through australian eyes

The National Broadcaster

through australian eyes

Eric Campbell ANNUAL REPORT 04 australian broadcasting corporation Annual Report 2003-04 through australian eyes Over the last seven years Eric Campbell has Eric Campbell reported to Australians from some of the most remote and challenging places on earth. ‘To me, Foreign Correspondent as a journalist, being a foreign correspondent is the pinnacle. You get entrée to extraordinary people and places and to intense experiences. It’s special. You are doing something that people in other parts of the industry are not. It’s very rare to meet a reporter from another Australian network.’

His assignments have included reporting the wars in Chechnya, Afghanistan and the Balkans, tracking polar bears in the Arctic, filming at secret military bases in central Russia and travelling by sled with nomadic reindeer herders in Siberia.

Eric joined the ABC in 1986 and worked with The Investigators and Quantum as well as news and current affairs. He applied for several overseas positions, ‘I spent a year learning Japanese thinking I’d probably go there’. Finally in 1996 he was given the Moscow posting for three years. He found it very interesting although, ‘when I was there it was still fairly grim—they were trying to come to terms with the new order.’

In marked contrast to correspondents from overseas networks ABC reporters operate as a compact unit—usually just the reporter and a cameraman. ‘ABC foreign correspondents are on duty 24/7. Most days are 12 to 14 hours, but if travelling, an 18-hour day is not unusual.’

Eric is writing a book about the last seven years, there are so many stories and memories and friendships.

‘You are working in intense situations, seeing people at their most desperate. You can form some great friendships. It is a great joy to go back and visit.’ section 1 Annual Report 2003-04

independent impartial accurate news and analysis everyone’s Contents Letter of Transmittal 1

Corporate Report ABC Vision, Mission Statement and Values 2 Significant Events in the Past Year 2 ABC Programs and Services 5 Board of Directors 10 Statement by ABC Board of Directors 12 ABC Advisory Council 14 The Year Ahead 15

Overview ABC Audiences 18 Corporate Governance 32 Financial Summary 37 Corporate Plan Summary 40 ABC Organisational Chart 41

ABC Divisions Radio 44 Television 49 New Media and Digital Services 55 News and Current Affairs 58 International Broadcasting 62 Production Resources 66 Development 69 Enterprises 73 Business Services 77 Human Resources 81 Corporate Affairs 84 Technology and Distribution 88

Summary Reports Corporate Plan Performance Summary 96 Outcomes and Outputs 104 ABC Subsidiaries 113

Independent Audit Report 116 Financial Statements 117

Appendices 153

ABC Charter 202 Office of Donald McDonald AO Chairman

5 October 2004 ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 Australia

GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001

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

The Board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is pleased to present the Annual Report of the Corporation for the year ended 30 June 2004.

The report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. 2 Annual Report 2003-04 ABC Vision , Mission Significant and Values Events Vision Valued and integral to Australia’s culture.

Mission July 2003 Guided by the ABC Charter to engage our audiences with ABC Television and New Media and Digital Services launched the multi-platform drama an independent, distinctive and appealing mix of programming Fat Cow Motel. Audience response to the and content, delivered via multi-platform services. interactive program was very positive and the web component of the program became Our Corporate Values ABC Online’s most popular website ever for We will manage and conduct our business in an effective, a television program. efficient and ethical manner, according to values we share in the Corporation. The ABC food magazine delicious won ‘Magazine of the Year’ at the Magazine We value: Publishers of Australia Awards. • The ABC—acting always to support the role of a national Production Resources completed the public broadcaster in delivering valued outcomes for the move of the Sydney production centre Australian community from Gore Hill, where ABC television had • Editorial Excellence—aspiring to the highest standards been produced and broadcast for over of accuracy, impartiality and independence, in reflecting a forty years, to new, purpose-built city balanced and broad range of views and interests through premises in Ultimo and modified premises adherence to editorial policies and guidelines at Lanceley Place, Artarmon. • Innovation and Creativity—striving for excellence in the development and presentation of distinctive information 558 ABC Great Southern at Wagin, Western Australia was officially opened. and cultural programming content • Universal Access—ensuring that all Australians can access Radio Thailand started weekly rebroadcasts services that provide the knowledge required in a modern of Radio Australia feature programs on its information-based society national English language network—the first • Our People—providing opportunities for our people to time since 1996 that Radio Australia programs grow, personally and professionally, during their time have been heard on local radio in Thailand. with the Corporation • Good Governance—demonstrating our accountability August 2003 for the efficient and effective use of public resources Radio Australia completed a new educational website, Understanding Australia, which • Shared Commitment—accepting the shared obligation complemented a 13-part radio series produced to act responsibly and with a commitment to fairness with Monash University. The site explains and justice Australia to overseas audiences, particularly • Courage—encouraging the leadership and vision to younger people who might be interested in adapt to change with flexibility, integrity and decisiveness. studying in Australia. section 1 3 Annual Report 2003-04

September 2003 December 2003 High definition television (HDTV) on-air The Minister for Communications, Information transmission commenced. Technology and the Arts, the Hon. Daryl Williams, AM, QC, MP, officially opened ABC Canberra’s The Chairman of the Board launched refurbished Northbourne Avenue facilities. ABC Asia Pacific in the Hong Kong market. ABC Television broadcast The School ABC Television and Radio broadcast the Spectacular 2003, an entertainment State funeral of Australian country music extravaganza featuring thousands of legend Slim Dusty. children from New South Wales schools performing on stage. October 2003 Radio Australia presented an extended Radio Australia signed an agreement with interview with Indonesia’s Security Minister the Adult Multicultural Education Services and Presidential candidate, Susilo Bambang Victoria to scope the production of new Yudhoyono, recorded at a public forum at English-teaching language series for radio. Asialink at the University of Melbourne. January 2004 November 2003 The Hitwise online ratings service ranked The Winged Sandals website, which explores The Playground as the number one website Greek mythology through interactive story and Rollercoaster the number three website telling and game play, was launched at the for Australian children visiting Australian University of Melbourne. The site was websites. The statistics for Australian co-produced with the University’s Centre for children visiting worldwide website ranked Classics and Archaeology and funded with The Playground second and Rollercoaster ninth. assistance from ABC Development division. ABC Television broadcast the annual Hopman ABC Television’s broadcast of the final episode Cup from Perth, which was shot in widescreen of Kath and Kim (series 2) attracted more than digital, using three ABC digital outside broadcast two million viewers, the highest audience vans and a crew of 120. The event is the figure ever for an ABC program. largest outside broadcast production the ABC produces on a regular basis. 92.5 ABC Central Coast opened at Erina, New South Wales. ABC Television broadcast The Greatest Australian, a special Australia Day event in Director of Television, Sandra Levy, delivered which eight leading Australians argued the the Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture at the merits of their choice for the title of the Screen Producers Association of Australia ‘greatest Australian’. (SPAA) Conference in Melbourne. February 2004 ABC Television broadcast After the Fires, The ABC hosted the Australian Interactive a documentary about the aftermath of the Multimedia Industry Association (AIMIA) devastating Canberra bushfires of the Awards in the ABC Ultimo Centre, Sydney. summer of 2003. ABC New Media and Digital Services had 14 finalists across 11 of the 15 categories ABC Television broadcast the second and won six categories, including the ‘Best series of Dynasties, which explored the of the Best’ award with Winged Sandals, history of six of Australia’s most Kylie Kwong, Grow Your Own, Game On famous families. and Health Matters. 4 Annual Report 2003-04

Significant Events (continued) Mr Bruce Esplin, Victorian Emergency Services April 2004 Commissioner, launched the Black Friday ABC New Media and Digital Services website, about the 1939 bushfires. In attendance launched Checklist for an Armed Robber, were members of the media and survivors of an online component to the Radio National the fires. drama series. It used interactive flash components to give listeners an opportunity Local Radio website Oztrax launched to to explore the characters, the environment promote Australian music and performance. and the themes behind the program.

ABC Television premiered three new television Daily relays of Radio Australia’s Khmer language entertainment series, Strictly Dancing, broadcasts on local FM radio commenced in The Einstein Factor and Mondo Thingo. Phnom Penh, reaching 60% of Cambodia’s population. Radio Australia’s English news ABC Television broadcast the landmark is also relayed three times each day. documentary series Wild Australasia, a six-part co-production between ABC Television’s Radio Australia celebrated 60 years Natural History Unit and the BBC. of shortwave broadcasting from the Shepparton transmitter site in Victoria. Pacific Island broadcasters supported Radio Australia’s concept of a Pacific On 21 April ABC Asia Pacific introduced Radio Network, facilitating the sharing The Editors, its Asian weekly discussion of radio content across the region, with program made in Singapore. Radio Australia serving as the central distribution point. Radio Australia started weekly trial digital broadcasts to Europe using the Digital March 2004 Radio Mondiale platform. ABC Books launched Traveller’s Tales in conjunction with Through Australian Eyes, May 2004 a travelling exhibition of photos and stories ABC Online recorded its highest number from the ABC’s foreign correspondents. of unique Australian users at 1.43 million, with a reach of 14% in the active ABC Audio launched its first MP3 audio Australian Internet population. product, Taim Bilong Masta. Thailand’s Mass Communication Organisation Radio Australia consolidated its position started relaying Radio Australia news every as the second most popular international afternoon and evening on Bangkok FM 107. broadcaster in Indonesia following a national audience survey that pointed to significant A Joint Parliamentary Inquiry into Australia’s gains by the service. Audience awareness was Relationship with Indonesia recommended up 50% on 2002 results to 8.4% or 12 million, that ‘priority should be given to measures while Radio Australia’s total audience estimate, which will significantly extend the reach of had doubled to 7 million listeners. Radio Australia, preferably at least to levels enjoyed in the ’70s and ’80s. section 1 5 Annual Report 2003-04

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Radio Australia secured a new 24-hour FM relay the Hon. Alexander Downer, MP, launched for its English-language broadcasts in Cambodia ABC Asia Pacific in the Singapore market. on Phnom Penh FM 101.5. This is Radio Australia’s third 24-hour FM relay after Suva June 2004 92.6 FM and Port Moresby FM 101.9. ABC Television broadcast the epic, multi-award winning series Angels in America over three Radio Australia hosted the Second Herb consecutive nights. Feith Memorial Lecture in Melbourne in association with Monash University. ABC Television broadcast the television special Ten Days to D-Day to commemorate 783 ABC Central Australia launched as part the 60th anniversary of D-Day. of new Local Radio transmission arrangements in the Northern Territory. ABC Programs and Services

In achieving its vision the ABC delivers ABC Enterprises comprehensive programs and services • 39 ABC Shops which reflect the interests and aspirations • 84 ABC Centres throughout Australia of diverse Australian communities. • Customer Delivery Service (fax, telephone and mail orders) and ABC Shop Online Services ABC Radio International Broadcasting • four national radio networks comprising • Radio Australia, an international radio service Radio National, ABC Classic FM, triple j, broadcasting by shortwave, satellite and and ABC NewsRadio (on the Parliamentary rebroadcast arrangements to Asia and and News Network) the Pacific • dig, a music-based service available • ABC Asia Pacific, an international television via the Internet and digital television and online service broadcasting via satellite • nine metropolitan radio stations in capital and rebroadcast arrangements to Asia and cities and Newcastle the Pacific • 51 regional radio studios throughout Australia Programming ABC Television The ABC offers a distinctive range of • national analog television service programming which includes: • digital television with analog simulcast from • Arts and Culture 97 transmitters around Australia • Business and Finance • local television in each State and Territory • Children’s • Comedy ABC New Media and Digital Services • Current Affairs • ABC Online, serving more than 1 627 997 • Drama pages of web content • Education • Content and services on emerging platforms • Factual—Contemporary Life; Health; including interactive television, SMS, mobile Indigenous; Law, Consumer Affairs and services for 3G phones and other wireless Media; Special Events; and Topical Issues devices • History 6 Annual Report 2003-04

ABC Programs and Services(continued) • Light Entertainment regional radio services (two each for the • Music Northern Territory, Queensland and Western • News Australia, one each for New South Wales, • Regional and Rural South Australia and Victoria), and ABC • Religion and Ethics NewsRadio and Parliamentary broadcasts • Science, Technology, on the Parliamentary and News Network Environment and Natural History • ABC Television retransmitted via cable • Sport subscription services on Foxtel and Optus Vision, and satellite subscription service Transmission on Austar The ABC transmits its programs via: • ABC Asia Pacific transmitted on the • 973 terrestrial transmitters around Australia PanAmSat 2 and PanAmSat 8 satellites, for analog television services, including Self and via rebroadcasts in countries across Help and Community facilities, formerly known Asia and the Pacific as Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal • Radio Australia Services via shortwave Communities Scheme (BRACS) transmission from Brandon in Queensland, • 949 terrestrial transmitters around Australia Shepparton in Victoria, Darwin, Singapore, for analog radio services, including Self Help Taiwan and the Marianas; the PanAmSat 2 and Community facilities, formerly known and PanAmSat 8 satellites; and via as BRACS rebroadcasts on stations and outlets in • 97 terrestrial transmitters around Australia countries across Asia and the Pacific, Europe for digital terrestrial television services, which and North America, including the Palapa C2 include the dig Internet radio service (via Muracam of Japan), Agila-2 (via Dream • a digital satellite service to remote homesteads of the Philippines) and Cakrawarta-1 (via and communities within Australia carrying Indovision of Indonesia) satellites ABC analog television, Radio National, ABC Classic FM and triple j, eight different section 1 7 Annual Report 2003-04

ABC Broadcasting Coverage Proportion of the Australian population able to receive transmissions from ABC broadcasting services Australia NSW/ACT Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT Analog Television 98.22% 99.22% 98.83% 97.35% 97.01% 98.51% 97.11% 78.84% Digital Television 94.28% 95.78% 97.53% 92.88% 88.37% 95.28% 89.89% 54.01% Local Radio 99.34% 99.69% 99.78% 99.50% 98.77% 99.63% 98.43% 80.93% Radio National 98.50% 99.12% 99.46% 97.83% 96.38% 99.54% 99.14% 79.60% ABC Classic FM 95.66% 97.49% 97.96% 94.31% 89.68% 95.04% 95.67% 67.18% triple j 95.19% 97.10% 97.92% 93.20% 88.82% 94.77% 95.67% 67.18% ABC NewsRadio 78.19% 79.59% 82.54% 65.16% 76.50% 91.07% 94.86% 53.37% Domestic Shortwave 0.97% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.19% 0.00% 86.45%

Note: Population was derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001 Census data

Erina 8 Annual Report 2003-04

the city and the bush connectedspecialised information australian everyone’s section 1 9 Annual Report 2003-04 through australian eyes Kate Sieper Rural Reporter Kate Sieper is one of the ABC’s team of 38 rural reporters who are based in regional centres around the country. ‘I went from living off the cut-and-thrust of current affairs radio to being able to see what radio really meant to people and finding a new and different satisfaction in being there to make sure their stories were heard.’

Kate works out of Katherine in the Northern Territory and, like her rural colleagues elsewhere, often drives hundreds of kilometres across isolated areas and difficult terrain to cover a story.

‘A rural reporter,’ she explains, ‘can be seen at the saleyards covering the cattle prices, out on a header checking the crops or riding giant bulldozers at a mine. They do interviews on everything from salinity to feral camel control. They cover agripolitics and issues of land management as well as personal stories. They put rural Australia on radio and online.’

It’s a long way from home for the English Honours graduate from Canberra.

Kate started with ABC Radio in Perth in 1999. In 2000 she accepted a position in Karratha in the Pilbara.

‘It was a difficult decision for me to travel to the Pilbara and one which definitely changed my life and my career with the ABC. As a rural journalist based outside a metropolitan centre you really get close to the community you are reporting on.’ 10 Annual Report 2003-04

ABC Board of Directors

Donald McDonald, Judith Sloan, Judith Sloan Russell Balding, Ramona Koval, Appointed a Director from 9 August 1999 and Deputy Chairman from 8 September Ross McLean, John Gallagher, 2000 to 9 August 2004. Leith Boully, Maurice Newman, Professor Sloan is a part-time Commissioner of the Productivity Commission, a Director of Ron Brunton Santos, Mayne, SGIO Insurance, and Chair of SGIC Holdings. Donald McDonald AO Appointed ABC Chairman in July 1996, Russell Balding Donald McDonald was re-appointed Chairman Appointed Managing Director 29 May 2002. on 24 July 2001 for a second five year term. Deputy Managing Director from 10 December Donald McDonald has been involved in the 2001, Russell Balding was previously Director administration of arts enterprises for over 35 of ABC Funding, Finance and Support Services. years, including Sydney Theatre Company, He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and Musica Viva Australia and Vogue publications. a Diploma of Technology (Commerce), and is He was chief executive of the Australian Opera a Fellow of CPA Australia. Mr Balding has had for ten years until December 1996, and a a distinguished career in public sector financial Director of SOCOG and the Constitutional management and administration, having held Centenary Foundation. senior financial management positions within major NSW public sector organisations. He He is Chairman of The Really Useful has had extensive experience in financial and Company (Aust) and a Director of Focus executive general management, accounting, Publishing, the Glebe Administration Board auditing and capital works programming in and the Australiana Fund. a number of organisations. section 1 11 Annual Report 2003-04

Ramona Koval Maurice Newman AC Re-elected Staff elected Director from Appointed a Director for a five year term June 2004 for a further two year term. from 20 December 2000. He resigned Ramona Koval presents and produces the on 30 June 2004. weekly ABC Radio National program Books Maurice Newman is Chancellor of and Writing, and has co-presented Australia Macquarie University and the Chairman Talks Books, the monthly talk-back national of a number of companies and other bodies, book club for the past two years. She is a including the Australian Stock Exchange, freelance columnist and newspaper feature Acrux, Tourism New South Wales, Sydney writer and is the author of one novel, Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Samovar, and three books of non-fiction. Australian Government’s Financial Sector Advisory Council. Ross McLean Appointed a Director for a five year term His career spans forty years in stockbroking and from 9 August 1999. investment banking, including as Managing Ross McLean is the Deputy Chief Executive Director in 1984, and Executive Chairman from of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry 1985 until 1999 of what is now the Deutsche of Western Australia, Member of the Board of Bank Group in Australia. He was also Chairman Management of Western Australian Municipal Self of Deutsche Asset Management (Australia) Insurance Scheme, Director of Coventry Group, Limited from 1997 until 2000. and Chairman of the Board of Management of the Fremantle Football Club (AFL). Ron Brunton Appointed a Director for a five year term John Gallagher QC from 1 May 2003. Appointed a Director for a five year term Dr Brunton is currently the Director of from 9 December 1999. Encompass Research—an organisation John Gallagher is a QC whose practice engaged in anthropological and socio- involves civil and criminal law. His experience economic research, concentrating on encompasses environmental, town planning, native title, Indigenous heritage, immigration heritage, licensing, broadcasting tribunal, and environmental issues. valuation and general commercial cases. He is the author of the 1990 Australian A widely published writer, Dr Brunton was a Supplement of Licensing Laws in Halsbury’s fortnightly columnist for The Courier Mail from Laws of England, and articles on town planning 1997 until 2003, and was a Senior Fellow at the practice, compensation and licensing matters. Institute of Public Affairs from 1995 to 2001. He has published academic research papers Leith Boully and books on a wide range of anthropological Appointed a Director for a five year term issues and has lectured in anthropology at from 11 October 2000. various universities in Australia and the Leith Boully, who lives in regional Queensland, University of Papua New Guinea. holds qualifications in rural science and business studies. She is Director of the Boully Pastoral Company, Chair of the Community Advisory Committee of the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council and Director of the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation. 12 Annual Report 2003-04 board Directors’ Statement Through Australian Eyes While Australian television and radio became Given the ABC’s ability to connect with Australians increasingly imitative during the past year, the everywhere, it should perhaps be no surprise ABC grew more imaginative and inventive. It that last year more Australians made use of the offered more choice at a time when the market ABC than at any time in its history. Every week, was inclined to offer less—an enduring reason the ABC directly touches the lives of around for the ABC’s existence, and its continuing three-quarters of the Australian population. point of difference.

The fourth ABC Appreciation Survey conducted We see that difference in the creative talents independently by Newspoll confirms that nine who appear on Strictly Dancing; through new out of 10 Australians believe the ABC performs ideas brought to light by The New Inventors; a valuable job for the community. and through Television’s wide range of spirited, innovative programming. The ABC has a particular statutory mandate as a public broadcaster. While obliged to offer Each ABC Radio network continued to programs of wide appeal, it must also present reach out and respond to the interests of its programs for more limited, specialised audiences. specialised audiences. Many young Australian musical talents were heard first on triple j, which It is a mandate well exercised. The Corporation continued to both discover and promote offers a breadth of quality programming that has genuinely original, unmistakably present-day no rival in the Australian electronic media. The Australian music. ABC’s provision of programs that properly inform public life distinguishes the public broadcaster’s Innovative and imaginative work by New Media contribution within the Australian media. and Digital Services kept the Corporation at the front line of broadcast developments. It met a Discussion and debate about policies and growing demand for media to be available decisions that shape our lives will not always in new and different forms with a myriad of make for popular programs. This is particularly engaging and award-winning experiences. true of television since many people regard it primarily as an entertainment medium. These contributions add up to an extraordinary range of reference points to the ABC in everyday Independent and trusted News and Current Australian life. Affairs programs give time and place to questioning, debate and discussion, adding Continuous Reform, depth to the Australian democratic process. Future Strategy In 2003-04, ABC News and Current Affairs From the mailroom to the Board Room, the programs enjoyed a greater audience share Corporation’s program of continuous reform than ever before. has ensured that the ABC is better governed, more efficiently managed and is delivering the The ABC continues to give prominence to a best possible dividend to the public on its broad range of subjects and ideas that would investment in the ABC. otherwise be neglected because they were not the most popular. Talents are allowed The Board particularly commends the managerial to develop, rather than expected to be reforms initiated and led by Managing Director, immediately successful. Russell Balding. Through a steady, systematic, section 1 13 Annual Report 2003-04

and well-ordered program of reform, the range of community links maintained by value derived from public funding has been Council members. gradually extended. During the Board strategy development day, The fiscal strategy applied across the Corporation consideration was given to major infrastructure following the 2003-06 triennial funding agreement and resource allocations. The Board’s Finance with Government has succeeded in balancing Committee approved the development of a activities to a sustainable level. ten-year capital plan for the Corporation.

The Board, too, has examined its own The Board also placed strategic priority on governance procedures and practices in maximising future opportunities and possibilities accordance with a considerable body of best for the ABC, examining the Corporation’s practice guidelines, including those set out by capacity to develop quality content for all the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in current and new media platforms. its discussion paper Corporate Governance in Commonwealth Authorities and Companies. Maurice Newman AC resigned from the Board with effect from 30 June. The Board This paper provides a checklist for directors to would like to record its appreciation for assess the strengths and weaknesses of their the significant contribution made to the organisation’s governance framework. ABC Board Corporation by Mr Newman during his term. Directors first completed the ANAO checklist Through his Chairmanship of the Board’s in October 2001 and most recently in June 2004. Finance Committee and his work in establishing the Directors Handbook and Code of Conduct A comparison of the results shows improvement he has created a valuable legacy. across nearly every measure. The 2004 results confirm that Board members believe effective Conclusion governance processes are in place at the ABC. Through persistent effort, a progressive and distinctive ABC has this year captured The ANAO follow-up review on Corporate the Australian imagination in more ways Governance in the ABC commended the ABC’s than ever before. progress with recommendations of the original 2001 review—more than 75% of which have The Board is pleased to see that today’s been fully implemented or are on track, with ABC is an enduring affirmation of public the remainder partially implemented. broadcasting’s power to stimulate, challenge, inform and entertain and in doing so, to fully The ABC Code of Practice summarises the major reflect the complexity of contemporary principles that guide ABC programs. During Australia and its people. the past year, the Editorial Policies Committee of the ABC Board supervised revision of the In 2003-04, the Board ensured that the Code. This revised ABC Code of Practice Corporation operated within the limits of will become effective from 1 July 2004. available resources and is satisfied that it has fulfilled its duties as laid out in Section 8 of the The ABC Advisory Council provided the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. Board’s Advisory Council Committee with issues-based discussion papers and advice The Board commends this report to the on ABC programming derived from the wide Parliament and the people of Australia.

Donald McDonald AO Chairman, Judith Sloan Deputy Chair, Russell Balding Managing Director, Leith Boully Director, Ron Brunton Director, John Gallagher QC Director, Ramona Koval Staff Elected Director, Ross McLean Director, Maurice Newman AC Director 14 Annual Report 2003-04

National Advisory Council Back row standing from left: Mr Simon Andrews, Ms Sascha Walkley, Mr Alan Wu, Mr Phil Wood, Mr Keith Smith, Dr Pamela Chick and Mrs Robyn Lambley.

Front row seated from left: Ms Beverly Smallwood, Mr Glyn Parry, Dr Paul Collier, Ms Deborah Klika (Convenor) and Professor Michael Burgess. abc advisory council The ABC Advisory Council is established under communities including disability networks, the provisions of the ABC Act to provide advice e-mail lists from local areas, face to face contact, to the Board on matters relating to broadcasting business associations, small business people, and television programs of the Corporation. local government, universities, TAFE colleges, Indigenous people, libraries, professional The ABC Board appoints the twelve members associations, medical and scientific contacts, of the Council for a period of up to four years. sports groups, Regional Development Council, The public are invited to apply to join the Council Non Government Organisations and participation through promotions on ABC Radio, Television in talk-back radio. and Online and advertisement in the press. This year Dr Pamela Chick, Mrs Robyn Lambley, Dr The Council prepared Discussion Papers on Paul Collier and Mr Alan Wu joined the Council. Australian History—Exploring the Past to Inform our Future—and Program Standards and The Advisory Council and the ABC Board Community Expectations—Treating Content continued to build on Council’s role in advising with Integrity, Audiences with Respect and the ABC Board on community views. New Perspectives with Courage and Disability in the ABC. Council also conducted a review The ABC Board Advisory Committee chaired of the Cultural Diversity Subcommittee Report by Professor Judith Sloan met with the Council of January 2003. after each Advisory Council meeting and the Subcommittee held its annual meeting in These papers have been circulated widely in the December 2003. ABC and have been included in the Corporation’s Corporate Plan processes. Council has continued to make recommendations to the Board on various aspects of ABC This year the Council’s Workplan for the year programming and has had meetings with ABC includes Discussion Papers on Australian Drama Executive Directors on key areas including and Science. Work is commencing on a further development and audience research. paper with the working title Courage and Innovation in Program Delivery. Council has held focus discussions on Arts, Documentary and Sports programming. The A summary of the Council’s recommendations Council met three times during the year and and commendations for the year, together between meetings individual members obtained with responses from ABC management is feedback and views from a diverse range of in Appendix 17 (page 167). section 1 15 Annual Report 2003-04

TheIn last year’s Annual Report,Year the ABC • provideAhead maximum benefit to the people foreshadowed a period of consolidation as of Australia. it commenced a new funding triennium in 2003-04. The Corporation needed to take An important priority from 2004-05 is to create the action to operate at a sustainable level more opportunities for audiences to connect of funded activities. with the diversity of their communities through an ABC that is distinctively Australian in its In May 2004, the Government announced it programming and services. would extend funding of the ABC’s National Interest Initiatives (NII) to June 2008, providing Innovation in digital broadcasting is another a total of $54.4 million over three years. NII key priority. The ABC will establish a second funding enabled the Corporation to significantly (digital) television channel that uses new media expand its services to audiences in regional production and presentation methodologies to Australia and to generate other programming in deliver operational flexibility and efficiency. It areas such as business and finance, children’s also intends to further explore the potential and education. The Government also undertook of Digital Radio Broadcasting. to provide $17.4 million over four years in recognition of the increasing costs of purchasing In competing for the attention of audiences, television programs in Australia and internationally. the ABC will do so on its own terms as a non-commercial public broadcaster that offers This Budget outcome provided a secure financial programming of broad appeal and more base for the current funding triennium (which specialised interest. ends in June 2006) and the basis for a new three-year Corporate Plan. The Board and management also propose to continue striving to achieve best practice The ABC will continue to position itself for the standards of corporate governance and high inevitable transformation of Australia’s media value for money to the Australian community. environment, as audiences respond to a growing choice of established and emerging digital services. It is essential that the ABC apply a ‘whole-of-audience’ focus to its radio, television and new media services, if it is to remain relevant and valued in that changing environment.

Planning priorities derive explicitly from the ABC’s legislative Charter to inform, educate and entertain. The 2004-07 Corporate Plan will have four overall Objectives, which reflect the core values of national public broadcasting: • contribute to a sense of national identity 20 • engage audiences with relevant and innovative programs and services • ensure the ABC’s independence, integrity and high standards 05