Consumer affairs television program The Checkout is the latest show to be axed from the ABC after the government cut the national broadcaster’s funding.
The show’s producer Julian Morrow said on Friday that the decision not to fund another series of The Checkout was based on budget cuts and the relatively high cost of making the show.
“It’s true The Checkout’s combination of thorough research and creative ways to present consumer information means it’s not as low cost as some other ABC programs,” Mr Morrow said.
“But the cost of making The Checkout has not increased for two years, and the next series would have cost the same or less.
“The Checkout was also slated for production in the current financial year, before the federal government’s freeze on ABC funding in July 2019.
“We’re disappointed the ABC’s funding priorities do not include The Checkout.”
The news of the show’s cancellation came days after it was a nominee for most popular lifestyle show at July 1’s Logie awards.
Treasurer Scott Morrison slashed funding to the ABC by $84 million in May’s federal budget announcement.
ABC viewers did not hold back in expressing their annoyance on social media.
I'll tell ya what ABC stands for:
Absolutely
Bloody stuffed up in its decision to cancel the
Checkout— Dave (@Mesut_Ausil) July 6, 2018
Another casualty of the Liberal/National Governments ABC budget cuts. The Checkout has been axed from the ABC lineup. https://t.co/iEbHCGxjbQ
— Alan G (@zipperdedoodah) July 6, 2018
This is awful. The Checkout was one of my “must watch” shows. Once again, govt cuts killing the ABC 😢 https://t.co/c0rwbWippM
— David Chilcott (@onepotchef) July 6, 2018
The Checkout, which launched in 2013, aimed to give Australians valuable consumer information in an entertaining way.
It ran for six series and has been axed ahead of production for its seventh.
Mr Morrow explained that the team strived to align themselves with the “core business of a public broadcaster”.
“The line ‘Don’t get ripped off. Watch The Checkout‘ summed up the show’s purpose,” he said.
“A public broadcaster that’s independent of commercial influence is the natural home, and probably the only home, for a show like The Checkout.”
Mr Morrow thanked viewers for their input and support over the years.
“The Checkout was very much a program shaped by information that ABC viewers of all ages sent in,” he said.
“The ripoffs will continue, but unfortunately it seems The Checkout will not.”
The ABC said in a statement that its programs regularly change for a number of reasons, citing the need to “strike a balance between new and returning programs” for audiences.
“Putting The Checkout on hiatus does not preclude the program from returning in the future,” the statement read.
“The ABC has decided not to has decided not to commission a seventh series of The Checkout for 2018-19 at this time.”
