The Managing Director of SBS Corporation, Michael Ebeid has rejected speculations of a possible merge between SBS and ABC. At the same time he has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision for a study into the efficiency of the operations of the two public broadcasters.
“SBS welcomes any opportunity to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations and we are looking forward to participating in this study. I have been consulted by the Minister on the Terms of Reference and I’m comfortable with them”, wrote Mr Ebeid to SBS’s employees this week.
“With the announcement of this study as well the Government’s National Commission of Audit, it is likely we will continue to see a lot of commentary and speculation around in the media about our organisation, what may or may not be being considered by the Government or various arguments for and against an ABC/SBS merger. This commentary has of course been running for many years since the mid 1980’s and for those new to SBS, I’d encourage you not to be concerned by it”, Mr Ebeid said.
Furthermore, he emphasised his confidence “in the efficiencies and effectiveness of our operations which are a consequence of a dedicated focus on and culture of delivering outcomes efficiently. As you all know, we at SBS are highly-skilled at delivering more with less”.
Mr Ebeid said that “the Study announced by the Minister and its National Commission of Audit are but the most recent opportunities for SBS to prove its efficiency”.
