When Canberra audiences tune in to the ABC for their weekly dose of local television current affairs on Friday night, many will do so with a heavy heart.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
After 14 years of covering many of the territory's major issues, from the 2003 bushfires to the often unseen suffering of domestic violence victims, Canberra's 7.30 program will this week come to an end.
The state and territory based versions of the weekly program have been scrapped as part of a national restructure following an announced $50 million cut to the ABC budget over the coming years, resulting in the loss of an estimated 400 jobs around the country.
While the mood in the Northbourne Avenue studio is sombre, staff have decided that rather than dwell on the news they want to go out with a thank you to their loyal audience. Presenter Chris Kimball says the crew is planning a celebration of Canberra storytelling.
"It'll be a story of Canberra in three acts, with a number of special guests looking at different aspects of the city," Kimball said.
"It has been a place of great joy for so many of us to work over the years. We have laughed every day and told stories we care about. (Producer) Patricia Barraclough has guided and mentored so many people through this program. It has been a privilege to be involved in it."
Ms Barraclough, who was instrumental in setting up television news broadcasting for the ABC in Canberra, said the final program, to be presented at the National Arboretum would be a look at Canberra past, present and future. She said the team had resisted the temptation to do a simple "best of" the show.
"We didn't want it to be about us, we wanted it to be a gift for Canberra to finish with. Unlike bigger cities we are much more connected to the audience and they to us. Chris for example is much more likely to run into people at Bunnings who will give him ideas for stories."
While the ABC has said it will fill the void left by the departure of the local program by focusing on more local "special features" as part of its news bulletins, Ms Barraclough said it would be difficult to replace what was about to be lost.
For the show's small team, the future also remains uncertain, with negotiations over their roles with the organisation to continue over the coming weeks.
Kimball said the uncertainty had been tough on all concerned, but at the moment all members of the team were determined to focus on putting out a memorable final program. Editor Damian Porombka has also prepared a special farewell for the closing credits showing off some of the show's most memorable camera work.
While not an official function, the team is looking forward to welcoming family and friends of the program to join them at the arboretum on Friday evening to bid farewell to the local 7.30.
