Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. quarterly newsletter

December 2010 UPDATE Vol 18, No.4 incorporating Background Briefi ng friends of the abc

VETERAN MEDICAL BROADCASTER RECOGNIZED IN THE 2010 BROADCASTING EXCELLENCE AWARD

ost of the Health Report, on ABC narrated “The Opposite Sex”, a four part HRadio National, Health Minutes series for ABC Television. on ABC NewsRadio, and television Norman Swan is known outside presenter, Dr Norman Swan, and . He has been recipient of the Friends of the ABC correspondent for the Journal of the Broadcasting Excellence Award in American Medical Association and the 2010, was presented with his award at British Medical Journal and consults the FABC Christmas party at Ultimo on for the World Health Organisation in Friday 26th November Geneva. In late 2008 Norman chaired a One of the fi rst medically qualifi ed meeting of the world’s Health Ministers journalists in Australia, Norman in West Africa which pursued the goal was born in Scotland, graduated in of harnessing research to evidence- medicine from the University of based health policy. Aberdeen and obtained postgraduate His gentle Scottish accent has become qualifi cations in Paediatrics. one of those familiar and trusted Dr. Norman Swan receives his award from NSW ABC voices that are part of our daily Joining the Australian Broadcasting FABC President Mal Hewitt. Corporation in 1982, he has won lives. Friends of the ABC is delighted to recognise his very signifi cant numerous awards for his journalism of the Australian Academy of Science, contribution to health and science and broadcasting. an honour that had only been given broadcasting, as well as his undoubted Norman was named Australian three times and the Royal College integrity and passion for the truth. Radio Producer of the Year in 1984 of Physicians of Glasgow made him and awarded a Gold Citation in the a Fellow. In 2006 he was given a Media Peace Prizes Doctorate of Medicine Hon Causa by for his radio work. He has won three the University of during its Inside Walkley National Awards for Australian medical school’s 150th anniversary. From the President 2 journalism, including the prestigious In addition to the Health Report and Gold, and Australia’s top prize for Aunty suddenly fi lls the air, Health Minutes, Norman edits his own and it’s a real shame 3 Science Journalism, the Michael Daly newsletter, The Choice Health Reader, Award, twice. Darce Cassidy responds to which is published in partnership with Judith Sloan 4 A famous example of Norman’s CHOICE. The Argument for the ABC from work is his much publicised and On telev ision, Dr Swan has hosted a “no ads” Viewpoint 5 controversial investigative program on ABC Television’s science program, Kerry O’Brien to leave 7.30 Report 5 scientifi c fraud and the well-known Quantum, is a guest reporter on Life after Red Kerry 6 gynaecologist Dr William McBride. The Catalyst and has been a reporter Latest News on “Hope in a Slingshot” 7 program exposed fraudulent research, on Four Corners. He hosted Health sending shock waves throughout the Dimensions on ABC Television, Life Branch News 8 medical world and led to Dr William Matters on ABC and Funding bids do not strain McBride being de-registered. It earned created, wrote and narrated a four independence 10 Dr Swan the Australian Writers’ Guild part series on disease and civilisation, ’s unique position 11 Award for best documentary and a “Invisible Enemies”, made for Channel Essential: we trust Aunty, but Gold Walkley. 4(UK). This has been shown in twenty Rupert’s power must be curbed 12 In 2004 he was awarded the Medal seven countries. He also co-wrote and Page 1

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 1 2/12/10 9:44 AM Update Publication Information

Update is published four times a year by From The President Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. (FABC), PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. Printpost approved PP245059/00002 circulate then before the election. To become a member phone s Update goes to print, the fate of (02) 9990 0600 or email to A the Gillard Government is in Thank you, Glenys! [email protected] the balance. or access our website ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NSW ASo is the Report future of the National on 2010 www.fabcnsw.org.au. FABC CONFERENCE Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Extracts from newspapers and other Bill,n whichmany respectschanges the the past method year ofhas Wefacilities are indebted for “in house”to the Blue production Mountains publications appearing in Update do not been a highly successful one for Branchand the for steady hosting erosion the biennialof resources necessarily reflect the views of the appointmentI of the ABC Board, and members of FABC. restoresthe ABC, the a yearposition of quite of the dramatic staff- conferenceand personnel of Friends has made of the it almost ABC at Update is distributed to all members of electedexpansion director. at a time It remains when mosta failure of of Blackheathimpossible onfor Augustthe ABC 14th to undertake and 15th. FABC, as part of the membership fee. theits mediaRudd-Gillard rivals are Government contracting, that, or Thirtythe type three of investigativerepresentatives reporting, from the Update is also supplied to journalists, despitestruggling both to issues maintain being their Labor place policy in branchesboth on radioand the and NSW television, Executive which politicians and libraries across Australia. gathered to discuss, debate, formulate It is edited and produced in Sydney but priora world to theof rapid last election, change. Theit was ABC has was its hallmark in the 1980s. policy and to be informed. Mark Scott, contributions are welcome from NSW country unablesignifi cantly to implement increased policy its audience that is MOST TELEVISION PROGRAMS are and interstate branches. Managing Director, paid a ringing veryshare important across all tonetworks the future and of has the now co-productions and in 2010 we Material may be quoted or reproduced tribute to ABC staff who have kept the ABC.developed Similarly, new amethods decision of on delivery the have seen the fi rst joint venture with from Update provided the source is ABC at the forefront of the digital acknowledged and reproduction is sent to Australiaof programs Network, to both the national government- and Fairfax in investigative reporting – a media revolution, and spoke of the President FABC. fundedinternational international audiences. television In any week, Four Corners expose of Securency exciting plans for the future as the ABC service,73% of currentlythe Australian in the population hands of the International, an arm of the Reserve Would you like to receive Update leads the way in new forms of magazine electronically? ABC.access was the delayed ABC in bysome the form. election. Bank of Australia. Dick Smith provided communication, all without an Save the planet's trees and The Friends Sky/MurdochAdditional funding is lobbying from thehard 2009 to take a substantial part of the funding for printing and postage costs and read Update over the network, asking that it be increase in recurrent funding. One Federal budget has meant increased a program on Australia’s population, magazine on your computer. statistic alone was impressive – 73% of subjectlocal production to a tender and process. programs on the Each quarter, when Update is published, you Australiansa strong opinion use the piece, ABC but in anyfollowed week. dedicatedFriends of children’s the ABC channel,has made and a the will receive an email with a link to the latest Mark’sby a discussion address will of thebe publishedissue. Both in full issue (each magazine is around 0.5MB). submissionlaunch of ABC to the Open, Minister local forinteractive Foreign programs raise obvious questions for You can try this now by going to our in the next Update. Affairs,media “hubs”asking thatbased the on service existing be rural the ABC of independence and control, website at www.fabcnsw.org.au and John Cleary, night-time presenter on clicking on Update. retainedand regional by the radio ABC. stations. The new questions which so far have not been Sundays on ABC radio brought the If you prefer this delivery option for future minister,THE 24 HOURwhichever TV NEWS party he/sheCHANNEL satisfactorily answered. Does this mean perspective of staff and presenters to Updates please send an email to the comeswas launched, from, will but have with to no make additional a that you can have your views aired on Membership Secretary. the changes which are taking place decisionfunding veryfrom soon. the Federal Government. the national broadcaster, provided that within the ABC, making it clear that Who to write… WeI urge are assuredall members by ABC of managementFriends of the you can pay for it – another type of the resources, particularly in radio, are Anyone seeking basic information about ABC,that theand news all regional channel branches, has been tofunded cash for comment? writing to persons of influence might find it often stretched paper thin, and the immediately contact their local helpful to go to the FABC NSW website through the savings provided by new goodwillCHAIRMAN of staff OF is THE vital ABC to keeping MAURICE the Federal Member to express their www.fabc.org.au where there are some technology, and draws on existing ABCNEWMAN’S on the air. somewhat John brought eccentric to us the menu items under "Be Active" leading to strong support for passage of the networks of ABC correspondents and witattack and on wisdom the ABC’s of a perceivedlong career failure in the pages of information: Who can I write to? National Broadcasting Legislation What can I say? resources. The advent of ABC Open ABC,to provide including an adequate time as staff-elected voice to Amendment Bill, and for the ABC to and 24 hour TV news resulted in a directorclimate andchange president deniers, of despitethe ABC ample staff retain control of the Australia FABC (NSW) Executive Committee predictable increase in strength and union.evidence Extracts to the from contrary, John’s has shone Office Bearers Network, unless we want to see the frequency of attacks on the ABC from presentationthe spotlight can on bethe found failure in of this the President - Mal Hewitt Murdoch view of the world, along the Murdoch media empire, even Update. Phone: 9637 2900 with his advertising, broadcast into Rudd/Gillard government to act on its Email: [email protected] questioning that the ABC’s charter Asia and the Pacific by the Australian promiseJames Ricketson, to put in placean independent a new method allowed to “compete” with rival Secretary & Treasurer - James Buchanan Government. producerof appointing of documentaries, the ABC board told and of its his Phone: 9371 5621 commercial media. We can expect experiencechairman, (andat arm’s frustration) length from of dealing the Email: [email protected] In the short period prior to the these attacks to grow in intensity as the withgovernment the ABC ofover the a day. long The period National of election, Friends of the ABC sought Membership Secretary - Angela Williamson Murdoch organization pressures and timeBroadcasting in trying Legislationto get material Amendment screened Phone: 9416 4463 details from each of the major parties lobbies governments to reduce funding whichBill is elementscurrently withinunder scrutinythe Australia by Email: [email protected] regarding their policies in relation to to public broadcasters, as it has done populationa Senate Committee may find confronting– each state or Update Editor - Mal Hewitt the ABC. A summary of these policies with some success in UK. embarrassing,FABC has added and its showed voice to film a strong that he PO Box 1391 N. Sydney NSW 2059 is printed in this Update. We are Email: [email protected] hadsubmission shot in Cambodiasupporting which the passage reveals gratefulTHE CHALLENGE to Glenys Stradijot, TO FRIENDS OF exploitationof that Bill, whichof powerless also will people restore by to Cartoonist - Phil Somerville CampaignTHE ABC inManager 2011 remains for Victorian the same Editorial Cartoonist for The Sun Herald Australianthe Board businessthe position and ofreligious Staff-Elected Friendsas in recent of the years ABC, – tofor fi theght enormousfor the (Sydney) interests,Director. material which certainly [email protected] taskrestoration of compiling of recurrent and distributing funding to the ABC to levels approaching those deservesTHE AUSTRALIA an audience NETWORK in Australia., funded Layout Artist - Paul Martens questionnaires to parties and [email protected] candidates,of twenty years then ago. collecting Undoubtedly, and byDecisions Dept. of andForeign resolutions Affairs asfrom a “voice the collatingeffective theapplication responses of innew time technology to conferenceof Australia,” are through published which in this the ABC Membership Line: 9990 0600 has enabled the ABC to do more has very successfully broadcast to with less, but the loss of capacity and Asia and the Pacifi c, has just been put PageP 22

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 2 2/12/10 9:44 AM out to tender by Foreign Minister Rudd. Friends, again in unison with the other states, has urged Aunty suddenly fi lls the the Gillard government to retain the ABC as the broadcaster for the Australia Network, rather than air, and it’s a real shame allowing one of the commercial networks to peddle their particular The following article appeared in the This is to restrict the activities of the ABC brands of consumerism to our Asian Weekend Australian of October 2-3, to areas where the private sector clearly and Pacifi c neighbours. We will and presents a view being heard with fails to deliver adequate services. be strongly supporting the ABC’s increasing frequency and strength This may require a redrafting of the submission to retain that tender. in the commercial media – that it charter under which the ABC operates. OUR AGEING MEMBERSHIP is a is unfair that they should have to The example of the BBC is informative challenge for all branches of Friends “compete” with a publicly funded in this respect: it is vacating some fi elds of the ABC, and falling numbers of broadcaster, therefore the activities of and confi ning itself to core areas of public members. During the past year, the that broadcaster should be restricted or broadcasting. branches of Bathurst and Orange limited in some way. have formally closed, joining , Looking back at my involvement with Bega and Eurobodalla, which have he ABC gets bigger all the time, but it the ABC - I was deputy chairwoman for not functioned for a number of Tshould stick to areas overlooked by the several years - I recall an organisation years. Several other branches are private media, says Judith Sloan, a former that produced much to admire but struggling to fi nd leaders with Deputy-Chair of the ABC Board. had a strong tendency towards self- energy and new ideas. One of the Supporters of the ABC have always congratulation and sense of superiority main problems is the perception that struck me as having a psychopathology over the private media. the ABC is no longer under threat similar to Collingwood supporters: one- Whether this sense of superiority was from a hostile government, and eyed, enthusiastic, irrational and rabid. But really justifi ed was rarely addressed. seems to be doing so well fi nancially while there is a strong anti-Collingwood Money would be spent on market research that it can afford to expand into new AFL fan base, ironically known as ABC using Newspoll, asking members of the areas. However, the new challenge - Anyone But Collingwood - those who public a series of leading questions about to Friends will be to counter the are not particularly keen on the Australian the ABC and whether the taxpayer money attacks from the commercial media, Broadcasting Corporation simply switch off. spent on the ABC was good value. particularly the Murdoch press, So what is the point of the ABC? But respondents were never confronted as exemplifi ed by Judith Sloan, a with the opportunity costs of their former board member, writing in Even to pose this question will be opinions: would you prefer your hip the Weekend Australian of October an affront to those many enthusiastic replacement operation or more money 2-3 – “Should taxpayers be funding supporters of the ABC. But given the spent on the ABC, for instance? the ABC to compete against private annual allocation of taxpayer funds to According to the charter of the ABC, providers who both want to and the public broadcaster - more than $1 the functions of the corporation include can do everything the ABC can do?” billion - and in the context of the changing providing, within Australia, innovative and The prospect of technology and media landscape, it is comprehensive broadcasting services of a desperate to take over 24 hour reasonable to ask whether there is still a high standard and broadcasting programs Classic FM is an interesting one! role for it. that contribute to a sense of national I acknowledge the enormous In recent weeks Stephen King, an identity and inform and entertain. Now, contribution made by many Friends economist and former commissioner of clearly, these words can be interpreted throughout NSW to promote and the Australian Competition and Consumer in different ways, particularly innovative advocate for the ABC in their own Commission, has put the case that with and national identity, but I am strongly communities. Our branches are led the internet undermining the traditional role of the opinion that the ABC cannot fulfi l by committed and dedicated people, of public broadcasters, it may be time to its charter obligations unless it produces who effectively lobby their local pull the plug on the ABC. and-or commissions Australian television political representatives as well as Should taxpayers be funding the ABC dramas. organize activities and events which to compete against private providers who In this regard, the ABC’s performance ensure that their communities are both want to and can do everything that has been absolutely woeful. In fact, a aware of the importance of having the ABC can do? casual perusal of the weekly TV guide an adequately funded national However, the reality is that there is little will reveal that the commercial channels broadcaster free from political and chance, now or into the future, of the plug are the ones showing original Australian commercial infl uence. Their work is being pulled on the ABC, including its dramas, not the ABC. vital to the maintenance of an ABC privatisation. After all, the evidence does Since I left the board, one of the most which provides an essential service suggest that the Australian public has a signifi cant developments has been the to the entire population of Australia. strong general attachment to the ABC. sheer growth of the ABC’s activities. But there is a real alternative to outright There have been two new digital TV Mal Hewitt privatisation that potentially would save a channels put to air, making four in total, FABC NSW President great deal of taxpayer money. new digital radio stations and an extensive Page 3

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 3 2/12/10 9:44 AM expansion in the ABC’s online presence, no media nook or cranny that should not continuation of the ABC in its present form particularly the new The Drum website. be fi lled by the public broadcaster. is much weaker. Instead, the government Whereas the BBC is pulling in its horns So what should the future hold for the should give consideration to altering the and reducing its presence, particularly ABC? In these times of straitened fi scal charter of the ABC to narrow the focus of online, the operations of our ABC are circumstances, it is worth asking whether its operation and reduce the organisation’s becoming more expansive and intensive. several hundreds of million dollars could be funding accordingly. Clearly, none of the senior management better directed elsewhere. Judith Sloan is a professorial fellow in the ABC is keen to acknowledge There are some gaps that probably at the Institute of Applied the market failure argument for public would not be fi lled by the private media. Economic and Social broadcasting: that the ABC should But the expansion of the ABC into areas Research, University concentrate its activities on areas of the that are clearly more than adequately fi lled of Melbourne. She was media where there is clearly insuffi cient by the private sector raises issues of unfair deputy chairwoman or defi cient private provision. The attitude competition and wasted taxpayer funds. of the ABC from 1999 within the ABC seems to be that there is In this new media age, the case for the to 2005.

to commercial TV networks in Australia. broadcast sport, news, or current affairs, DARCE CASSIDY However she fails to point out that ABC since commercial broadcasters cover RESPONDS TO TV’s total budget is a fraction of that that these genres. of the commercial channels. The Australian Not all economists agree with Professor JUDITH SLOAN Communications Authority reported in Sloan’s interpretation of the market failure 2006-7 that the three commercial television rofessor argument for public broadcasting. Ever networks and their affi liate licensees had Judith Sloan since the late 1920s economists have P total revenue of $3,966 million. The average is a prominent been aware of Hotelling’s Effect – the revenue of a commercial TV network that economist, a observation that in many markets it year was a third of that fi gure -$1297 Commissioner of is logical for producers to make their million. The ABC TV budget for that year the Productivity products as similar as possible. was 51% of the ABC’s total income of Commission, and In a 2002 paper titled Economics and $994.7 million, amounting to just $507.3 a former Deputy Regulation of Broadcasting Dr Glenn million or 39% of the average commercial Chair of the ABC. Withers put it this way: TV station income. Professor Sloan should be in an ….competitive private provision under Professor Sloan also neglected to mention excellent position to make valid advertiser funding was likely to reduce that the U.K. is in a precarious fi nancial comparisons between the funding of the program diversity further and neglect position, while the Australian economy is BBC and the ABC. Her qualifi cations minority tastes. strong by comparison. and experience would lead many readers The reason for this is that stations Professor Sloan advanced other reasons to think that she speaks with great based on advertising revenue will seek to to constrain the ABC. She believes, “… authority. maximise their audience (and thereby their the ABC should concentrate its activities She suggested (The Weekend revenue). Stations will therefore duplicate on areas of the media where there is clearly Australian, October 2-3) that the decision program types as long as the audience insuffi cient or defi cient private provision” of the BBC to downsize its operations share obtained is greater than that from was good reason for the ABC to do the ABC management, and most of its Board, other programs. Hence a number of same. do not subscribe to the argument that the stations may compete by sharing a market ABC should not compete with commercial However Professor Sloan neglected to for one type of program (such as crime media. They would be in danger of mention that on a per capita basis the dramas) and still do better in audience breaching their duties as Directors of the BBC costs each citizen 34 cents a day numbers than by providing programs of ABC if they did. The ABC Charter, which while the ABC costs Australians 14 cents other types (such as arts and culture). In forms part of the ABC Act, specifi cally a day. economics this point is an application of requires the ABC: the Principle of Minimum Differentiation, The BBC’s total revenue for 2008- • to provide within Australia innovative and a principle also capable of explaining 9 was $A7461.94 million. With a comprehensive broadcasting services of population of 60,800,000 the per capita such associated phenomenon as why a high standard, “ and cost of the BBC was $A125.58 per year bank branches may cluster together, why or 34 cents a day. • to provide a balance between airline schedules may be parallel, and why political parties may have convergent In contrast, the ABC’s total revenue broadcasting programs of wide appeal policy platforms. from all sources in 2009, was $A1084 and specialized broadcasting programs. million. Australia’s population was just Professor Sloan wants the Charter In a 2005 study two University of under 22 million. The ABC costs less changed so that the ABC would be scholars used mathematical than half as much as the BBC. required to complement, but not compete modeling to examine the effect that the Professor Sloan correctly points to ABC with, commercial media. Presumably presence of the ABC has on viewer TV’s low output of drama compared this would mean that the ABC should not choice, diversity of product supplied and

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FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 4 2/12/10 9:44 AM the profi tability of the privately owned Note, however that the benefi cial effect industry participants. that the government player has for Kerry O’Brien They concluded that: both viewers and other market players diminished as the number of other market When a government player was to leave players increase.…. introduced to an otherwise free enterprise market, greater diversity, lower Almost all of the outcomes predicted by 7.30 Report collusion and greater market coverage our model have been observed, either in were enjoyed by viewers. Surprisingly the Australian or the US television market, though, the presence of a government empirically. Increased diversity and greater player also brought about increased market coverage in both markets have revenues for the other market players. been observed by several authors. Judicious direction of government player Jamie Alcock and George Docwra. “A simulation analysis of the market effect of the Australian seemed to benefi t both the viewers and Broadcasting Corporation”, Information Economics the other market players. and Policy, Vol.17, No.4, October 2005.

We live in a free enterprise, capitalist The Argument for country, where money is king and I the ABC from a realise it is almost heresy to argue against commercialisation. But should everyone be n 2001, when interviewing ABC denied the opportunity of watching a full “no ads” Viewpoint Managing Director , length movie without ads simply because I his boss, Kerry O’Brien’s fi rst question (Another response to Judith Sloan) that is what commercial interests want. was “How much more time do you What about what the public want? Why Allan Thomas, Hunter Branch think you could reasonably expect to shouldn’t there be an ad-free haven? At a demonstrate to the public that you can There are lots of reasons why Australia cost of one billion dollars per year and if we actually do this job?” needs the ABC and the Charter spells out assume there are 10 million taxpayers, then many of these reasons. To my mind there the cost of the ABC per taxpayer is roughly He asked that question, knowing full is another reason. One which many people $100 per year which is less than some well that Shier had already moved to probably think of, but seldom express. people pay per month for a pay TV service. get rid of him. It is this kind of courage, This other reason is that the ABC provides The $100 per year equates to $2 per week. integrity and passionate search for the a safe haven for those of us who can’t I reckon if you asked people if they were truth that has made Kerry O’Brien the stand advertisements. willing to pay $2 per week to have an ad most respected (and feared, by some) Most of the population, it seems, don’t free network the response would be an interviewer of those in high places. mind advertisements on television and overwhelming yes. Indeed a lot might say He is stepping down at the end of radio too much. Some may fi nd them they were willing to pay $10 per week to 2010 after 15 years with the 7.30 entertaining, others might fi nd them useful, have no ads on any channels. For the $2 Report as both Editor and Host to whilst still others seem to have the ability per week we get four national TV networks, “retire” to Byron Bay, although he to switch off their minds and ignore the fi ve national radio networks, plus 60 local will still be involved with the ABC as ads. I am different. I fi nd ads incredibly radio stations, and more recently, an on-line host of Four Corners. His departure annoying and I can’t switch off from them. presence. from the 7.30 Report will leave behind My continual thinking about how annoying Don’t forget that a “free to air” commercial shoes which may be impossible to they are destroys my enjoyment of the channel does not come free. We all fi ll, but we sincerely hope that our foremost TV Current Affairs program “embedded” program. Note I have said the pay for the channel through increased program is embedded into the ads rather will retain its integrity and its bite, costs at the supermarket and elsewhere than the other way around for that is how rather than adopting the blandness of for the advertisers to pay for their ads. it seems to me. How anyone can think its commercial rivals. Advertisements in effect represent an that watching a sensitive movie with ad indirect form of taxation. Some people Kerry O’Brien’s long career on ABC breaks every ten minutes is a pleasurable has produced some memorable and may say they object to paying extra federal experience, is beyond me. dramatic moments in interviews, as taxation to fund the ABC which they There are those, such as Judith Sloan, politicians have wilted under some never watch. Well others, like me, might incredibly a former ABC board member, tough questioning, but he was say they object to paying higher prices at writing in The Australian recently, who ask acknowledged by all sides of politics the supermarket to pay for commercial “what is the point of the ABC” and “should as being meticulous and thorough in channels which they never watch. taxpayers be funding the ABC to compete his preparation, and relentless in his against private providers who both want We obviously live in a commercially determination that legitimate questions to and can do everything that the ABC orientated society but that shouldn’t mean should be answered rather than can do”? Well I would like to point out that there shouldn’t be choice and that we must avoided. His contribution to quality private providers cannot do everything that all be subjected to relentless ads even if we journalism and public life in Australia the ABC can do. In particular they cannot don’t want to be. Leave a little space for the has been outstanding. provide programs free of advertisements. ABC as a safe haven from ads. Page 5

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 5 2/12/10 9:44 AM Life after Red Kerry what’s the future of ABC current affairs?

Margaret Sunderland says a return to state-based What else might be possible, given Simons writes: programs was “not particularly on the that few would disagree with Sunderand agenda”. In some ways I think that is and O’Brien when they say that the How many different a shame. It goes unnoticed in Sydney fundamentals -- good journalism to a ways are there to do and Melbourne, but anyone who has national audience in prime time --must nightly prime time participated in public life in other states remain. Sunderland talks about more quality television knows the loss of nightly local ABC current interactivity with audiences. But then current affairs? affairs has had a devastating affect on the again, The 7.30 Report should not be and An article in The health of public life. could not be another Q&A. That spot is Australian today discloses what might taken. have been obvious: that with the departure Imagine what the Queensland Fitzgerald Back in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, of The 7.30 Report anchor Kerry O’Brien, inquiry in in the 1980s would the ABC program This Day Tonight virtually the ABC will review whether and what have been without and invented popular daily “long-form” current changes should be made to the ABC1 producer Mark Hayes, who re-enacted the affairs. It maintained high audience ratings fl agship program. evidence using actors each night? I think the inquiry would have been closed down. for more than 12 years. Even at the end I know for a fact there are those in the Yet a national program could never have if its run was watched by 1.8 million ABC who think the format has gone a devoted that kind of time and resources to Australians a night. bit stale. And there are plenty of others a state-based story. Today, a news and current events outside the national broadcaster who think program in prime time -- even tabloid political interviews have become tired cat- There are plenty of other examples from popular fare -- will attract average viewers and-mouse games, all polish and world- the country’s other one-newspaper towns. of just 1.2 million. To put these fi gures in weary evasion. Nightly ABC television current affairs could make a real difference in those states. perspective, the population has grown by But what can you do about it? As The weekly Stateline programs, of more than six million since TDT was at its O’Brien himself said in this interview with varying quality across the nation, don’t height. In other words, nightly television me last week, there is a limit to what you plug the gap. current affairs plays a decreasing role in can do to the format without detracting our consciousness. from the importance of the content. Imagine, for example, what nightly current affairs in would do to the Can some innovative thought around So what is Auntie considering? This logging debate, or in to the formats and interactivity reverse that? morning, the acting-director of news, Rann government, or in Brisbane to the Given the strapped resources of ABC Alan Sunderland, did his best to avoid ongoing troubles of the Bligh government? news and current affairs, one would have frightening the horses when I asked him I’d like to see the ABC address the near to doubt it. But it’s mainly encouraging that what the review would entail, and what vacuum. they’re doing the thinking. options were on the table. The departure of O’Brien, who had put his own stamp so fi rmly on the show, would itself constitute a major change, he said. The ABC had decided that before they made any decisions on a new presenter they should look at whether to make other alterations. Have you thought of giving Sunderland pointed out that Four Corners, which recently celebrated its Friends of the ABC membership 50th year, has had several fundamental changes in format over its stellar history. to younger relatives or friends? Some have been saying that program, You can use the membership application on the back page too, is tired. But I think last Monday’s of this Update, or maybe the website membership extraordinary and historically signifi cant fl y-on-the-wall account of how the facility on www.fabcnsw.org.au independents came to their decision to New members will be welcome! back Gillard should reassure us that there is kick in the old horse yet. So what is and isn’t on the table in this review of The 7.30 Report? What should be on the table? Page 6

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 6 2/12/10 9:44 AM What is important to realize is that in the history of the ABC – Latest News on according to the director of Ronin Films, Andrew Pike, who has been working in the industry for 35 years “Hope in a Slingshot” – a fi lm has never been accepted by the ABC and then formally rejected PDATE readers will recall that (in an interview with afterwards. This is a fi rst. A fi rst - all Uthe June issue reported at Mark Scott, ABC time low for the ABC. They have not some length on the refusal Managing Director) fooled anyone smarter than a brick. of the ABC to screen the is that the fi lm was Their reasons are political and have documentary which it re reviewed and it little to do with truth in journalism or balance as we all can tell after the commissioned, “Hope in was not considered airing of Collision Course, the BBC a Slingshot,” which deals ‘compelling’ enough. piece from Panorama. with the efforts of both Of course that is Palestinians and Israelis, subjective and in light that The future of how one can view Hope in a Slingshot is unclear. The only way working together to it initially was considered currently is to buy a DVD from Ronin fi nd solutions to the many ‘compelling’ enough – Films who are distributing it. examples of disputed ownership and nothing was addressed. They have given up on giving us occupation of land on the West Bank. We would like to encourage schools reasons! Communication with them to purchase this fi lm. A few students Director of the documentary, Inka has been impossible during this time. from Swinburne wrote to me to Stafrace, reports on the latest standoff No emails were ever responded to, show their appreciation for it as their with the ABC: there was no heads up that they were teacher had showed it for their exam I am sorry to report that Hope in re reviewing. There is a more polished revision. Its a very good teaching tool a Slingshot will not be broadcast on and updated version that they never if I say so myself! (a study guide is the ABC TV. Its been a long road, and asked to see. This information is available). although we lost prima facia, we did for all of you who suggested that Inka Stafrace not lose entirely. we discuss matters with the ABC. The offi cial word, given at the Please understand that the barest Polly Tikkle Productions Senate Estimates the second time of communication was impossible. Australia/Malta Senator Scott Ludlam brought it up Discussion was not an option. www.pollytikkle.com

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FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 7 2/12/10 9:44 AM brought a number of questions. The process began in Bega in September Branch 2009 and is now seen nationwide. The News main aim has been to make it viewer friendly. Incidentally, Lord Howe Island fi rst appeared after a request from their Tourist Board because the island does not have an automatic forecast station. Accurate records go back 100 years although 30 years is offi cially classed as an accurate climate record. Bloggers to the ABC suggested that is was ‘unbecoming’ and even ‘un- ABC like’ that Graham did not wear a tie and so some twelve months ago management suggested that he wear a tie. Tie or not, Graham Creed was an entertaining and well-received guest and we thank again those ABC presenters and personalities who visit with us on the Central Coast. Members took part in the latest Community Forum at Gosford Uniting Church on 1 November, the Graham Creed, Joan and Roy Nielsen at afternoon tea with Graham Creed 25 Nov 2010 topic being ‘The Media….Watchdog or Manipulator….Reporting Issues ABC signals may need to upgrade their or Infl uencing Public Opinion’. equipment. The ABC transmits from a Central Coast Guest speakers were Dr Simon number of facilities including Wyong, The Central Coast Branch continues Longstaff, Executive Director of to meet bi-monthly for Committee Broken Bay and Gosford and as well the St James Ethics Centre, Sydney, meetings and every other month for services along the coast at Kotara, Joanne McCarthy, journalist with Coffee and Conversation. Merewether and a large regional , and one time transmitter at Newcastle. Viewers After the June issue of ‘Update’, one of journalist Mark Pulford, now a media should also ensure that their antenna our members purchased a copy of the advisor to the Federal Government. is pointed to the optimal service for Ronin Films’ documentary “Hope in a The consensus of the evening revealed Slingshot”. Individual members viewed their area. The ABC’s digital services that if you want to see refl ective media, the fi lm and a motion was accepted at are all delivered via one frequency so if watch the ABC and tell them if you our last meeting that the program was there is a receiving problem with one don’t like what you see. All speakers an appropriate subject for the ABC to channel it will affect all channels. The agreed that the media at the last federal put to air. Our motion suggested also addition of ABC24 has no effect on the election stooped to a real low. that following the broadcast, a panel signal strength of the broadcast. Central Coast Branch FABC’s next discussion could follow to provide ABC Weatherman, Graham Creed, guest will be ‘Media Watch’ presenter, some balance if that was thought joined us for Afternoon Tea on Jonathan Holmes, who will join us necessary. Saturday, 25 September, and gave a for lunch at Gosford on 26 November. Prompted by a member’s letter, most enjoyable talk followed by some Details can be found at www.fabcnsw. discussion centred around interruptions interesting questions. He spoke of his org.au, go to Central Coast web page, or from John & Margaret Hale, Tel: to television transmission on all four lifetime interest in weather, having 43338107. ABC channels. This member contacted been nicknamed the “Weatherman” the ABC by telephone at 9:40pm on by his family as a child in Melbourne. Margaret Hale a Friday night to be told that the He then became a weather observer Transmission & Programming section is and fi nally joined the Bureau in 1985. Armidale not staffed after 5pm. In a reply from Stints in Moree, Lord Howe Island (no, Kevin McAlinden, ABC Audience & that’s not why L.H.I. is on our weather Visit of David Stratton to Consumer Affairs, the branch is assured map) and followed and Armidale in November that if there is a major transmission then seven years in Wollongong with An enthusiastic crowd of Friends and failure outside 8am – 7pm Mon-Fri, the Weather Channel. cinema lovers fi lled the University the ABC’s Master Control area would Checking the forecasting models of New ’s Arts Theatre on advise the switchboard to relay this from the Bureau and the Weather Saturday November 6 to hear a talk information to those callers on 1300 13 Company are important as part of and watch a “mystery” fi lm presented 9994. Central Coast viewers who are Graham’s daily routine as they are very by David Stratton, arguably Australia’s experiencing intermittent dropouts of accurate. The weather map changes premier fi lm critic. Page 8

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 8 2/12/10 9:44 AM Branch News

The evening was organised by took him and his wife Susie on the afternoon was a particular success for FABC in cooperation with the local traditional Armidale visitor’s trip to the Branch, as we welcomed seven new International Film Festival Committee, Dangar’s Falls (where the water was, members, and three new committee the UNE School of Arts and Arts New indeed, tumbling). After the talk David members, at the AGM which followed. England. In his welcome Professor and Susie joined some of the organisers Lisa Thomas Adrian Kiernander noted that both for a pleasant meal together Secretary David and his At the Movies co- For previous functions presenter, Margaret Pomeranz, “are FABC(Armidale) has enjoyed the held in such affection and respect by cooperation of other local bodies. their public that their fi rst names alone This year was no exception. Friends Branch Concern at the loss identify them as icons of the Australian are particularly appreciative of the of Rural Reporter position at media.” Certainly the turnout of University for help with the venue, Lismore around 300 supported Professor publicity and ushering. Most of Kiernander’s point. all they are grateful to David who In recent months, members of the The fi lm which David chose to gave everyone a wonderful evening. Northern Rivers branch have expressed present was indeed a “mystery” fi lm to It is fi tting, given his long and concern about changes at the local the organisers as well as the audience. distinguished career in the fi lm ABC North Coast station where the It was “Went the Day Well?”, a wartime industry, that all proceeds for the position of a rural reporter has been English black and white classic from event are going to the hard-working threatened by plans to fund an online 1942 directed by Brazilian director, committee of the International Film manager’s position. Branch members and the local member for Page have made numerous submissions to ABC management on this issue arguing that listeners in the Northern Rivers region greatly value the role of a local rural reporter. Northern Rivers branch members have had a long-standing admiration for the ABC’s team of foreign correspondents sponsoring a series of guest speakers. It was alarming in recent weeks to see a report about the ABC’s review of Overseas Bureaus in London, Tokyo, Moscow and the Middle East as a cost-cutting measure. Our branch would not support any move that makes life more diffi cult for Aunty’s “eyes and ears” overseas. In the near year the branch plan to conduct a series of workshops for David Stratton with TAFE students in Armidale. Left to right - Kellie Leech, David Stratton, Carmel Divine, those members wishing to upgrade Simon Ruddy, James Hardage, Gabe Hooper their technological skills so they can make fuller use of the ABC’s new media Alberto Cavalcanti and based on a Festival (next screening in the fi rst offerings. A branch meeting before story by Graham Greene. Made at the weekend of August), of which ABC Christmas will be advertised in the height of British fears of a German Local Radio, based in Tamworth, is also local press. invasion it told the story of an English a sponsor. Neville Jennings village’s occupation by disguised Priscilla Connor German paratroopers serving as an Armidale Branch advance post for a planned invasion. Blue Mountains Although very much of its time and Our branch has had a relatively quiet place it had an a strong emotional Hunter year, both in terms of membership impact on the Armidale audience. On Sunday, 24 October, the Hunter and activities. On the activity front, A lively question and answer session River branch hosted an afternoon with we ran stalls at both the Glenbrook followed the screening, fi rst on the fi lm Kerry O’Brien at Panthers Newcastle. and Springwood Fairs, collecting input itself, then on more general questions Several hundred people, both Friends from the public on various aspects of about David’s critiques, historical and friends of Friends, were enthralled ABC operations and forwarding it to trends and the likely future for fi lms, by Kerry’s talk on the media: past, the ABC for consideration. However, both in cinemas and on television. present, and possible future. As one perhaps the most interesting and Despite David’s limited time in member commented, he is near to the effective use of our time came when an Armidale, students from Armidale status of ABC rock star, although Kerry unsuspecting Senator Doug Cameron TAFE fi lm course had the opportunity himself lamented the rise of celebrity interacted with us at Springwood and to interview him and some Friends over serious news reporting. The certainly received a litany of helpful Page 9

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 9 2/12/10 9:44 AM Branch News

suggestions from some of our more and highly respected President Bob contributions from the membership vociferous members. My take home Macadam retired from the presidency as a whole. Even apparently minor was that to maximise our effectiveness, a few months ago. Several years back, assistance such as manning stalls or we should go beyond navel gazing and Bob revitalised the branch from near putting up posters or helping at events lobbying of the ABC, spreading our dormancy to become one of the like this are essential to make well message more widely in the community more active and successful branches planned activities work in practise. And which cares about and needs the ABC of “Friends”, in a real sense making you will get so much more from your (73% of the population interacts with it the reason we are here now. I can membership if you are able and willing the ABC at least once per week). assure you, it is daunting to step into to help. I look forward to working with Our Branch also hosted the biennial his shoes with an implied brief to you all as we go forward in 2011. Friends of the ABC State Conference at maintain and build on his successes. The challenges that I see for our branch Blackheath. Guest speakers included Bob, we thank and salute you. include: Mark Scott, long time ABC staffer and Also announcing their intention to • Growing our active membership, presenter Jon Cleary and independent retire after many years of service are not just numerically, important Film producer James Ricketson, along our Treasurer Julia McGill, Publicity though that is, but also to be more with about 20 representatives from Offi cer Pam Fitzpatrick, Newsletter demographically representative of other branches of Friends of the ABC. Editor Carole Goodwin, Property the population at large, Because we were hosting it locally, Offi cer Joan MacAdam and Webmaster • Improving communications by many of our members were able to Bob Foster. I thank all of them for their better use of new media tools attend some or all of the proceedings work over the years which have so too. There was a strong consensus that materially contributed to the smooth, • Improving our funding, this conference was one of the more effective and successful operation of • Putting on more relevant events for successful. I want to give a special the Branch and look forward to their members, thanks to all our members who assisted continued participation in the Branch • Getting better ABC representation in the organisation and hosting and and its activities as senior members. and activities locally, especially to Warren Nicholls who was The new committee will have many • Driving identifi ed ABC issues to the long term link and the local end of challenges to address on your behalf. a successful outcome, rather than the organisation and our “go to” person. While I have referred to Committee merely identifying them. Finally on people matters, most of challenges, we can only achieve the Tony Tayler you will be aware that our long term mutually desired outcomes with active Blue Mountains Branch President

Chairman of the ABC Board, Our bid for funding for our children’s radio and television, and online. Our Maurice Newman, replied channel, for instance, acknowledged advocacy in Canberra was based to SMH on 20th November the ABC’s unsurpassed reputation for on our unique position to again play quality children’s television. That it would this role. The ABC’s strength is, and help move Australia towards switching always will be, its independence. Funding bids off analog television was a collateral The power of the Australia do not strain benefi t. While in tune with the Network television service, government’s intention, it hardly delivered to the region by the independence compromised our independence. ABC, is that it showcases Australia’s robust democracy Your editorial suggests the ABC’s ABC3 has encouraged through independent news independence has been compromised many families to upgrade to and current affairs by its advocacy for funding in Canberra digital television. Children’s programs, and the (‘’Mark Scott’s unique position’’, television production best of Australian November 19). We strongly disagree. has greatly increased television. The independence of the ABC is and the channel is enshrined in legislation, rigorously viewed every week in The ABC has safeguarded by an independent board millions of homes. long proved it is and has been central to the culture of This initiative possible to be the organisation for nearly 80 years. was supported funded by, yet by the Howard independent of, Mr Scott’s comments this week simply government and government. It’s a reiterated what he has said in public funded by the Rudd tradition we are very many times. Every funding submission government. proud of, and it has been made based on work we lives on. believe is central to the role and mission The ABC has long of the ABC, of great public benefi t been at the forefront in Maurice Newman and which we believe we are uniquely helping Australians take Chairman, ABC, placed to deliver. up new technology - in Ultimo

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FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 10 2/12/10 9:44 AM In an Editorial on 19th November, the Sydney Morning Herald questioned whether the ABC was endangering its independence by aligning itself too closely with the government of the day: Essential: we trust Aunty, but Rupert’s Mark power must be curbed Scott’s ews Limited supremo Rupert Murdoch should not be allowed Nto control the majority of Australian newspapers, according unique to an Essential Research survey of media ownership and trust in news and current affairs. Essential also found there is an ambivalence towards James position Packer’s play for Channel Ten and that the ABC is the most trustworthy TV news and current affairs service. ark Scott, the managing placed to provide the means Labor and Greens voters were the most outspoken against Mdirector of the ABC, has let - broadcast media - through Murdoch, with 56% of those polled saying the government should a rather large cat out of the bag which this soft diplomacy can step in to curb his infl uence. Coalition voters also expressed their with his remarks about lobbying be exercised. misgivings, with 47% saying Murdoch should not be permitted for funds for his organisation The speeches show Scott such control, compared with 20% saying he should. from the federal government. It has been engaged in a little was not, he told a conference soft diplomacy of his own. This Total Vote Labor Vote Lib/Nat Vote Greens of the Screen Producers would only mark him out as a Should allow 15% 13% 20% 12% Association of Australia, through clever chief executive - one well Should not allow 50% 56% 47% 56% crying poor to Canberra and able to win the bureaucratic telling the government what a battles with Treasury which Don’t care 26% 24% 25% 26% great job the ABC was doing enable the ABC to prosper - if Don’t know 9% 8% 8% 6% that the corporation had won an it were not for the idea that his increase in its budget allocation. tactical cleverness involves There is some support for James Packer owning shareholdings Rather, it was through aligning aligning his organisation in some in Channel Ten and , with 28% of those polled favouring the the aims of the ABC with those way with the government of move. Most voters, however, were nonplussed by the potential of the government. Or, as he the day. The strategy may work shake-up of the television landscape, with 38% saying they didn’t put it: ‘’You’ve got to couch while Labor is in power, but care and 10% saying they didn’t know. the arguments in terms of what political circumstances change. we are in a unique position to What does such self-interested Total Vote Labor Vote Lib/Nat Vote Greens deliver that is in the interests of alignment do to the ABC’s Should be allowed 28% 27% 36% 18% the government of the day.’’ independence? Should not be allowed 24% 27% 21% 29% The example he cited was of As Scott has said in one the switch from analog to digital of his many speeches: ‘’The Don’t care 38% 36% 36% 46% television. ‘’We got money when Australian model of international Don’t know 10% 10% 7% 7% we said to the government… broadcasting has not been state ‘The analog switch-off is a broadcasting, the mindless According to Essential, the ABC is the most trustworthy major, major policy change that chanting of government television news service, with 84% of those polled declaring they affects every household in the propaganda. It has been had either “a lot of trust” or “some trust” in the broadcaster (both country. Let us help you believable, credible, truthful. questions received 42% respectively). The three commercial do that.’ ‘’ It has been scrupulously stations all fared similarly, recording fi gures under 10% for “a lot of independent.’’ Has been, yes. This particular cat had been trust”, while Sky recorded a marginally better result with 12%. wriggling strenuously in the bag But is it still, now that Scott’s that Scott has been holding large feline is out and A lot of trust Some trust Not much trust Don’t know for some time now. In a series roaming free? of speeches over the past Australia needs to tell its story ABC 42% 42% 9% 6% 12 months Scott has been and explain its values to our Channel 7 8% 53% 33% 6% stressing the importance of region. But those values, which Channel 9 8% 54% 31% 6% soft diplomacy - the spread of include independent media, are Channel 10 7% 55% 31% 6% Australian ideas and cultural not the monopoly of one body norms through our region as a - particularly not a government Sky News 12% 40% 17% 31% way of co-opting, rather than organisation so expressly keen coercing, neighbouring peoples to align its interests with those The Essential Report is a weekly political poll conducted by into accepting this country of every passing administration EMC in partnership with Your Source. Drawing on an online panel and its policies. The ABC, as to increase its budget of more than 100,000 members, the weekly poll tracks political Scott would put it, is uniquely allocation. performance and topical issues. Page 11

FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 11 2/12/10 9:44 AM State and Regional Branches

National Web Portal links Cowper Mid North Coast ACT – FABC to all State Branches. Joyce Gardner (Secretary) Drusi Megget Jane Timbrell FABC Cowper PO Box 1752 GPO Box 2625 Go to: 7 Royal Tar Crescent Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Canberra ACT 2601 www.friendsoftheabc.org.au Nambucca Heads NSW 2448 Phone: 6583 8798 Phone: 6249 8657 Phone: 6568 7532 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mal Hewitt (President) FABC NSW Northern Rivers South Australia – FABC PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 Eastern Suburbs Neville Jennings Sandra Kanck Phone: 9637 2900 Nizza Siano (Secretary) PO Box 1484 Kingscliff 2487 PO Box 7158 Hutt St [email protected] 16 Holland Rd Phone/Fax: 6674 3830 (H) Adelaide SA 5000 Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 [email protected] Phone: 8336 4114 Armidale Phone/Fax: 9327 3423 [email protected] Val Sherwell [email protected] Byron Bay Sub-branch convenor 167 Markham Street Jill Keogh – FABC Armidale NSW 2350 Great Lakes & Manning Valley Phone: 6688 4558 Harry Cohen Phone: 6772 0342 PO Box 534 [email protected] Margaret Gardner Parramatta Subiaco WA 6904 PO Box 871 Forster NSW 2428 Mal Hewitt [email protected] Blue Mountains Ph: 6554 9181 (H) 6591 3704 (W) 31 Queen St Granville 2142 Tony Tayler [email protected] Phone: 9637 2900 Tasmania – FABC 15 Spencer Street [email protected] Melissa Sharpe Leura NSW 2780 Hunter PO Box 301 Phone: 4784 3642 Allan Thomas – FABC North TAS 7002 [email protected] c/o PO Box 265 Friends of the ABC (Vic) Phone: 0427 041 161 Merewether NSW 2291 GPO Box 4065 [email protected] Central Coast Phone: 4930 7309 Melbourne VIC 3001 John Hale [email protected] Phone: (03) 9682 0073 FABC RESOURCE CENTRE 21 Stephenson Rd [email protected] Darce Cassidy Bateau Bay NSW 2261 Illawarra www.friendsoftheabc.org Phone: 4333 8107 Jan Kent (Secretary) Queensland – FABC [email protected] Friends of the ABC Illawarra Professor Alan Knight PO Box 336, Unanderra 2526 Creative Industries Faculty QUT Phone/Fax: 4271 3531 GPO Box 2434 [email protected] Brisbane 4001 [email protected] [email protected]

Membership Form Please fill out the form below and return it with your payment to: The Treasurer, Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. PO Box 1391, North Sydney NSW 2059. Use only if joining or if your membership has expired.

emaN tsriF emaN tsaL emaN :liamE (Please Print) Partner emaN tsriF emaN tsaL emaN :liamE

sserddA brubuS edoC/P

)emoH( enohP )emoH( )kroW( boM

I would like to join I would like to renew Membership No. ______

Age Group 30 or under 31-50 51+ I would like to receive my copy of My details will be passed on to my local FABC branch. (Strike out if you disagree) Update Magazine electronically. .ry1 .sry3 laudividnI 02$ 55$ I am paying by cheque in favour of FABC (NSW) Inc. Family/Household $25 $70 visa mastercard money order tnedutS 51$ 04$ Card Number renoisneP 51$ 04$ Name on credit card Corporate (covers 3 people) $60 - Expiry date I would like to make a donation $______erutangiS sredlohdraC erutangiS etaD latoT $ ______

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FRI 011 Newsletter.indd 12 2/12/10 9:44 AM