LOCAL Labor MPs have slammed the federal government over cuts to the ABC and radio station 1233 ABC Newcastle, in particular.
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The radio station will lose a third of its staff before Christmas as it is is downgraded from a metropolitan to a regional station.
The measures will reduce programming, and are the result of the Liberal government's $500 million cut to national broadcasters, Shortland MP Jill Hall said.
"Tony Abbott promised not to cut the ABC before the election, but that's exactly what he's doing now," Ms Hall said.
Member for Charlton, Pat Conroy, said: "ABC 1233 provides vital services, it is a local voice for our community.
"It's not just broadcasting of news and current affairs that will suffer, but also during emergencies."