The ABC has confirmed that more than 400 staff could lose their jobs, with a quarter from the news division, as it prepares for a $254 million federal government funding cut.

The cuts will take place in the next five years.

Along with the closure of radio stations at Wagin, Morwell, Gladstone, Port Augusta and Nowra, there will be changes to ABC Local, while the state versions of the 7.30 Report will be replaced with a national program.

While cost cutting takes place, the ABC has also proposed the creation of a new regional division and is increasing its focus on digital platforms, estimated to cost $20 million.

Charles Sturt University Bathurst journalism lecturer and former ABC journalist Kay Nankervis said although ABC Central West and some regional programming would continue, the quality of news could be affected. 

Ms Nankervis said it was possible that there could be fewer journalists doing more work and it would mean fewer people on the ground bringing an end to “wearing out the shoe leather” style of journalism.

“I think its a tragedy that they are cutting any positions,” Ms Nankervis said.

“I think they will ask stations that remain to cover a wider audience so far more programming is made from a central location.

“It will mean more journalists sitting at desks using social media rather than going out face to face, I think that’s a real tragedy.”

Ms Nankervis said the end of the state based 7.30 Report was also a concern.

“State politics will not be covered in as much depth as it is currently,” she said.

“I think we will see a winding back of investigative reporting at the ABC in NSW.” 

Federal Member for Calare John Cobb was contacted on Monday, following comments made in yesterdays paper that regional services were unlikely to be affected, but he was unavailable.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au