Get ready for the ABC to lose its mind when the Government cuts the high priced and useless Australia Network in the Budget.

The Abbott government is set to scrap the ABC’s Australia Network international broadcasting service in next Tuesday’s budget.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who has oversight of the network, has said there are more cost-effective ways, including social media, to promote Australia abroad.

The ABC gets $223 million from the taxpayer over the term of the contract to run the network – $20+ million a year.

90% of its shows are repeats of existing programming or buy-in shows from commercial TV. For example, here’s a taste of the line up on the Australia Network for today:

The hidden truth is the Australia Network has become a sly, additional income source for the ABC to subsidise other services and indulgences. 

Australia Network money has helped the ABC become a media monolith.

It now operates 5 radio networks, 4 TV channels, and a substantial online news presence, as well as up to 6 additional digital radio channels in capital cities. It's official budget has grown 50% since Labor came to power in 2007.

Like usual, the ABC management is allowing the usual scare tactics – linking this to cuts to regional services. You wait, children’s TV will be next.

 ABC board member and veteran journalist Matt Peacock argues even a small reduction to ABC funding will threaten jobs and lead to cutbacks in regional areas.

The Australia Network has become an embarrassment and an expensive joke. It's meant to promote Australia's diplomatic values into Asia - "soft diplomacy".

Instead it pushes ABC values.