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Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc.quarterly newsletter

April 2009 Vol 17, No.1

friends of the abc

The Budget to behanded down by theRudd Government inMay is of criticalimportance to the ABC,and will determinewhether it retains its

position as a world-renowned publicbroadcaster, free of commercial andpolitical influence, or continues analready discernible slide intomediocrity. ABC funding for the nextthree years is now in the hands ofTreasurer Swan, Finance MinisterTanner and Prime Minister Rudd.

If we accept that public broadcastingshould enable “all Australians to accessbroadcasting services, regardless ofgeography or capacity to pay, to allowthem to participate in society and itsinstitutions,” we must also accept thatthe Australian community andgovernment must be prepared to pay alot more for that public broadcaster. In2004/5, the BBC, a comparablebroadcaster, received $107 per personin the UK – the ABC’s income was$41.40 per Australian.

Funding has been eroding since1986. Australian-produced drama is asmall fraction of 20 years ago.Outsourcing has become a fact of lifeas the ABC has lost the capacity andthe infrastructure to make in-house

update

productions. Four years ago, a KPMGaudit, initiated by the Howardgovernment but never released,recommended an immediate 10%increase in funding if the ABC was tobe able to maintain existing levels ofproduction.

THE COST OF KEEPING PACEWITH THE WORLD

The ABC has very effectivelyembraced the digital revolution inbroadcasting, and leads the world inpodcasting and vodcasting. But thishas happened without majoradditional funding from thegovernment – the money to do thishas been taken from traditionalbroadcasting of radio and television,leaving the ABC with greatlydiminished capacity for in-housetelevision production, and radio unitsrunning on little more than fresh air!

Do we want an ABC which keepscommercial production houses inbusiness by outsourcing, which cannotallow its dwindling specialist units tocover vital issues in depth andbreadth, or denies a Chris Masters theresources to produce another“Moonlight State?” If not, I urge youto contact your local Federal MP. IfLabor, ask that they raise the matter ofABC funding in caucus; if Liberal, that

they use Question Time to pursue theissue.

We acknowledge the work of FABCACT in keeping the ABC high on thepolitical agenda, and several FABCbranches have ensured that their localmembers are active on the case - seeletters from Bob Debus (BlueMountains) and Julie Owens(Parramatta) elsewhere in Update. Wethank Jill Greenwell (ACT FABC) forproviding us with a Guide forProspective Lobbyists.

We also report elsewhere on theenergetic attempts by SkyNews to takeover the Australian Network TVService, through which the ABCcurrently broadcasts into Asia and thePacific, supported by funding from theFederal Department of Foreign Affairs

insideMinister Conroy announces new ABC Board Appointments 3

Adequate funds for the ABC 4

Our MP’s are active on ABC funding 5

Mal Hewitt reports on meeting with ABC Managing Director 6

Branch News 7

Radio National - Religious representatives meet with ABC 10

The Radio National Debate continues 10

The Pay-TV Sharks are circling 14

The price of creative independence at the ABC 15

NSW FABC Submission to Federal Government 17

Personal submission from Quentin Dempster 18

A word from the NSW President - Mal Hewitt

The 2009 Federal Budget

will make orbreak the ABC

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Pockley, Founding Head, ABC Science Unit.

A CHANGING ABC CULTURE

The Radio National problem reflects awidening gap within the ABC betweencreative people who make programs,and management people whodetermine the budgets upon whichthose programs depend. Programmakers of long standing are finding therelentless pressure from managers tocompromise on quality and depth verydebilitating. Traditional ABC values ofprogramming based on merit aredisappearing, and the assets of time,experience and dedicated staff(essential for good programs) are beingsteadily stripped. Long term staff speakof a loss of diversity, and movestowards presenter-led “flow-programming” (such as on 702-typelocal radio), the very antithesis ofbroadcasting of depth, insight andquality. Why? Because it’s muchcheaper to produce.

Many feel that the ABC isincreasingly becoming simply aconduit for funds to the private sector,as more and more programs are“outsourced.” One insider wryly assertsthat “we are getting John Howard’sABC under Kevin Rudd.” QuentinDempster provides further insight intothis changing culture in “The Price ofCreative Independence at the ABC.”

CHRIS MASTERS

Without fanfare or ceremony,characteristic of the man himself,extraordinary investigative journalistChris Masters retired from the ABC atthe end of 2008, after 42 years with thenational broadcaster, 25 of those yearsmaking ground-breaking programs forFour Corners. In 1983, his “Big League”program led to the Street RoyalCommission in NSW, he won a GoldWalkley for his 1985 “FrenchConnections,” exposing theinvolvement of French governmentagents in the bombing of the RainbowWarrior, and in 1987 his “MoonlightState” resulted in the FitzgeraldInquiry, and the end of years ofcorruption in the Queenslandgovernment and police force.

ABC Enterprises commissioned his2006 book on Alan Jones, “Jonestown,”but in an extraordinary intervention bythe ABC Board, on the laughable

and Trade. SkyNews also sees itself asthe appropriate vehicle for a digitalchildren’s channel (no doubt with thegenerous support of McDonalds andCoke!) Another issue to raise with ourpolitical representatives.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVIEWINTO ABC AND SBS

Approximately 2,500 submissionswere received by Minister Conroy – wehope that an outcome is more speedilyarrived at than is the case in some ofthe other government reviews! Thesubmission from NSW FABC isreproduced in this Update, as is asubmission from Quentin Dempster,our “Staff-Elected Director in Exile.”

RADIO NATIONAL

The sweeping changes to the RadioNational program lineup whichproduced such an extraordinary andnegative response from listeners in late2008 are now a fact of life. Sadly, butpredictably, the RN audience is thepoorer as a result of the changes. Wehave lost the breadth and detailedweekly analysis of programs like theReligion Report, the Media Report, TheArk, In Conversation, and none of theexciting new and innovativeprogramming promised bymanagement talking heads seems tohave materialized.

Stephen Crittenden, in the opinionof many the most knowledgeable andexperienced broadcaster on religionanywhere in the world, has been “re-assigned” to Background Briefing,where his specialist knowledge is oflittle use, surely one of the morebizarre examples of the use of skillsand experience by ABC management.

Letter-writers to the ABC on thematter of program changes weregenerally articulate, logical and directin their questions regarding thedecisions which had been made. Theywere insulted by form-letter replies,couched in non-specific management-speak and feel-good generalities. Onesuch letter, from Margaret Cassidy,Head, National Networks, isreproduced in Update, along withAdrienne Shilling’s reply to her(Adrienne is a NSW FABC member),We have also reproduced theincreasingly frustrated series of openletters to Mark Scott from Peter

Update is published four times a year byFriends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. (FABC), PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059.

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The first appointments to the ABC Board underthe Rudd Government’s “arm’s length” method ofboard appointments, allowing nominations frommembers of the public, and a selection processindependent of the government of the day,putting an end, we hope, to the use of the ABCboard by both major parties to provide acomfortable seat for political cronies and mates.

The new appointees are Michael Lynch, mostrecently CEO of London’s South Bank Arts Centre,and academic and author Julianne Schultz. Mr.Lynch is one of our most experienced artsadministrators, having previously headed up theAustralia Council, and was Chief Executive of theSydney Opera House from 1998 to 2002. Dr.Schultz is the founding editor of Griffith Review,building an intellectual conversation aboutAustralia and its place in the world. She was asenior ABC executive under both Brian Johns andJonathan Shier, and was a co-chair of the 2020Summit in 2008.

Minister Conroy is committed to amending theABC Act to enshrine the Nolan Rules on boardappointments, as well as the restoration of thestaff-elected director position.

grounds that publication “wouldalmost certainly result in commercialloss,” publication was stopped. Allenand Unwin were more than happy topublish, no doubt enjoying a verysubstantial profit from the venture!

In 2007, Chris Masters received theQueensland Premier’s Literary Award.

He was an honoured guest at aforum held by Blue Mountains FABC,but we were concerned to hear himsay that programs like “Moonlight

State” could not be produced bytoday’s ABC – there is simply not thebudget to provide the resources ofstaff and time that were available in1987 for such investigative reporting.

Friends of the ABC wish Chris along and happy retirement. He hasserved the ABC, the Australian public,and quality journalism with greatdistinction.

Which brings us right back to the2009 Federal Budget, and itsimportance to the future of our ABC.

Act now, please.

Mal Hewitt

President, NSW FABC.

Minister Conroy announces new ABC Board Appointments

Julianne Schultz

Michael Lynch

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This May Budget will reveal theABC's funding for the next three

years

The film and television industry islobbying, Mark Scott is lobbying, theMinister for Communications islobbying, FABC is lobbying….

The Minister lobbying? Isn't he theone in charge of the ABC?

Yes, Stephen Conroy, as Minister forCommunications is the Minister incharge of the ABC, and what arefreshing change to have a Ministerwho champions the ABC. But he

doesn't hold the purse strings. TheTreasurer, Wayne Swan, the Ministerfor Finance Lindsay Tanner (a formerShadow Minister forCommunications), Prime MinisterKevin Rudd, and Deputy PrimeMinister and Minister for Education,Julia Gillard are the critical players inthe Cabinet Expenditure Review

Committee which is currentlycrunching the numbers for theBudget.

And of course the big worry is thatin the current financial crisis the ABCwill lose out.

What funding promises did thisgovernment make before the 2007election? Encouraging but vaguepromises of "adequate funding"; 100hours of Australian drama per annum.Enough wriggle room in harsheconomic times.

The TV industry claims (SMH 11March 2009) that jobs would begenerated, not just in the ABC, but inthe film and television industrygenerally and in flow-on industries, ifthe ABC were funded now to producethe promised 100 hours of Australiandrama each year. Film production is alabour-intensive industry; the ScreenProducers Association estimates that ifthe Government increased spendingon ABC productions from the current30 hours to 90 hours a year it wouldcreate an extra 2500 jobs and generate$80million worth of economicactivity.

ABC Managing Director Mark Scottmade a similar point on AM on 12March: funding to increase the levelof Australian content "will trigger

jobs. It has a significant multipliereffect". He went to say that extrafunds to the ABC "makes goodeconomic sense as well as good sensefor the Australian community".

The ABC's enormous value to thecommunity was emphasised byStephen Conroy (11 March, whenopening ABC Showcase at ParliamentHouse):

“The ABC plays a vital role ensuringAustralians are well connected intimes of crisis.

ABC Radio in particular, is a virtuallifeline to communities faced with anemergency situation and itsaftermath.”

This was never more clearlydemonstrated than during lastmonth's devastating Victorianbushfires, when the ABC took on therole of official emergency servicesbroadcaster for affected areas acrossthe state.

'The ABC is seriouslyunderfunded…

‘If the ABC doesn't get more funds itis going to lag the rest of the mediaindustry in this country and the ABCshould be the champion of the digitalworld’ (Stephen Conroy, December 08)

But is the ABC to be starved of fundsyet again?

It's not easy to get to the holders ofthe purse strings. It's even less easy ifyou're not in their electorate. Howeverwhat we can all do is write to our ownlocal Member of Parliament asking ifshe or he will write or speak on yourbehalf to the Treasurer, the Ministerfor Finance, the Minister forEducation (who has an interest inchildren's television you'd think).

Don't leave it to the Minister aloneto plead in Cabinet. Join the lobbyingyourself. Be a Friend in need!

Jill Greenwell

Convenor ParliamentaryLobby Group (ACT & RegionFABC)

Check out our Website!• Want information on the

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ADEQUATE FUNDS FOR THE ABC: EVERYBODY'S LOBBYING…

ABC Radio in particular, is a virtual lifeline to

communities faced with an emergency situation

and its aftermath.

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LETTERS OF NOTE

6 March 2009

To Mr Bob Debus MP

Minister for Home AffairsRe ABC Funding

Mr Debus,

I understand that the level offunding for the ABC for the nextthree years, is shortly to be decided.

I know that the economy is in poorshape, but an independent ABC, freeof comercial influences, as aninformation source is essential to themaintenance of democracy. What isneeded is an increase to rectify thevandalism of the Howard years, but ifthat cannot be, then the least whichshould be sought is the maintenancein real terms, of the current level offunding.

I request that you ensure thathopefully the former result, or if thatcannot be, then the latter, regardingABC funding is the decision reachedon funding.

Mr Barry Smythe

31 March 2009

The Hon. Wayne Swan

TreasurerParliament HousePO Box 622CANBERRA ACT 2600Test

Dear Treasurer,

I am writing in support of increasedfunding for the ABC.

The ABC is known for its strongcommitment to Australianproductions. Increased funding

Will not only enhance the skillsbase and talent in the entertainmentand communications industry, butalso create jobs and businessopportunities with the potential ofmore Australian Television beingbroadcast on shore and overseas.

The ABC’s proposal of a children’stelevision channel will increase jobsand enrich entertainment for the nextgeneration.

The rise of digital media means thattelevision needs to diversify andcontinuously push at the boundaries.The ABC needs the capacity to ensurethat it is a viable competitor in newmedia.

Many programs on the ABC havebecome icons of Australian television.Increased funding will mean that thiswill remain the case for futuregenerations, and that more initiativeswill be developed to inform andentertain Australians.

Thank you foryour considerationof this matter andmy support.

Yours sincerely,

Julie Owens MPFederal Memberfor Parramatta

Cc: The Hon. Lindsay Tanner MP

Minister for Finance and Deregulation

Sen. the Hon. Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband,Communication and the DigitalEconomy.

Response from Bob Debus (Member forBlue Mountains) to representations fromFABC member Barry Smythe

Thank you for your recent emails.

In regard to Federal Governmentfunding of the ABC, I am pleased tosay that the Government iscommitted to adequately funding theABC/SBS to enable them to provideAustralians high-quality broadcastingservices, free from political andcommercial interference.

The Australian Government iscommitted to ensuring that the

national broadcasters are well placedto continue to meet the needs of theAustralian public. The Governmentrecognises the role of publicbroadcasting to provide equitableand widely available access toinformative and comprehensiveprogramming, including news andinformation.

That's why during the election, theGovernment committed toadequately fund the ABC and the SBS.However, the effects of 12 years ofcuts to our national broadcasters bythe previous Government areobvious.

The Rudd Government is currentlyconsidering submissions fromABC/SBS in Triennial Funding Reviewprocess - this will feed into the 2009-10 Budget. It is also consideringsubmissions in response to thediscussion paper - ABC and SBS:Towards a digital future - closed on12 December 2008, including on theprovision of international services.More than 2,400 submissions werereceived.

You might also be aware that in anearlier role, I worked for ABC NationalRadio, and helped establish the LifeMatters Program. Recently I have metwith the NSW State Director of theABC to discuss the ABC's triennialfunding arrangements. Last week,representatives of the ScreenProducers Association of Australiadiscussed their concerns here inParliament House about issuesrelating to Australian drama content,and the massivedecline inrequirements onour nationalbroadcasters (Theyindicated thatunder the HowardGovernment,Australian dramacontent fell from 100 hours (in themid 1990s) to just 7 hours in 2005).

Best,

Bob Debus MP

OUR MP’S ARE ACTIVE ON ABC FUNDING

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As FABC NSW President I attendedan informative meeting with

Mark Scott at the ABC Ultimopremises on 18 February 2009,accompanied by our SecretaryTreasurer James Buchanan. Mark washelpfully direct and to the point, evenwhere matters of difference continuedto exist. We had 40 minutes, and thetopics discussed are summarised asfollows:

ABC Funding

ABC submissions for the forthcomingMay 2009 Federal Budget, whichmarks the start of a new fundingtriennium for the ABC, focus onthree main funding areas:

(1) New initiatives including adedicated children's channel andAustralian content drama anddocumentaries,

(2) Recurrent funding for existingoperations to be restored to workablelevels, and

(3) Money for digital broadcastingand related facilities.

All of these are important, andbecause they are in the hands of theTreasurer and Finance Minister at atime of global financial stringency,FABC members should make urgentefforts to lobby the Government toprovide adequate funding,particularly the recurrent fundingupon which the ABC depends for dayto day operations.

ABC and SBS

In terms of the recent ministerialenquiry, Mark does not anticipate amerger between ABC and SBS andthinks that it is unlikely, exceptperhaps for the amalgamation ofsome background administrativefunctions.

Content for a Children'sChannel

In the event that a dedicatedchildren's channel were funded, Markwould aim for 50% Australiancontent, but anticipates that thattarget might take some time toachieve.

Outsourcing of TV production

We discussed recent reduction of some35 ABC staff positions in the area ofABC TV "in-house production", whichMark defended strongly on the groundsof efficiency, in order to avoid thesignificant cost of retaining staff duringdown times between productions.Whilst this makes financial sense, westressed the need to maintain standardsand quality of content. Mark isconvinced that quality will not suffer,pointing to recent "outsourced"successes like Enough Rope and TheChaser. Whilst this area remainscontroversial, I personally feel that thisis an area where the clock will not beturned back.

Radio National - continuingpoints of disagreement

Our discussion of recent changes tothe programming of Radio Nationalwere frank but did not produce theresponses we wanted to hear. Marksaid that the money for mounting RNcontent online must come fromwithin the RN budget, but otherwisethere has been no attempt to cut theRN budget. He strongly maintainedthat the dropping of The ReligionReport, along with eight otherprograms is part of a long standingreview process with many precedents,and that Religion will be adequatelycovered in other areas, including"Background Briefing". There was no

sign that the ABC will reverse theprogramming decisions recentlymade, and Mark was either unwillingor unable to react to our expressedconcern that recent changes haveprovoked an unusually strongreaction amongst listeners, or thatthe ABC stands to gain from a moreconsultative approach.

At the same time Mark respondedpositively to address our concernthat there may be a progressivedisbanding of specialist units withinRadio National. For instance, he sayshe has been in periodic informalconversations with Robyn Williams,and they are both in strongagreement on the need for science tocontinue as a specialist area, bothnow and into the future.

Overall maintenance of contentquality

In response to our expressed concernthat the current and largelyproductive emphasis ontechnological change and newmethods of content delivery mightonly be achieved at the expense ofcontent quality, Mark appeared to behighly committed to themaintenance of quality andstandards, and clearly regards qualityof output as a major strength. Wehope this proves to be so, and timewill tell.

Mark Scot

Mal Hewitt reports onhis meeting with ABCManaging Director Mark Scott

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Excessive Self-Advertising onABCTV

I am well aware that many of ourmembers feel strongly about theincreased prevalence or ABC TVself-advertising of upcomingprograms and product sold by ABCshops. This can be an irritant, butthere is no evidence that it isintended to "soften up" theaudience to accept externally paidadvertising. We did not raise it as apriority with Mark, due to timeconstraints but also because it is asymptom of changing media normsand is defended by the ABC on thegrounds of achieving a synergybetween their programs and theirpublic profile and the visualpresence of ABC Shops.

Public Broadcasting and theBig Picture

I would like to think that in termsof maintaining the presence of"public broadcasting" in thiscountry, Australia is a world leader,and that we in the Friends of theABC can take comfort in the verypositive contribution of the ABC tothe creation and maintenance of acohesive and distinctive Australianculture over vast distances for some77 years. Our ongoing challenge isto ensure that the ABC continues toreceive sufficient funding fromgovernment so that it can continueto do so for succeeding generations.

Anyone who has visited theUnited States in recent times willhave noticed a deplorable absenceof public interest (as opposed tocommercial domination) inbroadcast and cable deliveredcontent - epitomised by the socalled "fair and balanced" output ofone definitely unbalanced majornetwork.

Future dialogue with the ABC

I look forward to a continuedcritical but cordial dialogue withABC management in the interestsof maintaining effective publicbroadcasting. Together with theFABC NSW Committee, I believethat the most effective approach isto communicate from "within thetent" wherever possible.

Cowper

At the beginning of December last,FABC Cowper had a Xmas gatheringat the farm of our President. Thiswonderful setting, nestled in the hillsoutside Bowraville, was ideal for ourfinal meeting of the year where wewere able to socialize and relax on theverandah and under the huge hooppine tree for drinks and lunch. Tonyand Jo have opened their home to uson a previous occasion and, knowingtheir great hospitality, there was notrouble getting members to attendeven though it was very busy periodof the year. Our sincere thanks go tothem for their generosity.

Following lunch, Tony outlinedwhat had been happening with theABC regarding changes to RadioNational, which was very high on theagenda at that time. We wereunhappy with the form letters thatwe had received from ABCManagement, which did not addressour concerns, leaving us with theimpression that programs were beingdumbed down for the sake of anincrease in audience numbers, withspecialist programs like the ReligionReport, the Media Report and 7others, being removed to make wayfor light weight programs likeMovietime with its film reviews andinterviews .

Into the New Year we are still notimpressed with the program changesbut our concerns do not appear toworry ABC management, who havetheir own agenda. Their movementinto new online technology has beenimpressive but it appears to be doneat the expense of program quality andwith younger viewers in mind, asthere has been no extra funding toallow for these new developments. Ifprograms deteriorate however, who isgoing to be bothered downloadingthem? An increase in funding fromthe Government would assist in thismatter but, at this stage of the“financial crisis”, can we expect muchextra assistance for the ABC, despitetheir pre-election promise that theABC would be “adequately funded”?They have so far failed to fulfil theirpromise to reinstate the staff-electedDirector to the Board or fill vacancieson the Board, both of which couldhave been done immediately at verylittle cost. It appears that the ABC isvery low on the Government’s radar,and that the Board and Managementappointed by the HowardGovernment will continue with theirpolicy of reducing the impact of theABC.

We will be discussing at our nextcommittee meeting our real concerns

Branch News

Secretary Joyce Gardener making a point.L to R: Lyn & Noel Walsh,Joyce Gardner, Tony

Waugh President.

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with the upcoming (2010) review ofthe ABCs Australian Televisioncontract from the Department ofForeign Affairs and Trade. The ABCreceives $20m from DFAT toprovide an international televisionservice into Asia and the Pacific.

News Ltd, through Sky News,desperately wants to take over thecontract. We are very aware of the‘bias’ and ‘agenda’ reporting thatappears in New Ltd’s publicationsand media. We have seen beforehow government ‘gutted’ RadioAustralia, thus eroding the voice ofAustralia throughout our region andthe world. What news and currentaffairs that comes out of Australiamust be impartial. Over 85% ofAustralians ‘trust the ABC’. Weshould never allow News Ltd tospeak on behalf of Australia!

See here:www.crikey.com.au/Politics/20090306-Nothing-quite-as-it-seems-with-News-and-ABC-International.html

We also want to progress withCowper’s motion that was passedunanimously at the StateConference in 08 to form a PeakBody. If we, as Friends of the ABC,are going to support the ABC wemust speak with one voice. Thatvoice must be strong and clear. Itmust represent ALL states. It mustbe the place where all turn to,especially government and media,to get the authorized position ofFriends of the ABC. We havelimited resources so we must

concentrate these into one ‘peakbody’.

Martin Miller, Vice-President, Cowper Branch

Blue MountainsCHRIS MASTERS MEETS BLUEMOUNTAINS FABC

On Saturday 15th November, wellknown journalist and televisionpresenter Chris Masters addressed avery enthusiastic group of local ABCsupporters at the Wentworth FallsSchool of Arts. Chris talked of hiscareer in journalism, mentioning thatearly in his job he realized that if youare a good journalist a sense ofresponsibility to the truth and thecommunity emerges in your work. Hefeels it is important not to exploitstories but to use them for the publicgood and benefit. From his mother,author Olga Masters, he learned thatthe best stories come from the humanheart.

Chris talked of his early career inregional centres and feels he learned

many of the skills of his craft in thecountry. His ten years learning in therural arena gave him the confidenceto be sceptical, and ask the difficultquestions. He realized the power ofthe reporter to connect with societyfor the real public good. Two of hismost influential reports were The BigLeague, an expose of some of thebehind the scenes activities in theworld of Rugby League and one onthe sinking of the Rainbow Warrior.He says there were more resources totackle the big stories in the 80's thanthere are now. However, he ended ona positive note and thinks the futureof the ABC and quality journalism islooking bright with a number of verygood young journalists emerging.

Pam Fitzpatrick (Friends of the ABC,Blue Mountains Publicity Officer)

IllawarraAn Illawarra Christmas

On December 5, the Illawarra branchof the Friends of the ABC held theirannual Christmas party at the localAboriginal Centre. Our special guestwas Nick Rheinberger from local ABCradio who gave a most entertainingtalk on events in his life which ledhim to his present job. He began bypointing out that most people aregenerally surprised when a radiopresenter with whom they have longbeen familiar appears before them inthe flesh. Radio, even more thantelevision, is a very visual mediumand listeners usually prefer thepictures they have formed in theirown minds. Nick’s suggestion – notentirely serious – was that radioannouncers should perhaps appear inpublic wearing balaclavas to avoiddisappointing their audience. On air,he believes they should follow advicehe was once given by Robin Williams,and, above all, “Be Interesting!”

Nick’s wide-ranging and variedcareer has gone from performing inchildhood with his parents innumerous theatrical entertainments,to enrolling in a science degree at theUniversity of Tasmania, where he wasdistracted from his studies bymembership of the student dramaticsociety, to joining a barbershopquartet called “the pickled herring”and touring with a band of

Chris Masters

Tony Waugh discusses issues with some ofthose present.

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professional buskers. He eventuallyfound employment with the ABC as acomedy writer for both radio andtelevision, contributing to such showsas Back Berner and Good News Week.Having long abandoned his proposedcareer as an actuary, Nick now hoststhe Morning Show of ABC radio inWollongong. He is also a musicianwho participates in the folkmovement and further displayed hisversatility by performing for theFriends on two different instruments.One was a Bolivian charango,resembling a ukulele, and the otherwas a dobro (or resonator guitar)made from Australian galvanized ironon which he played and sang acomposition of his own.

We ended the proceedings with asumptuous afternoon tea comprisingsandwiches, Christmas cake and avariety of slices, most of it providedand baked by members of thecommittee. The entire occasionproved an enjoyable and successfulconclusion to a busy year and we aremost grateful to Nick for giving histime to come and talk to us.

Dorothy Jones.

Northern RiversThe ABC in a Digital Age

On Thursday 19 March at the LismoreWorkers Club, ABC Local RadioOnline Editor, Richard Johnsonaddressed a meeting of the NorthernRivers Friends of the ABC. Richardwas assisted by John Atkins who isonline editor for the ABC Northern

Rivers station. Richard used onlinefacilities to explain how newtechnologies are enhancing thetraditional offerings of ABC radio andtelevision. A dozen or so membersenjoyed the presentation provided byRichard and John, providing feedbackon their own uses of online services.

In introducing the presentation,Branch President Neville Jenningssaid: "We have recently witnessed anoutstanding effort by ABC Local Radiostations during the floods inQueensland and NSW and bushfiresin Victoria. While we value thetraditional radio and televisionservices of the ABC, we sometimesdon't realise the extent to which theABC has expanded its online anddigital capabilities. We welcome toopportunity to hear from RichardJohnson who is based in Lismore andplays a key role in enhancing thelocal ABC radio services acrossAustralia."

Mr Jennings went on to say that

"many traditional users of the ABCnetwork are unaware of the speedwith which the ABC is entering thedigital, online world. Those whonumber themselves amongst the'Phillip Adams poddies' or thosewho regularly access ABC Fora andiView may wish to share theirknowledge of the new technologiesbeing provided by the nationalbroadcaster."

Branch members were particularlyinterested in what Richard had tosay about the opportunities affordedby iView and the ways in whichABC Local stations are using newmedia to enhance their offerings.Particular emphasis was placed onABC Contribute which is a socialnetworking service provided by localABC stations and monitoredthrough reactive, communitymoderation.

Richard also talked about hyper-local delivery whereby the ABC hadset up local transmitters in disaster-ravaged towns like Innisfail andKinglake so that people couldrebuild their communities through alocal radio link and a dedicated website.

Northern Rivers FABC branchmembers are looking forward to twoupcoming events: The InternationalPhilosophy, Science and PhilosophyFestival in Grafton on 27 June till 1July and the Byron Bay Writers’Festival on 7-9 August.

Neville Jennings, President, NorthernRivers FABC

Richard Johnson addressed a meeting ofthe Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC.

Nick Rheinberger performing with his dobro.

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On Friday 6 February 2009representatives of the UnitingChurch, the National Council ofChurches in Australia, theAustralian Catholic Bishop'sConference, the ExecutiveCouncil of Australian Jewry andthe Anglican General Synod, metwith Mark Scott the ManagingDirector of the ABC, to discussreligious broadcasts on the ABC.

The faith leaders requested that:

1. the ABC maintain a religiousprogram unit, with appropriatestaff, editorial and budgetresources;

2. there be a return to the broadcastschedule of a dedicated religiouscurrent affairs program along thelines of The Religion Report underthe editorial control of the religionunit; and

3. specialist religious journalistscontinue to be employed andsupported by the ABC.

Mr Scott told the faith leaders thatthe ABC had no plans to scrap thereligion unit or to scrap specialisationin reporting, but that it proposed tocontinue to modify programmes,noting that in the past the ReligionReport has been removed from thebroadcasting schedule and broughtback when appropriate.

He noted that in addition to otherprogramming slots, religion willfeature in Background Briefing whichwill reach a broader audience andallow for in-depth reporting. He alsoreferred to the ABC's plans for futurespecialisation which will manifestitself in different ways, such as aportal on religion (archival records,research, old programs, transcripts)and program choices, looking at thebest way to use all available time slots.

Mr Scott assured the faith leadersthat the effects of the religiousprogramming decisions made late lastyear are being considered within thereview of radio currently underway.

The appointment of a new head ofradio in mid-2009 will be ofsignificance to the review. The reviewwill provide scope to better articulatequestions on specialties, digital mediaand rural broadcasting.

The faith leaders and Mr Scottagreed that 2009 will provide asuitable period to monitor and reviewthe impact of the recent changeswhich will remain on the ABC'sagenda and that the concernsexpressed could be discussed furtherafter that monitoring period.

Contacts for further comment:

Anglican - Martin Drevikovsky,contact via Darrin Davies 07 3835 2210 or 0420 970 605

Catholic - Fr Brian Lucas, 0419 243 959

Jewish - Robert Goot, 02 9360 1600

Uniting - Rev. Gregor Henderson,contact via Penny Monger 0417 416 674.

Radio National - Religious representatives meet with ABC

The following is written by FABC memberAdrienne Shilling in response to a letterfrom the ABC. Adrienne's original lettersto Mark Scott and Sue Howard werewritten following the standing down ofStephen Crittenden, former broadcaster ofthe now decommissioned RN programThe Religion Report.

OPEN LETTER TO THE ABC

GIVE US BACK OUR HIGHQUALITY RADIO NATIONALPROGRAMS ON AIR

Dear Ms Cassidy,

Thank you for your letter of 16March, received some five monthsafter I first wrote to Mark Scott andSue Howard.

To say that I am disappointed withthe quality of your response is

something of an understatement,having waited so long to receive it.

Specifically, I make comments onthe following points raised in yourletter:

Stephen Crittenden

I find it hard to understand why theprocess surrounding the standing-down of Mr Crittenden cannot bemade public. If it was punishmentfor his on-air announcement that theReligion Report was being axed in2009, along with other programs, andthat such action would 'condemnRadio National to even greaterirrelevance' then why not say so?Surely it is possible to provide us withan outline of the "charges" against MrCrittenden and the process by whichhis behaviour was assessed. Was itfair and transparent, and who

conducted it - Radio Nationalmanagement, the Board, or others?After all, as shareholders in thepublicly-owned, publicly-funded ABC,do we not have a right to know?

The demise of The Religion Reportand other flagship programs

You justify removal of the ReligionReport - along with the Media Report,The Sports Factor, In Conversationand Radio Eye - by stating that theABC "feels that these changes meetthe needs of the majority of ouraudience". How can the ABC say thatit knows what the RN audience needsor wants? Where is the evidence, andcould we see it please? From what Ihear among fellow listeners, there isample evidence to suggest that themajority of your RN audience isbegging for the reinstatement of theseprograms and their presenters.

THE RADIO NATIONAL DEBATE CONTINUES

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With regard to your comment thatyou took into account "audiencefeedback", I would be very surprised ifthis feedback indicated that listenersdid not wish to continue hearing theabovenamed programs and wouldwant them axed. The ABC's onlinesurvey conducted last year, whichyour announcers exhorted us all tocomplete by bombarding the airwavesdaily, had nothing to do withprogram content and listenerpreferences. Rather, it focussed solelyon delivery method and was biased infavour of online and podcasting. So,was there some other form of surveythe RN listeners didn't hear about?

It seems to be a non-sequitur whenyou state that the ABC "thinks there'sa need for more original contentrelating to religion on ABC Online".But hang on a minute - the ReligionReport always presented originalcontent (as have the other flagshipprograms including some nowdecommissioned), so what's changed?

You say in your letter that RN'slisteners wish to "broaden theirexperience with trusted, thought-provoking and sometimes riskycontent". Quite so - we do want that,but the axed programs were alreadyproviding such content, as docontinuing long-time programs suchas The Health Report and The LawReport - content easily transferablefrom radio to online and podcasting.

Contrary to your claims, it's moreaccurate to say that the RN audiencewants more on-air, specialist programs(including about education and theenvironment) - not fewer. In tryingto force more listeners to accessprograms direct online, why is theABC is so willing to alienate its veryloyal, discerning RN audience? Iunderstand in today's world that theABC needs to be innovative withtechnological development. However,it makes no sense whatever to removeor generalise programs when, in ahighly complex and complicatedworld, people need more thought-provoking, challenging, analyticalprograms that take listeners to placeswe've not previously been.

As a former broadcaster of theMedia Report, Andrew Dodd, sosuccinctly put it "...It is the live-to-air broadcasting of RN's programs thatgive them the critical mass and the

relevance they need to prosper online". Some of us simply prefer to takein our ideas via the more immediate,intimate medium of radio, then ifnecessary go to the program online ordownload it to podcast. We just don'twant to spend our days sitting in frontof the computer. This goes for many ofthe younger audience also.

So Ms Cassidy, here's the message forABC management: give us back ourhigh quality, specialist programs - onair.

Yours sincerely,

Adrienne Shilling

ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio and Regional ContentABC Ultimo Centre700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007

16 March 2009

Dear Ms Shilling,

Thank you for your email of 11February to Lisa Taylor following up aresponse to an earlier contact of 23October to Director of Radio SueHoward, who has since left the ABC.According to our records, the ABCreceived another contact from youabout the changes to the RadioNational schedule in 2009. SueHoward's office had forwarded yourletter through to Radio National withthe intention that a single response besent to you on behalf of the ABC.Regrettably, it appears that a responsewas not forwarded and for this Iapologise sincerely and will nowattempt to address your concernsincluding those from your originalletter.

In your letter of 23 October youraised two major issues of concern -treatment of Stephen Crittenden, andthe decommissioning of The ReligionReport. In relation to the first, while Iunderstand that you have concernsabout the treatment of StephenCrittenden, this matter was the subjectof an internal investigation underwhich the parties were bound byconfidentiality. While the ABC cannotprovide any specifics on the matter, Ican confirm that Stephen Crittendenhas returned to work in RadioNational.

While we regret that you areunhappy with the decommissioningof The Religion Report, we feel thatthese changes meet the needs of themajority of our audience. As I trustyou can understand, with such adiversity of interests and tastes, it isimpossible to meet the expectationsof all of our audience all of the time.

The changes to the 2009 schedulewere not made lightly and involvedconsiderable discussion within theRadio National network, taking intoaccount audience feedback and needsgathered over some time. Weunderstand that change can bedifficult for audiences but genuinelybelieve that the Radio Nationalschedule in 2009 retains thefundamental foundation of thenetwork to deliver exceptional qualityand distinctive content to its diverseaudience. As you know, the networkhas a strong and passionate followingand it must evolve to meet theirdifferent needs.

We acknowledge that there hasbeen concern about these changes.The changes have become necessaryas ABC Radio National looks to thefuture to ensure that its radio line-upis focused not just on traditionalcontent genres but on contemporaryintellectual discourse in Australia andworldwide. The changes in 2009 aimto refresh and revitalise RadioNational's programming by offeringnew and more relevant programs toits audience. Specifically, thisincludes a new report on Thursdayscalled Future Tense, which analysestrends and predictions arising fromchanges across science, religion, art,economics and technology.

The ABC has recognised for sometime the need for more originalcontent relating to religion on ABCOnline. The limited amount ofcontent relating to the impact ofreligion and beliefs on contemporaryAustralian society that has beenincluded on the ABC's "Unleashed"site has received a very positiveresponses from audiences. RadioNational is keen to develop morecontent relating to religion in thisarea and a new online site providing agateway for all religious content onthe ABC is under development.

We are confident that these changeswill make Radio National's distinctive,

presenters and producers for theclearly outstanding jobs they havedone for the ABC and their nationalaudiences over the years. For example,it sticks out that none of the formletters or public statements makes anymention of Mr Stephen Crittenden, anoriginal, thoughtful and exceptionallywell-informed interviewer. If thisfailure has been on legal advice, thenyou should state as much.

Significant Critics

It is clear that you have been poorlylet down by the entirely predictablereaction from audiences andrepresentative bodies (e.g. thecollective Catholic Bishops and theAnglican Primate with regard to theaxing of The Religion Report). If youdid have any prior support for thechanges (e.g. persistent complaintsabout program content) you should bedeclaring these openly, together withany remedial action you may haveinstituted with the staff membersconcerned.

While the axing of “The ReligionReport” attracted much of the firstburst of criticism, the equivalent fatesof “The Media Report”, “The SportsFactor”, “In Conversation” and othershave escalated the issues into broaderissues of support for specialised unitsand programs.

Critiques Demanding Answers

I now draw your attention to some ofthe major analyses and critiques of theissues raised by your decisions overRN’s schedule for 2009. Each of thesewarranted a comprehensive responsefrom the ABC, but the silence fromyour organisation is giving theimpression that either you havenothing to say or you have decided tohunker down in hope that “it will allgo away”.

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blacken your history as Editor-in-Chiefof ABC programs. Failure to do sowould compromise your pitch togovernment for providing substantialincreases in triennial funding, followingthe ideology-driven attacks on the ABCfrom the former government,beginning with its punitive strike in itsfirst (1996) Budget. The ABC is stillsuffering from this. You should bewelcoming and harnessing, notrejecting, the enthusiastic support forRN’s specialist programs.

Responding to the Issues

I urge you to take a realistic secondlook at the “form letters” which havebeen sent over your name and thoseof middle “managers” tocomplainants. These letters (virtuallyidentical between “authors” andhence the work of internal memo-writers) simply fail to address thedeep issues raised by correspondentsand in media coverage. All we have isan anodyne news release confirmingthe changes, citing not a shred ofevidence that your managers hadcarefully surveyed the currentaudiences and contributors to thespecialist programs being axed.

Losing Great Programs andPresenters

These programs have added lustre andvariety to such a gem of a timeslot as8.30 – 9.00 am weekdays. From anysurvey you could only conclude that asignificant section of your erstwhilesupport would be outraged. As seniormanager, you should be ashamed ofthe pathetic standards of middlemanagers in the manner of theirabrupt announcement of the changesto the staff affected and to the public.

There has been not a word ofappreciation, commendation orcongratulations to the outgoing

UPDATE reproduces thefollowing three open lettersfrom Dr. Peter Pockley to MarkScott so that the membership isaware of the lengths to whichsome were prepared to go inorder to engage ABCmanagement in some kind ofdialogue regarding the changesto Radio National programming.Unfortunately, the replyreceived from Mark Scott to oneof Dr. Pockley’s letter was notfor general publication.

7 December 2008

An Open Letter to:Mr Mark ScottManaging Director ABC

Dear Mr Scott,

REVERSING MAJOR CHANGESTO ABC RADIO NATIONAL

As a key authority established for thepublic good, the ABC should bewelcoming the copious evidence froma flood of direct submissions and acontinuing stream of items in otherpublic media that the Radio Nationalnetwork has a significant and diversebody prepared to declare their supportfor the network as it is. The ABCcontinues to encourage members ofits audience to “Have Your Say!” butthis call has a hollow ring for as longas there is no indication from“management” that the slightestnotice has been taken of the calls forreversal of the clearly misguideddecision to axe nine programs fromthe 2009 schedule.

Welcoming Support

It will be a national tragedy if thesechanges and the outright rejection ofthe flood of calls for reversal were to

high-quality content available to aburgeoning online audience - anaudience which is identical to RadioNational's listeners in wanting tomake sense of the world and broadentheir experience with trusted, thoughtprovoking and sometimes riskycontent. However, this newaudience's interaction with media ismuch more likely to be via theinternet and to reach them Radio

National must improve its onlinepresence, ensuring that this audience'sbandwidth is as richly populated asRadio National's airwaves.

The changes in 2009 whichcommenced in late January areenabling Radio National to carryspecialist coverage into the onlinespace including improved radio featurematerials, arts content and religion.

Again, I would like to apologise that

you did not receive a response to yourconcerns earlier.

I do hope that you continue to tunein to ABC Radio National, and theenjoy the rich diversity of content wehave on offer.

Yours sincerely,

Margaret CassidyHead National Networks

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• “Update” newsletter of Friends ofthe ABC (NSW), December 2008:“Aunty gets it wrong again – badly”,18 pages of criticism from Friendsand much of what has appeared inmainstream press.

• Paul Collins, former specialist editor,Religion, ABC: “God Help us!”;Crikey, 15 October.

• Andrew Dodd, Founding presenterof The Media Report: “The dumbingdown of Radio National” [on TheMedia Report]; Crikey, 16 October.

• Senate questions ABC axing ofReligion Report; Hansard, 16October.

• Kelly Burke: “ABC radio cuts draw areligious sermon”; Sydney MorningHerald, 22 October.

• Peter Pockley, Founding Head ofABC Science Unit: “ABC needsvigorous discussions, not webofferings”; “First Word” letter,Sydney Morning Herald, 23 October.

• Jill Greenwell, “Radio NationalUnder Threat”, Update (FABC NSW);December

• Robert Manne: “New Teeth forAunty – Reinvigorating the NationalBroadcaster”; Talk to Friends of theABC, The Monthly magazine,December 2007 – January 2008.

• Media Watch, ABC TV, 27 October.

• Christopher Pearson: “Pray for senseto prevail”, The WeekendAustralian, 25 October.

• Stephen Matchett: “Radio National’sdownshift hits the fans where ithurts”, The Australian, 22 October.

• Caroline Chambers: “The InternetKilled the Radio Star”, New Matilda,2 October.

• John Carmody: “Rescue our ABCfrom postmodernist clutches”; TheAustralian, 19 November.

• Frank Campbell: “On thediminution of critical publicculture”, Review, The WeekendAustralian, 29-30 November.

• Errol Simper: “Mixed views onABC’s program reshuffle”, Media,The Australian 1 December.

Every one of these contributionswarrants a fully detailed response inpublic or the ABC will be seen as yetanother “corporate” which hasmuffled its ears, blindfolded its eyesand closed its doors.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter PockleyScience Writer & Broadcaster(Founding Head of ABC Science Unit)

18 January 2009

Dear Mr Scott,

REVERSING MAJOR CHANGESTO ABC RADIO NATIONAL

The letter to the editor of yesterday’sWeekend Australian by Dr JohnCarmody prompts me to write andrepeat my encouragement of ABCleadership to engage seriously andpublicly in the debate about quality,content and specialised broadcasterson Radio National and ABC TV. I amdisappointed that, as Editor-in-Chiefof ABC programs, you have notreplied yourself to my first OpenLetter of 7 December 2008(summarised in my letter to theAustralian Financial Review, 16December).

Instead, I received a letter from MsSue Howard, Director of Radio, dated19 December 2008 (but postmarked30 December) in one of her last jobsbefore she was seen off the ABC onthe date of her letter. It would thus befutile to reply to Ms Howard eventhough she was penultimatelyresponsible for the changes to RadioNational’s line-up for 2009 whichdrew such a massive reaction fromaudiences, commentators andpoliticians. In my letter to you Ireferred to the wide range ofcriticisms on major issues raised byABC management’s decisions and themanner of their implementation thathave appeared in mainstream mediaand which, at the time, had receivedprecisely no answers.

Ms Howard’s letter continues thatvacuum of public engagement and, inher unconvincing defence of thechanges, offers not a scrap ofevidence or external support formaking the cuts. The responsibilityfor responding fully and publicly tothe criticisms now bounces back toyou. Please refer to my letter to theeditor of The Sydney Morning Heraldnearly three months ago (23 October)and all of the other published reports,commentaries and editorials which I

cited in my Open Letter – and more.

My headline to this and the firstOpen Letter remains imperative. Thiscoming week sees the last of thesummer repeats of three 8.30 amprograms which are being axed. Radiois a fast and flexible medium and,with Ms Howard gone, it is entirelywithin your capabilities to reverse thecuts, a move which would win wideplaudits for responsiveness to theABC’s erstwhile supportivecommunities.

Finally and most important for theABC’s credibility in this and relatedmatters (as urged in my SMH Letter),it is incumbent on you to releasepublicly the report of the“investigation” into Mr StephenCrittenden and his role in the RadioNational controversy which MsHoward passes off as “confidential”. Ifkept under wraps, this over-longexercise will be branded as amanagerial cover-up.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Pockley

27 January 2009

Dear Mr Scott,

ENGAGING ABC CRITICS INPUBLIC

I acknowledge your letter dated 22January in response to my secondOpen Letter to you of 18 January.(You do not mention my longer firstOpen Letter of 7 December 2008.) Iappreciate your generous openingremark about my background andservice to the ABC.

I note your restriction that yourletter is “not for further distributionor publication” and I shall adhere tothis. In this letter I shall only refer tokey aspects of the Radio Nationalcontroversy that are missing fromyour letter and the letter of 19December from the Director of Radio,Ms Sue Howard, who had beenresponsible for the program changesbut left the ABC on that day.

First, as an ABC supporter it isdisappointing that you have missedthe overall purpose of my first twoletters where I urged you and otherABC managers to “come out” andengage widely in public debate overthe program closures. Long before

Page 14

today, the eve of the changes beingimplemented this week, it shouldhave been imperative for managers toaddress specifically the variouscriticisms in the public media. I gaveyou 15 diverse references in my letterof 7 December and refrained fromadding comments of my own onthese items. The ABC’s credibility is atstake in being responsive to thelistening public in general, to RNlisteners in particular and to publicofficials. I am far from a lone voice ofconcern that this credibility shouldnot be compromised by silence fromthe ABC while you are negotiating formajor increases in the triennialbudget (refer to the Senate resolutionof 16 October and the publishedQuestions on Notice in SenateEstimates last October and answers).

Secondly and like Ms Howard, youhave failed to fill the public vacuumof evidence supporting the closuressince they were revealed in October.Sure, program changes are necessaryfrom time to time for various reasonsbut these should never beunexplained “changes for change’ssake”.

Thirdly, there is no indication in MsHoward’s or your letters that ABCprogram managers had undertakenany demonstrable sounding of keynational bodies with obvious stakes incontinuity of the specialisedprograms. The history of the ABC’srelations with them should have beenwell-studied by the managers. Theywould then have realised that bothReligion and Science (whetherdesignated “Department” or “Unit”)

were established with strong externalsupporters (Religion in the 1940s andScience’s first appointment in 1964)and they warranted respect. Inbalance, the specialist broadcastershad ensured professionalindependence from the representativebodies. Your lack of mention indicatesthere were no consultations.Unsurprisingly after the shock of theannouncements, representative bodieshave requested reversals but to noavail, while the outstanding, axedprogram-makers like StephenCrittenden haveearned no internal orpublic praise frommanagement.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Pockley

"We plan to contest again and webelieve it is the best way forgovernment to get best value fortaxpayers and for DFAT, regardless ofwho wins," Mr Frangopoulos said.

The Australia Network aims topromote the nation's interestsinternationally.

Defending the ABC's role, Mr Scotttold The Australian last night there hadbeen "significant growth in investmentby governments around the world inbroadcasting as part of their diplomaticactivity, and it's being delivered by thepublic broadcasters".

"There is an agreed understandingthat you can't outsource yourdiplomatic activities, and you can'toutsource it to Rupert Murdoch'sinternational operations," he said.

(Sky News is one-third owned byBritish pay-TV group BSkyB, which is inturn 39 per cent owned by NewsCorporation, the owner of TheAustralian.)

"We strongly believe the AustralianGovernment's diplomatic efforts inbroadcasting need to be delivered by

the Australian Government's publicbroadcaster," Mr Scott said.

He said the ABC was the onlymedia group in Australia with adedicated Asia-Pacific newsroom,staffed with 60 people.

However, Mr Frangopoulos calledfor open tenders for all newgovernment services, such as newtelevision channels.

The ABC is seeking extragovernment funding to provide a free-to-air news and public affairs channeland a children's channel. Theoutcome will be revealed in the Maybudget.

Mr Frangopoulos argued that thepay-TV industry could tender for thechildren's channel, but Mr Scottrejected the idea.

"One of the reasons our proposalhas so much support is because it'snot being offered by the people thatare doing subscription TV," he said.

"We are commercial-free, are notdriven by profit, we will have anintensive amount of Australiancontent, and it will be delivered by themost trusted brand on Australian TV."

But Mr Frangopoulos said the pay-TV sector was "arguably better-placedthan the ABC to provide a new free-to-air children's channel".

Mr Scott said the public affairs andchildren's channels proposed by theABC were not comparable to others.

The Australian

The Pay-TV Sharks are circlingAnother question for our politicalleaders. Do we REALLY want RupertMurdoch running our internationaltelevision network (currentlyoperated by the ABC), andassaulting our children with anavalanche of advertising for junkfood through a children’s channel.

That is what Sky News would like,and is lobbying heavily in Canberra to get.

Tensions have ignited between the ABCand Sky News, with ABC managingdirector Mark Scott suggesting pay-TV's push to operate Australia'sinternational television network couldharm diplomatic relations.

Mr Scott's comments follow remarksby Sky News chief executive AngelosFrangopoulos at a broadcastingconference yesterday, when he saidSky would re-tender to provide theAustralia Network TV service next yearwhen the current contract with theABC expires.

Sky lost out to the ABC in 2005 in itsbid to operate the channel, which isfunded by the Department of ForeignAffairs and Trade.

Page 15

Quentin Dempster

Quentin Dempster has worked at theABC for 20 years He currently hostsNSW Stateline. In 2002 he won theWalkley Award for Most OutstandingContribution toJournalism. Heis the author ofDeath Struggle:How politicalmalice andboardroompowerplays arekilling the ABC.He is currently‘Staff-electeddirector in exile.

There has been a tendency by some tosee the recent controversial changes toRadio National as a symptom of thebroadcaster being pulled in twodifferent directions: traditional qualitybroadcasting on one hand, and thedigital revolution on the other. Thetruth is a little more complicated, butperhaps also a bit more hopeful.

The digital revolution has beenextraordinarily good for the ABC, butthis success has been heavilydependant on the quality of theproduct that the broadcaster is knownfor. In the critical couple of yearsahead, the organisation needs toconsolidate and expand its contentand keep innovating to keep itsposition as a leader in digital media.

The digital revolution and theuncertain future of journalism incommercial television, (andparticularly in mass circulationnewspapers), demonstrate both theopportunity and the need for theenhancement of the ABC as amainstream player in Australian mediaand culture.

The ABC has now delivered its 2009-2012 triennial funding submission tothe Rudd Government. So far, nofunding invoice has been publiclyattached to that submission. The ABC

the broadcaster a cost-effective lease ofnew life, and a new relevance andworth to ABC-copyright TV and radionews and current affairs, RadioNational specialist programs andinnovative broadband content. Peopleare commenting on, blogging aboutand engaging with programs as neverbefore.

Audiences, particularly tech-savvyyoungsters, can now click on Triple J,RN, Four Corners broadband editions,The 7.30 Report, The Chaser andSummer Heights High amonghundreds of other programs wheneverthey want to.

The power of the scheduler is over.Programs can go online for fastbroadband internet audio and videostreaming before they are broadcast onradio or TV. Broadcasting is morphinginto cybercasting.

As well, the ABC’s free-to-air (FTA)digital multi-channels will help todrive the take-up of digital set topboxes by Australian households toenable the analogue transmission to beswitched off by 2013. FTA multi-channels can deliver almost limitlesscontent for less than $100 for a set-topbox. FTA digital radio is coming nextyear too, and the ABC will be there.

But while it is vitally important toexploit digital broadcast and cybercasttechnologies so that all the contentproduced at taxpayers’ expense isreadily and freely accessible, the realdebate about the ABC’s future shouldbe about enhancing the quality of thatcontent.

The recent dispute over the axing ofsome specialist programs at RadioNational "to convert a small number ofpositions into roles with a strongeronline and digital editorial focus and toenable general enhancements to thenetwork’s website" has helped to bringsome focus to this multi-faceted debate.

RN programs that are broadcast onradio attract the over 50s audiencewhile RN online audiences are under50. To reallocate scarce resources at the

has grand plans for education, publicaffairs and children’s free-to-airtelevision multi-channels andinnovative broadband content.

With the Labor Governmentprofessing its support for publicbroadcasting through its current callfor public submissions on its digitalfuture, there is an expectation thatextra operational base funding will bedelivered, possibly as early as the Maybudget next year.

This is to be hoped for, becauseunless additional taxpayer funding issecured the ABC will have to cutservices and pressure will rebuild fromwithin for the broadcaster to takeadvertising. It’s hard to exaggerate howserious a step that would be. Theoverarching philosophy of publicservice broadcasting is that it exists toinform, educate and entertain a polity,

engaging audiences as citizens in arobust democracy, not as consumers tobe delivered up to advertisers.

In the last decade new digitalbroadcast and broadband internettechnology has saved the ABC. TheABC has been leading the mediaindustry through its own digitaltransformation, demonstrating itsvalue-adding capability by taking aplace at the cutting edge of newdelivery systems with pod casting andvod casting, internet TV and itscontent-laden ABC online portal.Audiences have been flocking to thenew services, even as radio and TVaudiences are at record levels as well.

The new delivery systems have given

The price of creativeindependence at the ABC

The power of thescheduler is over.

Programs can go online forfast broadband internet

audio and video streamingbefore they are broadcast

on radio or TV.

Page 16

Quality is clearly crucial to the ABC’sfuture, but that quality in turn reliesvery heavily on securing the ABC’screative independence. And that’ssomething that can only be done withadequate public funding.

In the crunch over dollars in the last20 years the ABC has had tocompromise its independence bybecoming reliant on external fundproviders for its first-release Australiandrama and documentary content,depending on bodies like governmentfilm finance commissions, lotteriestrusts, government departments andtax concession investors. The ABC nolonger has in-house drama anddocumentary departments or a naturalhistory unit.

Cuts have been made everywhere, andthey are cuts you notice. To maintainthe viability of its TV schedule ABC TVhas become "UK TV", dependant onshelf programs acquired from Britain.Depressed insiders say, "So much forour Charter obligation to ‘enhance asense of national identity’."

While in the 2007 budget the Howardgovernment provided $30 million overthree years for the ABC to commissiondrama from the private TV productionsector, further compromise wasapparent when some of these newdramas quickly appeared on pay TV’sHallmark Channel. In the interests oftransparency the ABC should publishin its annual report to Parliament allcommercial contracts and negotiatedobligations to subscription television.The ABC does not exist to make soapydramas for the Hallmark Channel.

The obvious concern here is that ifthese arrangements prevail into thefuture, dramas will be commissionedby the ABC and its external investorsultimately because they arecommercially bankable and notbecause they are good or creative risk-taking ideas. Such arrangementswould be a distortion of the ABC’spublic purpose.

Another link in the chain of qualitythrough creative independence is theability to train and retain the peoplewho make the service work. Thispractice of building skills within theorganisation has been another casualtyof chronic under-funding, and thereare now those inside the ABC who saythe broadcaster cannot afford to be a

expense of one loyal section of theaudience to build another does notappear to be an ideal way to makesuch a transition. The ABC shouldhave the capacity to deliver to bothover the transitional period.

After more than 2000 emails andletters of complaint, the ABC hasreassured audiences that the loss of RNprograms, in particular The ReligionReport, does not mean it is desertingthese speciality areas. Programs likeThe Religion Report enjoy a strongfollowing. Its associated website is nowaccessed internationally, establishingthe show as a valuable "brand" in itsown right.

While no doubt noting the ABC’sassurances, those complaining(representing a wide range of politicalperspectives, and includingChristopher Pearson and Senator BobBrown) have yet to see what willreplace The Religion Report. At themoment they just have to take theABC’s word for it that it will somehowmaintain and enhance the quality anddepth of its religious coverage onradio, television or online.

ABC broadcasters accept thatmanagement has the right to manageas it fairly sees fit, including re-assigning program makers and tryingnew program ideas and formats.Ideally this should be done withaudience sensitivity, collegial care,consultation and humanunderstanding for those committed toa speciality which has taken years todevelop.

But what seems to be at issue here isthe future of specialist units whichhave characterised Radio Nationalfrom its beginning. These specialistunits and the funding which hassustained them over decades havehelped to build the ABC’s in-houseknowledge base, creating householdnames out of Robyn Williams andNorman Swan in science, for example,and Antony Green, who represents theenormous value of a 20-yearinvestment in a specialty area. It isrevealing that leaders of ABC Radiotalk about a commitment tospecialisation but rarely acknowledge itis the specialist units which buildauthority, interpretative and analyticaldepth over time.

This is where the ABC managementneeds to recognise that platform

innovation and content quality areboth crucial to its success. Podcastinghas demonstrated the worth and valueof specialist units as audiences go outof their way to download the programsthey produce. Up to September thisyear, RN’s monthly average podcastdownloads reached 1.7 million, half ofthe ABC’s overall average of 3.37million. The downloads have goneglobal, with the ABC gaining aninternational reputation for thedistinctiveness and strength of itsspecialist units: health, science, media,religion, law, literature and the arts.

Arguably we need morespecialisation in environment andpopulation, sustainability andeconomics, technology, education, lawand justice and foreign policy.Podcasting (and eventually vodcasting)demonstrates that specialisation is amajor part of the future for ABCcontent. Audiences here and aroundthe world are hungry for qualityprogramming.

And it’s not as if we’re talking aboutbig money here. ABC specialistbroadcasters work on minimalfunding. For example, The ReligionReport operates on an annual budgetof around $200,000 for salaries,technical production, research and(almost non-existent) travel.

Radio National’s entire networkannual promotional budget isnegligible. RN audiences are loyal andstay for years. Podcasting is building anew, younger audience. Imagine theblack bemusement among specialistbroadcasters when they see the ABCwilling to spend $6 million to re-signThe Chaser on ABC TV for just oneyear after a bidding war with thecommercial stations. Good luck to theclever Chaser boys but the ABC needsto be sensitive to the comparisons ofvalue which inevitably arise.

In the interests oftransparency the ABC

should publish in its annualreport to Parliament all

commercial contracts andnegotiated obligations tosubscription television.

Page 17

training campus for television andbroadcast production. On the contrary,having a capacity to make and exploitits own programs and develop thetalent necessary to do so is surelyfundamental to creative independence.

To avoid misunderstanding, theABC’s role as a mentor and developerof creative talent and skills(technical, writing, production andjournalism) should be statedexplicitly in the ABC Act.

So how much additional fundingwould be needed to secure the ABC’screative independence? ChannelsNine, Seven and Ten spend around$40 million to $60 million each a yearon their legislated Australian dramacontent quotas. At the very least thatshould be matched for the ABC as acomponent part of its annualappropriation.

Plus, it’s going to be a time ofnecessary investment in this area.

With the ABC’s other plans to helpdrive the digital revolution inAustralia, an annual operational basefunding increase of $150 million to$200 million recurrent would be agood start. This is a small investment,and it would be coming at a timewhen it’s sure to pay us backhandsomely.

Wildlife filmmaker David Parrer’s Landof the Parrots was the last production ofthe Natural History Unit.

1. The ABC’s CharterThe Charter has served the ABC wellfor over 70 years, but the erosion offunding to the ABC, particularly overthe last 20 years, has made it virtuallyimpossible for the ABC to continue tooffer a “comprehensive broadcastingservice” which caters for everyAustralian of every age in every location(which surely is the ideal). The ABCmust continue to inform, to educateand to entertain, not just within theborders of Australia but throughoutAsia as well (our region.)

The Charter should stress theconcept of ‘excellence inbroadcasting’ regardless of medium(radio, TV, internet), modality (digital,multi-channel) or message. The ABCshould be mandated to aim for thehighest possible standards.

The Charter should be strengthenedto emphasise its independence frompolitical and commercial influences.Regardless of medium, modality ormessage, the ABC must remain free ofadvertising or sponsorship, and mustalways be at arms length fromgovernment and political entities.

The AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTINGACT 1983 should be amended to read:

Subsection (1) “The Corporationshall not attach advertisements orpermit others to attach advertisementsto any content broadcast ortransmitted online or by any current orfuture medium of communication.”

Subsections (2) and (3), the word

“broadcasting” be altered to read“transmitted by any current or futuremedium.”

2. FundingIf we accept that public broadcastingshould enable “all Australians to accessbroadcasting services, regardless ofgeography or capacity to pay, to allowthem to participate in society and itsinstitutions,” we must also accept thatthe Australian community andgovernment must be prepared to pay alot more for that public broadcaster. In2004/5, the BBC, a comparablebroadcaster, received $107 per personin the UK whilst the ABC received$41.40 per person in Australia. TheABC budget of $827 million (ABC TVand 5 radio networks) was substantiallysmaller than that of the smallest of thecommercial TV networks, which are notnational networks.

The ABC cannot fulfil its charter (seeabove) on its current level of funding,particularly in relation to the requiredlevels of excellence. Funding has beeneroding since 1986, with both majorparties, when in government, failing tokeep ABC funding in line with inflation.Australian-produced drama on ABCTV is a small fraction of 20 years ago.Outsourcing has become a necessityas the ABC has lost the capacity andinfrastructure to make in-houseproductions. It is now 4 years sincethe KPMG Audit, initiated by theHoward Government but neverreleased, recommended an immediate

10% increase in funding if the ABCwas to be able to maintain existinglevels of production.

By any of these measures, the ABCis grossly under-funded. We requestan immediate 25% increase in ABCfunding, and an immediate review ofits capacity to both maintain existingoperations and grow into the future, asthe new challenges of the digital worldare taken up.

3. The ABC and theEducation RevolutionWithin the context of excellentAustralian content the ABC has acritical role in the education of allAustralians. It must foster criticalthinking, encourage listeners andviewers to identify and questionassumptions, consider and weighcompeting points of view and raise andargue for issues that they think areimportant. At the same time, the ABCmust enhance children’s and adults’knowledge, understanding andappreciation of cultural and intellectualtopics and modes of humanexpression. More opportunities mustbe provided for the development ofarticulate expression through all of theperforming and creative arts. Fundingconstraints have greatly diminished thecapacity of the ABC to maintaininvolvement in these areas that it hashad in the past.

Throughout its history the ABC hasled the world in programs for children

NSW FRIENDS of the ABC

Submission to Federal GovernmentReview into ABC and SBS

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on radio and television, programswhich have educated, entertained andexpanded young minds. Thisleadership must not be abandonedthrough lack of resources. A digitalchannel for children is ready to belaunched, but the ABC has beendenied the funds to do so. This mustbe addressed in new budgetingconsiderations.

4. Creative AustralianContent.The ABC should be the proud vehiclefor the expression of Australian culturein all its many facets, and the mainmedium through which the Australianstory is told. It is also a function of theABC to reflect Australia’s culturaldiversity, and to celebrate that diversity.Again, the funds must be provided toenable the ABC to do this and toprovide opportunities for creative artistsfrom all areas to have many moreopportunities than are currently

provided. Unfortunately the ABC has,through funding constraints, had toretreat significantly from its pastcommitment to giving a platform toAustralian voices.

It remains an anomaly that the localcontent provisions for commercialtelevision do not apply to the ABC.This must be addressed.

5. Radio NationalRadio National should represent theepitome of excellence, high standardsand intellectual challenge, catering forthose sections of the community thatvalue and appreciate such offerings. Itshould be unapologetically elitist in thesame way that a society’s universitiesshould be elitist. It will appeal to and belistened to by a minority of thecommunity – there is nothing wrongwith that, as there are plenty of otheravenues within the ABC for those whowant material that is less “meaty.”

Radio National, in line with stated

objectives, provides thought-provokingcontent that enriches society. Everysociety and every section of societyrequires elitists to encourage creativeendeavour and the development ofnew talent. In-depth debate on issues,both national and international, isessential to freedom of speech in anysociety, and the public airing of thosedebates in a non-partisan way is a vitalfunction of Radio National.

Radio National must continue toprovide the mechanism through whichto air controversial issues andunpopular views, including the policiesof an incumbent government, withoutthe accusations of bias to which wehave become sadly accustomed inAustralia. The freedom of any societywill be rightly judged by theopportunities afforded within thatsociety for the public expression ofalternative views to the so-called“mainstream.” Radio National providesthat forum, and must be provided withthe resources to continue to do so.

Immigrants from Asia, Africa, Europe andthe Pacific will not know instinctively thatDon Bradman was our greatest tennisplayer. For this reason an opportunityexists for SBS to enhance its Englishand other language services - a perfectfit for multi-channelling on FTA TV withassociated websites. There would bebroad political support given the obviousmulticultural inclusion and cohesivebenefits, for which SBS was firstestablished.

Sustainable, non-commercial public funding There are issues I hope this review canresolve about the strategic direction ofpublic broadcasting in Australia aftermany years of contentious dispute.

The main one is commerciality.

The overarching philosophy of publicservice broadcasting (now cybercasting)is that it exists to inform, educate andentertain a polity, engaging audiences ascitizens in a robust democracy, not asconsumers to be delivered up toadvertisers.

I regret to report that through publicfunding deprivation over the last 20

Broadcasting is morphing intocybercasting.

EducationTo build the nation, education, skillstraining and language services stand outas the greatest public need. The digitalrevolution provides the technologicalopportunity.

The ABC’s existing and stillundelivered Charter obligation oneducation can at last be achievedthrough the limitless capacity ofcyberspace and the broadcaster’sdigitised archive of programming. TheABC can lead the world in this field onFTA multi-channel TV and broadbandinternet websites for primary,secondary, tertiary and technicaleducation plus life-long learning. TheABC, in co-operation with educators,can become a driving force in thenation’s education and training.

For SBS, there is potential for a newlease of relevance and worth after theunpleasantness of its recent crasscommercialism. With the currentmigration rate at 150,000 or moresouls a year, Australia is not going tobecome a monoculture any time soon.

Personal submission to ABC/SBS Review fromQuentin Dempster, Staff-Elected Director in Exile Priority One: Creative Independence

Priority Two: Sustainable non-commercial funding

Priority Three: Quality and specialistcontent

Priority Four: Education, skills trainingand language services

The digital revolution presents theAustralian public with an exceptionalopportunity to build the public broadcasters(ABC and SBS) into even more valuableinstitutional forces strengthening thiscountry’s cultural, educational anddemocratic engagement.

Digital free-to-air (FTA) televisionmulti-channelling, broadband internetand, from 2009, digital radio will enableboth the ABC and SBS to cost-effectively extend the use of and accessto current content and, if adequatelyfunded, to create and invent new formsof content and engagement.

The power of the scheduler is over.

Programs can go online for fastbroadband internet audio and videostreaming before they are broadcast onradio or TV.

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years the ABC and SBS have blottedtheir copy books in this regard.

The SBS board’s casuistic legaladvice allowing advertising in ‘naturalbreaks’ exposed the determination ofthe SBS Board to turn the broadcasterinto Australia’s fourth commercial TVchannel. Advertising revenues soderived were to be laundered intooriginal Australian programming ie. aworthwhile compromise. But in theprocess of commerciality the SBSaudience has felt cheated, distrustfuland has switched off. This is anundesirable outcome for a taxpayer-funded service and should beconfronted and repaired by governmentin its funding appropriation to SBS.

The ABC also has been affected bycommerciality. The ABC Board’s 2008decision to restructure ABC Enterprises(ABC shops and centres) and renamethe division ABC Commercial, exposed amore aggressive tactic to commissionand monetise ‘product’ and to exploitthe so called ABC ‘brand’. Once passive‘announcements’ of ABC shop activitieson ABC TV and radio are turning into aharder sell with some nincompoops inABC Commercial wanting to flash pricesof products, like a discount retailer.This is a recipe for the destruction ofaudience trust in the ABC. The ABCwave-form logo has been colourised forsignage on promotions and shop fronts.To me it looked like the once trustedABC logo had been infected with someform of meningococcal virus. Althoughthe ABC has declared that it will not takeadvertising on its ABC Online websites,there remains this very prospect if theboard and management consideradditional funding is not forthcoming.

The issue should be put beyond doubtthrough an amendment to the ABC Actextending the current Act’s TV and radioadvertising prohibition to all ABC onlineand other services. In any event, ataxpayer subsidised media organisationlike the ABC should not be allowed tocompete for advertising revenues nowdesperately needed by commercialmedia entities and private sectorentrepreneurs trying to build digital andbroadband products and services. Publicbroadcasting exists to complement thecommercial media sector, not competeagainst it for advertising.

Quality The enormous growth of podcasting ofABC specialist programs has revealed thefuture lies in more specialisation, not less.Podcasting is building a new, youngeraudience. Specialist units in Radio

National have helped to build the ABC’sin-house knowledge base, creatinghousehold names out of Robyn Williamsand Norman Swan in science, forexample. Antony Green, the ABC’spsephologist, represents a 20 yearinvestment in building a specialty inAustralia’s state, federal and territoryelectoral systems. Antony’s websites andanalysis used across platformsdemonstrate that specialisation makesthe ABC valuable, useful and distinctive.Although ABC managers often talk abouta commitment to specialisation, theyrarely acknowledge that it is the specialistunits which build authority, interpretativeand analytical depth over time.

Podcasting has demonstrated theworth and value of specialist units asaudiences go out of their way todownload the programs they produce.Up to September this year (2008), RadioNational’s average podcast downloadsreached 1.7million, half of the ABC’soverall average of 3.37 million. Thedownloads have gone global, with theABC gaining an international reputationfor the distinctiveness and strength ofits specialist units – health, science,media, religion, law, investigativejournalism, literature and the arts.

Arguably we need more specialisationin environment and population,sustainability and economics,technology, planning, education, lawand justice and foreign policy.Podcasting (and eventually vodcasting)demonstrates that specialisation is amajor part of the future for ABC content.Audiences here and around the worldare hungry for quality programming.

Creative independenceQuality is clearly crucial to the ABC’s

future and that quality in turn relies veryheavily on securing the ABC’s creativeindependence. And that’s something thatcan only be done with adequate publicfunding.

In the crunch over dollars in the last20 years the ABC has had tocompromise its independence bybecoming reliant on external fundproviders for its first-release Australiandrama and documentary content,depending on bodies like governmentfilm finance commissions, lotteriestrusts, government departments and taxconcession investors. The ABC nolonger has in-house drama anddocumentary departments or a naturalhistory unit.

Cuts have been made everwhere, andthey are cuts you notice. To maintainthe viability of its prime time TV

schedule ABC TV has become “UK TV”,dependant on shelf programs acquiredfrom Britain. Depressed insiders say, “Somuch for our Charter obligation to‘enhance a sense of national identity’.”

While in the 2007 budget the Howardgovernment provided $30million overthree years for the ABC to commissiondrama from the private TV productionsector, further compromise was apparentwhen some of these new dramas quicklyappeared on pay TV’s Hallmark channel.In the interests of transparency the ABCshould publish in its annual report toParliament all commercial contracts andnegotiated obligations to subscriptiontelevision. The ABC does not exist tomake soapy dramas for the HallmarkChannel. The obvious concern here isthat if these arrangements prevail into thefuture, dramas will be commissioned bythe ABC and its external investorsultimately because they are commerciallybankable and not because they are goodor creative, risk-taking ideas. Sucharrangements would be a distortion of theABC’s public purpose.

Another link in the chain of qualitythrough creative independence is theability to train and retain the people whomake the service work. This practice ofbuilding skills within the organisation hasbeen another casualty of chronic under-funding, and there are now those insidethe ABC who say the broadcaster cannotafford to be a training campus fortelevision and broadcaster production.On the contrary, having a capacity tomake and exploit its own programs anddevelop the talent and skills necessary todo so is surely fundamental to creativeindependence.

To avoid misunderstanding, the ABC’srole as a mentor and developer of creativetalent and skills (technical, writing,production and journalism) should bestated explicitly in the ABC Act.

ConclusionThis review of the ABC and SBS in thecontext of the digital revolution is timely. Asthe world redefines consumer capitalism andconfronts environmental sustainabilitythrough global atmospheric warming, anation’s capacity to engage its people in theclash of ideas will be crucial. Digitaltechnology is exceptional as a tool ofcommunication, cultural and politicalengagement, information and education.Given the enormous challenges faced by theworld Australia wants to play a major role inthe paradigm shift to environmental andeconomic sustainability. To help take thisrole, Australia needs a creative andindependent public broadcasting system nowmore than ever.

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State and Regional Branches

National Web Portallinks to all State Branches.

Go to:www.friendsoftheabc.org.au

New South WalesMal Hewitt (President) FABC NSWPO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059Phone: 9637 2900malandal@optusnet.com.au

AlburyJim Saleeba621 Lindsay Ave.Albury NSW 2640Phone: 6021 5690

ArmidaleVal Sherwell167 Markham StreetArmidale NSW 2350Phone: 6772 0342valsherwell@bigpond.com

BathurstTracey Carpenter76 Havannah StBathurst NSW 2795Phone: 6331 8305havannah@bigpond.net.au

Blue MountainsBob Macadam34 Lee RoadWinmalee NSW 2777Phone: 4754 1620macadamr@bigpond.net.au

Central CoastJohn Hale21 Stephenson RdBateau Bay NSW 2261Phone: 4333 8107jhale@tac.com.au

CowperJoyce Gardner (Secretary)FABC Cowper7 Royal Tar CrescentNambucca Heads NSW 2448Phone: 6568 7532fabccowper@gmail.com

Eastern SuburbsNizza Siano (Secretary)16 Holland RdBellevue Hill NSW 2023Phone/Fax: 9327 3423siano@tpg.com.au

EurobodallaKeith Simmons117 Beach RoadBatehaven NSW 2536Phone: 4472 9898keithbateh@tadaust.org.au

Great Lakes & Manning ValleyMargaret GardnerPO Box 871 Forster NSW 2428Ph: 6554 9181 (H) 6591 3704 (W)margaret.gardner@tafensw.edu.au

HunterPeter Brandscheidc/o PO Box 265Merewether NSW 2291Phone: 4943 8076pbrandscheid5@bigpond.com

IllawarraJan Kent (Secretary)Friends of the ABC IllawarraPO Box 336, Unanderra 2526Phone/Fax: 4271 3531jankent@hotkey.net.au

Mid North CoastDrusi MeggetPO Box 1752Port Macquarie NSW 2444Phone: 6583 8798drusi@tsn.cc

Northern RiversNeville JenningsPO Box 1484 Kingscliff 2487Phone/Fax: 6674 3830 (H)njenning@scu.edu.au

Byron Bay Sub-branch convenorJill Keogh Phone: 6688 4558

OrangeBev Holland26 Sunny South CrescentOrange NSW 2800Phone: 6362 4744bevpch@gmail.com

ParramattaMal Hewitt31 Queen St Granville 2142Phone: 9637 2900malandal@optusnet.com.au

Victoria – FABCFriends of the ABC (Vic)GPO Box 4065Melbourne VIC 3001Phone: (03) 9682 0073fabcvic@vicnet.net.au

Queensland – FABCProfessor Alan KnightCreative Industries Faculty QUTGPO Box 2434 Brisbane 4001Knighta1949@gmail.comfabcqld@hotmail.com

ACT – FABCJill GreenwellGPO Box 2625Canberra ACT 2601Phone: 6253 3531president@fabcact.org

South Australia – FABCSandra KanckPO Box 7158 Hutt StAdelaide SA 5000Phone: 8336 4114sandramytrho@internode.on.net

Western Australia – FABCHarry CohenPO Box 534Subiaco WA 6904fabcwa@hotmail.com

Tasmania – FABCMelissa SharpePO Box 301North Hobart TAS 7002Phone: 0427 041 161melissa.dms@bigpond.com

FABC RESOURCE CENTREDarce Cassidywww.friendsoftheabc.org