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Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. quarterly newsletter November-December 2007 Vol 16, No. 5 update friends of the abc NSW FABC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN Enemies of the ABC Darce Cassidy BROADCASTING for 2007 GOES TO While there is little to distin- ROBYN WILLIAMS and the RADIO guish between various parties on the issues of ABC funding, and NATIONAL SCIENCE SHOW advertising on the ABC, there are significant differences with regard to the appointment of the ABC Board. All governments have tended Producer (1972), and included to appoint their own sympathisers and presen- Investigations, Ockham’s Razor to the ABC’s governing body, but ter of The and In Conversation which fea- the Howard government has Science tures leading science writer and taken board stacking to new Show since broadcaster Robyn Williams talk- heights. The Fraser government its launch ing one-on-one with science pro- made generally conservative in August fessionals and other leading figures. appointments, but playwright 1975, David Williamson was a notable Robyn has Robyn describes The Science exception.The Hawke/Keating given 32 Show as follows: government appointed mostly years of outstanding and distin- “The program is essentially Labor sympathisers, but an excep- guished service to both the ABC unpredictable. This is to allow tion was the former Liberal min- and the listening public of maximum flexibility to accommo- ister Ian McPhee. Australia. Working within very date new material and talent. It But for the Howard govern- limited financial resources, Robyn can range from the regular maga- ment selecting a predominatly has, over those 32 years, provided zine program to lectures, scripted conservative board was not us with a program of a consistent- series, of which several by the late enough. In choosing Ron ly high standard, often controver- Professor Peter Mason were leg- Brunton, Keith Windshuttle and sial, always entertaining, and of endary, to hoaxes and satire. Janet Albrechtsen they have cho- interest to both the scientist and sen three strident public critics of layperson. John Clarke began his Australian the ABC. It would not be too career on The Science Show, with unfair to describe the trio as ene- Robyn was born in the UK in reports on the connection between mies of the ABC, and enemies of 1944 (during an air raid), received scoffing red foods and commu- public broadcasting generally. his education in London and nism, and the deep conundrum of Vienna, attending the University whether sheep have ethics (not in (Continued on Page 9) of London, where he obtained a New Zealand, apparently). The BSc(Hons) in biology, and gained Science Show has featured Paul two fellowships at Oxford. He is Hogan, Sting, Bill Gates, Shere INSIDE: The President’s Report 3 currently a visiting professor at Hite, Douglas Adams, John Cleese, What the Parties Say 4 University of NSW. Graham Chapman, Margaret Eden Monaro Update 5 Thatcher, Jane Goodall, but not Save Our ABC by Saving the Senate 6 His career with the ABC began Madonna, Delta Goodrem or Doris Eastern Suburbs Candidates Forum 7 in 1972, when he covered the last Postlethwaite.” Alan Burke Remembered 10 two Apollo Missions. His first Greetings from the radio series was Innovations Other Side of 1980 13
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Card prepared and distributed by the Ilawarra Branch Friends of the ABC
The Senate will decide the Do you know? fate of your ABC � It costs less to run all of your ABC ‘s Your Senate vote will make a difference services (2 TV networks, 5 radio networks, Remember some politicians want to control ABC online, ABC shops) than it does to run your ABC the Channel 9 network? The ABC belongs to everyone not just the � Each year your ABC costs a taxpayer politicians about the cost of one hardcover book Use your vote to ensure an ABC that is � Your ABC provides a lifeline to regional fearlessinovative and comprehensive Australia Join the Friends of the ABC � Public funding allows your ABC to maintain www.friendsoftheabc.org.au independence and journlistic integrity � Nearly all Australians tune in each week to one or more of the many services provided by the ABC Authorised by Jan Kent, Secretary, Illawarra Friends of the ABC
Dear Friend, It is my pleasure to extend to you an invitation to join us at our annual Christmas Party at the Dot Strong Terrace, ABC Centre, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo on Friday 7th December at 6 PM. Each year we present our Excellence in Broadcasting award. This year it will go to the Science Show, and presenter Robyn Williams has graciously agreed to attend in person to receive it.
We have maintained the all-inclusive cost per person at $20. Non-members are welcome to attend, and we will also be joined by ABC staff and presenters.
Best wishes Mal Hewitt President FABC NSW
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THETHE PRESIDENT’S PRESIDENT’S REPORT REPORT In this special Election Issue his absence! I am grateful to Jill nalist by the of Update we have provided Greenwell, President of ACT Australian Federal you with information to enable Branch, and the very active Police under our you to assess the policies of membership for the great work extraordinary each of the parties relating to they have been doing in the anti-terror legisla- the ABC. Friends of the ABC marginal NSW seat of Eden- tion, more redo- has never been a supporter of Monaro. Jill reports on their lent of Soviet one or other of the mainstream campaign in this issue. Russia or present-day China. parties (both Labor and Liberal The AGM also elected a new governments have been respon- I am particularly pleased to committee to steer NSW FABC sible for the steady erosion of announce that the recipient of into 2008. I wish to record my funding for the ABC since the Annual Friends of the ABC appreciation of those who have 1986), after 11 years of the Award for Excellence in agreed to serve on the commit- Howard government, their atti- Broadcasting will be Robyn tee for the next twelve months, tude on key issues is fairly clear. Williams, producer and presen- but particularly James ter of Radio National’s Science Buchanan (Secretary /Treasurer) They have abolished the Show since its launch in 1975. and Chris Cartledge position of staff-elected direc- I am no scientist, but have (Membership Secretary), both tor, they have blatantly stacked been a regular listener to the of whom provide a great service the board with very vocal Science Show over the years, to the membership and opponents of the ABC and of and have found it a constant tremendous support to me as publicly-funded broadcasting, source of fascinating informa- president. they have denied the ABC the tion and delightful entertain- necessary funding to convert to ment. Robyn has de-mystified Finally, it is with great sad- digital broadcasting, they have science for many of us through ness that we have just heard of failed to provide guarantees his often irreverent, tongue-in- the death of Peter Andren, that they would not allow com- cheek approach to science, but independent member for the mercials on the ABC, and Robyn also exemplifies the seat of Calare in the Federal through such vocal critics as integrity, professionalism and Parliament and a passionate Senators Alston, Santoro and resourcefulness that we have supporter of the ABC, particu- Fierravanti-Wells, have con- come to expect from ABC staff. larly in its services to rural and stantly attacked the ABC with regional Australia. Kevin Rudd allegations of bias. This Update His capacity to maintain expressed it perfectly: ‘He sets out the policies of each of outstanding quality on a risible brought a rare dignity, honesty the major parties on these budget is legendary. Robyn will and integrity to Australian poli- issues, but also provides a be joining us at the Christmas tics. In the nation’s parliament strong reminder of the impor- party on 7th December to he made a principled and tance of your Senate vote in receive his award. thoughtful contribution to the forthcoming election. debates, speaking on subjects as Legislation favourable to the Distinguished diverse as refugees, Iraq, renew- ABC which is passed in the journalist John able energy and telecommuni- Lower House may still be Highfield was our cations.’ He will be sorely blocked in a hostile Senate. guest speaker at missed. the NSW Friends Reports on the work of our of the ABC Mal Hewitt President branches features prominently Annual General FABC (NSW) again in this Update. Many of Meeting on 6th October. our Branches hold “Meet the Recently retired, John spoke Candidate” public meetings, with passion of his long career where there is opportunity for in radio and television journal- Seasons Greetings each candidate to present their ism, mainly with the ABC, and and a party’s policies on the ABC – I of the changes to presenting Wonderful 2008 recently attended an excellent and reporting over 40 years. He to all forum held by Eastern Suburbs expressed great concerns Branch in the seat of regarding the capacity of jour- Friends of the ABC Wentworth. Sadly, the sitting nalists to bring us the truth in member and Minister for the the current political climate, Mal Hewitt Environment, Malcolm including a chilling anecdote of Turnbull, was conspicuous by the recent treatment of a jour-
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No ads on our ABC - tions of the review of ABC funding by KPMG. Increased funds for the ABC should not be one-off, what the parties say: for a limited period. They should be rolled into the Australian Democrats ABC’s base funding. Oppose the introduction of any commercial adver- Liberal Party tising on ABC radio, television or websites. They - promised before the last election that, if re-elect- fear that creeping commercialism, of which the ed, it would inquire into the adequacy and efficien- threat of advertising is only a part, is corrupting the cy of ABC funding. What happened? The ABC as an independent public broadcaster. Government has never released the recommenda- (Senator Lyn Allison, Sept 2007) tions of that review. It took place. It apparently rec- Australian Labor Party ommended increased ABC funds. However the vot- “will ensure that the ban on advertising remains in ing public have never been told what the recom- place. Labor will also ensure that advertising is not mendations were. In 2006, the Coalition permitted on ABC branded websites”. (ALP Government gave the ABC an increase of $88.2m Platform, paragraph 59) dollars for the next three years. The increase was Greens very welcome, but why restrict it to 3 years? Oppose commercial activities which risk the ABC's An independent ABC board - editorial independence and therefore do not sup- what the parties say: port commercial advertising on ABC radio, televi- sion or websites. “I would support legislation before Australian Democrats the Senate banning advertising on ABC branded “No-one in Parliament has been as vigilant as the websites as well as on ABC radio and television” Democrats in urging a transparent and merit-based (Kerry Nettle NSW Greens Senate candidate Sept appointments procedure”. (Senator Lyn Allison Sept 2007). 2007). Staff elected Director: We support the restoration Liberal Party of the position. Minister for Communications, Helen Coonan, thinks that advertising on ABC TV and radio is “something Australian Labor Party that we can look at down the future” (The Bulletin, The ALP Platform (2007), paragraph 58, sets out: 21 Mar. 2006) “Discreet and regulated advertising” “a new ABC Board appointment process in which on ABC radio and television could fund more local board members are appointed on the basis of drama. (Senator Gary Humphries, October 2005) merit. Candidates will be considered by a panel established at arm’s length from the minister who ABC Funding - will appoint Board members from a shortlist pre- pared by the panel…….. the staff elected commis- what the parties say: sioner position on the ABC board which was abol- Australian Democrats ished by the Howard Government will be reinstated.” “The ABC should be in a position to produce high Greens quality local material. It should be funded at the - support an independent ABC Board at arms base level of funding before the Howard length from the government, along the lines of Government cut 12% from the ABC's budget in the British “Nolan Rules” model. 1996. Funding should be on a recurrent basis, not “I would support legislation before the Senate 'one-off'”. (Senator Lyn Allison Sept 2007). reinstating the staff-appointed position on the Australian Labor Party ABC Board.” (Kerry Nettle NSW Greens “Over time I envisage a major investment in the Senate candidate Sept 2007). ABC. The only way to get Australian voices and stories in the new world of converging media is Liberal Party Retain the present system of ABC Board from the ABC”. (ALP Shadow Communications appointments. Legislation to abolish the posi- Minister, Stephen Conroy Sept 2007). tion staff elected Director passed both Houses Greens in 2006, after the Coalition gained control of The Greens support a funding increase to restore the Senate. Quentin Dempster is now “staff cuts made since 1996. (Kerry Nettle NSW Greens elected director in exile”. Senate candidate Sept 2007). Over 37 000 phamplets with the above information The Greens call for the release of the recommenda- have been distributed in the Eden-Monaro area.
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EDEN-MONARO UPDATE 'Ads on our ABC?' is the question we're putting to voters in Eden-Monaro. That marginal electorate is on didates, urging whoever is elect- The considerable contribution the ACT's doorstep so we've been ed to stand up for an ad-free to our campaign funds is what putting a lot of effort into raising ABC. has made possible the extensive the profile of the ABC as an elec- reach of our letter-box distribu- tion issue So with that clear and strong tion. Thanks NSW FABC for all reaction, we designed our pre- your support and encourage- Since August we've held 13 election pamphlet with the bold ment. Together we can keep ads stalls, in Queanbeyan, Cooma, question "Ads on our ABC?" off our ABC! Braidwood and Bungendore. We've produced 37,500 pam- We've been selling merchandise, phlets, outlining what the parties handing out balloons and dis- say - about advertising, but also tributing material about an inde- about ABC funding and ABC pendent Board and about ade- Board appointment procedure - quate ABC funding, but nothing which will be distributed to attracted as much interest as our Queanbeyan, Cooma, Bega, information about the threats of Bungendore, Braidwood, advertising on the ABC. Narooma, Moruya, Merimbula Jill Everywhere we got a very strong and Tumut. Greenwell reaction against any possibility of advertising on the ABC. This effort of ours has been President, People queued up to sign our helped in a number of practical Friends of the ABC petition to all Eden-Monaro can- ways by NSW FABC. (ACT & Region) Nov. 2007
GARY COOK RECEIVES LIFE MEMBERSHIP
At the recent AGM of NSW FABC, past president Gary Cook was, by unanimous vote of the meeting, awarded Life Membership of Friends of the ABC, in recognition of his very significant contribution to the Friends as Vice-President and leader of the Events and Recruitment Committee (1999 to 2001) and as President (2002 to 2006).
Congratulations, Gary!
IN THIS ELECTION RING YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATES AND ASK THEM • will you call for restoration of untied core funding to the ABC? • will you call for an independent ABC Board? • will you call for an end to government and editorial interference in our ABC?
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Mid-North Coast Branch Friends of the ABC All welcome! FABC Federal Election Candidates Forum � Sea Acres in theatrette downstairs Monday 12 November 5pm The critical issues remain - declining real levels of funding; independent selec- tion of the board; the threat of advertising which would compromise editorial independence; the need to defend independent public broadcasting from creeping surveillance and censorship.
The FABC Candidate Forum is one of only a few candidate forums being held in the Hastings area to give voters the chance to meet candidates and ask ques- tions. Enquiries – 6583 8798 President FABC Mid North Coast Blue Mountains Branch Friends of the ABC The quality of interaction at our ‘Meet the Hugh Mackay coming Candidates’ forum in September – Kerry Bartlett to speak at our AGM on (Liberal), Bob Debus (Labor), Carmel MacCallum November 17 caps off an (Greens), David King (Democrats), Tim Williams excellent year for FABC in (Independent) and 60 FABC members the Blue Mountains. The camaraderie among members at our The highlights! monthly meetings, in our working groups and at our events, and during social functions like the Peter Manning’s presen- “ABC Ultimo Tour” on November 5 tation to a 60 strong audi- ence at our November 2006 AGM Plans for 2008 include lobbying via a writing campaign and FABC stalls at local festivals, and Setting up our stalls, writing and public public forums with invited speakers. In principle forums working groups at a planning workshop commitments from Geraldine Doogue, Fran in February Kelly, Monica Attard and Chris Masters augur well. “Say NO to advertising on the ABC” as the focus of our lobbying effort during 2007 320 let- Hugh Mackay is arguably Australia’s foremost ters to Senator Coonan signed and sent by the social commentator and his topic ‘Advance public at the Springwood Foundation day, Australia (and the ABC) … Where?’ gives him another 370 at Katoomba’s Winter Magic plenty of scope to relate insights from his just- Festival, and more to come from the Glenbrook published book to his lifelong study of the Fair on November 10 media and its influence on our lives. Bring your friends along with you – there is no charge.The An overflow audience at the Carrington for Grandview bistro is a fine venue for a post-meet- our ‘Media, Democracy and the Role of the ing lunch and a good way to close a vintage ABC’ forum in July FABC year.Join the candidates and members of Positive feedback on the forum from our the Friends for lunch at the Grand View after- panel of stars – John Highfield, Peter Manning, wards. Richard Bawden and Neil Inall Bob Macadam
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Eastern Suburbs – Friends of the ABC CANDIDATES FORUM No Show by Local member Secretary, Nizza Siano stated and ALP George Newhouse. that the Executive of the They all expressed unequivocal More than 60 people attended ESFABC found it disappointing support for our Public the Eastern Suburbs Friends of that the Local Member could Broadcaster to be independent the ABC Candidates’ Forum not fit into his campaign and free of political interfer- held on Sunday afternoon 14 schedule the opportunity to ence by introducing a new ABC October 2007 at the Bondi explain his party’s policies on Board appointment process. Junction Waverley RSL Club. the ABC to members and sup- They also supported the rein- porters of the FABC in his own statement of a staff elected Candidates of the major par- Electorate,. She said that all her Representative on the Board - a ties in Wentworth were invited attempts, starting in early July, position which was abolished to present their by the Howard policies on the Government, a ABC. ban on advertis- ing, including on Well known ABC branded Australian actor websites, plus Rhys Muldoon adequate funding moderated the for all ABC serv- afternoon’s event ices. which included questions from the Following the audience. He kept Forum, the the audience enter- Executive of the tained with his ESFABC, with the humour and gave financial assis- everyone present an tance of the NSW opportunity to have FABC, placed a their say including half page ad in two Independent the Wentworth candidates who Courier. The were present. photo that appeared in the President NSW article is repro- FABC Mal Hewitt duced here. Democrat Pierce Field, Greens Susan Jarnason, ALP George was the first speak- er and outlined the Newhouse. and Australian actor and Moderater Rhys Muldoon priorities of the FABC. Mal's with the Member for knowledge of the issues and Wentworth, as well as with the Friends of the ABC has his grasp of the facts and fig- Liberal Party at both the Federal NEVER been a party politi- ures assisted the debate greatly. and State levels, had failed to cal organisation. It is a produce a representative from lobby group and as such, The executive of the ESFABC the Liberal Party prepared to must maintain a civil rela- attend the Forum. expressed disappointment that tionship with all parties. in spite of strenuous efforts to This does not mean the accommodate the local Even an invitation to the Member for Wentworth, Minister for Communications, Friends cannot rate the way Malcolm Turnbull, he declined Senator Helen Coonan, that various parties have exactly as he did three years remained unanswered. treated the ABC. However, ago, when the Friends held a Friends of the ABC does similar Candidates’ Forum for The three Candidates who did NOT tell citizens of the 2004 election. The attend were Democrat Pierce Australia HOW TO VOTE. Field, Greens Susan Jarnason
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requesting their views on ABC funding and HUNTER BRANCH Board appointments. Disappontingly there SPECIAL ELECTION has been a poor response with only Jill Hall from Shortland Electorate and Joel REPORT Fitzgibbon of Hunter Electorate responding up to 30 October. The Hunter Branch will be distributing the Senate cards in addition to circulating Every other democratic means to ensure a the flyers produced by the A.C.T. branch. more ABC friendly government is returned will also be taken. In addition we are manning an FABC vot- ing information booth in the key electorate The Hunter Committee applauds the of Paterson.currently held by a Liberal MP. NSW and other Branch's election initiatives and is keen to offer every assistance. All local federal politicians and candidates from the various known political parties Peter Brandscheid have been forwarded a questionnaire President, Hunter FABC Branch.
AN EVENING WITH PHILLIP ADAMS IN THE HUNTER On 16 August the Hunter Friends, in conjunction with Politics in the Pub, hosted a successful evening with Phillip Adams at Newcastle Panthers (the old Workers’ Club of earthquake fame). Over 300 people were treated to Phillip’s witty insights on the Australian and American political scene. We wonder what Phillip has made from the CWA cookbook he was given as a thank you. Lisa Thomas SAVE OUR ABC BY SAVING THE SENATE Consider these scenarios…. ad-free, (as well as for restoration of the If elected, Labor would legislate for a ban Staff Elected Director on the ABC Board), on all ABC advertising - on ABC websites as that parties committed to banning ads on well as on ABC radio and ABC TV. It is sup- the ABC have a majority of seats in both the ported in this by the Democrats and the House and the Senate (see Darce's article Greens. "Enemies of the ABC"). The ALP will legislate to ban all advertising on the ABC, and is That legislation to ban ads would not be supported by the Democrats and the Greens. sure to pass in the Senate unless there is a ACT Liberal Senator Gary Humphries has change in the Senate balance of power. specifically and publicly stated that he …..or this one: would not support legislation banning advertising. If, on the other hand, the Coalition is returned and did look at advertising on ABC Coalition Minister Coonan says advertis- TV and radio, the ABC Act would have to be ing - on ABC TV and radio - is "something amended. we can look at down the future". At present, the Coalition has 39 Senate seats. That legislation to allow ads would pass Opposition parties have a total of 37 - the the Senate unless there is a change in the ALP have 28, Greens 4, Family First 1, and Senate balance of power. Democrats 4. It is vitally important for keeping the ABC Continued on Page 9
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Enemies of the ABC (Continued from Page 1) It is a remarkable fact that in Howard government last year, fur- The short answer is yes, but it the 75 year history of the ABC the ther damaging the diversity and probably wouldn’t last. When government has only appointed range of skills and experience Whitlam first introduced the posi- one broadcaster to the ABC Board. available to the board. tion he did not have a Senate Robert Raymond, a distinguished majority. He did not change the TV producer Labor has promised to restore Act. The Minister of the day sim- who had worked the position of staff elected direc- ply used his power to make for both the tor, along with the introduction appointments to appoint the per- ABC and of a new and transparent process son who had received the most Channel 9, was for appointing all board members. votes in an election by the staff. appointed by the The downside of this technique Hawke govern- While Labor clearly has a good was because it never became part of ment but only chance of forming government, it the Act the Fraser government was served one term. will have an uphill battle in the not obliged to follow the practice. Senate. Only half the Senate retire To some extent this deficiency at each election. Given the strong It is therefore vitally important in the makeup of the Board was vote for the Coalition at the last that parties committed to the reso- rectified by the ABC staff. The election Labor would have to win ratation of the Staff Elected Whitlam government introduced significantly more than 50% to Director, and an end to the stack- the ability of ABC staff to elect control the Senate. The Greens ing of the ABC board hold a one member of the board. While have promised to restore the Staff majority of seats in both the they could have elected an admin- Elected Director of the ABC and House and the Senate. istrator or a technician, ABC staff the Democrats have also supported have consistently elected broad- this position. But could the posi- Darce Cassidy casters to this position. However tion be restored without the sup- this position was abolished by the port of majority of Senators?
SAVE OUR ABC BY SAVING THE SENATE Continued from Page 8 In NSW, Greens Senator, Kerry Nettle, rates her WE INTERRUPT THIS NEWS BULLETIN chances of re-election as FOR AN IMPORTANT ADVERTISING 50/50. If she loses, probably ANNOUNCEMENT to Liberal Senator Marise Payne, the Coalition's domi- nance of the Senate would strengthen. In the ACT a second non- Coalition Senator could take control out of the hands of the Coalition. We have pro- duced a pamphlet to be dis- tributed in selected areas of the ACT, urging "Vote NO to ads on our ABC" by returning a second non-Coalition Senator - and saving the Senate as a House of Review. Jill Greenwell President Remember, when cast- Friends of the ABC ing your vote, support the candidate who (ACT & Region) genuinely supports the ABC.
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ALAN BURKE Remembered We are indebted to Tom Jeffrey in the ABC. We were extraordinar- that when they strode into TV, for the following excerpts from ily fortunate to have been vouch- there was no feature film industry, tributes to Alan Burke, pioneering safed such a creative and free- no strongly established theatre in ABC television producer and direc- wheeling talent, although I doubt Australia. tor, who died on 27th August. His that it was done on purpose. career extended from the begin- What I mean is that he wasn't sent His was an age when writing nings of television in Australia to training because someone high- and directing for the small screen through to the 1980s. er up thought he was necessarily was in its infancy – and whatever the right person for the job. They the precedents in theatre or film, Alan had just started produc- probably wanted to sideline him! they didn't entirely apply. They ing at the ABC in 1958 and I was a But as it turned out he was the made it up as they went, and lowly floor manager just promoted best person for the job as he really made history along the way. from studio hand. He took me understood the creative process under his wing and, as he did with and imbued in us all a desire to Keep in mind also that after others, became a mentor to me – get the most out the potentially two years of TV in Australia, when not in an obvious way saying: do creative situations we would be in. Alan came to the ABC in 1958, this or do that, but just allowing He was also a very gentle and more than 40 plays had been me to see into the creative process courteous man who saw the best screened on ABC TV. Not one had of his work, sharing with me his in everyone and whose contribu- been shown on commercial televi- wealth of knowledge about the- tion to the ABC should be well sion. atre, film, music and opera. I remembered. observed the respect and love he Rattle off a few of the list of had for the people he was working And from the ABC’s current works Alan produced or directed with, particularly actors. It was Director of Television, Kim Dalton: and you get some sense of the learning by osmosis, and I valued simultaneous coming of age of the experience highly. Just twenty-one when he was Australian culture and Australian . trained in television at the BBC, television - their ascendancies Alan Burke then went on to went hand in hand. Sure, he start- From David Salter: almost thirty brilliant years at the ed – as ABC TV did - with Pinter, ABC. Shakespeare and there was plenty Whenever we met the same of Puccini too, but later he went question always cropped up in my He was among those bright on to produce and direct works mind: where would Australian tel- idealists and pioneers who went like Kylie Tennant's Ride on evision drama be without Alan's looking for adventure and found it Stranger, Alex Buzo's Coralie great teaching? in television. Young when televi- Lansdowne Says No, plays and sto- sion was young, they were rhap- ries by Ruth Park, Patrick White, And the depth of his experi- sodic about TV’s great promise and David Williamson. With the ence and knowledge flowed into hope. They saw ahead to the time power of Alan's TV experience other areas - even to we cheeky when it would assume its place at behind them, these works helped bastards in current affairs who the heart of Australian culture. change forever how we felt about were greedy to learn all we could our own writers, and what we about the medium. He was ever And they knew that once knew about ourselves. generous and understanding - and they'd learned how to write for it had a wicked sense of humour. how powerful it could be. Who And pioneers like Alan lay the Alan was a key member of that were intent on creating television foundations for the huge affection select group who helped shape that lived up to all its potential, that exists for today's ABC, after quality television in Australia. We rather than down to its limita- fifty years of television, and seven- are all in his debt. tions. ty-five of radio. People whose tal- ents were so large and whose From Marius Webb: Alan was also wanted to see enthusiasms so great that they drama - which he loved - reach its could have worked anywhere, but He was in charge of our group widest possible audience and make who chose instead to dedicate of grumpy, badly dressed trainees its greatest impact. And like oth- their lives to the ABC. when we did the Specialist Trainee ers – particularly those in the ABC course up at Kellett St in the early – saw TV as the means by which His legacy endures, and all of seventies. that would be achieved. Keep in us at today's ABC are in his debt. Apart from Alan Ashbolt I can mind the odds that were against think of no one who had a deeper them at the time. TV pioneers like Kim Dalton, Director of impact on me in my first few years Alan came up hard against the fact Television, ABC.
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From Crikey.com the not-for-profit sector to bridge the gap What's on the ABC's election between the decline of quality newspaper jour- nalism, and the hoped-for development of new wishlist? business models that will, as Journalism Margaret Simons writes: Professor Philip Meyer has put it, find “profit in truth, vigilance, and social responsibility.” We know one thing: funding for a digital only children’s televi- Meyer, a pioneer in computer assisted report- sion channel. As reported previ- ing and Professor of Journalism at University of ously in both Crikey and The Carolina, is the man who literally wrote the Australian, the ABC hoped to get book on the challenges facing newspapers, funding for this in the last budget, but failed. Nevertheless insiders seemed confident at the time although at the same time he did convincing that it would come eventually – and now it seems research showing that those newspapers who likely to form the basis of an election announcement. kept faith with their communities by providing well resourced, in touch newsrooms did better But is this all there is? What else is on the list? economically in the long term. The others, he What else might be announced? I have tried to draw said, were “mining their credibility”. ABC Managing Director Mark Scott on this in recent days without success, so what follows is my supposi- In Australia journalists tend to poo-poo sug- tion only. gestions that any serious media could be non commercial. Nevertheless in this recent Given that the national broadcaster is now freed from the silly genre restrictions that in the past have Columbia Journalism Review article, the long list inhibited its digital television presence, a great deal of not-for-profits doing very serious work should might be possible. give pause for thought.
In this submission, there is just a hint that as Australia, of course doesn't have the US's his- commercial channels press to be freed of obligations tory of corporate philanthropy, but we do have to produce Australian content, they could choose to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and pay the ABC to pick up their social responsibili- the strong history of government-funded broad- ties. This might in time make the ABC the natu- casting that it represents. Apropos of which, this ral home for comparatively well funded quality other CJR article canvasses the question of what Australian drama, as well as children’s content the USA Government should “do” to support and documentaries – perhaps in time even jour- media. nalism. In Australia, the answer would be compara- Another prospect one hears gossiped about is tively simple: more funding for the ABC. the idea of a Citizens’ digital television channel, with accompanying online presence, devoted to None of televising Parliament, including parliamentary which is likely to inquiries, but the rest of the time experimenting melt hearts in with engaging the public in interactive political Canberra. But WHEN YOU discussion. given that public support for the CAST The ABC's existing website is showing what ABC – particular- could be done, as is another not for profit ven- ly in the regions YOUR SENATE ture, the Australian Research Council funded – has more than UD07 sites. Blogger Mark Bahnisch has surveyed survived the cul- VOTE other “gift economy” election blogs here and ture wars, watch plans to do more. for largesse and REMEMBER: promises of To put this in a broader context, the ABC and largesse from NSW can its potential is one of the things that makes the both sides of likely course of media futures in Australia differ- politics. change ent from that of the US. Darce Cassidy the Senate There is a growing trend in the US to look to
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Radio Australia represents ABC at London Media Awards Radio Australia programs have been shortlisted major news radio channel, ‘938Live’ in in 3 categories for this year’s Association for Singapore and wrapped up the trip with another International Broadcasting Media Excellence live simulcast with Traxx FM in Malaysia. Awards. As well, Phil has also been shortlisted for the The Breakfast Club has been nominated in two international radio personality of the year. Phil categories - “the most innovative partnership”, and co-host Adelaine Ng, provide an amusing following a live to air road trip taking in China, and informative start to the day across Radio Singapore and Malaysia with host Phil Australia’s expanding Asian and Pacific FM net- Kafcaloudes also scoring a nomination as work, on line and shortwave. The Breakfast Club “International Radio Personality of the Year”. is fast becoming a regional benchmark in inter- acting with wide audiences ranging across physi- And Radio Australia’s Pacific current affairs cal borders and cultural boundaries. program, “Pacific Beat” has been nominated for “Best Program dealing with a topical issue”. Radio Australia’s respected Pacific Beat pro- gram has also been shortlisted in the category of In April this year, Breakfast Club presenter, “best programme dealing with a topical issue, Phil Kafcaloudes set out on an ambitious jour- radio” for its segment titled, ‘Blogs Challenge’, ney to conduct live broadcasts from Guangzhou where Radio Australia’s journalist Bruce Hill in China, Singapore and Malaysia. In China, the explores who bloggers are in the Pacific. Breakfast Club conducted the first-ever ABC broadcast from Guangzhou, a few days later Phil The awards will be presented in London on participated in a live simulcast with NewsCorp’s November 20th
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Greetings from the other side of 1980! In the lead up the 2007 who declined to answer ques- ing we could vote years ago and Federal Election, my heart goes tions from an ABC reporter in are shamelessly excited, some are out to 1983? We can only conclude that gearing up for a wild election nematodes. the ABC has done its job party and are vaguely interested, Such is the admirably- it’s to the ABC’s cred- and others haven’t even enrolled bias shown it that their coverage is so highly yet, calling themselves politically by our gov- disliked by the pollies. And dis- apathetic which has sadly ernment like they do- The Liberal charge become somewhat trendy. No that they against the ABC has taken allega- matter where young people are openly dis- tions of bias to a new level in the located on the spectrum of polit- criminated past eleven years, culminating ical botheration (from politically against with slashed funding and a clear nerdy to couldn’t-care-less) and Jessica Harwood these poor preference for the commercial how much they know about the unsegment- media. Is it time for retributions? workings of their democratic sys- ed creatures which don’t even tem, this is an important elec- have a circulatory or respiratory The Coalition has done much tion for the ABC. system to call their own (round- damage to our public broadcaster worms only). From their bilateral and the Australian media land- And this brings me back to the symmetry to their apparent sen- scape, but their goals have just subject of nematodes. No matter sitivity to public opinion, they’re been made easier to achieve in who is elected, we must be vigi- a traditional component of tele- the last two while it has held the lant to ensure that opposed pol- vised Leaders debates. Not any- balance of power in the Senate. lies don’t succeed in reducing more. Last year the Minister for the ABC’s public persona to Communications Helen Coonan worm-food! Regardless of the merits of put forward changes to nematodal adjudication (which Australia’s media ownership laws Jessica Harwood may be few and far between), the which were passed by the Senate, issue of the worm ended up therefore removing restrictions being a bit of a fiasco, clearly which limit the ownership of demonstrating the pressure put more than one newspaper, televi- on our public broadcaster by the sion or radio station in the same Coalition. city. These changes were building since Howard was elected in 96, In this election year however, manifesting themselves in sever- there’s a chance to let the gov- al policy announcements ernment know what we make of notably by Richard Alston in their approach to our Aunty. I 2001 and meetings with Fairfax definitely won’t be tolerating any and the Packers. All it took was a Aunty-bashing, especially not Senate majority to fully relax our now I can vote! But does the media ownership laws. Now we opposition give us a better may truly be Out-Foxed with the option, are they more Aunty- reality of loosing media diversity. friendly, and will the ABC’s situa- tion improve with new leader- Let’s hope that this election ship? We can’t be sure what a year sees the Coalition loosing Rudd government holds in store their two-and-a-half-year control for the ABC. Remember, politi- over the Senate, the lack of con- cians will always react to scrupu- trasting opinions and balanced lous media analysis of their debate is getting a bit stifling in actions (which the skilful ABC there! provides) with allegations of bias, attack being the most conven- This election we have a chance ient form of defence. And didn’t to vote with the ABC in mind. the tradition of squealing ABC This election will be the first one bias begin with Neville Wran, I and many of my friends will be the then Labor Premier of NSW, voting in. Some of us were wish-
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LISTENER’S COMMENT ON ABC RADIO
I watch ABC and SBS TV largely for enter- tainment and history.
For arts, music, politics, science and just about every other topic imaginable ABC radio stands alone, far above any other.
We need to be promoting the amazing breadth of ABC radio programming to our friends and acquaintances, many of whom I believe have simply never listened to the ABC enough to know what is on offer.
In the long run, the wider is the public awareness and appreciation of ABC Have a wonderful programs, the more likely it will be that the Christmas and ABC will be adequately funded a great 2008 and supported by Government. from the Friends of the ABC I doubt that John Howard has ever listened Committee. to Ockham's Razor or The Science Show.
Tony Ireland FABC (NSW) Executive Committee Office Bearers Would you like to receive Update magazine President - Mal Hewitt Phone: 9637 2900 electronically?
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Is Children’s Channel Funding Another Shrewd Election Sop The federal Coalition recently Government-controlled"Junk food advertising works, that's ABC Ahead announced funding for a special children's why the big food manufacturers sell their television channel on the ABC, but the "A Government-controlledwares on TV." "This Government has under- torates - Hervey Bay is in south- Greens and Friends of the ABC have criti-national broadcaster looks to be mined the public broadcaster's ern Queensland, in the electorate cised the move. the Coalition'sAnd promise the national if it isspokesman re- independence for by stacking the of senior National Party Minister, elected,”Friends said Friends of the of ABC, the Alan ABC Knight,ABC saysBoard the with its political Warren Truss; Warrnambool is in If the Government is re-elected, it will NationalGovernment Spokesperson, can Professor not give awaymates. things Now it it is controlling what the Victorian electorate of fund a new digital channel to broadcast Alan Knight.does not own. the ABC does by choosing what Wannon that is held by the 15 hours a day of commerc i a l - f ree material. it will and will not fund. Liberal Speaker of the House, The Government"This act, announced while on the face of it seems David Hawker MP. The promise is worth $82 million over to be really positive, is in fact a further four years- with $36 million going onon 10 November a new vote- "It is not difficult to guess the buyer: aabuse dedicated of the ABC independence children's ofsort the of ABC," things the public will no The ABC's last effort to estab- commissioning of new programs for chil- he said. dren. TV channel. This comes on top longer hear and see if the gov- lish a digital children's channel, of Senator Coonan's announce- ernment is allowed to determine ABCKids in 2001, was short- ment just over"The a Government week ago of has a deniedABC the services ABC and programming. lived. The ABC did not receive ABC managing director Mark Scott says funding in the past. It's packed the boards the ABC welcomes the opportunity. new ABC studio for Hervey Bay sufficient funds to keep it open. if the Coalitionwith members is re-elected, of right-wing and think"Australians tanks value their inde- and the Liberal Party and now it's actually Friday's announcement of a new pendent national broadcaster. The Government commis- "This isa proposal the ABC has been giving away ABC services as election gifts." talking to both the Government andABC Local Radio morning pro- They don't want it to become a sioned, and still refuses to Opposition about for some time," hegram said. for Warrnambool. tool of any government. release, the KPMG report into the adequacy and efficiency of "The ABC brand isa known and trusted"At face value this sounds posi- "Friends of the ABC would ABC funding. Leaks from the brand in children's television, providingtive. But it's not,” said Friends of welcome the ABC being provided KPMG report indicated the ABC quality non-commercial children's contentthe ABC National Spokesperson, sufficient funds so that it is able needed $37.6 million over the for Australian families for over 50 years,"Professor Alan Knight. to re-establish a children's TV next three years just to maintain he said. channel and to rebuild other its present level of operation. "It's a misuse of the ABC for parts of the ABC. But without "This service will be a great additionpork-barrelling to in an election. adequate ongoing funding for the breadth of services that the ABC pro-Worse, it's a further attack on the the ABC, there is a serious risk vides." national broadcaster's independ- that money will ultimately be ence." drawn from other resource- Communications Minister Helen starved ABC services to fund the Coonan says the channel is an alternative"Australia's national broadcast- Government's political promis- a p p roach to banning junk food advert ier s i n is g . meant to be independent es," said Professor Knight. from government. It is for the WHEN YOU VOTE "Those parents who feel concernedABC to decide how it best meets Both electorates in which the REMEMBER THE ABC about the way in which their childrenits are Charter responsibilities speci- Government is promising local bombarded with commercials and adver-fied in the ABC Act. services are Coalition-held elec- tisements for toys and come-ons for junk food will be able to have an ad- free alternative," she said.
But Australian Greens leader Bob Brown says if the Coalition is serious about combating childhood obesity it should ban junk food advertising during children's viewing hours rather than creating a new television channel without advertising.
"All the medical authorities, including the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Dental Association, are concerned about junk food advertising to kids," he said. WHEN YOU VOTE REMEMBER THE ABC
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