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international broadcasting then...

The opening transmission of Radio Australia in December 1939, known then as “Australia Calling”.

“Australia Calling… Australia Calling”, diminishing series of transmission “hops” announced the clipped voice of John Royal around the globe. For decades to come, through the crackle of shortwave radio. It was listeners would tune their receivers in the a few days before Christmas 1939. Overseas early morning and dusk and again at night broadcasting station VLQ 2—V-for-victory, to receive the clearest signals. Even then, L-for-liberty, Q-for-quality—had come alive signal strength lifted and fell repeatedly, to the impending terror of World War II. amid the atmospheric hash.

The forerunner of Radio Australia broadcast Australia Calling/Radio Australia based itself in those European languages that were still in Melbourne well south of the wartime widely used throughout South-East Asia at “Brisbane Line” and safe from possible the end of in the colonial age—German, Dutch, Japanese invasion. Even today, one of Radio French, Spanish and English. Australia’s principal transmitter stations is located in the Victorian city of Shepparton. Transmission signals leapt to the ionosphere —a layer of electro-magnetic particles By 1955, ABC Chairman Sir Richard Boyer surrounding the planet—before reflecting summed up the Radio Australia achievement: down to earth and bouncing up again in a “We have sought to tell the story of this section 2 25

country with due pride in our achievements international broadcasting with Australia and way of life, but without ignoring the Television. Neither the ABC nor, later, differences and divisions which are inevitable commercial owners of the service could in and indeed the proof of a free country”. secure its financial viability.

Today Radio Australia delivers content in Five years after the closure of that first service, English, Indonesian, Chinese, Vietnamese, the ABC won an Australian Government Khmer and Tok Pisin. Although it still contract to launch and operate what is now broadcasts via shortwave, increasingly, called Australia Network. It is available audiences access the service via satellite, in 41 different countries and reaches local re-broadcasts, FM relays and the internet. 10.2 million homes.

As satellite-delivered television services Almost seven decades on, Australia is emerged throughout the Asia-Pacific region, still calling. in the early 1990s, the ABC expanded its

... and now

Radio Australia’s breakfast team bring lively and insightful commentary to regional issues. 26

Average Weekly Radio Reach—Five City ABC Audiences Source: Nielsen Media Research ABC Local Radio Audience Trends The media landscape in Australia is in a ABC Radio National

state of rapid change marked by increased 2002–03 competition among content providers 2003–04 triple j for fragmenting audiences. The ABC is 2004–05 responding to these challenges and new 2005–06 2006–07 audience expectations by augmenting its ABC Classic FM position as a national media content provider, offering diverse, quality programming across ABC NewsRadio multiple platforms. 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 Millions The ABC is in a unique position in the Australian media marketplace with significant Aggregate ABC Radio Audience Share % experience in television, radio and online. Source: Nielsen Media Research By tracking audiences across all platforms Sydney and understanding the shifts in their

expectations as they increasingly utilise Melbourne 2002–03 on-demand content, the ABC will continue 2003–04 Brisbane to remain relevant to all Australians. 2004–05 2005–06 Adelaide Australians are adopting new entertainment 2006–07 and media technology at different paces. The Perth ABC recognises the importance of maintaining strong core audiences for television and radio Newcastle while satisfying the demands for developing Canberra and evolving media such as online and 0 10 20 30 40 50 mobile services. %

In 2006–07, the ABC maintained significant Radio radio and television audiences, while achieving The Changing Radio Landscape growth for ABC Online and developing new Listening to the radio used to be a pretty audiences for its content distributed through straightforward proposition: listeners turned online services such as streaming, podcasting on their “radio” and tuned to a station on and vodcasting. either the AM or FM band. Now, radio listeners are confronted by a range of options: should The ABC’s combined reach across television, they listen to AM, FM, satellite or digital radio? radio and online was 72% this year. This was Should they do so through a traditional radio, similar to a combined reach of 73% in 2005–06, an MP3 Player, a computer or a television? but down compared to 75% in 2003–04 and Should they listen to radio programs broadcast 2004–05.1 Other research findings show that in their own city, elsewhere in their own the Australian community maintained a high country or from other countries? level of support for the ABC, with nine-in-ten Australians believing that the Corporation Within a relatively short space of time, ABC provides a valuable service to the community.2 Radio has positioned itself at the forefront

1 Newspoll, ABC Awareness and Usage Survey 2007 and ratings data analysis, conducted same month in 2004, 2005 and 2006. 2 Newspoll, Newspoll 2007 ABC Appreciation Survey. 4 NielsenMedia Research, radio ratings surveys 2006–07. Thecitiessurveyed inmetropolitan ratings surveys are Adelaide, Bris All five-city radio data3 isdrawn from NielsenMediaResearch. The five citiessurveyed are Adelaide,Brisbane, Melbourne,Pe cities remained steady at95%. aged 10orover inthefive mainAustralian reach ofradio services amongthepopulation it ever was. In2006–07,theaverage weekly lives ofAustralians isasimportant today as against othermedia.Therole ofradio inthe that radio can continue to evolve andcompete Such technological developments have meant many more millionsofprogram segments. to domestic andinternational audiences, and million complete radio programs eachmonth highly successful, delivering more thantwo podcasting services, whichhave since become and theinternet. In2005,ABCRadiolaunched Radio’s digital services viadigital television audiences have beenable to access ABC streaming viatheinternet. Since 2002, In 2001,ABCRadiocommenced live radio anywhere andatanytime. available to itto deliver content to audiences embraced andadapted thetechnologies world, usinganarray ofplatforms. Ithas audiences inallpartsofAustralia andthe of theindustry indelivering itsservices to 2005–06 reach of3704 000.ABCRadio’s population aged 10+,downby0.5%onits at 3687000or33%ofthefive-city metropolitan reach remained relatively steady in2006–07 ABC Radio’s overall five-city average weekly Source: Nielsen//NetRatings ABC RadioStationsMonthly OnlineAudience, January2003–June2007 100 000 200 000 300 000 400 000 500 000 600 000 700 000 800 000 Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth andSydney. 0

Jan 03 Feb 03 Mar 03 Apr 03 May 03 Jun 03 Jul 03 Aug 03 Sep 03 Oct 03 Nov 03 Dec 03 Jan 04 ABC RadioNational triple j ABC Local RadioOnline Feb 04 Mar 04 Apr 04 May 04

3 Jun 04 Jul 04 Aug 04 Sep 04 Oct 04 Nov 04 Dec 04 Jan 05 Feb 05 Mar 05 Apr 05 May 05 Jun 05 Jul 05 Aug 05 from 11.7%.720ABCPerth’s reach decreased 4.8% to 197000,while share fell to 10.8% from record highsin2005–06:reach fell by ABC Adelaide’s reach andshare were down its share increased to 8.9%from 8.3%.891 its highest reach inthepast ten years, and Brisbane’s reach increased by6.8%to 283000, marginally to 11.4%from 11.9%.612ABC high of784000in2005–06;itsshare decreased decreased to 755000,down3.7%onarecord in 2005–06).774ABCMelbourne’s reach up onepointto anall-timehighof9.4%(8.4% record highof678000in2005–06,share was reach of 672000wasdownby0.9%onthe 2005–06. While 702ABCSydney’s weekly steady at10.3%,compared with10.2%in record. ABCLocal Radio’s share remained of 2233000—thehighest annualaverage on 2 175000wasdown2.6%onthe2005–06figure ABC Local Radio’s average weekly reach of and fell inCanberra to 41.0%from 42.0%. increased to 23.1%from 22.6%in2005–06, ABC’s share inNewcastle, New SouthWales, city reach in2006–07was4.02million. ABC Radio’s estimated average weekly seven- Perth wassteady. recorded inSydney andBrisbane,while recorded in2005–06.Local increases were a 0.4pointincrease onthe20.1%share overall five-city share in2006–07was20.5%, Sep 05 Oct 05 Nov 05 Dec 05 Jan 06 Feb 06 Mar 06 Apr 06 May 06 Jun 06 section 2 Jul 06 Aug 06 Sep 06 Oct 06 Nov 06 Dec 06 Jan 07 Feb 07 Mar 07 Apr 07 May 07 Jun 07 rth andSydney. 4 The bane, 27

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 28

Focused Radio Audience Research ABC Audiences During 2006–07, ABC Audience Research continued conducted a major research project on behalf of ABC Radio and Regional Content. by 9.7% to 270 000 from a record high of The ABC Radio Listening and Behaviour 299 000 in the previous year, while share Research Pilot, conducted in November 2006 decreased to 11.1% from 12.1%. in Sydney and Adelaide, examined the ways in which the proliferation of internet and new In 2006–07, the reach of ABC Local Radio technologies has changed the way radio content websites increased by 26% to an average is delivered. The project explored different 572 000 unique users each month. audience measurement methodologies and statistical projections of data to assess The five-city average weekly reach of triple j possible future measurement techniques. increased by 5.8% in 2006–07 to 1 024 000, up In addition, it undertook to measure the way from 968 000 in 2005–06; its share increased new delivery methods are being used as a to 4.3% from 3.9%. ABC Classic FM’s five-city means of understanding actual usage and weekly reach decreased by 3.6% to 640 000, new behaviours among Australian radio down from 664 000 in 2005–06, while its share listeners. By understanding these new trends remained steady at 2.4%. ABC Radio National’s and technologies, ABC Radio can provide overall five-city weekly reach was up 0.9% content in a way that matches current radio to 659 000 (653 000 in 2005–06) and share content usage and can continue to embrace remained steady at 2.1%. ABC NewsRadio’s these new and emergent technologies. weekly reach decreased by 3.6% to 620 000 (643 000 in 2005–06) and share remained Podcasting steady at 1.4%. In 2006–07, Australians purchased increasing numbers of digital electronic devices. GfK In 2006–07, the reach of the triple j website Marketing Services reported that almost remained steady at an average of 165 000 2.5 million digital media players were sold in unique users per month. The ABC Radio 2006 (equivalent to one for every 6.4 adults).7 National website remained steady at an Furthermore, an increasing proportion of average of 180 000 unique users per month.5 Australians’ incomes are spent on digital devices. According to GfK, digital media have In October – November 2006, the ABC exhibited remarkable penetration in light of participated in a regional radio ratings their recent introduction, with unit sales of survey of Orange, New South Wales.6 ABC digital media players increasing by 19% from Local Radio achieved a share of 14.3%, steady 1.3 million devices in the second half of 2005 with the 14.2% share recorded in 2004; its to 1.6 million in the second half of 2006. reach was down marginally to 15 300 from 15 600. triple j’s share over the two surveys In line with these developments, audiences declined to 3.6% from 5.7%, while its reach responded to an increased availability of ABC fell to 4 100 from 7 800. ABC Classic FM’s content available by podcast. By June 2007, share increased to 5.6% from 2.5% and its the ABC was registering just under 2.4 million reach grew to 4 700 from 3 700. ABC Radio successful and complete downloads of podcast National’s share declined to 2.4% from 3.7% files each month, representing content from and its reach fell to 5 200 from 6 900. all ABC Radio networks, ABC News and audio from ABC Television.8

5 Nielsen//NetRatings, Home and Work Panel, July 2005 – June 2006 and July 2006 – June 2007. 6 Nielsen Media Research, Regional Radio Survey, Orange, 2006. 7 GfK Marketing Services, Canon Digital Lifestyle Index: Second Half 2006, March 2007. 8 All streaming, podcasting and vodcasting data from WebTrends, measurement of ABC Online activity. 1 000 1 500000 2 000 2 500000 3 000 Source: WebTrends including AllRadioNetworks andLocalRadiostations ABC Total Live RadioStreams, Monthly, March 2006–June2007 Source: WebTrends Radio Networks, Television (AudioOnly) andNews andCurrent Affairs ABC Total Podcasts, Monthly, January2006–June2007includingAll 9 ACMA mediarelease, plays inNovember 2006. each month,withapeakofover 460000 an average ofapproximately 400000streams popular. In2006–07, audiences listened to listening to live radio streaming hasproven this system commenced inearly March 2006, for live radio streaming. Since reporting from Corporation to measure activitylevels recorded web measurement tool whichenabled the In 2005–06,theABCinvested inasophisticated Live RadioStreaming 500 000 100 000 200 000 300 000 400 000 500 000 0 0 a 6Fb0 a 6Ar0 a 6Jn0 u 6Ag0 e 6Ot0 o 6Dc0 a 7Fb0 a 7Ar0 a 7Jun07 May07 Apr07 Mar07 Feb 07 Jan07 Dec06 Nov 06 Oct06 Sep06 Aug06 Jul06 Jun06 May06 Apr06 Mar06 Feb 06 Jan 06 a 6Ar0 a 6Jn0 u 6Ag0 e 6Ot0 o 6Dc0 a 7Fb0 a 7Ar0 a 7Jun07 May07 Apr07 Mar07 Feb 07 Jan07 Dec06 Nov 06 Oct06 Sep06 Aug06 Jul06 Jun06 May06 Apr06 Mar 06 Digital radio trialsextendedinSydney andMelbourne digital radio trials. The ABCcontinues to participate inthese radio trialsinMelbourneandSydney”. to “extend thecurrent Eureka 147digital and MediaAuthorityannounced itsdecision In June2007,TheAustralian Communications Digital RadioTrials , 6June2007 section 2 9 29

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 30

ABC Television Main Channel Reach 2006–07, Four Weekly ABC Audiences Source: OzTAM Television Ratings and Regional TAM continued Sydney Melbourne Television Brisbane The ABC, like many other broadcasters Adelaide

Metropolitan throughout the world, is exploring various Perth distribution methods to extend the life of 5 City All its content and reach new and increasing Southern NSW audiences. Australians can now view television Northern NSW content on the main channel and ABC2, Victoria Queensland as well as by streaming or downloading it Regional Tasmania through ABC Online or purchasing the DVD.

Regional All Viewers can watch programs on the main 0 20 40 60 80 100 television in their living rooms, on computers, 2005–06 2006–07 % or outside the home on mobile phones and other portable devices. This range of options ABC Television Main Channel FTA Household creates considerable challenges when Share 2006–07, 6am–midnight measuring and understanding audiences. Source: OzTAM Television Ratings and Regional TAM

Sydney Moreover, the concept of television viewing Melbourne is evolving in a world where consumers can Brisbane choose to view programs via free-to-air Adelaide

Metropolitan broadcasts (whether analog or digital), Perth subscription television, online services 5 City All or internet television. ABC Television Southern NSW increasingly competes for the attention of Northern NSW audiences with television services from all Victoria Queensland over the world. Despite these challenges, it Regional Tasmania continues as one of the strongest and most

Regional All loved media brands in Australia and continues 0 5 10 15 20 25 to offer diverse and unique content via both 2005–06 2006–07 % channels and through its online services.

ABC Television Main Channel FTA Household ABC Television increased its viewing share and Share 2006–07, 6pm–midnight Source: OzTAM Television Ratings and Regional TAM attracted sizeable audiences for a diverse range of programs in 2006–07. In the metropolitan Sydney markets of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Melbourne Adelaide and Perth, ABC Television’s prime Brisbane time household share was 17.6%, up from Adelaide

Metropolitan 16.7% in 2005–06, while its prime time people Perth 10 5 City All share increased to 16.3% from 15.3%. The

Southern NSW ABC’s share grew in a competitive year

Northern NSW in which the Seven and Nine networks

Victoria challenged each other for the number Queensland one position in the television market. Regional Tasmania

Regional All All-day (6 am – midnight) free-to-air household 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 share for ABC Television in the metropolitan 2005–06 2006–07 % 10 All five-city free-to-air television figures are drawn from OzTAM ratings data, July 2005 – June 2006 and July 2006 – June 2007. Northern NSW

Regional Southern NSW Metropolitan Regional All Queensland Melbourne Source: NielsenMediaResearch ABC Television HouseholdShare, RemoteRegions,2006–07 (%) Source: OzTAM Television RatingsandRegionalTAM Share 2006–07,6am–midnight ABC Television MainChannelFTA People otPreBoe il2 uy–5Ags 061. 17.6 25.0 22.6 6pm–midnight 32.8 6am–midnight 17.9 16.4 23.5 21.1 31.3 18.3 13August –2September 2006 Survey Dates Local share excludes spillstations where applicable. 23July –5August 2006 Note: asthefrequency ofsurveys anddates vary from year to year, comparative data isnotavailable. 29April–26May2007 Regional Western Australia 27August –9September 2006 6August –2September 2006 Port Pirie/Broken Hill Remote Central andEastern Riverland/Mount Gambier Darwin Region Tasmania Brisbane Adelaide 5 CityAll Victoria Sydney Perth 01 025 20 15 10 5 0 11 All aggregated11 regional andTasmania free-to-air figures are drawn from RegionalTAM television ratings data, July 2005–Ju Curtin the ABC’s top programs, including Australian programs featured strongly among in 2005–06. Television was15.7%,compared with15.4% in 2005–06.All-daypeople share for ABC markets was16.0%,compared with15.6% Specks Dr BogleandMrsChandler? and Tasmania), the free-to-air primetime and SouthernNew SouthWales, Victoria Television markets inQueensland,Northern measured electronically (Aggregated Regional In theregional television markets that are million viewers in2006–07. metropolitan audiences ofmore thanone More than 23Australian programs attracted and July 2006 –June2007. 2005–06 and , The Chaser’sWaronEverything Constructing Australia:TheBridge 2006–07 , Spicks and Who Killed % , . free-to-air television stations available to Australia. Intheseareas, thenumber of Hill (NewSouthWales) andRegionalWestern Australia, Port Pirie(SouthAustralia)/Broken Australia), Remote Central andEastern in Darwin,Riverland/Mt Gambier(South the ABCparticipated in television diarysurveys diary rather thanelectronically. In2006–07, markets measure television audiences by Because oftheirremoteness, someregional up from 16.9%in2005–06. in 2005–06.People all-dayshare was17.1%, markets was17.3%,compared with17.2% household share intheaggregated regional 16.4% in2005–06.All-day(6am–midnight) share this year was17.3%,compared with compared with17.8%in2005–06.People household share for ABC Television was18.4%, Source: OzTAM Television RatingsandRegionalTAM Share 2006–07,6pm–midnight ABC Television MainChannelFTA People Northern NSW

Regional Southern NSW Metropolitan Regional All Queensland Melbourne Tasmania Brisbane Adelaide 5 CityAll Victoria Sydney Perth section 2 01 025 20 15 10 5 0 2005–06 11 2006–07 ne 2006 % 31

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 32

to date with changes in the way audiences ABC Audiences are consuming media content with new continued distribution models and technology.

audiences varies and the ABC share of viewing One of the strategic research projects reflects these differences. ABC Television’s undertaken in 2006–07 was a qualitative prime time household share in the Remote study of children’s media habits and attitudes Central and Eastern Australia survey was to television and online content to enable 32.8%, 25.0% in Darwin, 17.9% in Riverland/ the ABC to better understand the needs of Mt Gambier, 17.6% in Port Pirie/Broken Hill children and parents and maintain its position and 22.6% in Regional Western Australia.12 as the leading provider of quality children’s content in Australia. This project involved an Total Australian television reach, including ethnographic study of children and parents free-to-air and subscription television, in both metropolitan and regional areas. Its remained relatively stable in 2006–07. Total results informed a review of the ABC Kids free-to-air metropolitan reach continued brand and content. to decline as a percentage of the five-city population, while subscription television’s ABC2 reach increased. Consistent with this trend, The digital television channel ABC2 can be ABC Television’s average metropolitan weekly seen in Australian households with either a reach declined to 8.46 million in 2006–07, free-to-air digital television or set-top-box or compared with 8.54 million in 2005–06. a subscription to a digital pay-television service. This represents 60.4% of the metropolitan In October 2006, research commissioned by population, compared with 61.5% in 2005–06. the Australian Communications and Media In the aggregated regional markets and Authority estimated that 41% of Australian Tasmania, ABC Television’s reach was 4.10 homes had access to digital television million, compared with 4.12 million in 2005–06, (including both digital free-to-air and digital representing 64.2% of the regional population, subscription services). The household take-up compared with 65.3% in 2005–06. of free-to-air digital television was estimated to be 29.6% of Australian homes in October Vodcasting commenced on ABC Online in 2006, up from 13% in July 2005. Over the same late July 2006 when vodcast downloads were made available for jtv and The Chaser’s War on Everything. Episode downloads are now ABC2 National Average Daily Reach, offered for more than ten television programs All People, 2006–07 Source: OzTAM / Regional TAM and have proved popular among audiences. Total vodcast downloads in the first half of 350 000 2007 numbered 4.6 million. 300 000

ABC Television commissions targeted research 250 000 projects to keep informed about audience behaviour and attitudes. Commissioned 200 000 research includes both quantitative and 150 000 qualitative research projects and other data sources. Research findings inform 100 000 programming, scheduling and marketing strategies. One of the greatest challenges 50 000 facing media organisations is to keep up 0 Jun–Sep 06 Sep–Dec 06Dec 06 – Mar–Jun 07 Mar 07 National is defined as five-city metropolitan and regional 12 Nielsen Media Research regional diary survey data, people meter markets (overlap discount applied). July 2005 – June 2006 and July 2006 – June 2007. 15 Newspoll, 14 OzTAM andRegional TAM data, March–June 2007andMarch–June 2006. 13 ACMA. and Newsvideos. programs and 1.8millionABCTelevision downloaded over twomillionABCRadio iTunes consistently ranking highly in type ofcontent inAustralia, withABCcontent one ofthemost popularproviders ofthis number ofABCwebsites. TheABChasbeen podcasts alsocontinue to grow across alarge following theintroduction ofvodcasts. Audio video content increased tremendously photographs. Over thelast year, ABCOnline content suchasvideo,audioanddigital to beearly adopters ofrich,multimedia its peers andABCOnlineusers have proven higher percentage ofbroadband users than to Australian audiences. ABCOnlinehasa The ABCisaleading provider ofonlinecontent over thesameperiod. Australian internet populationgrew by5% audience grew by13%,while theactive monthly 2005–06. ABCOnline’s average monthly users anda6%increase inpageviewsover month. Thisrepresents a13%increase in and turnedover 102millionpageviews each of theactive Australian internet population— unique users permonth—equivalent to 18.4% In 2006–07,ABCOnlinereached over 2.1million ABC Online conducted inJune2006. up from 23%reported inthesamesurvey adults claimedto have ever watched ABC2, 18 andover. Thesurvey found that32%of conducted inJune2007amongadultsaged collected viaanationaltelephone survey Audience estimates for ABC2were also the sameperiodprevious year. up 68%from 191000viewers compared to daily reach wasanestimated 320000viewers, regional homesshowed thatABC2’s average Audience data includingbothmetropolitan and ABC2’s audience increased in2006–07. increased from 23.7%to 26.4%. period, thetake-up ofdigital paytelevision 17 OzTAM five-city free-to-air television ratings data, July 2005–June 2006and July 2006 – June2007. 16 Nielsen Media Research, five-city radio ratings surveys, 2005–06 and2006–07. . InthemonthofJune2007,audiences Digital MediainAustralian Homes ABC Awareness andUsageSurvey 15 Australian , 2006. 13 , June2006 andJune2007. 14 an average audience of818000.Showing Corners nature andlocal communities. galleries covering topics suchasweather, Sites alsoincludealarge numberofphoto were immediately posted onABCOnline. photos oftheshipviamobile phonesthat Newcastle inJune2007,audiences submitted the stranding ofthePasha Bulker freighter in news andweather-related events. During feature thatattracted photos ofpeople, places, photographs onmanyofitswebsites, apopular ABC Onlinealsoencouraged user-generated events, suchaslive sportingevents. on news,sport,entertainment andspecial Television programs. ABCOnlineblogs focus current affairs andinassociation withABC forums intheareas ofscience, newsand and audiences. ABCOnlinehaslarge ongoing more engagementbetweenABCjournalists break downtraditional barriers andallow between audience members, while blogs encourage interaction andopinionsharing ABC through forums andblogs. Forums Audiences alsoengagedactively withthe was 1.26millionlisteners, ABC RadioNationalandLocal Radio for previous year). The combined weekly reach reach of 982000listeners (down4%onthe Radio achieved afive-city average weekly programs. The audiences for itsnewsandcurrent affairs ABC Radiocontinued to attract substantial showing considerable growth. 2006–07, withonlineaudiences inparticular remained strong across allplatforms in ABC newsandcurrent affairs audiences News andCurrent Affairs one millionand883000respectively. Report for theweeknight On ABCTelevision, five-city average audiences previous year. Early AM were steady with theprevious year at was upby7%on2005–06,with section 2 on ABCLocal Radioand 7.45am News 7pm News 16 steady withthe on ABCLocal and The 7.30 17 AM Four on 33

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 34

ABC Online Monthly Audience Reach July 2006 – June 2007 Source: Nielsen//NetRatings. Home and Work Panel.

2 400 000 Audience Reach (Unique Audience) 20 Active Audience Reach % 2 300 000

2 200 000 18

2 100 000

2 000 000 Audience Reach Audience

16 Reach % Audience 1 900 000

1 800 000

1 700 000 14

April May June March August October July 2006 February September November December January 2007 ABC Online Audience Retention (Month-on-Month) July 2006 – June 2007 Source: Nielsen//NetRatings. Home and Work Panel. 2 500 000

2 000 000 Retained Audience New Audience

51.5% Retention Rate % 1 500 000 49.18% 50.28% 49.5% 48.7% 49.5% 48.2% 46.6% 47.7% 47.06% 44.1% 45.8%

1 000 000

500 000

0

Jun–Jul Jul–Aug Aug–Sep Sep–Oct Oct–Nov Nov–Dec Dec–Jan Jan–Feb Feb–Mar Mar–Apr Apr–May May–Jun

ABC Online Monthly Accesses July 2002 – June 2007 Source: ABC Server Statistics to December 2005, WebTrends from January 2006 onwards. 140

120

100

80

60 Note: in January 2006, the ABC began using page views as a measure of activity to ABC 40 Online, rather than server accesses, which included podcasts and streamed content. While page view figures will be lower than 20 accesses for the same period, they have Monthly Accesses/Page Views (Millions) Views Accesses/Page Monthly been treated as equivalent here. 0

Sep Nov Mar May Jul Sep Nov Mar May Jul Sep Nov Mar May Jul Sep Nov Mar May Jul Sep Nov Mar May Jul 02 Jan 03 Jan 04 Jan 05 Jan 06 Jan 07 segments from Online inlate August 2006andprogram available for download asvodcasts onABC Lateline Business ABC Audiences 21 Inthisanalysis, “non-users” are definedasthosewho never useABCTelevision and/orRadio services andthosewhousethes 20 OzTAM five-city free-to-air television ratings data, July 2006–June2007. 19 WebTrends measurement ofABCOnlineactivity, downloads ofWMVfiles only. 18 Nielsen//NetRatings HomeandWork Panel data. presentation andstyle of Research findingsinformed changesto the habits innewsandcurrent affairs consumption. programs andthewiderissue ofchanging that explored attitudesto ABCcurrent affairs were conducted incitiesandregional areas The 7.30Report current affairs programs, inparticular, commissioned to examine audiences for In late 2006,aresearch project was (up by12%ontheprevious year). 800 000users from withinAustralia in2006–07 websites hadanaverage monthly reach of The combined ABCnewsandcurrent affairs previous year. was 577000,anincrease of23%onthe of 2007. In2006–07,theaverage monthly reach new look site wasre-launched on18June Online A complete make over ofthe with 906000(down 9%). of 559000(down5%),and Correspondent declines ontheprevious year were Newspoll to conduct theeighth ABC In June2007,theABCcommissioned ABC Appreciation Survey 2007 April andJune2007. The 7.30Report 60 000over theperiodsince inception, while of individualsegmentsand Lateline to thesecond halfof2006. audience inthefirst halfof2007 compared with theprogram achieving a6%increase in services comparatively infrequently. ABC NewsOnline site wasundertaken in2007andthe recorded atotal of146000downloads 18 , withanaverage audience The 7.30Report . Focus group discussions had 9000downloads between program segmentsbecame 19 from withinAustralia The 7.30Report Australian Story 20 Lateline Business ABC News in April2007. continued Lateline Foreign and , levels found inearlieryears (2002and2005). ABC’s value isnotsignificantly different from current level ofnegative opinionaboutthe small segmentinthecommunity, andthe the non-ABC-usergroup isacomparatively programming onABCTelevision. Nonetheless, sentiment abouttheamountofappealing be related to asmallincrease innegative (up from 13%to 21%). feel theABCand its services are valuable of ABCTelevision and/orRadiowhodonot to beanincrease inthenumberofnon-users show theonly statistically significant change The year-on-year results for thisdimension valuable” service. and half(50%)believe itprovides a“very provides avaluable service to thecommunity, Australians continue to believe theABC expressed inrecent years. Nine-in-ten (89%) at large are generally consistent withthose opinions abouttheABCacross thecommunity Overall, the2007results showbeliefsand Overall Value oftheABC perceptions about commercial television. ABC Television are far more positive than previous years, community perceptions about they personally like to watch. Asfound in in terms ofthenumber of programs itprovides believe thatABCTelevision doesa“good job” is good,andclose to three-quarters (70%) the qualityofprogramming onABCTelevision majority ofAustralians (81%)continue to believe Consistent withresults from 2006,a large Television aged 14years andover. upon anationalsample of1903people between 18and28June2007drew 2007 research wasconducted bytelephone and 1999in2002through to 2006.The Newspoll conducted similarsurveys in1998 public andthedelivery ofitsCharter obligations. value placed onitsservices bytheAustralian ABC andallow theCorporation to assess the overview ofcommunity attitudesaboutthe Appreciation Survey. Thesesurveys provide an section 2 21 This changemay e 35

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 36

Overall Value of the ABC % 100 89 89 90 90 89

80

60 50 50 50 48 47

40

20

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Total Valuable Very Valuable

Television—Quality of Programming % 100 Good 80 80 81 80 79 77

60 41 40 40 38 39 37 23 20 22 23 24 20 5 6 7 6 6 0 2 1 2 2 2 8 7 20 9910 18 21 21 19 21 40 51 53 56 54 57 60

Poor ABC Commercial TV 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Total Good Very Good Statistically significant change

Total Poor Very Poor

Radio—Quality of Programming % 100 Good 80 60 61 63 63 64 60 55 55 58 56 53 40 22 20 22 22 22 20 12 13 14 13 11 0 222 1 2 886 77 20 13 12 13 13 13 29 40 30 30 32 31

60

Poor ABC Commercial Radio 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Total Good Very Good Statistically significant change

Total Poor Very Poor

All the graphs above are based on a total sample of people aged 14 years and over. “Don’t Know” responses are not displayed. Source: Newspoll, Newspoll 2007 ABC Appreciation Survey. ABC Audiences relevance to them. a goodjobofproviding qualitycontent of continues to believe ABCTelevision does above, and thevast majority ofthecommunity ABC Television thechangeissmall,asnoted demographically. Importantly though,for shift insentimentisquite broadly based both commercial andABCTelevision, this content provided bythemediumperse.For dissatisfaction withthequantityofappealing about ABCTelevision—reflecting agreater commercial television flowing onto perceptions the larger negative shiftinfeelings about conceivable thatthetwoare related, with dimension (upfrom 15%to 19%).Itisquite perceptions aboutABCTelevision onthis also beenasmaller increase innegative who feel itisdoing agoodjob.There has 54%, andasimilardeclineinthenumber appealing content increasing from 47%to number whofeel itdoesapoorjobofproviding relates to commercial television, withthe One ofthemost striking changesthisyear opinion thanhaddonesointhepast. that more 14-to-17-year-olds expressed an result (bothpositive andnegative) hasbeen tranche). Anotherfactor influencingthe2007 this agegroup (around 150respondents per function ofarelatively small sample sizefor in thepast few years andisinturnpartly a to bepartofanup-and-downpattern evident it ispoor(upfrom 8%to 17%).Thisappears same timeanincrease inthosewhobelieve as very good(upfrom 9%to 23%)andatthe describe thequalityofABCTelevision content in thenumberof14-to-17-year-olds who Year-on-year there hasbeenanincrease continue to befairly uniform bydemography. Perceptions aboutthequalityofABCTelevision ABC provides good-quality radio programming. the majorityofAustralians (64%)believe the Consistent withprevious tranches ofthesurvey, Radio continued content itprovides onthingsthey useitfor. does a“goodjob” interms oftheamount of is goodandthesameproportion say the site believe thatthequalityofsite’s content out-of-ten (88%)ofthose ABCOnlineusers ever accessed theABCwebsite, andnine- One-in-four Australians (26%)claimto have Online consistent withthe past (at66%). result for thisagegroup returned to levels of 68%in2005to 61%in2006).In2007,the on ABCRadioto begood(downfrom apeak number believing thequalityofprogramming the 2006survey result showed adeclineinthe in earliertranches. Amongthoseagedover 50, 58%, alevel consistent withresults recorded programming to begood,hasfallen backto 67% believed thequalityofABCRadio the improved result recorded in2006,where notable changes.Amongthoseaged18–24 Radio amongtheagegroups, there are two In terms ofqualityprogramming onABC during thepast five tranches ofthesurvey. results recorded onthisdimension,bygender, 2007 levels are notsignificantly different to this view (downfrom 71%in 2006to 66%).The while there wasadeclineamong menholding Radio provides goodqualityprogramming), women (upfrom 55%to 61%believing ABC quality ofABCRadioprogramming among been improvement inperceptions aboutthe attitudes towards ABCRadio.There has Year-on-year there are few changesin than ABCRadio. radio tends to attract ahigherlevel ofcriticism Radio operates. Itisnoted thatcommercial and fragmented radio market inwhichABC This similarityisborneofthemore diverse ABC Television andcommercial television. ABC Radioandcommercial radio thanbetween There isagreater similarityinbeliefsabout they personally like to listen. amount ofprogramming itprovides to which ABC Radiodoesa“goodjob”interms ofthe Similarly, six-in-ten (59%)Australians believe section 2 37

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 38

ABC Website—Quality of Content* Source: Newspoll 2007 ABC Appreciation Survey

% 100 89 87 89 89 88

80 Total Good

Very Good 60 StatisticallyŁ significantŁ change 38 40 34 29 28 28

20

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 * In 2003 and 2004, the question was asked in relation to "quality of information". Based on those aged 14 years and over who ever visit the website. Does not include "Don’t Know" or "Poor" responses.

ABC Program Does a Good Job of Being Balanced and Even-Handed Source: Newspoll 2007 ABC Appreciation Survey % 100 94 94 95 95 93 93 91 91 89 89 90 8889 90 88 87 85 85 82 83 80

60 49 50 45 45 47 42 43 43 43 44 44 44 42 40 3941 39 41 40 40 37

20

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 ABC 7pm News The 7.30 ReportAM/PM The World Today

Total Good Job Very Good Job Statistically significant change

Based on those aged 14 years and over who ever watch/listen to the respective program. Does not include “Don’t Know” or “Poor” responses. ABC Audiences 22 “ABC users” for this analysis are defined asthosewhoclaim to use ABCTelevision, ABCRadio orABCOnlineasa source of n compared with47%for commercial media. good jobcovering country/regional issues, of Australians (81%)believe theABCdoesa in country/regional areas. Thevast majority both amongpeople incapital cities andpeople commercial media.Thisremains apparent be far more favourable for theABCthanfor country newsandinformation continue to Community perceptions aboutcoverage of and Information Coverage ofCountryNews online forum. children; and6%hadparticipated inan website—either bythemselves orwith year); 18%hadplayed gamesonthe (up significantly from 20%intheprevious watched sometypeofABCvideocontent shifted ordownloaded); 33%saidthey had content through thewebsite (live, time- 36% saidthey hadlistened to ABCRadio or ABCRadioprogram onthewebsite; have read atranscript ofanABCTelevision months: 42%ofthesite’s users claimedto to theiractivitiesover theprevious three from, the website. For example, inrelation directly through, orbydownloading content consumed ABCTelevision andRadiocontent Many ofthewebsite’s users saythey have life ofABCcontent inavariety ofways. available andthatthewebsite extends the people are usingtheadditionalcontent consumption ofotherABCcontent, that show thatthewebsite contributes to the that theABChasfor them.Theresults also the website addsto thevalue andrelevance eight-in-ten (82%)ABCOnlineusers believe Consistent withresults from the2006survey, good job”inmeeting various othercharter Australians alsobelieve theABCis doing“a As found inprevious years, themajority of Other SpecificCharterObligations and current affairs atleast once afortnight. continued remained steady at81%. while theoverall “doesagoodjob”result cultural diversity (upfrom 30%to 34%), job” broadcasting programs thatreflect that believe thattheABC“doesavery good There wasalsoanincrease inthenumber performing arts(up from 32%to 37%). on encouraging andpromoting Australian “about right”. ABC users feel theamountofcoverage is surveys, on nearly allissues amajorityof issues. Consistent withtheprevious two ABC to specificnewsandcurrent affairs about theamountofcoverage given bythe The survey explored community perceptions News andCurrent Affairs Content who believe theABCdoesa improvement inthenumberofAustralians Compared with2005,there hasbeen aspects ofthecharter measured bythesurvey. statistically significant changesfor anyother 35% in2007.There were noyear-on-year of federal politics—upfrom 27%in2006to who feel theABC provides too muchcoverage found inanincreasing numberofAustralians Federal Election; thestrength ofthisissue is coverage aboutpoliticsandtheforthcoming factor for thisresult could bethevolume of analysis byNewspoll,apotential contributing on thisissue (from 6%to 10%).According to in thenumberwhofeel itisdoingapoorjob 83% to 79%)andacommensurate increase reporting newsandcurrent affairs (from on beingbalanced andeven-handed when number whofeel theABCisdoingagoodjob but statistically significant decrease inthe with the2006results, there hasbeenasmall obligations covered bytheresearch. Compared not enoughcoverage (upfrom 13%to 18%). to 8%), intandem withmore feeling there is coverage ofimmigration issues (from 15% in thenumberwhofeel there istoo much same timeframe there hasbeenadecrease state politics(upfrom 21%to 29%).Over the politics (upfrom 27%to 35%) andtoo much the ABChastoo muchcoverage offederal significant increase inthe numberwhofeel section 2 22 Year-on-year, there wasa very good job ews 39

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 40

music then...

Teenagers get on the floor and bop to 6 O'clock Rock, a national Saturday night program that began a long tradition of the ABCs youth dialogue through music culture.

Fifty years ago, the ABC reported that the Long before the defining generational new medium of television had achieved experiences of triple j, jtv, rage, Countdown several notable successes in music, while and Six O’clock Rock, listeners around also emphasising that music continued “to Australia had the volume turned up. Music play its important part in sound broadcasting”. contributed almost half of the early Telecasts in Sydney and Melbourne included programming on ABC Radio and the national opera, ballet and recitals by Australian and broadcaster wrestled with its programming overseas artists. schedules to accommodate both the classics and the restive rhythms of youth. Such was the ABC’s dedication to fine music that it relegated other expressions of the Legislation of the day required the ABC to musical form to a chapter in its Annual establish musical groups—such as the ABC Report called “Light Entertainment”. Therein Dance Band—to deliver quality orchestral, rollicked programs such as “Hal Lashwood’s choral and band music. It offered prizes for Alabama Jubilee”, “The Graeme Bell Show”, Australian music composition and organised “Valerie Cooney Sings”, “Hit Parade” and tours by eminent artists and conductors “The Village Glee Club”. from overseas. section 2 41

The advent of FM radio made the ABC Classic FM’s inaugural Choir of the accommodation easier with the Year competition attracted about 250 choirs development of ABC Classic FM and involving 7 000 singers. triple j—and, more recently, the digital services of dig, dig jazz and dig country. ABC Commercial won three Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Awards—for Best As described elsewhere in this Annual Blues and Roots Album, Best Classical Album Report, the ABC’s work in contributing to and Best Children’s Album, respectively; Australia’s national musical culture goes on. and, at the annual CMAA Achiever Awards, In 2006, more than 4 500 artists registered ABC Music Publishing won the “Music and uploaded tracks to triple j’s talent Publishing Company of the Year” category discovery initiative, triplejunearthed.com. for the fifth year in a row.

That tradition continues with triple j’s Cowra “One-Night-Stand” attended by over 10,000 of today’s generation rural teenagers.

... and now 42

• Customer Delivery Service (fax, telephone ABC Services and mail orders).

In achieving its vision the ABC delivers ABC International comprehensive programs and services • Radio Australia, an international radio and which reflect the interests and aspirations online service broadcasting by shortwave, of diverse Australian communities. satellite and rebroadcast arrangements to Asia and the Pacific Services • Australia Network, an international ABC Radio television and online service broadcasting • Four national radio networks comprising via satellite and rebroadcast ABC Radio National, ABC Classic FM, arrangements to Asia and the Pacific triple j, and ABC NewsRadio (on the • International Projects, assisting media Parliamentary and News Network) organisations internationally with • Nine metropolitan radio stations in capital strategic advice, training, mentoring cities and Newcastle, New South Wales and technical support. • 51 regional radio stations throughout Australia Transmission • ABC Radio National, ABC Classic FM, • 927 terrestrial transmitters around Australia triple j, and ABC NewsRadio, as well as for analog television services, including Self some of the metropolitan and regional Help and Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal radio services, are also available via digital Communities Scheme (BRACS) facilities satellite subscription services • 237 terrestrial transmitters around • dig, dig jazz and dig country—three music- Australia for digital terrestrial television based services available via the internet. services, which include the radio services dig and dig jazz are also available on digital dig and dig jazz satellite subscription services and free- • 1 092 terrestrial transmitters around to-air digital television. Australia for analog radio services, including Self Help and BRACS ABC Television • As a major funding initiative ABC NewsRadio • National analog television service coverage is currently being expanded in • Digital television with analog simulcast regional centres with populations of 10 000 from 237 transmitters around Australia and above. Over a three-year period • ABC2, the ABC’s second free-to-air digital (2006–09) approximately 70 NewsRadio television channel transmission services will be installed to • Local television in each State and Territory. deliver a potential increase in population coverage from 78% to 95% ABC Online and Emerging Platforms • A digital satellite service to remote • ABC Online, serving more than 3.873 million homesteads and communities within pages of web content Australia carrying ABC analog television, • Content and services on emerging platforms ABC Radio National, ABC Classic FM and including broadband, SMS, podcasting, triple j, nine different regional radio services vodcasting, video-on-demand, mobile (two each for the Northern Territory, services for 3G phone and other wireless Queensland and Western Australia, devices and interactive television. one each for New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria), and ABC NewsRadio ABC Commercial and Parliamentary broadcasts on the • 42 ABC Shops Parliamentary and News Network • 103 ABC Centres throughout Australia • ABC Shop Online London B esai 03%8.0 31%6.4 72%9.5 50 54.48% 95.05 67.41% 91.45% 95.80% 77.25% 81.44% 95.33% 65.94% 99.33% 90.07% 83.18% 99.67% 94.77% 85.00% 98.73% 98.12% 79.86% Note: Population derived from Australian Bureau ofStatistics (ABS)2006Censusdata. 80.34% 99.59% Domestic Shortwave 97.73% 95.18% ABC NewsRadio 99.81% 95.92% 98.95% triple j 99.70% 97.07% ABC Classic FM 99.40% 97.59% ABC RadioNational ABC Local Radio 98.89% and 99.23% (includes 98.28% Digital Television Analog Television Proportion ofthepopulationable to receive transmissions from ABCbroadcasting services. ABC Broadcasting Coverage • Radio Australia services viashortwave • Australia Networktransmitted onthe • ABC Television retransmission onvarious dig jazz Shepparton inVictoria, Darwin,Taiwan, transmission from Brandon inQueensland, countries across AsiaandthePacific satellites, andviarebroadcasts in PanAmSat 2,PanAmSat 8andAsiaSat3s Neighbourhood Cable FOXTEL, OptusTV,AUSTAR, TransACT and subscription television platforms, including dig

70%9.3 89%9.3 35%9.5 37%72.56% 93.77% 97.85% 93.52% 95.73% 98.93% 98.23% 97.02% ) New Delhi Johannesburg Jerusalem Australia 54%9.3 80%9.2 92%9.0 58%67.41% 95.80% 80.48% 95.00% 99.19% 89.25% 99.59% 93.62% 96.53% 98.05% 98.20% 97.33% 99.51% 95.43% 99.25% 98.66% Amman

Moscow .4 .0 .0 .0 .0 .5 .0 86.40% 0.00% 0.15% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.94% ABC International Bureaux and Correspondents Jakarta S/C i l AS a NT Tas SA WA Qld Vic NSW/ACT Beijing

Bangkok

Tokyo Port Moresby Auckland Appendix 25(page227). For RadioAustralia frequencies, see (via Indovision ofIndonesia)satellites. of thePhilippines)andCakrawarta-1 (via Muracam ofJapan),Agila-2(viaDream and NorthAmerica, includingthePalapa Cs countries across AsiaandthePacific, Europe via rebroadcasts onstations andoutlets in association withAustralia Network.Also PanAmSat 8andAsiaSat3ssatellites in 2, the United Arab Emirates andthePanAmSat section 2 Washington New York

43

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 44

ABC in the Community

The ABC reaches communities across Australia Mt Gambier in South Australia and Horsham through the country’s most extensive radio in Victoria; assistance with the Community and television transmission coverage—and Support Concert at Briagolong in Gippsland, via ABC Online, which is visited by over two following bushfires, and an Outback Roadshow million Australians every month. It has ABC to Northern Territory centres, including Local Radio stations in 51 regional centres, Darwin, Jabiru and Pine Creek. as well as in nine metropolitan cities, and television production capacity in every capital Community participation continued to be city. In many circumstances, the work of the strengthened through events such as: triple j’s ABC extends almost seamlessly into active One Night Stand concert at Cowra in New involvement with community life, especially South Wales; ABC Classic FM’s Flame Awards in times of need such as natural disasters. to showcase the most outstanding music programs in Australian primary schools; Events concerts staged in Sydney, Melbourne and The ABC contributes significantly to community regional towns, broadcast on triple j, ABC events across Australia. Those that are Local Radio and ABC Radio National; and initiated by the Corporation may be organised the 6 000 entries to ABC Radio National’s at a local level or be supported at an ABC Unforgettable Speeches competition. Corporate level. ABC Rural Radio’s 2006 Heywire attracted The ABC’s travelling Exhibition Trailer, offering more than 800 entries from young people in a variety of interactive activities as well as a regional and rural areas across Australia. In stage for concerts and outside broadcasts, its ninth year, more than 3 000 young people maintained a heavy schedule of appearances. have participated in Heywire, with 300 of these These included Royal Shows in Sydney, telling their stories on ABC Radio. Brisbane (Ekka), Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth; Gardening Australia Expos in In March, an idea from four teenage Heywire Sydney and Melbourne; a Tasmanian tour participants became a national radio and including Launceston, Campbell Town and online community event: The 40 Hour Drought Huonville High School; ABC Television’s 50th encouraged over 2 000 registered participants Birthday celebrations at Campbelltown in to limit themselves to the consumption of 40 New South Wales; Australia Day celebrations litres of water for a period of 40 hours in order in Sydney’s Hyde Park; Sydney Harbour Bridge to more closely empathise with Australians 75th Anniversary ABC concert at Darling living in drought conditions and to highlight Harbour; and the ABC 75th celebrations water awareness and conservation strategies. in Hobart. ABC Television celebrated its 50th anniversary ABC State and Territory Directors coordinated by collaborating on a major visual arts major community events, including: a Riverland exhibition in New South Wales. It worked Roadshow to Berri in South Australia; a in association with the Campbelltown Arts Tasmanian Roadshow to Campbell Town, Centre, Penrith Regional Gallery and the Launceston, Huonville and Hobart; ABC 75th Lewers Bequest and the John Sutherland Birthday concerts in Hobart and Canberra; Performing Arts Centre. Local artists were the launching of refurbished radio studios in given unprecedented access to the ABC for hisnovel to Sydney-based writer, DamianMcDonald, Director, MarkScott presented theAward Hour among others, 612ABCBrisbane supported byABCLocal Radioandjudgedby, Trioli, hosted theABCFictionAwards, 702 ABCSydney festival alsojoinedthecampaign in2007. their voices to the initiative. TheBigDayOut The Sleepy Jacksonand Eskimo Joelent such asJet,JohnButler Trio, Little Birdy, to vote. In2006–07Australian musicians and voting andencouraging young Australians Commission to raise awareness ofenrolling be publishedbyABCBooks. Festivals in theexhibition, notions ofpublicbroadcasting. Itculminated culture, television andsocialhistory and Archives to explore ideasaboutAustralian partner oftheMelbourne International 774 ABCMelbournewasthemajor media a numberoffestivals around thecountry. ABC Radioparticipates inandsupports between Rock Enrol isacontinuing jointinitiative Broome andCooberPedy. Santa Teresa, Katherine,Jabiru,PineCreek, Island, Bamaga,Thursday Island,Weipa, Australia, visitingCapeYork/Torres Strait and well-received concerts across remote on theroad andpresented 26successful The set, watched by10000parents andchildren. Sydney Opera Housewithaspecialscriptand School Celebrations for the40thbirthdayof and personalities. of ABCTelevision’s muchloved characters performances andappearances from some Fun DayatCampbelltown, includinglive association withthis,there wasafree Family Play School host Richard Fidler. ABCManaging culminated insixconcerts atthe triple j Luck intheGreaterWest Mornings and theAustralian Electoral 40th BirthdayConcert went Yours, MineandOurs presenter, Virginia Conversation Play . In to with amixofAustralian andEuropean music. festival showcasing fineAustralian performers South Wales. Thisisanimportant regional Huntington Estate MusicFestival 2006inNew FM Each Wednesday inMarch 2007,ABCClassic Southern armoftheFestival. Great Southern worked withtheGreat International ArtsFestival 2006while ABC were majormediapartners for thePerth 720 ABCPerth andABCLocal Radio from anexperienced yodeller. performers andayodel-off, withlessons participation, acooking competition withguest included anoriginalradio playwithaudience Daley andSara Storer. Thebroadcast also big-name country musicstars Troy Cassar of thingswithanoutsidebroadcast featuring North West/New Englandgotinto thespirit Awards inTamworth andlocal station ABC broadcast live from the2007CountryMusic ABC Local Radio’s Afternoons On hisfirst daypresenting 666ABCCanberra’s distributed to needyfamilies atChristmas. of thousandsgiftsfrom listeners to be ABC Local Radioregions andcollected tens country in2006.ABCShops partnered with Christmas appealwasextended across the The annual936ABCHobartGivingTree amount yet raised bythisbiannualevent. for theLeukaemiaFoundation, thehighest Park Caper(outdoormarket) raised $9000 In October 2006,the891ABCAdelaideCar Community Welfare FM and Melbourne, ABCRadioNational,Classic Arts Festival includingsupportfrom 774ABC partner ofthe2006MelbourneInternational Guille. ABCRadiowasalsoonce againamajor Theatre, broadcast live andhosted byDerek preview ofthefestival atMelbourne’s Capitol Comedy Festival, andpresented anexclusive Afternoons dig , NickRheinberger had trouble . section 2 featured concerts from the Saturday NightCountry 45

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 46

ABC in the Community continued

with the time of day, having rarely worked ABC Far North Cairns mounted an outside afternoons. Every time he said “good morning” broadcast to highlight the need for cyclone rather than “good afternoon”, he fed a dollar preparations just days before the arrival into a “swear tin”. He asked listeners to of Tropical Cyclone Nelson. This allowed the suggest where the proceeds should go to testing of emergency plans and broadcast —and a caller who suffered a serious brain capabilities and proved to be a valuable injury spoke on air, via the National Relay learning experience for local and Brisbane Service, suggested the National Brain Injury staff. Mt Isa staff travelled to Normanton and Foundation (NBIF). The tin was topped up by Karumba to cover the wash-up of Tropical program guests and regulars who deliberately Cyclone Nelson, as well as the sinking of the made mistakes that incurred “fines”, as well Zinifex zinc barge Wunma. The Cairns and as donations from listeners. The station Townsville stations, together with 612 ABC then organised a concert featuring program Brisbane’s Conversation Hour and ABC Rural, regulars and local artists, hosted by Nick broadcast from Ingham, Innisfail and Atherton Rheinberger. The “Afternoon in the Evening” to commemorate the devastation caused by concert raised over $3 000 for the NBIF. Cyclone Larry in March 2006.

In July 2006, 891 ABC Adelaide ran the “I Swear Together with Emergency Management By 891” campaign. Listeners who registered Australia, ABC Radio produced a 14-part were provided with an “I Swear by 891” Swear series for broadcast across Australia, as part Box (money collection box). The campaign of a campaign aimed at educating Australians raised the $40 000 needed to fund a special in bushfire-prone regions. communications program for disabled children devised by Novita Children’s Services. Following In 2006–07, ABC Local Radio was again the success of this campaign 612 ABC Brisbane the key provider of information to several and ABC Local Radio Queensland adopted this communities during emergencies. fundraiser at Christmas. Money raised went to the Queensland Branch of the Australian 1233 ABC Newcastle and ABC Central Coast Red Cross to support their critical work in (Erina) provided extensive coverage of the Queensland. 105.7 ABC Darwin ran a campaign storm-related events in the Hunter Valley and along the same lines supporting the Red the Central Coast of New South Wales in Cross in the Northern Territory. June 2007. The 1233 ABC Newcastle website streamed the coverage and provided up-to- 720 ABC Perth and ABC Local Radio Western date information, as well as providing a place Australia’s Saturday Breakfast Program for the audience to share their experiences broadcast live from the “Save The Children through stories and photos. The audience Book Sale” at the undercroft at the University posted more than 600 guestbook entries and of Western Australia. more than 1 500 pictures. The station also fielded more than 20 000 telephone calls Emergency Coverage and 1233 ABC Newcastle’s website recorded ABC Local Radio stations around Australia 635 000 page views during the week. prepared for the summer bushfire and cyclone Other emergency coverage included bushfire emergency season by strengthening ties with coverage to communities in Dubbo, Wagga local emergency services groups to ensure Wagga, Illawarra and the Snowy Mountains comprehensive and authoritative emergency in New South Wales, and in Dwellingup in coverage to local communities. Western Australia; cyclone and storm coverage Australia Network. and reputation ofRadioAustralia and can alsoserve to complement thepresence citizenship, althoughinternational activities Its primarymotivation isgoodcorporate and effective governance ofallcommunities. are essential to thewellbeing,creativity and responsible publicmediainstitutions The ABCoperates onthepremise thatstrong personnel secondments. specialist advice, technical support and and mentoring, strategy facilitation and offers assistance intheform oftraining sustainably andinthepublicinterest. It especially inAsiaandthePacific, to operate strengthen thecapacity ofmediaorganisations, The ABCcontinued to take anactive role to International Communities in Victoria. in andaround ArnhemLandandinGippsland and coverage offloods inTop Endcommunities Karratha andEsperance inWestern Australia; to communities inFar NorthQueensland, The ABCisAustralia’semergencyservicesbroadcaster, national andcommercial broadcasters. Initiatives are alsoundertaken directly with Nations agencies,UNESCOandUNICEF. Broadcasting Association (CBA)andUnited and Development (AIBD),theCommonwealth the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting with theAsia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), In additionto AusAID,theABChasworked and Bhutan. of countries includingEast Timor,Iran training activitiesoccurred inanumber AusAID. Shorter projects and/orone-off Broadcasting Corporation, alsofunded by project withtheVanuatu Television and commenced atwo-year capacity-building roles. InMay2007,International Projects in-country, aswellshort-term advisory deployment oflong-term advisers to work AusAID, allthree projects includedthe by theAustralian government’s aidagency Guinea andtheSolomon Islands.Funded with broadcasters inCambodia,Papua New undertook majorcapacity-building projects In 2006–07,ABCInternational Projects supporting communitiesintimesofcrisis section 2 47

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 48

In 2006, the ABC launched the Experienced ABC People Managers program. Twenty-four middle managers with high potential were selected The ABC employs a workforce dedicated to to participate in a year-long program of supporting, making and delivering content to activities and work-related projects. More than ABC audiences in Australia and overseas. In 150 line managers, supervisors and senior 2006–07 the total number of full-time equivalent staff were enrolled in the New Managers staff increased slightly from 4 345 to 4 461. program. Frontline managers are the first point of contact through which employees The composition of the workforce remained view and understand the organisation and largely unchanged, with a gender balance of its goals and priorities. This program has 52% men and 48% women, 11% of employees contributed significantly to the organisation from non-English speaking backgrounds, through its focus on work projects, problem Indigenous employees making up 1.1% solving and team building. and people with a disability representing 10% of staff. The ABC has a strong record of contribution to women’s sport through its coverage Developing ABC Staff across all media platforms and through its The ABC provided a range of skills development employment of women sports broadcasters. opportunities in 2006–07 as staff participated To further develop the field of skilled women in 65 013 hours of structured training. The broadcasters, the ABC introduced a Woman ABC Registered Training Organisation issued Sports Broadcaster Internship. This one-year three Certificates and 170 Statements of program provides a broad-based skills Attainment across a total of 287 national development opportunity to the selected competency categories. The number of applicant, equipping the employee for a Statements of Attainment has nearly doubled career in sport broadcasting. Amanda Shalal since last year, reflecting a new direction in was selected as the inaugural intern. which staff develop their skills as needed, rather than necessarily enrolling in Creating a Positive Workplace complete qualifications. Environment The continued roll-out of the ABC’s mandatory Leadership development continued to be a “Creating a Better Place to Work” program priority. This year, the ABC delivered programs contributed to a more inclusive and positive for managers at three distinct stages of their workplace environment. The program raised careers: entry-level, experienced and executive. awareness of conflict resolution, bullying, discrimination and harassment policies. The ABC Leaders program is in its fourth year. Participation rates remained high with over To date, 70 senior executives and editorial 97% of staff completing the program, which managers have participated in the year-long continues to be offered as part of the induction program. Formal research conducted in late program for new employees. In 2006–07, a 2006 showed significant benefits accrued to further 565 staff participated in the program. both participants and the ABC. Participating managers developed a more mature leadership The ABC’s commitment to support employees style and acquired the capabilities necessary balance their work and family responsibilities for the organisation to respond effectively continued to be reflected in corporate-wide to current and future challenges. An active plans, policies, employment agreements alumni program provides ongoing learning and initiatives. The Corporation offers and professional development opportunities flexibility in the conditions of service and to former participants. access to information, awareness training, 2006–07 2005–06 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 2001–02 2000–01 1999–00 1998–99 1997–98 * “Corporate Management” includestheOffice oftheManagingDirector, ABC StaffbyDivision2006–07 ABC StaffNumbers (Full-time Equivalent)

Radio and

Regional Content Communications, LegalandtheOffice of theChiefOperating Officer. Technolo

0 0 0 0 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 gy and Distribution Distribution and gy

20.6%

Television Television 8.6%

Production Resources 8.5% 21.1% Commercial Business Services 5.5%

7.8% News 4 116

4 134

4 177

4 244 4 260 18.9% 4 298 4 293 4 321 4 345 4 461 Corporate Management* Administrative/Professional Human Resources Innovation & Governance Corporate Strategy International, Senior Executive Program Maker 1.3% Technologist Retail Staff 3.6% 2.2% 1.9%

Tasmania

0 0 0 0 0 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

SA ABC StaffbyRegion2006–07 ABC StaffbyJobGroup 2006–07 Victoria Victoria

8.2%

4.4% 17.5% section 2

Queensland

9.0%

Overseas WA 0.7% 6.3% NT 3.0%

ACT 3.9%

NSW NSW 47.0% 49

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 50

ABC People continued

seminars and lifestyle activities. For the sixth Recognising Women’s Contributions consecutive year, the 2007 National Work/Life to Television Benchmarking Study ranked the ABC in the In September 2006, the cross-industry Women top 25 Australian organisations from over Working in Television Project launched a book, 280 participants. The study is conducted by Look at Me! Behind the scenes of Australian Managing Work/Life Balance International, TV with the women who made it. The Project, in conjunction with CCH Australia. coordinated by the Australian Film Commission, launched the book to coincide with the 50th Diversity Initiatives anniversary of Australian television. The ABC Building on Indigenous Employment contributed to the content, publication and and Development Initiatives distribution of the book, which features a In November 2006, for the second consecutive compilation of women’s stories covering year, the ABC received a national Diversity@ Work experiences from the past 50 years. This Award for “Employment and Inclusion of record of achievement provides role models, Indigenous Australians”, in the category of contacts and career development strategies organisations with more than 1 000 employees. for women aspiring to further their careers in television. The ABC works actively to increase Indigenous representation and cross-cultural awareness, Occupational Health and Safety with positive outcomes including: inter-divisional Safety is an important issue for the ABC, which collaboration through the ABC’s Indigenous is committed to the National Occupational advisory group, the Bonner Committee; the Health and Safety (OHS) Strategy (2002–12) appointment of senior Indigenous program to achieve a 40% reduction in injuries, zero makers in the Indigenous content area of ABC fatalities and better return-to-work outcomes Television; and a higher profile of Indigenous following injury. The ABC, its managers, employees and programs through marketing supervisors and employees are responsible and events both internally and externally. and accountable for safety and are expected to adhere to a variety of legal instruments, The ABC has a corporation-wide target to guidelines, best practices and the ABC OHS achieve a minimum of 2% Indigenous staff Agreement 1998. The Agreement is between the representation. Meeting this target continues ABC, its employees and their representatives. to be a challenge due to low retention rates. In 2006–07 Indigenous staff represented 1.1% In 2006–07, the ABC increased its efforts to of the ABC workforce (1.2% in 2006). further improve its OHS management systems.

In July 2006, the ABC presented the fourth Significant initiatives included: Indigenous Staff Scholarship Awards to • Upgrading the ABCWorkSafe Incident two employees working in the Production Reporting and Return-to-Work modules to Resources Division in New South Wales enable the ABC to monitor safety incidents and South Australia. The awards provide and better manage the return to work opportunities tailored to individual career of ill and injured employees development plans and aim to support • Introduction of quarterly ABC OHS reports the retention and development of that provide compensation and incident Indigenous employees. data and analysis to raise managers’ awareness of and help them fulfil their OHS responsibilities of breast cancer atthe Toowong site. Investigative Panel, regarding theincidence lead anindependent Review andScientific Research attheSydney Cancer Centre, to Professor Bruce Armstrong AM,Director of cancer andenvironmental epidemiologist, The ABCManagingDirector invited the at theToowong premises. cancer involving womenwhohadworked had beenadvisedof13cases ofbreast amongst staff. Asat30June2007,theABC of breast cancer caused significant concern past 11years. Theapparently high incidence had beendiagnosedwithbreast cancer inthe of theABC’s premises inToowong, Queensland As atJuly 2006,ninefemale staff members ABC StaffatToowong are contained inAppendix12(seepage193). Further details oftheABC’s OHSactivities Inclusion ofOHSresponsibilities intheNew • A manual-handlingreview • byCRSAustralia Inter-divisional planningfor acoordinated• • Centrally-funded nationaltesting and • Development ofanonlineand CD-based • Continued roll-out ofanOHSrisk • Development ofsystematic risk • Implementation oftheonlineadvisory encourage goodmanagementbehaviours. Managers’ Training Program to supportand Resources Division manual-handling injuriesintheProduction and thedevelopment oftraining to reduce or thatitorganises ormanages events inwhichtheABCparticipates approach to thesafety andsecurityof tagging ofelectrical equipment employees inallwork locations safety inductionaccessibility for ABC Safety InductionCourse to provide better hazardous operations to specificdivisionalhazards and management training course tailored undertaking higherriskactivities procedures, particularly for divisions management/risk assessment employees to manageoperational risks managers, supervisors andother resource, ABC AtoZofSafety for Toowong site. for womenwhohave worked atthe support andmonitoring ofbreast cancer recommendation to implement ongoing The ABCalsoadopted thePanel’s Toowong site. and monthsfollowing theclosure ofthe of ABCservices andprograms intheweeks proved crucial to enablingthecontinuity hard workofABCstaff andmanagers, Brisbane. Thecooperation, dedication and between ten different locations around are working andinsomecases travelling staff to onefacility. Operational teams ofstaff term, ithasnotbeenpossible to relocate all enormous logistical challenge. Intheshort- Relocating theABC’s operations posedan ceased on31January2007. 2006 andallABCoperations atthesite substantially shutdownby29December away from thesite. TheToowong site was the ABCdecidedto immediately relocate staff cause. But,onthe basisofthePanel’s findings, technology inuseonthesite asapossible Technical testing onthesite hadcleared the high incidence ofbreast cancer. pinpoint anystrongly plausible cause for this in Queensland.However, the Panel could not than thatinthegeneral populationofwomen site from 1994to 1996wassixtimeshigher the riskinwomenworkingatToowong breast cancer. Thefindingssuggested that was anatypical spike intheincidence of In December 2006,thePanel reported there Act 1996 of thechangesto the thoroughly review andassess the impact the ABCandunions, needto complicated bythedivergent positionsof followed 12monthsofdrawn-out negotiations, and Administrative/Professionals. This bulk ofits4000Program Makers, Technologists a staff employment agreement covering the In 2006–07,theABCsuccessfully renegotiated ABC Employment Agreement . section 2 Workplace Relations 51

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 52

ABC People continued

The new agreement, known as the ABC New ways of sharing knowledge online are Employment Agreement 2006–09, came currently being designed as part of the into effect on 6 December 2006. proposed “Learning Gateway”, an intranet portal which will provide an efficient access The new Agreement largely refined and point to the information, learning and networks consolidated the common employment most important to individual ABC staff. It will framework established six years ago. It be a “just-what-I-need, just-when-I-need-it, provided a 12% pay increase over three just-for-me” tool for the instantaneous sharing years while protecting and, in some cases, of relevant knowledge when and where staff improving staff benefits, including working need it. The Knowledge Pool, a pilot project conditions and leave. supported by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, successfully tested the concept Performance Management of an online community for the capture and The ABC’s focus on performance management sharing of knowledge. has continued to shift from formal process requirements toward promoting a culture Future Workforce Planning of regular, fair and honest feedback and The ABC continues to research and develop discussion. Research continually stresses workforce planning, including succession the value and importance of constructive planning, to ensure that trained staff are working relationships, and fairness and ready to step into areas which require accuracy of informal feedback, in helping specialist skills. to create a working environment in which people are encouraged to do their best work. Many staff keen to learn new skills in television production have been given the opportunity The ABC adopted a blended learning and through the Pathways Program, which provides support strategy: a revamped intranet site, training, mainly on-the-job, and results in a web support tools, one-on-one coaching, Certificate IV in Screen. Staff are then qualified and the launch of customised workshops to work in television production, either for managers to build skills to help them occasionally during peak times, or full manage expectations, give feedback, and time as a new career direction. deal with challenging situations around the performance management process. Broadcast technology is another area of potential skills shortage. The ABC has two Knowledge Sharing entry level training programs, a graduate Sharing knowledge about the rapidly changing program and a new apprenticeships program digital media world helps the ABC keep in the to train entry level technologists. In 2006 forefront of these changes. During 2006–07, three graduates and three apprentices were over 880 staff took part in cross divisional recruited. There will be more recruits in events on citizen journalism, Second Life, 2007–08. The training programs have been cross-media production, digital gateways, a developed by the ABC and involve both digital citizen workshop and other emerging formal training sessions and periods of media themes. on-the-job training. Commitment to aGreener Future (Sydney), Canberra andAdelaidesites. environmental auditsattheABC’s Ultimo to commission independentenergy and the Green Futures Steering Committee was One ofthefirst activitiesundertaken by Audits Energy andEnvironmental Coordinate • andmonitor implementation • Compare performance against industry Foster • awareness andimplementation of • Identify andimplement strategies and • Establish andachieve realistic Committee’s isto: The role oftheGreen Futures Steering and environmental performance. achieving improved energy savings activities andfacilitate theABC Committee to coordinate theABC’s established aGreen Futures Steering In October 2006,theManagingDirector Futures SteeringCommittee Establishment oftheGreen by 60%(to 40%of1997levels) by2050. by 40%(to 60%of1997levels) by2020and to reduce itsgreenhouse gasemissions committed to agreener future andwillaim a sustainable environment. TheABCis steps thatcan betaken to contribute to challenged everywhere to findpractical Individuals andorganisations are being and external organisations. recommendations madebyABCstaff of Green Futures suggestions and benchmarks and otherenvironmental initiatives the Corporation’s Environmental Policy water andenvironmental management initiatives to improve theABC’s energy, performance targets to develop actionplansfor implementation. by theABC’s Green Futures Steering Committee implemented while others are beingassessed Some recommendations have already been staff awareness. to review purchasing policiesandto increase issues effectively, there were opportunities Corporation generally managedenvironmental They alsoconcluded that,althoughthe ventilation andairconditioning. opportunities intheareas oflighting,heating, The auditsidentifiedsomeenergy saving was reducing itslevel ofenergy consumption. already beenimplemented andthateachsite significant energy efficiencymeasures had ABC’s buildingswere wellmaintained, that Overall, theenergy auditsfound that the • Fluorescent tuberecycling atUltimo • Battery recycling services atCollinswood • Cardboard recycling services atallcapital • Services to recycle imagingconsumables Other initiatives includedtheintroduction of: • Vehicle fuelconsumption by6.4%. • Natural gasconsumption by2.0% • Electricity consumption by 2.6% • Greenhouse gasemissions by2.8% Reductions achieved in2006–07included: per annumin2007. 2006 to 878megajoules persquare metre megajoules persquare metre perannumin buildings combined fell by2.7%from 902 Overall energy intensity ofallABCAustralian Key Achievements andInitiatives Collinswood (Adelaide) andPerth. (Sydney), Southbank(Melbourne), (Adelaide), DarwinandPerth site) relocation ofoperations from the Toowong city sites except Brisbane(following the (copier andprintcartridges) section 2 53

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 54

Commitment to a Greener Future continued

The ABC recognises that this is an ongoing ABC Content process. Work continues in relation to The ABC has not only undertaken internal other opportunities: initiatives by which to reduce the ABC’s • Lighting options such as delamping environmental footprint but also, during and retrofitting with more efficient the year, broadcast a number of programs fluorescent tubes or special initiatives undertaken with an • Development and implementation of environmental focus. These include: an Environmental Management System (EMS) at all capital city sites. The EMS is a ABC Radio formal tool for measuring and continually • Reclaim the River on 891 ABC Adelaide improving organisational performance included live broadcasts along Linear Park in managing environmental risk and (bordering the Torrens River) covering regulatory compliance issues including the state of the river, • Introduction of a “co-mingled” recycling fitness, safety and the greater environment. system for Ultimo following the energy • 774 ABC Melbourne went green for a audit at that site week in an effort to reduce the station’s • Energy audits to be undertaken at remaining carbon emissions. sites (having already occurred at Ultimo, • 666 ABC Canberra launched Can I Make a Canberra and Adelaide) Difference? an initiative to help individuals • Solar heating options for after hours and understand what they can do to help reverse weekend heating climate change. • The purchase of more fuel efficient and • 105.7 ABC Darwin ran an environmental environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles promotion encouraging families across (ABC fleet vehicles are already capable of Darwin to lower energy use in their home. accepting ethanol blended fuel and drivers The 105.7 Darwin Cool Challenge also are encouraged to use this option). featured the Territory’s first solar powered outside broadcast, using batteries Education and awareness amongst staff are powered and charged only by the sun. seen as key tools by which to reduce the • 720 ABC Perth launched the Eoin’s Green ABC’s environmental footprint. Staff are Army to encourage West Australians to encouraged to undertake activities that reduce their energy consumption by at contribute to this including duplex printing, least 10%, while Breakfast presenter Eoin water conservation and turning off lights Cameron tried to reduce energy and water and computers at the end of the day. consumption in his home by 20%. • 40 Hour Drought, a national radio and The ABC has also set performance targets online community event encouraged over in relation to: 2 000 registered participants to limit • Energy management themselves to 40 litres of water for a • Water consumption management period of 40 hours, in order to more closely • Vehicles and travel empathise with Australians living in drought • Information technology conditions and to highlight water awareness • Recycling and waste and conservation strategies. • Education and awareness • Procurement processes • Environmental management. • • • • • ABC Television and useinAustralia. future ofwater collection, management looked atinventions anddirections for the The NewInventors (“Beyond Petrol”). and whatfuelswere likely to replace petrol? trees really capture? (“CO2Tree Capture”) House Two”), howmuchcarbon dioxide did eco-office block ofthefuture (“Council focusing onclimate changeincludingthe program produced several specialfeatures Catalyst to make adifference environmentally. from all over Australia whowere trying special featuring thestories ofpeople screening, climate change.Immediately following the of oilandtherole ofcarbon emissions in documentary abouttheimpendingscarcity Crude—the IncredibleJourneyofOil the economy. as wellsettingemissions targets on the impactofclimate changeonAustralia and economic perspective andconsidered looked atclimate changefrom abusiness and “CoolHeadsinaWarm World”, which topics suchas“Waterproofing Australia” Difference ofOpinion to tackling global warming. terms, offering upastep-by-step guide and theenvironment insimple andpractical Carbon Cops , ABC’s flagshipscience magazine Catalyst , aseriesthatblended science “Saving Water Special”, presented ahalfhour covered relevant covered Carbon Cops , a • • • • ABC Online presenters, SeanFitzgerald approach theendof“ageoil”. forums for howtheworldwillcope aswe edition includedandprovided discussion broadcast onABCTelevision. Thebroadband and itsrole inclimate change,whichwas the documentary aboutthestory ofoil cross-media broadband site accompanying Crude—the IncredibleJourneyofOil by atleast 60%by2050. Change to cutgreenhouse gasemissions the Intergovernmental Panel onClimate how best to address theneedidentifiedin industry, politiciansandthepublicabout canvassed theviewsofclimate experts, The Roadto2050 and nature. people interested intheenvironment as anactive onlinediscussion space for Australia’s natural environment, aswell almanac covering seasonalevents in Scribbly Gum all itsenvironmental stories. a dedicated sectionwhichaggregates six primarycontent categories andhas features theenvironment asoneofits News inScience section 2 and LishFejer contains anexpanding , adaily onlineservice, , afive-part serieswhich , a 55

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 56

Corporate Governance

In 2006–07, the ABC Board and management The ABC and Corporate made further refinements to the corporate Social Responsibility governance framework, in response both to Social responsibility and maintaining good the maturing digital media environment and faith with the community are intrinsic to the the imperative of securing the Corporation’s purpose of the ABC. The Charter and other long-term sustainability. The framework is sections of the ABC Act lay out the functions, intended to constitute a balanced approach principles and standards by which the to the ABC’s performance as a creative media Corporation is required to serve people organisation, on the one hand, and its need as citizens, not just as consumers. to comply with the formal obligations of a modern statutory corporation on the other. This ABC Annual Report describes the effort of the Corporation throughout 2006–07 to ABC corporate objectives, strategies, policies align its legislative purpose and values with and activities derive from the requirements the evolving needs and expectations of of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation audiences and the Australian community. Act 1983 (“ABC Act”). In particular, section Its reporting on corporate governance 6 of the Act—the ABC Charter—outlines the and operational performance reflects the functions of the Corporation; and section 8 lays commitment of the ABC to responsible and out the duties of the Board (see page 240). The ethical business policies and practices. Act expressly provides for both the editorial and administrative independence of the The ABC commits itself to: Corporation, thereby investing the Board with • Values-based leadership, emphasising considerable discretion. In acknowledgement honesty, transparency and fairness— of that independence, the ABC accepts the providing opportunities for staff to grow, obligation to meet the highest standards professionally and personally, during their of public accountability. time with the Corporation (see ABC People, page 48) Maurice Newman AC, commenced his • Diversity of content and ideas, contributing appointment as ABC Chairman on 1 January to a sense of national identity, along with 2007; and Mark Scott took up his role as adherence to the highest editorial standards Managing Director on 5 July 2006. in Australian broadcasting (see Section 3, ABC Divisions, pages 70 to 109) Strategy Setting • Outreach activities to support Australian Executive management and the Board communities and the capacity of media undertook a process of strategic review in organisations throughout Asia and the 2006 culminating in a two-day joint planning Pacific to operate in the public interest event in November. The strategic priorities (see ABC in the Community, page 44) resulting from that process were to ensure • Minimising the impact of ABC activities the ABC would continue to be a “great” on Australia’s environment, biodiversity public broadcaster in the digital age. The and heritage places, both through its own Managing Director called senior managers operations and its procurement processes to a Leadership Conference in March 2007 (see Commitment to a Greener Future, to consider the ABC’s strategic outlook page 53). and priorities. These priorities also fed into the development of the ABC Corporate Plan 2007–10, effective from 1 July 2007. for local andregional audiences. opportunities such ascross-platform content music-based continues to have responsibility for theinternet, operations. ABCRadioandRegionalContent integrated ABCNewsOnlinewithitsoverall television programs. TheNewsDivisionhas of cross-platform content emerging from the digital channel,ABC2,andfor thedelivery online. Television hastaken responsibility for of theircontent across allplatforms, including Current Affairs) are responsible for thedelivery Television andNews(formerly Newsand Radio andRegionalContent (formerly Radio), Under there-alignment, thedivisionsof for anewphaseofinnovation. into mainstream activities—andre-gear decade—migrating successful innovation to buildontheachievements ofthepast with audiences. TheCorporation wishes on screen-based communication to connect division depends,to onedegree oranother, and current affairs outputtoday. Every ABC to thecentre ofradio, television andnews from theperipheryofABC’s operations methodologies beganto mature, they shifted As thenewmediaplatforms andproduction and broadband production. television, interactive television applications developed newinitiatives suchasABC2digital operated thethird platform (online)and Media andDigital Services Divisionhad its onlineservice; and,since 2000,theNew It hadbeenadecade since theABClaunched new strategic priorities. management structure, whichreflected the a partialre-alignment ofitsorganisation and In February 2007,theCorporation announced Organisation Structure and one-year strategic plansfor internal use. Parliament, along withtheAnnualReport; ‘book-ends’ ofBoard accountability to the Corporate Plan,whichisoneofthetwo planning framework: thethree-year public The ABCwillapply atwo-level corporate dig network andotherdigital Editorial Policies. consistency inthe interpretation ofthe the advice workisto ensure clarityand with theEditorial Policies. Thepurposeof verify andreview inrelation to compliance Director hasthree mainfunctions:to advise, for radio, television, onlineandinprint.The to-day reference for makers ofABCcontent the leading standards andconstitute aday- to content. further itsgovernance processes inrelation of Director Editorial Policies to strengthen The Corporation established theposition significance to ABCperformance. of Legalto strengthen theseareas ofstrategic Director ofPeople andLearningDirector Corporation alsocreated thepositionsof ABC-wide opportunitiesandprojects. The Corporate Development unitworkson Governance; andCommunications. Asmall International, Corporate Strategy and division wasdividedinto twounits:ABC The Corporate Strategy andCommunications to thestructure ofABCcorporate functions. Associated withthechangesabove isavariation broadcasters inAsiaandthePacific). provides training andsupportservices to Network andInternational Projects (which includes RadioAustralia, theAustralia through theABCInternational Divisionthat International activitiesare drawn together from thedigital mediaenvironment. revenue streams for theCorporation arising responsible for developing appropriate new of theformer ABCEnterprises andis ABC Commercial incorporates theactivities Policies Committee, whichmetthree times which metonfour occasions; theEditorial including: theAuditandRiskCommittee, for thedetailed attention ofBoard committees, 2007. Itagainreferred key governance matters Newman AC, whotook uptherole on 1January year, five underthechairmanshipofMaurice The ABCBoard heldten meetingsduringthe Board Governance ABC EditorialPolicies section 2 articulate 57

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Corporate Governance continued

to consider editorial policy and content quality out in the Plan—specific performance management issues; the ABC Advisory Council measures intended to highlight the most Committee, which met twice; and the Human relevant factors of success Resources Committee, which met once. • Actions and Targets—the achievement or non-achievement of specific initiatives A fifth, the Governance and Strategic Issues intended to improve the ABC’s performance. Committee, did not meet in 2006–07. However, the whole Board participated Risk Management in the development of strategic priorities In July 2006, the results of a corporation-wide to help frame the ABC Corporate Plan risk management review was presented to 2007–10, including a two-day residential the Board Audit and Risk Committee. In planning event in November 2006. addition to providing an updated assessment of the ABC’s top risks and proposed initiatives Management Processes to address them, the review identified that Consequent to the re-alignment of the ABC’s the foundations for sound risk management organisation and management structure, the existed but also proposed recommendations Managing Director introduced a new pattern to achieve a more mature enterprise-wide of peak management meetings. Each month, risk management approach. the Managing Director chairs a meeting of the Leadership Group, comprising divisional During 2006–07 the ABC commenced Directors and the Directors of specialist implementing the recommendations support units reporting to him. The Content of the risk management review and Leadership Group meets monthly to focus established a dedicated Risk Management on content development issues, including Unit. It established an ABC Executive cross-platform opportunities, audience trends Risk Committee consisting of Divisional and branding. The Chief Operating Officer representatives to provide a forum for chairs the third monthly forum, the Operations senior executives to discuss and assist Support Group, made up of operations support the implementation of enterprise risk divisions such as Production Resources, management across the ABC. Technology and Distribution, Business Services, Human Resources and Corporate Compliance Reporting Strategy and Governance. In December 2006, the Department of Finance and Administration issued Finance Planning and Performance Circular No. 2006/11 (the Circular) relating Reporting to Compliance Reporting for CAC Act bodies In 2006–07, the Board received three in the general government sector. performance reports in relation to the final year of the ABC Corporate Plan The key requirement of the Circular is for an 2004–07. Performance reporting occurred annual Compliance Report to be signed by at three levels: the Board of Directors and submitted to the • Overall effectiveness of the Corporation in responsible Minister and the Minister for delivering public benefit to the Australian Finance and Administration by 15 October community—measured through the results each year. The Circular requires the ABC of the annual Newspoll appreciation survey Board to report on legislative compliance • Key Result Areas in relation to each of the with the CAC Act, CAC Orders and CAC four high-level corporate objectives laid Regulations and financial sustainability. to the othersixorchestra companies. constituted to provide ongoingservices company (notownedby theABC)was was woundupandanewshared services The seventh company, Symphony Australia, were divested from theABCduring2006–07. Six oftheseven symphonyorchestra companies the Strong Committee’s recommendations. a cross-agency working group to implement Throughout 2006–07theABCparticipated in 14 March 2005. Orchestras ReviewReport2005 Review document,titled Technology andtheArtsreleased theStrong Department ofCommunications, Information of orchestral services inAustralia. The a review oftheeffectiveness andefficiency commissioned JamesStrong AO to chair As reported in2005–06theFederal Government Symphony Orchestras of theCorporation. advice onanumberofprojects andinitiatives governance, policiesandcontrols, aswell also provided advice andguidance ongood expertise andindustry experience. Theunit to have access to themost appropriate of in-housestaff andoutsourced contractors previous years, Group Auditusedacombination well ascontrol riskselfassessment. Asin technology andcomprehensive audits,as These incorporated compliance, information about 13auditsandhadanother17inprogress. Plan, wasindiscussion withmanagement in accordance withthe2006–07Strategic Audit In 2006–07,Group Auditcompleted 36audits assurance to theBoard andmanagement. Corporation’s objectives andprovides contributes to theachievement ofthe independent internal auditservice that ABC Group Auditaimsto provide an Internal Audit and eachDivisionalDirector. Board ofDirectors, theManagingDirector framework modelto enable reporting bythe To facilitate this,theABCsetupacompliance A NEWERA— , on and NewSouthWales. election campaigns inQueensland,Victoria During 2006–07theABCcovered State and publishedontheABCwebsite. of thisanalysis are reported to theABC Board company to track ABC coverage. Theresults Committee engagesanexternal research performance duringcampaign coverage, the In additionto internal monitoring ofeditorial reviews anycomplaints aboutelection coverage. broadcasts to eligible political parties,and which theABCBoard grants partyelection The Committee alsooversees theprocess in accuracy, impartialityand balance. Committee Election Coverage Review ABC AnnualReportto wingold. presentation. Thiswasthefourth successive Awards for thequalityofitscontent and gold citation intheAustralasian Reporting The Annual ReportAwards between theABCandeachcompany. of themutually beneficialrelationship companies to ensure thepreservation Level Agreements witheachofthese During 2006–07theABCexecuted Service Consumer Affairs isindependentofABC and ConsumerAffairs unit.Audience and content, are referred to theABCAudience inaccuracy, lackofbalance, biasorinappropriate Complaints aboutissues suchasfactual including complaints. constituency isthrough audience feedback, the ABC’s performance withits core Another important avenue for assessing Audience Contacts with coverage ofthecampaign to ensure compliance is to review ABCelection content during Review Committee. Thetask oftheCommittee called, theABCconvenes anElection Coverage When astate, territory orfederal election is ABC AnnualReport2005–06 ABC EditorialPolicies section 2 requirements of received a 59

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Corporate Governance continued

program areas and investigates all written the decision was an example of party political complaints referring to possible breaches of bias. There were also 1 020 complaints the ABC Editorial Policies, Code of Practice regarding the discontinuation of the rage or legislative Charter. The unit also coordinates Top 50 program. The ABC’s decision to air responses to a range of programming and The Great Global Warming Swindle prompted policy enquiries. 510 complaints prior to the program being screened. A change in timeslot for ABC

Summary of Contacts Received Email/Letter Phone Contact type Number % Number % Total Complaint 23 091 34.6% 15 793 14.0% 38 884 Appreciation 7 136 10.7% 10 409 9.2% 17 545 Other* 36 503 54.7% 86 624 76.8% 123 127 Total 66 730 100.0% 112 826 100.0% 179 556 * “Other” includes suggestions, requests for information, scheduling and transmission enquiries and general comments.

Subject Matter of Contacts Received Subject Email/Letter Phone Total % Total Requests for information, programs, product availability and other matters 33 756 76 149 109 905 61.2% Complaints about program standards and scheduling 16 690 12 112 28 802 16.0% Appreciation of programs and presenters 7 136 10 409 17 545 9.8% Radio and television transmission enquiries and complaints 2 747 13 528 16 275 9.1% Party political bias 2 682 346 3 028 1.7% Complaints of factual inaccuracy 1 733 86 1 819 1.0% Bias (other than party political)* 1 444 111 1 555 0.9% Lack of balance 542 85 627 0.3% Total 66 730 112 826 179 556 100.0% * Includes claims of bias in relation to issues such as sport and religion.

In 2006–07, the ABC logged 179 556 audience Television’s The West Wing resulted in contacts—an 8% increase compared to the 199 complaints. There were a further 195 previous year. This total included 66 730 letters complaints when the program screened later and emails (a 33% increase on the previous than usual due to the 2007 New South Wales year) and 112 826 calls to switchboards in State Election coverage. State and Territory capitals and particular ABC programs and services (a 2% decrease).1 There were 181 complaints of bias for ABC Radio National’s Religion Report regarding Key concerns reflected in the audience an interview with Leni Brenner. contacts this year included the decision to discontinue The Glass House after six years, Of the 38 884 complaints received, 4 583 which generated 5 606 written and phone were claims of party political or other bias, complaints. Of these 1 787 complained that 627 alleged lack of balance and 1 819 were

1 Combined audience contacts received by Audience and Consumer Affairs, News and the Reception Advice Line (phone, letter and email). responses within28days. contacts. Ofthese,18794(65%)received Affairs responded directly to 28758audience and 30June2007,ABCAudience andConsumer contacts within28days.Between 1July 2006 ABC endeavours to respond to allaudience ABC website. Review Executive. Itis published onthe reviews finalisedbytheABC’s Complaints ABC Audience andConsumerAffairs andall and upheldprogram complaints finalisedby provides summariesofaudience contacts of theABCcomplaints process. Thereport increase transparency andaccountability Comments andComplaints of aquarterly In January2003,theABCbeganpublication reported indetail to theABCBoard. to procedures. Allupheldcomplaints are Online; andreviews ofandimprovements content orcorrection ofmaterial onABC reprimanding ofstaff; removal ofinappropriate corrections andapologies; counselling or written apologies to complainants; on-air in response to upheldcomplaints included when appropriate. In2006–07,actionstaken responsible andcorrective actionistaken the attention ofthesenioreditorial staff All upheldcomplaints are brought to Affairs, ofwhich554(3.6%)were upheld. were finalisedbyAudience andConsumer During 2006–07,15309written complaints Upheld complaints and services. related to abroad range ofABC programs claims offactual inaccuracy. Thesecomplaints the complainant seekingexternal review via to their complaint. Thisdoes notpreclude with Audience andConsumerAffairs’ response for complainants whoexpress dissatisfaction provides an additional level ofinternal review The ComplaintsReview Executive (CRE) Complaints Review Executive As outlinedinthe Timeliness Public ReportonAudience ABC EditorialPolicies , inorder to , the quarterly ontheABCwebsite. A summaryoftheCRE’s findingsispublished complainants, leading to sixupheldcomplaints. ABC program unitsonseven responses to ABC Audience andConsumerAffairs and upheld. TheCREalsoadjudicated between reviewed 47complaints, noneofwhichwas In theyear ended30June2007,theCRE are reported to theABCBoard. acted appropriately. AllCREdeterminations handled, andto determine whethertheABC manner inwhichthecomplaint wasoriginally broad scope to review thecontent andthe Affairs andallprogram units,theCREhas Independent ofbothAudience andConsumer Media Authority. or theAustralian Communications and the IndependentComplaintsReview Panel outside oftheICRP’s area ofresponsibility. treatment to merit review, orinvolved matters inaccuracy, bias,lackofbalance orunfair allege asufficiently seriouscase offactual either didnot,inthePanel’s judgement, review. The12requests notaccepted for review complaints, ofwhichfive were accepted for the Panel received 17requests to review In theperiod1July 2006to 30June2007, the ABCBoard. The Convenor isnominated separately by Law Centre andtheStJamesEthicsCentre). bodies external to theABC(theCommunications members were nominated byindependent are all external to theABC.Two ofthethree balance orunfair treatment. Itsthree members cases offactual inaccuracy, bias,lackof complaints thatraise allegations ofserious to thecomplainant. TheICRPcan review independent review ofcomplaints atnocost Complaints Review Panel (ICRP)to undertake Board hasestablished anIndependent response to awritten complaint, theABC For persons notsatisfiedwiththeABC’s Review Panel Independent Complaints section 2 61

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Corporate Governance continued

The Panel concluded reviews of three Transmission Failures complaints during the year, each of which As the national broadcaster, the ABC is was upheld in part. In each case, a report of expected to provide uninterrupted radio and the Panel’s findings was made available on television services. Following an increase the ABC website. As at 30 June 2007, three during 2004 in disruptions to commercial reviews were in process and three additional power systems at transmitter sites operated matters were before the Panel pending a by Broadcast Australia (BA), the ABC’s decision on whether or not they should be transmission provider, a series of initiatives accepted for review. Further information is were introduced to better ensure continuity provided in Appendix 18 (see page 202). of service.

Australian Communications BA has systematically instigated a number and Media Authority of measures to improve the reliability of its Members of the public who complain to the emergency power plants, the stand-by power ABC about matters covered by the Corporation’s systems for ABC services. As a result of Code of Practice and who are dissatisfied these upgrades the performance of these with the ABC’s response or the outcome of emergency generators when used as stand- an ICRP review may seek review from the by power systems has improved. Measurements Australian Communications and Media of reliability show an increase from 96% in Authority (ACMA). 2004–05 to 98% in 2006–07. A further improvement in reliability is predicted for During 2006–07, the ACMA finalised its 2007–08. The ABC and BA are continuing to investigations into 16 such matters (ten seek improvements to mains power reliability in 2005–06). In five cases, the ACMA found from State and Territory utility companies. breaches of the ABC Code of Practice. Two of these breaches related to a single program. On 30 June 2006, the Department of In this instance, the ACMA recommended, Communication, Information Technology and firstly, that the ABC review the wording of its the Arts (DCITA) signed a funding agreement Code of Practice in relation to timeliness of with the ABC to provide emergency power corrections and, secondly, that the ABC plants at three ABC Local Radio transmitter review its procedures for preparing television sites in fire-prone areas in Victoria and two current affairs programs so that every portable FM radio transmitters to serve reasonable effort is made to ensure the cyclone prone areas in Queensland and the impartiality of those programs. In each Northern Territory. The transmitter units of the other cases, the ACMA made no have been designed to be installed quickly in recommendations for further action cyclone affected areas that require additional by the ABC. local radio emergency information when existing ABC Local Radio services have been Commonwealth Ombudsman disrupted or supplementary community The Ombudsman’s office commenced one information is required. Both units are stored investigation into the ABC. After making in BA’s maintenance facilities in Brisbane enquiries of the ABC and considering the and Perth ready for rapid deployment. Each material provided, the Ombudsman’s office portable unit can be deployed as air cargo concluded that in all the circumstances of and erected quickly to provide a 1kW FM the case further investigation of the matter radio service that will provide localised was not warranted. coverage in times of natural disasters. Financial Statements Completion ofAnnual Financial Summary no specific amountswere published. the sixcapital citiesby 1January2009but to commence digital radio broadcasting in community broadcasters (includingtheABC) announced thatitwould fundnationaland to June2009.Inaddition, theGovernment (National Interest Initiatives) from June2008 the RegionalandLocal Programming Initiative 2007 Government announcement to extend funding baseandconfirmed theJanuary The MayBudgetmaintained theABC’s Appropriation The Year Ahead funds byfunctionfor the2006–07financialyear. broadly represents theABC’s application of The chart“SplitActualExpenditure 2006–07” Application ofFunds budgeted sources for 2007–08. against actualsources for 2006–07andits budgeted fundsfor thevarious categories The chart“ABC Source ofFunds” depictsABC’s other sources, includingABCCommercial. The ABCalsoreceived some$185.2mfrom 2006–07 to $823.782m. funding, bringingthetotal appropriation for was allocated additionalOutcome 2analog Budget AdditionalEstimates process, theABC 2006 Federal Budget.IntheCommonwealth The ABCwasallocated $822.677mintheMay Sources ofFunds 2006–07 appropriations for the2006–07financialyear. its total sources offundsandGovernment As inprevious years, theABCoperated within Financial Outcome 2006–07 audit opinion. Audit Office (ANAO) issued anunqualified Statements andtheAustralian National endorsed thesigningof2006–07Financial On 26July 2007,theAuditandRiskCommittee prpito ud 679.4 2007–08 financialyear. appropriation offundsbyoutputfor the broadly represents theABC’s budgeted The chart“Appropriation byOutput2007–08” Appropriation Funds –77.9 Total comparative Less Digital Transmission Funding year is: The ABC’s fundingfor the2007–08financial Government for the2010–12triennium. the ABCTriennial Funding Submission to outcomes of ICS IIwillbeincorporated into expenditure over thecoming years. The requirements interms ofassets andcapital which willfocus ontheCorporation’s stage oftheIntegrated Capital Strategy (ICSII), Planning hasalsocommenced onthesecond currently plannedorinprogress. to continue to pursue key strategic initiatives Corporation. Thiswillallow theCorporation close theoperational fundinggapofthe continue to source internal efficienciesto undertaken throughout theCorporation to areas. Avariety ofotherreviews are being improvements inoperational andinfrastructure and Efficiencyreview to achieve savingsor identified inthe2006KPMGFunding Adequacy where supported, implement recommendations The Corporation continues to assess, and whilst itexecutes itsstrategic objectives. Corporation onasoundfinancialfooting from recurrent sources, andto maintain the that ABCrecurrent activitiesremain funded ABC outputactivitiesandlevels, to ensure The 2007–08BudgetStrategy seeksto maintain Budget Strategy nldn qiyijcin844.6 –87.3 Less Analog Transmission Funding including equityinjection Outcomes 1,2and3, Total appropriation per section 2 $m 63

ABC ANNUAL REPORT 2006–07 64

ABC Source of Funds

General Appropriations oenetFnigIndependent Government Funding Analog Transmissions

Digital Transmissions

Equity Injection—Improved Asset Management

Australia Network Revenue

ABC Commercial Revenue

Other Revenue

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 $ millions

2006–07 Budget 2006–07 Actual 2007–08 Budget

Split Actual Expenditure 2006–07

Other

15% 19%

New Media Radio Broadcast

2% (including news and current affairs)

9% Support Services

21% Transmission (includingAcquisitions ABC2)

captioning and ABC2) news and current affairs, Appropriation by Output 2007–08 6% Television Programs Produced (including

Digital Transmission

28% Analog Transmission

28%

9% Radio

New Media 9% 2%

51%

Television section 2 65

Financial Summary continued Five-Year Analysis

Recast 2005 2007 2006 (AEIFRS) 2005 2004 2003 ABC Operating $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Cost of Services 972 480 929 236 891 298 926 161 858 728 822 856 Operating Revenue 185 206 187 015 166 430 201 712 153 712 146 299 Net Cost of Services (a) 787 274 742 221 724 868 724 449 705 016 676 557 Revenue from Government 809 532 774 254 757 532 757 532 726 895 733 469

Recast 2005 2007 2006 (AEIFRS) 2005 2004 2003 Financial Position $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current Assets 251 010 248 309 209 682 209 683 197 602 214 501 Non-Current Assets 807 651 795 930 815 269 816 191 824 884 744 564 Total Assets 1 058 661 1 044 239 1 024 951 1 025 874 1 022 486 959 065 Current Liabilities 150 428 147 567 134 452 115 635 125 672 209 282 Non-Current Liabilities 136 059 154 518 174 095 194 712 208 599 218 673 Total Liabilities 286 487 302 085 308 547 310 347 334 271 427 955 Total Equity 772 174 742 154 716 404 715 527 688 215 531 110

Ratios Current Ratio (b) 1.67 1.68 1.56 1.81 1.57 1.02 Equity (c) 73% 71% 70% 70% 67% 55%

(a) Net cost of services is cost of services less operating revenue. (b) Current assets divided by current liabilities. (c) Equity as a percentage of total assets. 06–07 ABC ANNUAL REPORT 20 66

ABC Divisional Structure

ABC BOARD

ABC Advisory Council

Managing Director Mark Scott

Head ABC Secretariat Director Editorial Policies Gary Linnane Paul Chadwick

Chief of Staff, MD’s Office Director Corporate Development Nerida Brownlee James Taylor

Director Radio Director Chief Operating and Regional Director News Director Legal Commercial Officer Content John Cameron Vacant Lynley Marshall David Pendleton Sue Howard

Director International, Director Director Director Director People Corporate Innovation Television Communications and Learning Strategy and Ian Carroll Kim Dalton Gary Dawson Vacant Governance Murray Green

Director State/Territory Directors Head Production SA and State and Territory Directors’ Group Audit Resources Rep—Sandra Winter-Dewhirst Alison Hamill ACT—Elizabeth McGrath David Cruttenden NSW—Mike McCluskey NT—Mark Bowling Qld—Chris Wordsworth Tas—Rob Batten Vic—Randal Mathieson Director Director Business WA—Geoff Duncan Technology and Services Distribution Aziz Dindar (a) / Colin Knowles Toni Robertson (a)

Director Members of the ABC Leadership Group Human Resources Structure as at 30 June 2007 Colin Palmer section 2 67 ABC commentators from 4QG Brisbane described international cricket has been shown the 1933 Kings Cup from exclusively on commercial television—that a “dog-box” suspended above the river. is, viewed but not necessarily heard. A curious phenomenon of the Australian summer is that many people watch play on commercial television with the sound off—so they can covering listen to the commentary on ABC Radio. The launch date for ABC Television in sport November 1956 was planned around another huge sporting event—Australia’s first Olympic then... Games—with the ABC as host broadcaster.

Thereafter, the ABC covered all major events: including the Empire Games, the Commonwealth Games, each subsequent Olympic Games, rugby league, rugby world cup, Bathurst motor races, skiing, Wimbledon tennis, golf, swimming, basketball, gymnastics and table tennis.

Today, the ABC continues to celebrate the nation’s sporting life even though it lacks the financial capacity to bid for rights In the beginning, there was sport—watched, against major commercial television talked about, listened to, and participated in operators. Its radio coverage is unmatched by millions of Australians. The ABC’s first in Australia. ABC Television gives profile Annual Report (1932–33) referred to “the to local codes, women’s netball, informed keen national interest in sport”. discussion and occasional satire. Online streaming ensures convenience of access ABC Radio presented coverage of up to 30 and timing—all in acknowledgement of local sporting events a week, including horse that “keen national interest”. racing and boxing. It broadcast shortwave descriptions of international events such as Live action on court of Australia's highest the Berlin Olympics, Davis Cup tennis, English participation sport ... women’s netball. racing and football.

Live coverage of test cricket blended sporting commentary with the production techniques ... and now of radio drama. On-air presenters used the text of incoming news cables to craft their commentary while reconstructing the sounds of crowd noise and bat-against-ball sound effects in the studio. Audiences loved every moment of crescendo and competitive tension.

The last English cricket tour shown on ABC Television took place in 1970–71 at a time when the national broadcaster struggled to compete for broadcast rights. Ever since,