“Friends of the ABC applauds the ABC's decision to launch a 24-hour television news channel this year,” said David Risstrom, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC (Vic).

“It makes good sense for the ABC to establish a 24/7 TV news channel. The community has come to expect and rely on timely news. Importantly, the ABC can be depended on to provide independent news and analysis.

“But investigating, reporting and analysing news costs money. And while the Rudd Government has delivered extra funds for new ABC services like a children's TV channel, the broadcaster’s existing news services continue to suffer from inadequate resources.

“News and current affairs is an essential service and a key responsibility of the national broadcaster.

“The Rudd Government must increase funding to the national broadcaster so it can deliver quality 24/7 news and current affairs," said David Risstrom.