ABC shop closure will cost jobs. . . and?

ABC Shops to be closed, jobs to go as retailer moves online. . . . . .

OK? Is it just me or does the 'B' in ABC stand for broadcasting? When did the national broadcaster prioritise retailing as another one of their roles/duties? The story goes on . .

The ABC is phasing out its 50 stores around Australia and moving its retail operation online. . . . . Amazing. Who could have possibly seen this coming? But why? This saga continues . .

"Customers are now getting that content through digital downloads and so all our advice is that the shops are now not making money," the ABC's managing director Mark Scott told AM. . . . .

Crack boss our Mr Mark Scott. Perhaps instead on focusing on Q&A and his ideological political point scoring, he should of concentrated on securing the rights to the BBC/ITV content. You know, the type of programs people would want to buy? I digress. .

Ninemsn has a by-line that reads "Walking into an ABC Shop to pick up DVDs of a favourite show or a stuffed Banana in Pyjama will soon be a thing of the past".

When was the last time anyone bought a physical DVD? And a Banana in a Pyjama? Flashback to my wife scolding me at a sticky washing machine for not emptying my onesise's pocket.. A mistake sometimes made when a Stilnox is combined with an empty stomach. Continuing . .

As part of the new digital strategy, the ABC will now review its lease arrangements with landlords to develop a model to focus on digital sales through ABC Shop Online and other commercial retailers such as David Jones. . . . . .

Ah, distribution. It's amazing that someone didn't think of this in the first place before setting up retail outlets. Moving forward . .

Up to 300 staff employed by the ABC's commercial division through ABC Retail were briefed on the decision in a national video hook-up last night.

Great to see the ABC is applying this new digital strategy when issuing pink slips. More . . .

But ABC DVDs, music, books, toys and merchandise will still be available through ABC Shop Online and other retailers. . . . .

Like Netflix, Amazon and video on demand? How cutting edge.

But Peter Ryan laments: The planned closure of ABC Shop properties comes after the national broadcaster suffered $254 million in funding cuts which saw the loss of more than 400 staff.

Perhaps he’s right, maybe it did take a $254 million funding cut for Mark Scott to recognise that closing a business which is losing money and is not core to its’ role may be in the best interest of the organisation under his stewardship.

Astonishing.