depart the network altogether. 

The news comes just weeks after ABC managing director, Michelle Guthrie, claimed there were no cuts for Radio National staff or programs on the horizon.

"I can tell you that we are not planning any redundancies on any particular programs at the moment but I will try to reiterate to you that the programming strategy is not static, nor has it ever been, and we will regularly review our program schedules across radio, across television and across our news output," Guthrie said at the time. 

An ABC spokeswoman told The Guardian, "As with every annual commissioning process, there are some changes planned across all networks.

"These changes are aimed at serving our audiences better and attracting broader audiences with engaging, appealing content.

"No final decisions about positions have been made at this stage, just as they had not been made at the last session of the senate estimates committee."

The Music has contacted Radio National for further comment.

update: 

A statement provided by ABC today confirmed the following shows will not return in 2017:

• The Inside Sleeve

• The Live Set  (also broadcasted from Bluesfest this year)

• The Daily Planet  

• The Rhythm Divine  

Radio National's flagship program, The Music Show, will remain.