Why the ABC must save Lateline

By Michael Lallo
Updated September 23 2014 - 10:08pm, first published 9:11pm
Tony Jones, Lateline co-host plays a key role in setting the political agenda.
Tony Jones, Lateline co-host plays a key role in setting the political agenda.
Lateline co-host Emma Alberici: influence extends beyond nightly audience.
Lateline co-host Emma Alberici: influence extends beyond nightly audience.
Influence extends beyond the nightly audience: <i>Lateline</i> co-host Emma Alberici. Photo: Supplied
Influence extends beyond the nightly audience: <i>Lateline</i> co-host Emma Alberici. Photo: Supplied

Would it really be that terrible if ABC axed Lateline, given it already has a high-quality nightly current affairs program in 7.30? Do we still need state-based weekly versions of 7.30 in the era of 24-hours news? And surely we could stand to lose a few comparatively low-rating radio shows and trim the news bulletins?