ABC drops deal with ‘big super propaganda arm’

Andrew Bragg has welcomed the public broadcaster’s decision to end a commercial arrangement with The New Daily – reportedly worth approximately $60,000 – calling it a “reputational nightmare” that should “never have been signed”. 

“The New Daily is a propaganda arm of Big Super (sic), financed by workers’ superannuation guarantee contributions. This sort of largesse will be illegal if our proposed Your Future Your Super bill passes the Senate,” Mr Bragg said. 

“Why anyone at the ABC thought it was a good idea to get into business with superannuation lobbyists is beyond reason.”

The deal has been a bugbear for Mr Bragg, who had previously threatened to introduce legislation banning it if the ABC didn’t act first. However, a spokesperson for the ABC told ifa that the deal wouldn’t be renewed due to changes The New Daily’s publisher was making to its “business model to state-based websites”.

“On this basis the agreement will not be renewed when it concludes later this year … To this end the ABC is focusing on commercial agreements that extend the ABC’s reach rather than see us competing for the same audience. Increasing our focus on news aggregation sites is particularly relevant given the government’s News Media Bargaining Code,” the spokesperson said.

However, the ABC said that it would continue to enter agreements with third parties provided they align with its legislative obligations and revenue objectives. Regardless, Mr Bragg thanked the ABC for ending the “dreadful deal”, saying “credit where credit is due”.

“Super funds have already wasted $12 million in workers’ retirement savings on The New Daily boondoggle. The end of the deal with the ABC means there will be more money for retirement and less wasted on propaganda,” Mr Bragg said.