Australian Broadcasting Corporation ANNUAL REPORT 2007 then...

Front cover images: MA (Mick) Ferry was the first regular race commentator in the world. Starting with the Autumn Meeting at Randwick (Sydney) in 1925, he broadcast descriptions of the races from his flat, outside the course. Enthusiastic racing authorities cut down a tree that obstructed his view of the track. Mick Ferry continued as the ABC's chief racing commentator in Sydney until his death in 1943. Andrew Taylor, Four Corners cameraman, filming Apache helicopter gunships landing at Tarin Kwot in southern Afghanistan (June 2007). The Australian military Reconstruction Task Force and the Special Operations Task Group are based at Tarin Kwot.

RADIO • TELEVISION • ONLINE • 1 innovation in broadcasting 75years

... and now

SHOPS • INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING 2 Highlights of 2006–07

Total number of hours broadcast06–07 Radio—8 760 hours on each network and station Television—17 348 hours, including ABC2 and state-specific content

3.9 million pages of content on ABC Online

ABC services reached an estimated 72% of all Australians via Television, Radio and Online

ABC Radio had a weekly 5-city metropolitan reach of 3 687 000 or 33% ABC Television had a weekly 5-city metropolitan reach of 8.46 million or 60.4% and weekly regional reach of 4.1 million or 64.2% ABC Online had a monthly reach of 18.3% of Australia’s active internet population

Averaged 400 000 live radio streams per month, just under 2.4 million podcast downloads per month and 4.6 million vodcast downloads in first half of 2007

89% of Australians continue to believe the ABC provides a valuable service to the community 81% of Australians believe the ABC does a good job covering country/regional issues 71% believe the ABC is efficient and well-managed 3

ABC Television launched new Australian programs, including The ABC of Our Lives: 50 Years of Television, Who Killed Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler?, Constructing Australia: The Bridge, Carbon Cops, Air Australia, Difference of Opinion, jtv, Family Footsteps, Choir of Hard Knocks, Bastard Boys, Curtin, Life at 1 and Operatunity Oz

Radio Australia programming available through 160 local rebroadcasters in 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific, shortwave broadcasts, satellite services and 12, 24-hour FM relays

Australia Network television available in 41 countries, retransmitted by 400 pay television operators, in more than 200 000 hotel rooms and available in 21 million homes

The ABC broadcast 3 581 hours of first release Australian television content, including ABC2

ABC’s digital television services reach 97% of Australia’s population from 237 transmitter locations

42 ABC Shops and 103 ABC Centres throughout Australia and online generated $3.3m net profit which was returned to programming last year

The ABC had total revenues of $995m from ordinary activities with $1 059m in total assets 4 The National Broadcaster

Darwin Katherine

Kununurra

Broome

Karratha

Alice Springs

Geraldton

Kalgoorlie

Perth Wagin Esperance Pt Lincoln Metropolitan Services Bunbury Television Production Centres Albany Metropolitan Radio Online Production Centres

Regional Services Regional Radio Studios Television Production Centres Radio Australia Transmitters

• ABC national Radio networks—ABC Radio National, triple j, ABC Classic FM and ABC NewsRadio on the Parliamentary and News Network—are available throughout Australia • ABC Regional Radio studios collect content for use on ABC Radio and ABC Online • ABC Shops and ABC Centres are found at 146 locations throughout Australia • Local frequency information for ABC services is available in Appendixes 23 (Television) and 24 (Radio) 5

Radio The ABC has four national radio networks—ABC Radio National, ABC Classic FM, triple j and ABC NewsRadio—as well as 60 Local Radio stations around Australia, and three internet music-based services, dig, dig jazz and dig country. Cairns Television ABC Television operates two channels. Townsville The main channel is a national service Mt Isa with State and Territory news breakouts. It is available in analog and digitally Mackay on free-to-air digital and subscription television platforms. Longreach Rockhampton The ABC2 digital television service Gladstone is available free-to-air and on Bundaberg subscription platforms.

Maroochydore Online Toowoomba Brisbane The ABC Online website contains 3.873 Gold Coast million pages of content across 12 subject Lismore gateways, including content designed for broadband delivery. ABC services Tamworth Coffs Harbour Pt Augusta are also available via WAP, SMS, 3G Broken Hill Dubbo Port Macquarie and i-mode platforms. Pt Pirie Muswellbrook Orange Newcastle Renmark Erina Shops Mildura Sydney ABC-related products are available from Adelaide Wagga Wagga Wollongong Shepparton Nowra 42 ABC Shops and 103 ABC Centres Horsham throughout Australia, as well as the Bendigo Wodonga Canberra Mt Gambier Ballarat Bega ABC Shop Online and an order-based Sale Customer Delivery Service. Warrnambool Morwell Melbourne International Broadcasting International radio and online service Burnie Launceston Radio Australia, is available by shortwave, satellite and rebroadcast arrangements Hobart to Asia and the Pacific.

International television and online service, Australia Network, is available via satellite and rebroadcast arrangements to Asia and the Pacific. Office of Maurice L. Newman AC Chairman 2 October 2007 ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 Australia

GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001

Tel. +61 2 8333 5363 Senator The Hon. Helen Coonan Fax. +61 2 8333 2967 Minister for Communications abc.net.au Information Technology and the Arts Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600

The Board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is pleased to present the Annual Report of the Corporation for the year ended 30 June 2007.

The report is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.

Yours sincerely contents 7 Letter of Transmittal 6 section 1 Corporate Report 10 ABC Vision, Mission and Values 10 Significant Events in 2006–07 10 Corporate Plan Summary 13 ABC Board of Directors 15 Board Directors’ Statement 19 ABC Advisory Council 22 The Year Ahead 23 section 2 Overview 24 ABC Audiences 26 ABC Services 42 ABC in the Community 44 ABC People 48 Commitment to a Greener Future 53 Corporate Governance 56 Financial Summary 63 ABC Divisional Structure 66 section 3 ABC Divisions 68 Radio and Regional Content 70 Television 74 News 80 Innovation 84 International 87 Commercial 92 Operations 96 Corporate 102 section 4 Summary Reports 110 Performance Against the ABC Corporate Plan 2004–07 112

Outcomes and Outputs 126 06–07 section 5 Independent Auditor’s Report 139 Financial Statements 141

Appendices 183

Index 236 ANNUAL REPORT 20 Glossary 239 ABC Charter and Duties of the Board 240 8

A 1950s re-enactment of Charles Sturt’s 1829–30 expedition.

documentaries then...

Australia’s great arterial river system has Fifty-five years after that radio documentary borne explorers, traders and storytellers, from series, John Doyle and scientist/author Dr the earliest period of European settlement. Tim Flannery undertook another expedition to document a river system in a state of Over ten weeks in 1951, ABC Radio recreated environmental crisis. ABC Television presented the 1829–30 expedition of Charles Sturt Two Men in a Tinnie, a series filmed on their down the Murrumbidgee to its junction with journey along the Murray-Darling Rivers. that “broad and noble river”, the Murray. With the assistance of local Aborigines, The ABC has documented Australia and its Sturt’s party followed the Murray to Lake evolving place in the world through long-form Alexandrina and on to the ocean mouth, narratives from its earliest days. Dr Cecil south of Adelaide. Madigan used a pedal radio transceiver in section 1 9

the Flinders Ranges in South Australia to on rural Australia, Chequerboard and, later, file his radio talks as leader of the first renowned natural history projects such as major expedition across the Simpson Desert Nature of Australia. in 1939. Shortly after World War II, Colin Simpson presented Australian Walkabout At the beginning of the new millennium, ABC with stories of crocodile hunting in the Gulf Radio National audaciously chose to present of Carpentaria, jungle patrols on the island a 15-hour documentary review of the previous of New Guinea and the operations of a 1 000 years – “A Thousand Years in One pearling lugger off Broome. Day”. Extraordinary.

In 1960, the ABC established its first television On any ABC platform—radio, television or documentary unit, which produced landmark online—Australians continue their journeys series that helped significantly to define the of discovery about the world around them, genre in this country: A Big Country, focusing their land and their social evolution.

... and now

Australian of the Year Tim Flannery and respected writer and satirist John Doyle examine the issue of Australia's challenging water future in “Two men in a tinnie”. 10

ABC Vision, Mission and Values

Vision and impartiality, reflecting a balanced Valued for playing an active role in the and broad range of views and interests lives of all Australians. Creative—a commitment to innovation, Mission ideas and support for talented people Uphold the ABC’s Charter through distinctive programs and services that Courageous—encouraging the leadership inform, educate and entertain. and vision to adapt to change with integrity and decisiveness Values Distinctively Australian—reflecting the Supportive—providing opportunities nation’s identity and culture for ABC staff to grow, personally and professionally, during their time with Open to all—reaching out to engage the Corporation audiences, bringing Australians together Accountable—demonstrating high No hidden agendas—aspiring to the standards of governance and value for highest editorial standards of accuracy money to the Australian community.

Significant Events 2006–07

July 2006 ABC Asia Pacific rebranded as A Stowaways Guide to the Pacific launched Australia Network. as the fourth project funded under the ABC – Australian Film Commission Broadband triplejunearthed.com launched with a Production Initiative. live performance from Unearthed winner Missy Higgins. ABC Radio National’s Music Deli celebrated its 20th birthday. The Indigenous Music Awards recorded live by triple j and filmed for broadcast on ABC Video downloads made available on ABC Television and ABC2. Online, starting with The Chaser’s War on Everything. Lateline and Lateline Business websites launched, complemented by video podcasts. jtv launched on ABC Television and ABC2 to extend the triple j brand. September 2006 Australia Network launched on cable August 2006 platforms in India. First online outside broadcast by ABC Local Radio, produced from the Byron Bay Radio Australia opens Digital Audio Writers’ Festival. Broadcasting subscription service in Singapore. Choir oftheYear The BirraleeBlokes as video-on-demand. Good Game live from Bali. 11th annual and theArts,delivered 702ABCSydney’s Communications, Information Technology Senator theHon.Helen Coonan,Minister for of theReserve BankofAustralia. MacFarlane, therecently retired Governor The 2006Boyer Lectures delivered byIan November 2006 of 11children growing upinAustralia. Life atOne complement the landmarktelevision series, The on screen together. Margaret Pomeranz, celebrated 20years At theMovies winners atParliament House. announced the for Agriculture, Fisheries andForestry, The Hon.Peter McGauran, Minister October 2006 Radio Australia’s of 2.5millionpeople. ever screened ontheABC,withanaudience most watched Australian documentary Dr BogleandMrsChandler? The television documentary their 25thanniversary onradio. The CoodabeenChampionscelebrated Lewers Bequest andtheJoanSutherland Arts Centre, Penrith RegionalGallery, the in conjunction withthe Campbelltown using ABCarchival material, heldinSydney Yours, MineandOurs Life atOne , whichfollowed thedevelopment premiered on ABC2andonline Andrew OlleMemorialLecture hosts, DavidStratton and 2006 Heywire website launchedto competition. Breakfast Club won ABCClassic FM’s , avisualartsexhibition competition Who Killed became the broadcast . phones andonline. which promoted storytelling viamobile Art andTechnology, launched Corporation andtheAustralian Networkfor Australian FilmCorporation, m.NET The ABC,incollaboration with theSouth December 2006 National eachfortnight, into onedownload. education stories, broadcast byABCRadio exclusively podcast service, gatheringthebest ABC RadioNationallaunched March 2007 traditional andworldmusic. Launch of birthday oftheBridgeandABC. Harbour Bridge,celebrating the75th Weekends Australia AllOver Asia-Pacific region. 14s RugbyUnionseriesacross the Australia Networkbroadcast theSuper February 2007 on ABC2andasvideo-on-demand. ABC Science series University History Department. Podtours 774 ABCMelbournelaunched show, ABC NewsRadiointroduced newsports 2006 Bookscan Bestseller Non-Fictionlist. ABC Book January 2007 highlights onthewebsite. Lives: 50YearsofTelevision John Clarke presented the 50thAnniversary ofABCTelevision. Performing ArtsCentre to commemorate Weekend HalfTime , co-produced withtheMelbourne The PureDrop Spotless broadcast live from theSydney section 1 and 702ABCSydney’s Talking Science number onetitle on The ABCofOur website, exploring . , withextended ABC Melbourne miniSeries Edpod broadcast , an 11

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 12

Significant Events 2006–07 continued

The 42nd ABC Shop opened in Rosny, Tasmania. May 2007 The 100th ABC Centre opened at ABC Local Radio turned an idea from four Watergardens, Victoria. teenage participants at the 2007 Heywire Youth Issues Forum into a national radio and Funding for the national broadcasters’ roll web event. With 2 000 registered participants, out of Digital Radio to the six state capitals, The 40 Hour Drought encouraged listeners by 1 January 2009, committed as part of to limit themselves to 40 litres of water for the Federal 2007 Budget. a period of 40 hours. ABC Radio National’s Awaye! marked the ABC2 celebrated its second birthday. 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum to extend citizenship to Indigenous Australians. The ABC became the first Australian broadcaster to establish a presence in the Radio Australia opened a 24-hour FM relay virtual world of Second Life. ABC Island in Lae, Papua New Guinea. launched and coincided with a Four Corners program exploring virtual worlds. June 2007 1233 ABC Newcastle and ABC Central Coast April 2007 provided extensive coverage of storm-related Approximately 15 000 people attended triple events in the Hunter Valley and the Central j’s One Night Stand concert from Cowra in Coast of New South Wales. regional New South Wales. triple j launched AWOL—four free concerts Radio Australia opened a 24-hour FM relay to be staged in four towns across regional in Kiribati. Australia featuring some of Australia’s biggest bands. ABC Radio National received around 6 000 responses to its Unforgettable Revamped ABC News Online website launched. Speeches competition. Radio Australia expanded bi-lingual English Northern Territory Local Radio broadcast lessons for the Vietnamese, Chinese, the Tiwi Island Football League Grand Final. Indonesian and Cambodian markets. Podcasts of lessons reaching over 300 000 per week. Radio Australia mounted the first ABC live broadcast from Guangzhou, China.

Rage celebrated its 20th anniversary on ABC Television. h utaincmuiy8 18 880 78 82 82 Take account ofservices provided bythecommercial andcommunity broadcasting • Beinnovative andcomprehensive (s.6(1)(a)) 83 • Provide programs ofwideappealandspecialisedinterests (s.6(2)(a)(iii)) • 81 Meeting itslegislative obligationsto... 84 81 services andemerging digital media(ss.6(1)(a) and6(2)(a)(iii)). The ABCwill... 84 programs andservices Objective 2.Engageaudiences withrelevant andinnovative 2002–03 84 2003–04 Detailed reporting against 2004–05 Objective 1can befound onpage112. 2005–06 the Australian community 2006–07 reflects thecultural diversity of % ofpeople whobelieve theABC to Australia’s nationalidentity distinctively Australian andcontributing % ofpeople whoregard theABCto be will bemeasured by... The ABCwill... Objective 1.Contributetoasenseofnationalidentity identified insupportofthesefour overall objectives. Specific legislative responsibilities are addressed through thestrategic prioritiesandactions Broadcasting CorporationAct1983 Plan isframed around four Corporate Objectives derived explicitly from the Corporation for theinevitable transformation oftheAustralian mediaenvironment. TheCorporate The Board adopted anABCCorporate Planfor the2004–07period,continuing to positionthe Its overall effectiveness Take account ofthemulticultural character oftheAustralian community (s.6(2)(a)(iv)). • Transmit overseas programs ofnews,current affairs, entertainment andcultural • Content genres: • Meeting itslegislative obligations... communities through anABCthatisdistinctively Australian (s.6(1)(a)(i)). Corporate PlanSummary sectors (s.6(2)(a)(i)). enrichment (s.6(1)(b)) Reflect cultural diversity (s.6(1)(a)(i)) • Promotion ofthemusical, dramatic andotherperforming arts(s.6(1)(c)) • Programs ofaneducational nature (s.6(1)(a)(i)) • Newsandinformation (ss.6(1)(b) and8(1)(c)) • create more opportunitiesfor audiences to connect withthediversity oftheir reach asmanypeople aspossible through theABC’s established Charter , includingtheCharter (s.6). section 1 Australian 13

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 14

Corporate Plan Summary continued

Its overall effectiveness will be measured by... 2006–07 2005–06 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 Overall (Combined) Audience Reach (%) 72 73 75 75 NA* % of people who perceive the ABC to be innovative 73 73 74 72 70 * Combined Audience reach figures were not calculated prior to 2003–04 Detailed reporting against Objective 2 can be found on page 113.

Objective 3. Ensure the ABC’s independence, integrity and high standards The ABC will... advance the ABC’s reputation and high performance standards through the ongoing evaluation of governance, policies and procedures (ss.6(1)(a) and 8(1)(b)).

Meeting its legislative obligations to... • Maintain the independence and integrity of the Corporation (s.8(1)(b)) • Ensure news and information is accurate and impartial (s.8(1)(c)) • Develop codes of practice relating to programs (s.8(1)(e)) • Take account of standards determined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (s.6(2)(a)(ii)) • Comply with all relevant legislation (s.8(1)(d)) • Give consideration to any policy statement by the Commonwealth Government on any matter relevant to broadcasting or administration (s.8(2)).

Its overall effectiveness will be measured by... 2006–07 2005–06 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 % of people who believe Television 81 80 80 77 79 the ABC provides quality Radio 64 63 63 61 60 programming Online 88 89 89 87 89 % of people who believe the ABC is balanced and even-handed when reporting news and current affairs 79 83 82 80 81 Detailed reporting against Objective 3 can be found on page 114.

Objective 4. Provide maximum benefit to the people of Australia The ABC will... achieve the optimal use of assets and resources and manage the long-term sustainability of the Corporation (s.8(1)(a)).

Meeting its legislative obligation to... Ensure the functions of the Corporation are performed efficiently and with the maximum benefit to the people of Australia (s.8(1)(a)).

Its overall effectiveness will be measured by... 2006–07 2005–06 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 % of people who value the ABC and its services to the community 89 90 90 89 89 % of people who believe the ABC is efficient and well managed 71 70 70 64 68 Detailed reporting against Objective 4 can be found on page 115. those plans. likely to cause significant deviation from ABC andto notifytheMinister ofanymatters the Board to prepare corporate plansfor the by theMinister. TheABCActalsorequires of theCorporation whenrequested to doso Government policyrelevant to thefunctions legislation; andto consider matters of with theABCActandotherrelevant programming matters to develop recognised standardsofobjectivejournalism accurate andimpartialaccordingtothe presentation ofnewsandinformation is required to ensure thatthegatheringand the ABC’s the peopleofAustralia ae lrcte tvnSaaPtrHre KeithWindschuttle Peter Hurley Steven Skala Janet Albrechtsen Maurice Newman AC efficiently functions oftheCorporation are performed of theActrequires theBoard to ensure the Corporation Act1983 derive from the The role andresponsibilities oftheABCBoard ABC and withthe independence codes ofpracticerelatingto Board ofDirectors Australian Broadcasting (“ABC Act”).Section8 ; ensure compliance maximum benefitto , while maintaining Mark Scott and integrity . Itis ; John GallagherQC is provided onacase-by-case basis. professional development for Directors from CCHAustralia Limited. Other Governance, Australia modules, Directors’ ManualandPublicSector is available through provision ofthe new Board members andonlinetraining Induction processes are inplace for interest inanyitems ontheagenda. they wishto declare amaterial personal At eachmeeting,Directors are asked if appointment. Thisisupdated regularly. a declaration ofinterests upontheir and rights.They are required to provide 2004, whichsetsouttheirresponsibilities Board Protocol, first adopted inSeptember Directors are required to observe theABC Authorities andCompaniesAct1997 and goodfaith, assetoutinthe required to meetobjective standards ofcare obligations andindividualDirectors are In addition,theBoard issubjectto further section 1 Ron Brunton Commonwealth . 15

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 16

ABC Board of Directors continued

Maurice Newman AC In June 2004 he was appointed a Director Appointed Chairman for a five-year term of the Queensland Investment Corporation. commencing 1 January 2007. Mr Newman was awarded a Companion of Maurice Newman is currently Chairman the Order of Australia, AC in 2002, and an of the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd Order of Australia, AM in 1994. In 2003 and Chancellor of Macquarie University. he was awarded the Centenary Medal for outstanding service to the financial His career spans 40 years in stockbroking services industry. and investment banking, including as Managing Director in 1984, and Executive John Gallagher QC Chairman from 1985 until 1999, of what is Re-appointed for a three-year term from now the Deutsche Bank Group in Australia. 24 February 2005. Appointed Deputy Chairman He was Chairman of the Deutsche Bank until term expires 23 February 2008. Asia Pacific Advisory Board and a Director of Deutsche Bank Asia Pacific from 1999 John Gallagher is a Barrister and Queen’s to 2001. He was also Chairman of Deutsche Counsel whose practice involves civil and Asset Management (Australia) Limited criminal law. from 1997 until 2000. Mr Gallagher was formerly a Director of He has been an adviser to Australian Mackay Television Limited (1971–87) as well governments: as a member of the as a Director of companies operating hotels Consultative Committee on Relations with in Queensland and New South Wales from Japan (1984–87); a Commissioner of the 1960 to 1996. National Commission of Audit (1996); a member of the Business Advisory Panel Ron Brunton established by the Minister for Multicultural Appointed a Director for a five-year term Affairs (1997–2002); Chairman of the from 1 May 2003. National Judging Panel for Innovation in Local Government (1997–98); Chairman of Ron Brunton is currently the Director of the Commonwealth Government’s National Encompass Research Pty Ltd, an organisation Year 2000 Steering Committee (1997–2000); engaged in anthropological and socio-economic and the Business Mature Age Workforce research, concentrating on native title, Advisory Group (2000–01); Co-Chair of the Indigenous heritage, immigration and Singapore Australia Business Alliance Forum environmental issues. (1999–2002); Member of the New South Wales Premier’s Major Events Board (2002–04); A widely published writer, Dr Brunton was and Chairman of the Federal Treasurer’s a fortnightly columnist for The Courier Mail Financial Sector Advisory Council (1998–2007); from 1997 until 2003, and was a Senior Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs (2001–07); and Tourism New South Wales between 1995 and 2001. (2002–07).

Mr Newman served as a Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from December 2000 to June 2004. Morning Herald of Cricket Australia. he isaMemberoftheGrievance Tribunal Modern Art,NewYork (MoMA).Inaddition, the International Council oftheMuseum Cancer Foundation andasaMemberof as aTrustee oftheSirZelmanCowen and ElizaHallInstitute ofMedical Research, He serves astheVice President of theWalter Independent Studies. the Australian Ballet andtheCentre for Ltd, WilsonHTMInvestment Group Limited, Limited andisadirector ofMaxReCapital Hexima Limited andLive Events Wireless Pty also ChairmanofFilmAustralia Limited, New Zealand,ofDeutscheBankAG. He is Steven SkalaisVice Chairman,Australia and from 6October2005. Appointed aDirectorforfive-yearterm Steven Skala The AustralianFinancialReview newspaper. Shehaspreviously written for newspaper columnist with Janet Albrechtsen, aformer solicitor, isa from 24February2005. Appointed aDirectorforfive-yearterm Janet Albrechtsen and theUniversity ofPapua NewGuinea. anthropology atvarious universities inAustralia of anthropological issues andhaslectured in research papers andbooksonawiderange In addition,DrBrunton haspublished the University ofSydney LawSchool. the University ofSydney andhastaught at Ms Albrechtsen hasadoctorate inlawfrom and securitieslaw. the areas ofbankingandfinance, corporate Freehill, Hollingdale andPage, practising in She waspreviously employed withlawfirm and Quadrant magazine. , The Age , The SundayAge The Australian , The Sydney Tourist Commission (2000–04). and asaBoard MemberoftheAustralian of theSouthAustralian Tourism Commission (1997–2003) andChairoftheAuditCommittee has previously served asaBoard Member of theAdelaideFootball Club.Mr Hurley South Australia. HeisalsoDeputyChairman group apprenticeship andtraining schemein of Hospitality Group Training, thelargest Australian Hotels Association, andChairman Vice President andState President ofthe industry. Heiscurrently NationalSenior Peter Hurley isabusinessman inthehotel from 14June2006. Appointed aDirectorforfive-yearterm Peter Hurley commercial practice. Solicitors andheadofitscorporate and he wasapartnerofArnoldBloch Leibler, Company Limited. Between1985and2004, Group ofCompaniesandTheKingIsland and hasbeenadirector oftheChannel10 the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Mr Skalaistheimmediate past Chairmanof in theUnited States. guest lecturer atanumberofuniversities universities. Hehasalsobeenavisitingor and socialpolicyatanumberofAustralian lecturing inAustralian history, journalism Mr Windschuttle has20years experience Broadcasting andTelevision journalist with of bookspublishedandhasworked asa academic publications. Hehashad anumber newspapers, international journals and to majorAustralian andinternational and publisherafrequent contributor Keith Windschuttle isanhistorian, author from 14June2006. Appointed aDirectorforfive-yearterm Keith Windschuttle section 1 The DailyTelegraph magazine. and 17

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 18

ABC Board of Directors continued Mark Scott Retiring Chairman Appointed Managing Director for a five-year Donald McDonald AC term from 5 July 2006. As the longest serving Chairman since the ABC became a Corporation in 1983, Prior to his appointment as ABC Managing Donald McDonald retired from the Board Director, Mark Scott spent almost 12 on 31 December 2006. He was initially years in a variety of editorial, editorial appointed Chairman in July 1996 for a management and organisation development five-year term, re-appointed on 24 July 2001 positions with John Fairfax Publications. for a second five-year term and appointed From 2003 to 2005 he was Editor-in-Chief, for a further five months commencing Metropolitan newspapers, and during 2005 on 24 July 2006. became Editor-in-Chief of Metropolitan, Regional and Community newspapers. From November 2005 he was Editorial Director, with responsibility for the management and editorial direction of the newspaper divisions and websites along with the editorial and commercial performance of the Fairfax newspaper magazine division.

From 1993–94 he worked in education policy research at the Centre for Learning and Competitiveness at the University of Maryland, in the United States.

He was employed in the New South Wales Government from 1988–92 in the roles of Chief of Staff to the Education Minister, Director of Communications in the Education Ministry, and Policy Advisor to the Education Minister.

Mr Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma in Education and a Master of Arts degree in Government from the University of Sydney. During 1992–93 he completed a Masters degree in Public Administration at Harvard University. and enliven Australian democracy. conversation anditcontinues to enrich forum for muchofAustralia’s public today’s digital age,theABCprovides the independent andbalanced voice. Even in and complex, itstill responds to areliable, While contemporary societyismore diverse no less daunting. today’s Australians the challenges are they have been replaced byothers. For prevailed in1932have disappeared but Many oftheuncertainties andbeliefsthat in Australian society. epic changesthathave taken place been there to share andreflect onthe achievements, sadness andjoy. Ithas disasters, economic upsanddowns,great the past 75years, through wars, natural at every step oftheAustralian journey over The ABChas,infact, beenatrusted partner turned outto be. in thenationalinterest—and soit has nation. Agenuinenationalbroadcaster, ABC wouldplayapartinuniting dark anddifficulttimeshadpassed, the prosperity wouldreturn. Thatwhenthose They took thelong viewthat,oneday, looked beyond themoment. hardship, thepeoples’ representatives Founded intimesofeconomic distress and a truly bi-partisanvision. —the predecessor to theLiberal party— in 1932bytheLyons United Australia Party the ScullinLaborgovernment andenacted Broadcasting Commission wasdrafted by The legislation creating theAustralian Seventy Five Years oftheABC standard andto observe bothaccuracy and comprehensive services of ahigh Corporation isrequired to provide innovative Under theABC ActandCharter, the Director ofEditorialPolicies Board Directors’ Statement the young many generations ofAustralians. and defined afamiliar media experience for radio andtelevision broadcasting in Australia, spectrum scarcity, allowed alimited range of The analog age,whichwascharacterised by ahead for theABC. There are, nevertheless, significant tests radio andonlineservices. expects, alongside established television, heart ofwhatthecontemporary audience podcasting andvodcasting are now atthe applications, digital television (ABC2), Broadband, video-on-demand,mobile ABC services, for aricheraudience experience. vast range ofcontent for thegrowing range of cross-platform programming—providing a Corporation isbetter able to deliver multimedia, audience expectations. Asaresult, the priority to aligningtheABC’s outputwith The revised organisational structure gives successfully completed inthefirst halfof2007. significant managerialchange,whichwas The Corporation’s digital evolution hasrequired Digital Age Aligning theABCfor the ABC isdischarging itsCharter obligations. first-hand assurance to theBoard thatthe relevant Executive Directors, beable to provide by theABC.MrChadwickwill,withother Policies incontent, wherever itispresented review theconsistent adherence to Editorial of Editorial Policies: to advise,verify and Three mainprinciples guidetherole ofDirector to editorial staff andmanagement. providing additionalstrength andexpertise December 2006wasanimportant step in new role ofDirector ofEditorial Policies in The appointmentofMrPaul Chadwickto the ABC EditorialPolicies These requirements are enshrinedinthe and impartialityinnewsinformation. section 1 . 19

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 20

Board Directors’ Statement continued

This protected environment is rapidly and Australia Network. They also find drawing to a close. Digital technology is expression beyond programs through projects creating an age of plenty with new means undertaken by ABC International. of providing stimulating information and entertainment and an astonishing growth Radio Australia and Australia Network of innovative ways for audiences to further provide an awareness of Australian thinking engage with media. to international audiences. Yet they are more than broadcasters and are distinguished The ABC must work even harder to preserve from other media services in the region the special relationship it has established by providing services that have helped with audiences through conventional radio, contribute to closer cultural ties—neighbour television and online. At the same time, the to neighbour—between Australia and other ABC’s less traditional audiences are showing nations in the Asia-Pacific region. a growing interest in self-expression and participation by embracing new means of Part of this broader engagement with the personalising their media experiences. international community served by the ABC is exemplified by educational content such The ABC must also cater to their needs. as Australia Network’s Study English program Their major media experiences take place (in partnership with Australian tertiary online and are shaped by that environment institutions) and Radio Australia’s Time —they have very different expectations to to Talk series on politics, society and that of established audiences. They are governance in the Pacific. more demanding as well as amenable to alternative venues. The ABC also has a long history of working with other broadcasters—as neighbour and The structural changes that have taken place citizen of the Asia-Pacific region—to develop within the Corporation in the past year will effective media in the region. This supporting help address this great challenge—how to role for the ABC is now increasing, with the reach more Australians, in more ways, more ABC providing regional broadcasters specialist often—and to fulfil the enduring values and advice and technical assistance, mentoring expectations of our Charter. and training activities. The most significant of these activities are funded by Australia’s We believe the media environment will be as development assistance agency, AusAID. profoundly altered by these innovations as it was by the introduction of television 50 years ago. The ABC’s international activities—Radio Australia, Australia Network and International The ABC’s International Projects—are managed within a new ABC Engagement International Division. Further collaboration The ABC is committed to fundamental between the services produced by this democratic principles including the rule arrangement will both improve effectiveness of law, freedom of speech and religion, of the services and assist in developing parliamentary democracy and equality audience growth. of opportunity—the foundations of Australian society. Jean-Gabriel Manguy, under whose leadership a resurgent Radio Australia found new means These Australian values are intrinsic to the to reach new audiences during the past decade, programming presented by Radio Australia resigned from the role in April 2007 to take Corporation asoundfoundation for its a range ofsignificant challenges—giving the during thepast decade, theABCdealt with Under MrMcDonald’s distinguished leadership extensive contribution. would like to record itsappreciation for his became aCorporation in1983.The as Chairmanisthelongest since theABC Mr McDonald’s ten andahalfyears service 31 December 2006. his third term asChairmanoftheABCon Donald McDonaldAC retired attheendof with itsCharter obligations.Thismayrequire effective useoftheABC’s fundsconsistent The Board isdedicated to ensuringthemost recurrent expenditure. than indexation. Soissomeofour change andare increasing more rapidly relate directly andindirectly to technological costs are not.ManyoftheABC’s expenses While ourrevenues are relatively fixed, the Board. sustainability remains achallenge for is, themaintenance oflong-term financial As welcome asthis Government commitment was setatalevel unprecedented in20years. The ABCfundingfor the2006–09triennium media development butitisacostly exercise. strengths. We are intheforefront ofdigital Changing technology isplayingto theABC’s Future Sustainability Australia andwisheshimwell. during avery challenging decade for Radio Board paystribute to MrManguy’s efforts up anewpositionoutsideAustralia. The McDonald AC Donald Board in journalism. of MrMcDonald’s commitment to excellence McDonald ABC Scholarship inrecognition the program wasrenamed theDonald history. On theoccasion ofhisretirement, both itandscholars throughout theprogram’s and continued to encourage andsupport Reuter’s Foundation Scholarship program, instrumental intheestablishment ofthe As ABCChairman,MrMcDonaldwas around theworldto furtherdevelop theirskills. together upto 25established journalists from Reuter Foundation program. Thisbrings experienced highlevel journalist to jointhe a Reuter’s Foundation Scholarship to an Each year since 1999,theABChasawarded exclusively digital environment. and expectations ofwhatwillsoonbe an placed to dealwiththemanynew demands present success. TheCorporation isbetter Mark Scott Keith Windschuttle Peter Hurley Steven Skala Janet Albrechtsen Ron Brunton John GallagherQC On behalfof Chairman Maurice Newman AC duties aslaidoutinSection8oftheABCAct. The Board believes ithasfulfilled itsstatutory for thelowest possible price. people require, to thestandards they demand, We are committed to delivering theservices Australian people. acquit ourselves to ourowners, the ways ofdoingthingssothatwecan better resetting prioritiesandreviewing traditional Director section 1 Director Director Director Director Director Director 21

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 22

ABC Advisory Council Back row (left to right): Jane Munro (Convenor, Vic), Alan Wu (Qld), Joel Buchholz (Qld), Joshua Knackstredt (NSW), Geoffrey Cadogan-Cowper (Tas), Anthony Peters (NSW) and Robyn Lambley (NT) Front row (left to right): Joanne Roach (WA), Pamela Chick (Qld), Jaime Phillips (WA), Catherine Prosser (ACT) and Dr Paul Collier (SA).

The ABC Advisory Council is established The ABC Advisory Council and the ABC Board under the provisions of the ABC Act to provide continued to build on the Council’s role in advice to the Board on matters relating to advising the ABC Board on community views. the Corporation’s broadcasting programs. The ABC Board Advisory Committee, chaired The ABC Board appoints the 12 members of by Ron Brunton, met with the Council after the Council for a period of up to four years. each Advisory Council meeting; and the The public is invited to apply to join the full Board held its annual meeting with the Council through promotions on ABC Radio, Advisory Council in December 2006. It also met Television and Online and advertisements in with ABC Divisional Directors to discuss key the press. This year, Ms Catherine Prosser areas of interest including radio, television from the Australian Capital Territory, Miss and audience research. Jaime Phillips from Western Australia, Mr Anthony Peters from New South Wales and The Council met three times during the year Mr Joel Buchholz from Queensland, joined and provided feedback to the ABC Board on the Council. a wide range of programs and services.

The role of the ABC Advisory Council, under It prepared papers on: Section 11 of the ABC Act is to “either on its • The Role of the ABC in Regional Australia own initiative or at the request of the Board, (March 2007) advise the Board on matters relating to the • Report on Equity and Diversity Corporation’s broadcasting programs”. (December 2006).

The Council: These papers have been circulated widely • facilitates communication between in the ABC and will be considered in the the community and the ABC Board Corporation’s strategic planning. • on its own initiative, provides advice to the ABC Board in relation to ABC programs The Council’s work plan for the remainder and program policies of 2007 includes discussion papers on young • provides constructive advice on ABC people’s engagement with the ABC, papers programs and programming issues in on scientific programming, the branding response to requests from the Board of the ABC, ABC Online, inclusiveness and and senior management issues around the source of food. • provides an overview for the Board of community concerns and interests The Advisory Council’s recommendations • carries out community consultation and commendations for the year, together programs seeking community views on with responses from ABC management, ABC programming initiatives and policies. appear in Appendix 17 (page 199). The Year Ahead content levels ontelevision; provide current television networks;increase Australian content onadditionaldigital radio and the planningperiod,itaimsto: deliver more people engagewithissues andideas.Over as theleading Australian mediaspace where is thattheABCcontinues to berecognised A core objective ofthenewthree-year Plan best to deliver content across allplatforms. content divisionneedsto consider how Television, RadioandNewsoutput.Each ten years agoto thevery centre ofABC They have shifted from thefringeofoperations are akey partofeverything theABCdoes. Online andotherdigital delivery platforms rapidly maturing digital mediaenvironment. Charter obligationsinthecontext ofthe emphasis to thefulfilmentofABC’s the newCorporate Plangives strong Corporation wantsto schedule it.Accordingly platforms ofchoice—not just whenthe on demand—whenthey wantit,onmedia Increasingly people willwantABCcontent mindful ofthechangingneedsaudiences. But theCorporation must beconstantly appreciation survey. as showninthemost recent Newspoll very highlevel ofcommunity approval digital mediaplatforms; anditretains a to operate strongly onallbroadcast and Plan 2007–10 As theABCgives effect to the , from 1July 2007,itcontinues Corporate 20 fosters responsibility andopportunity. leadership andaworkenvironment that commitment to providing high-quality people. TheCorporation willrenew its the innovation, creativity andskillofABC A third priorityisto encourage andsupport Australian broadcasting. the highest editorial standards in and Charter. Inparticular,itwilluphold standards, asrequired bytheABCAct ABC’s independence, integrity andhigh Another core focus willbeto ensure the has beenintheera ofanalog broadcasting. and compelling inthedigital worldasit the Asia-Pacific region; andbeasrelevant places to seeAustralia Networkacross user-generated material; secure more local newsbulletins online;enable more for download; strengthen nationaland programs andkey archival material section 1 08 23

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07