ABC strike: Journalists at Australia's public broadcaster strike for first time in 20 years

Hundreds of journalists have walked off the job at Australia's national broadcaster on Wednesday over pay, conditions and the possible use of AI to replace them. It was the first time staff at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have gone on strike in 20 years after a majority of union members rejected a pay offer that was below inflation. Flagship shows such as the 7.30 evening current affairs programme and its breakfast shows on Thursday will not go ahead, with reruns, pre-programmed shows and BBC content to plug the gap. ABC management said the pay offer "reflects the maximum level" the government-funded outlet can "sustainably provide". "Public broadcasting is the hope of the future of journalism," ABC veteran David Marr told the BBC as he walked out with his colleagues, "and it has to keep up with wages... and promise secure futures for those who invest their lives in it." Staff began striking from 11:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on Wednesday and will not return to work for 24 hours, though emergency broadcasting will not be affected. Radio programmes such as Triple J and ABC Classic were expected to have limited live elements and play music only. The ABC employs more t