Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98 Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98

Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98 contents ABC Corporate Profile charter ABC Charter inside back cover Mission Statement 1 ABC Services 2 The functions and duties which Parliament has given to the ABC are set out in Significant Events 4 the Charter of the Corporation (ss6(1) and (2) of the Australian Broadcasting Priorities – Performance Summary 6 Corporation Act 1983). Financial Summary 10 6(1) The functions of the Corporation are — ABC Board Members 12 (a) to provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a ABC Organisation 14 high standard as part of the Australian broadcasting system consisting of national, Executive Members 15 commercial and community sectors and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to provide— Statement by Directors 16 (i) broadcasting programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and inform and entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity of, the Australian community; and Review of Operations (ii) broadcasting programs of an educational nature; Regional Services 21 (b) to transmit to countries outside Australia broadcasting programs of news, current Feature: Radio and Television Audiences 25 affairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment that will— National Networks 28 (i) encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian News and Current Affairs 39 attitudes on world affairs; and Program Production 42 (ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling outside Australia to obtain Enterprises 44 information about Australian affairs and Australian attitudes on world affairs; and Symphony Australia 47 (c) to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Human Resources 51 Australia. Finance and Business Services 55 6(2) In the provision by the Corporation of its broadcasting services within Australia — Technology Strategy and Development 58 (a) the Corporation shall take account of— Chief of Staff 60 (i) the broadcasting services provided by the commercial and community sectors of the Australian broadcasting system; Financial Statements 65 (ii) the standards from time to time determined by the Australian Broadcasting Authority in respect of broadcasting services; Program Performance Statement 91 (iii)the responsibility of the Corporation as the provider of an independent national broadcasting service to provide a balance between broadcasting programs of wide Appendices 92 appeal and specialised broadcasting programs; (iv)the multicultural character of the Australian community; and List of Tables Graphs and Maps 118 (v) in connection with the provision of broadcasting programs of an educational nature — the responsibilities of the States in relation to education; and Index 119 (b) the Corporation shall take all such measures, being measures consistent with the obligations of the Corporation under paragraph (a), as, in the opinion of the Board, will be conducive to the full development by the Corporation of suitable broadcasting programs. Front Cover: Throughout April and May ABC News and Current Affairs provided extensive coverage of civil unrest in Indonesia, culminating in President Suharto’s resignation, which was broadcast live on the World at Noon and The World Today. Pictured from top: President Suharto’s resignation; Evan Williams, ABC correspondent; Michael Maher, ABC Jakarta correspondent; Michael Brissenden, ABC correspondent; Tony Eastley, World at Noon presenter. Back Cover: Images and icons from the Playground, ABC Online’s Website for Published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation children. Designed and typeset by ABC Corporate Relations Printed by NCP Printing This Annual Report is available on the World Wide Web, follow the About For information on this Annual Report please contact: Manager Corporate Publishing, ABC link on ABC Online (www.abc.net.au) ABC Corporate Relations GPO Box 9994 in your capital city National Library of Australia card number and ISSN 0816 827X mission To achieve this the ABC will: statement ៉ transmit independent, comprehensive and innovative national broadcasting services for all Australians; ៉ inform, entertain and contribute to a sense of national identity; ៉ reflect Australia’s regional and cultural diversity; As Australia’s national ៉ broadcast programs of an educational broadcaster and major cultural nature; organisation, the ABC’s mission ៉ contribute towards the diversity of is to provide its audiences with broadcasting services in Australia; ៉ broadcast programs that provide a balance the best programs, performances, between wide appeal and specialised products and services it can programs, making use of and being receptive to Australian creative resources; acquire and produce. ៉ provide an independent service for the broadcasting of news and information regarding local, Australian and overseas events; ៉ contribute to public debate concerning issues and matters of importance to Australians; ៉ encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia; ៉ transmit broadcasting programs outside Australia; and ៉ utilise new production and delivery technologies to respond to audience needs.

The ABC may also: ៉ provide subscription broadcasting services and subscription and open narrowcasting services.

1 ABC services National Networks Regional Services • Metropolitan Radio stations in nine cities. Television • Regional Radio with 40 regional stations • Australia’s national television service and 8 smaller studio facilities. carried on over 650 transmitters. • Local television in each State and Territory • The leading producer of drama, documentaries, children’s and education programs. News and Current Affairs Radio • Australia’s most authoritative and • Radio National, a specialist spoken word independent television, radio and online network. news. • ABC Classic FM, a network devoted to • Leading current affairs programs on Radio classical music and performance. and Television including AM, PM, 7.30 Report, Lateline, and Four Corners. • Triple J, an FM youth network featuring new, especially Australian, music. • Separate 7.00pm Television news bulletins produced in each State and the Northern • ABC NewsRadio on the Parliamentary and Territory. News Network, a continuous news and current affairs service, with live broadcasts • More than 450 local, regional, State and of both Houses of Federal Parliament when national news bulletins on radio every day. sitting. • Australia’s most extensive network of overseas correspondents. Multimedia • ABC Online, a dynamic Internet service. • Development of CD–Roms and other Enterprises interactive media. • 28 ABC Shops, 96 ABC Centres and a mail and telephone order service. International Services • Production of books, classical and • Radio Australia, an international radio contemporary recordings, audio cassettes, service broadcasting by short wave and videos, multimedia and licensed products, satellite, in English and five other and music and magazine publishing. languages, to Asia and the Pacific. Symphony Australia • Six symphony orchestras employing around 450 musicians and providing more than 700 performances a year to over a million people, as well as to radio and television audiences.

2 ● Darwin

Darwin Brisbane ◗ ▲ ABC–TV Kununurra ▲ ABC–TV ▼ 8DDD 105.7 ▼ 4QR 612 ◆ 8RN 657 ◆ 4RN 792 ✚ 8JJJ FM103.3 ● Cairns ✚ 4JJJ FM107.7 ✹ 8ABC FM107.3 ● Broome ✹ 4ABC FM106.1 ✪ ABC Shop ★ 4PB 936 ❖ ●▲ Townsville QSO ✦ ✪ ● Mt Isa ABC Shop ● Karratha ● Mackay

▲● Alice Springs ● Longreach ●▲ Rockhampton ◗ Gladstone ✦ ●Bundaberg ◗ Maryborough ●Maroochydore Toowoomba● ● ● Gold Coast

●Geraldton ●Lismore Kalgoorlie● Tamworth ◗Coffs Harbour Pt Augusta ● ● ● ●Broken Hill Dubbo● Kempsey ●Perth ● ● Muswellbrook Pt Pirie ● ● Newcastle ● Renmark Esperance Pt Lincoln● ● Orange ● ▼ 2NC 1233 ● Bunbury ●Mildura ● Adelaide ●Wollongong ◆ 2RN 1512 ● Albany Wagga Wagga● ◗Nowra ✚ 2JJJ FM102.1 Shepparton ◗ ● ● ✹ 2ABC FM106.1 ● ✦ Wodonga Horsham ● ★ 2PB 1458 Bendigo ●Bega Mt Gambier● ● ✪ ABC Shop ● Warrnambool● Sale ◗ Traralgon

Perth Adelaide Melbourne Sydney ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ABC–TV ABC–TV ABC–TV ● ABC–TV ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ 6WF 720 5AN 891 3LO 774 Burnie ●▲Launceston 2BL 702 ◆ 6RN 810 ◆ 5RN 729 ◆ 3RN 621 ◆ 2RN 576 ✚ 6JJJ FM99.3 ✚ 5JJJ FM105.5 ✚ 3JJJ FM107.5 ● ✚ 2JJJ FM105.7 ✹ 6ABC FM97.7 ✹ 5ABC FM103.9 ✹ 3ABC FM105.9 ✹ 2ABC FM92.9 ★ 6PB 585 ★ 5PB 972 ★ 3PB 1026 ★ 2PB 630 ❖ WASO ❖ ASO ❖ MSO ❖ SSO ✪ ABC Shop ✪ ABC Shop ✪ ABC Shop ✪ ABC Shop

Hobart Canberra ▲ ABC–TV ▲ ABC–TV ▼ 7ZR 936 ▼ 2CN 666 ◆ 7RN 585 ◆ 2RN 846 ✚ 7JJJ FM 92.9 ✚ 2JJJ FM 101.5 ✹ 7ABC FM 93.9 ✹ 2ABC FM 102.3 ★ 7PB 729 ★ 2PB 1440 ❖ TSO ✪ ABC Shop ✪ ABC Shop

Key Metropolitan Services Regional Services ▲ ABC Television production centres ● Regional Radio Studios ▼ Metropolitan Radio ◗ Regional Studio outposts ◆ Radio National ▲ Television Production Centres ✚ Triple J youth network ✦ Radio Australia Transmitters ✹ ABC Classic FM ★ NewsRadio on the Parliamentary and News Network ❖ State Symphony Orchestra ✪ ABC Shop

3 significant events July 1997 journalists feature among the Walkley Awards finalists. • Incorporation of Symphony Australia and • Coverage by Radio Arts of the Melbourne the Melbourne, Adelaide and Western International Festival of the Arts and the Australian Symphony Orchestras. Melbourne Writers Festival. • NAIDOC week celebrations Youth: Our Future/Our Foundation, included special ABC radio and television programs and November community activities. • Announcement of outcome of first round • Round the clock News and Current Affairs of contestable program bids for Network coverage of handover of Hong Kong. Television. • Launch of The Lab, the ABC’s Science • ABC Multimedia wins seven AIME Online service. (Australian International Multimedia) Awards for the Real Wild Child CD-ROM and another for The Lab; four ATOM August (Australian Teachers of Multimedia) awards • Colin Knowles commences as Head for the Ingenious CD-ROM and for The Lab; Technology, Strategy and Development. and for the second consecutive year ABC is • 6WF’s A Day in the Life of Royal Perth voted Best Media Web site at the Australian Hospital’s live description of open heart Internet Awards. surgery is the first ABC domestic radio • Special programming on radio and program also broadcast on the internet. television during Australian Music Week, included 100 per cent Australian music on Local Radio. September • Newly refurbished ABC studio and offices • Launch of a lecture series by past Prime opened in Tamworth. Ministers, as part of the seventieth • Radio National broadcasts the 1997 Boyer anniversary celebrations of Old Parliament Lectures by Professor Martin Krygier. House. • ABC Enterprises opens its twenty-eighth • Triple J’s Unearthed music project visits shop in Preston, Victoria. Darwin. • Snapshot introduced to television audiences in ACT, Victoria, Western Australia, the December Northern Territory and NSW. • Radio National broadcast of Illegal • Lunchtime broadcasts of Royal Melbourne Harmonies series. Show on Victorian Television – Regional • ABC Enterprises launches its first film Services’ first local Television broadcast. distribution venture, Her Majesty Mrs • Tasmania celebrates 45 years of regional Brown. rural broadcasting from Launceston. • A documentary about Ravel’s Mother Goose music, featuring the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, awarded a gold medal at the October New York Television Festival. • Rural Woman of the Year awarded to Tasmanian Jane Bennett. • First prime-time local television special, Tasting Australia, broadcast in South Australia. • ABC Network Television attracts 19 out of a possible 35 television nominations for the AFI Awards; and Radio National

4 January 1998 May • ABC television and radio networks play a • Professor Philip Bell’s independent report major role in LOUD, Australia’s first media- finds ABC’s television coverage of the based festival of youth culture and the arts. waterfront dispute was balanced. • Coverage of disastrous bushfires in • Broadcast of first episode of SeaChange, Victoria, Western Australia and NSW and Network Television’s most popular floods in Queensland and Northern program this year. Territory. • ABC radio, television and online services celebrate National Science Week. February • News and Current Affairs provides coverage throughout April and May of civil • ABC is host broadcaster of the Constitutional unrest in Indonesia, culminating in Convention providing live radio and President Suharto’s resignation, which was television and extensive Online coverage. broadcast live on the World at Noon and • Completion of sale of the ABC’s The World Today. international television service, Australia • Broadcast of finals of the ABC Classic FM Television, to the Seven Network. Young Composers Award broadcast; the • Tenth anniversary of The Listening Room, winning composition by Dominik Karski ABC Classic FM’s acoustic arts program. was recorded and released by ABC Classics. • Extensive coverage of the ACT’s Legislative Assembly election for ACT viewers and June listeners. • Launch of Triple J’s weekly chart program, • Queensland election coverage – radio, Net 50, Australia’s first internet driven television and online; the election webpage radio program. is the biggest project yet undertaken by ABC News Online. • ABC Classic FM and the Sydney Symphony March present the Beethoven Festival ending with a simulcast with ABC Network Television. • Enhanced ABC Online News service officially launched by the Minister for • Ocean Week celebrated as part of the UN’s Communications and the Arts. International Year of the Ocean. • Launch of Reach Out website which offers • GIFM broadcasts 48 hour continuous information and support regarding youth coverage during the Gippsland floods. suicide prevention, supported by $180 000 • First ABC digital studios in regional raised by Triple J’s Real Appeal. Queensland officially opened by the • ABC Shops Online upgraded, incorporating Managing Director. facility for online purchases. • ABC Broken Hill celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. April • ABC wins seven Logies for Wildside, Frontline, Four Corners, Rats in the Ranks and Play School. • Publication of revised edition of ABC Editorial Policies. • Asia Pacific, a regional current affairs program commences broadcast weekdays on Radio National and Radio Australia. • Extensive local coverage of Anzac Day commemorations around Australia.

5 A summary of the ABC’s performance against the priorities set out in the Corporate Plan 1997–2000 priorities The ABC must create and deliver distinctive programming and services; inform and educate its audiences; and develop cultural and community identity.

Position the ABC to serve audiences, no Provide a mix of services designed to matter where they live or by what means acknowledge the diverse needs of they access electronic media, by using our audiences and to connect Australians with

Strategies strength in content across radio, television their local communities, the nation and and online services. the world.

• Progress towards collocation of News and • Network Television share and weekly Current Affairs which will facilitate the audience reach maintained, radio/services ABC’s cross-media 24 hour news gathering networks maintained share and increased capability, with collocation achieved in the overall national weekly audience reach Perth and underway in Adelaide and to record levels. (see Audiences feature page Melbourne. 25-27) • Increased bi-media reporting from foreign • Radio Australia’s English and Tok Pisin correspondents. services continue to attract strong audience

Performance 1997–98 • Cross-media events coverage including SA support in Pacific but sharp decline in and Queensland elections, Princess of audience in Asia due to closure of Cox Wales’ funeral, Hong Kong handover, Loud Peninsula transmitters. festival, Festival of the Dreaming, Science • Australian content figures increased for Week, Australian Music Week, Wik debate, ABC Classic FM; slight reduction in and the Constitutional Convention. Australian content on Network Television • New Online gateways – science (the Lab), (see Television Content Analysis page 32) youth (the Drum), children (the • Introduction of closed captioning of 7.00 Playground), education (Learn Online), pm television news bulletins in all States marketing (On Air), Regionals (Your Local and Territories. ABC) and ABC Enterprises (the Shop) – • Over 700 orchestral activities and increased cross-media collaboration and performances undertaken by orchestras, extended ABC programming strengths. with a total of 1 058 011 attendances. • ABC News Online service enhanced and • Network Television youth programs relaunched, with the site now a full 24 attracted strong audiences in target age hour service; increase in number of groups. accesses during 12 months, peaking at more than 600 000 accesses per week. • Indigenous programming included Awaye and Speaking Out on radio and 17 hours of • ABC Multimedia expanded relationships programming on Network Television. with content areas and joined Television commissioning process to ensure early • Increased number of news features from consideration of multimedia projects. international broadcasters on NewsRadio, now with regular programming from • Radio Australia’s accessibility beyond the Deutsche Welle. region enhanced through its internet site and rebroadcasts via the World Radio • Enterprises embarks on first film Network in Europe, North America and distribution with Her Majesty Mrs Brown. now South Africa. Forty stations •27th and 28th ABC Shops opened at throughout Asia and the Pacific now relay Marion SA and Preston Victoria. Radio Australia programs.

6 To fulfil this role in a new media environment we will…

Expand the amount of local television Pursue opportunities in the Australian and produced for local audiences in the States international markets to support and and Territories; and maintain the local extend the value of ABC programs. identity of Metropolitan and Regional Radio stations across Australia.

• Increased local programming across radio, • ABC International’s current catalogue of television and online. ABC television programs for • Further decentralisation of Local Radio’s sale/distribution contains 700 hours across networked programs, including programs all programming genres. now from Melbourne, Hobart, Lismore and • Program/sales revenue targets achieved for Adelaide. fifth consecutive year, despite budget • Production of additional thirty local driven production reductions and television programs including Tasting downtown in business in region. Australia (SA), Sports Awards (NT) and • ABC Footage Sales formed consortium with Raising the Devil (Tas). Film Australia and the National Film and • Local television initiative broadcast Sound Archive in anticipation of demand nationally, including WASO’s Christmas for footage in lead up to 2000 Olympics. Concert from Perth and the Tasmanian • Collaborative relationship between Radio Symphony Orchestra’s Concert under the Australia, ABC Multimedia and Monash Stars. University to explore cross-media • Forum programs broadcast on local radio educational program opportunities; first and/or television, including On The Line in project is Money, Markets and the Economy a Tasmania, which explored Tasmanian radio series and web site based on Monash information technology policy directions; course. and series of three forums in Queensland • Television documentaries commissioned broadcast on Local Radio and edited for with attention to development of co- local television. production opportunities and potential for • Greater State and Territory flexibility to overseas sale. include local programming, allowing • Bananas in Pyjamas merchandise has now broadcast of vital information on bushfires, been released in 19 countries; the program floods and cyclones. is seen in over 50 territories worldwide. • Sounds of Summer on Local Radio reduced • Three Australia-on-CD projects successfully from five to four weeks, with retention of managed in consortium with funding body local Breakfast programs and State-based DOCA and cultural institutions: Drive programs for the first time. development of proposals for further joint • ABC participation in community events projects. and Outside Broadcasts built and maintained the local identity of Metropolitan and Regional Radio stations. • Snapshot, introduced to all States and Territories.

7 A summary of the ABC’s performance against the priorities set out in the Corporate Plan 1997–2000 priorities continued The ABC must create and deliver distinctive programming and services; inform and educate its audiences; and develop cultural and community identity.

Re-engineer the management of assets and Plan and develop the ABC’s technical business support systems to respond environment to exploit the benefits of efficiently to the Corporation’s needs. current and emerging technologies in the

Strategies gathering, storage, processing and delivery of program content.

• Selection of SAP R/3 software as integrated • Development of five year Digital solution for range of business and Human Technology Strategy Plan. Resources support functions, to be fully • ABC representation on industry/policy implemented in 1998–99. technology groups such as the • Rollout of standardised desktop computers Broadcasting Industry Technical Advisory in preparation for introduction of SAP. Group, Digital Television Planning and • Development of five year Strategic Regional Steering Committee and the Australian Property Plan based on the principles of Communications Industry Forum. Total Asset Management. • Initial version of ABC Online’s ‘push’ • Sale of Broadcast House and Waverley channel launched with Microsoft’s new Performance 1997–98 Terraces, Melbourne, to Victorian State internet browser. Government. • Development of robust web forum • Identification of new premises for technology, allowing live online relocation at Bega and Kalgoorlie; discussions. refurbishment of Rockhampton, Tamworth • Review of digital production equipment for and Broken Hill. radio, particularly comparison of D-Cart • Refurbishment of Collinswood Adelaide and D-Radio with recently available PC- building to allow collocation of Adelaide based digital audio systems. News and Current Affairs and • D-Localisation system allowing insertion of establishment of a new national ‘shared local massages into national radio services centre’. programming developed and • New procurement contracting procedures commissioned. in place, including introduction of • Commencement of audio streaming and simplified online ‘one stop procurement’ some video streaming online. system. • Negotiation to ensure that performance • Restructuring of Finance areas as part of and quality of transmission of ABC services the Business Support Review (BSR), along is maintained following proposed sale of with standardisation of month-end National Transmission Network. financial reporting on bi-media basis. • Development of Storm Outages Policy; • Consolidation of many former Radio and negotiation with NTA of protocol for Television support units. planned outages; and enhancement of transmission fault monitoring systems. • New contracts for HACBSS radio interchange transponder services, with move to digital, which will make PNN and Triple J available to people in remote Australia who receive ABC services direct from satellite.

8 To fulfil this role in the new media environment we will…

Develop and support a skilled and flexible Project the ABC’s identity to stakeholder workforce, committed to high standards, groups to secure their acknowledgment of creativity and quality of service, within a its contribution to media diversity and its safe and rewarding environment. value as an open, accountable and responsive public broadcaster.

• Development of Workplace Reform • Maintenance of positive relationships with Strategy, aimed at increasing staff community and industry groups. productivity and ensuring staff can work • New appointments to the National effectively and maintain employability in a Advisory Council to reflect the Australian changing environment. community. • Preparation of a Corporation-wide Training • Provision of timely advice about ABC and Development Plan, to take effect in policies to the community, for instance 1998/99. through promotion of revised Code of • Workplace Planning Unit managed Practice and publication on the internet of redundancy process, using a competency a wide range of material about the ABC. based approach and development of a skills • Development of Service Commitment in register. consultation with the National Advisory • Cross-media training including: training in Council and staff. all forms of radio and television journalism • Advice from National Advisory Council on and online for the first time for journalism programming matters and policies cadets, and handicam training for Regional welcomed and considered. Services broadcasters. • Emphasis placed on gaining the broadest • Provision of Occupational Health and range of community feedback, especially in Safety advice and training. regional areas. • National Employee Assistance Program and • Growing community use of Online associated services introduced for all ABC feedback facilities. staff. • Reviewed complaints handling process in • Reduction in number of stress related conjunction with review of Editorial incident claims reported to Comcare. Policies. • Equity programs provided to targeted • Continuation of ABC logo campaign on groups including implementation of the Network Television. ABC’s Disability Action Plan, recruitment of Indigenous staff via Aboriginal • Radio Australia received unanimous Employment and Development Program bipartisan support from the Federal and award of Women in Engineering Parliament’s Joint Committee on Foreign Scholarships. Affairs, Defence and Trade, in its report Australia and ASEAN: Managing Change.

9 financial Financial Outcome 1997–98 summary Through the continuing process of reshaping and cost efficiency savings, the ABC was able to maintain liquidity throughout the financial year and operated within the limits of its total sources of funds and parliamentary appropriation which had been permanently reduced by $55 million. (This followed the $ 10.8 million cut in 1996-97). Savings initiatives were implemented through a number of reforms including the introduction of new procurement contracts, revised structures and associated operating efficiencies.

Financial Outlook 1998–99 In this second year of the current triennial funding term, the process of reshaping will continue and cost efficiency savings from initiatives already implemented will be further consolidated through the introduction of new business systems and associated processes.

Revenue from Government*

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994 400 425 450 475 500 525 550 575 600 $ millions * includes transmission services supplied by the NTA – $54.17m 1997–98

Operating Expenses

Employee related 43%

Suppliers 49%

Depreciation & Amortisation 5%

Grants 1%

Interests 2%

10 Five Year Analysis ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 OPERATING Cost of Services (a) 631,779 707,106 719,807 698,700 688,180 Operating Revenue 124,415 131,777 126,504 122,889 100,959 Net Cost of Services (b) 507,364 575,329 593,303 575,811 587,221 Revenue from Government(a) 522,666 588,112 597,736 587,563 602,220

FINANCIAL POSITION Current Assets 145,478 142,743 149,602 127,361 104,691 Non-Current Assets 678,313 505,071 504,163 475,094 473,902 Total Assets 823,791 647,814 653,765 602,455 578,593 Current Liabilities 185,847 206,381 123,187 96,924 86,122 Non-Current Liabilities 137,764 142,962 236,965 239,088 237,780 Total Liabilities 323,611 349,343 360,152 336,012 323,902 Total Equity 500,180 298,471 293,613 266,443 254,691

RATIOS Current Ratio (c) 0.78 0.69 1.21 1.31 1.22 Equity (d) 61% 46% 45% 44% 44%

(a) Includes Transmission Services supplied by National Transmission Agency. (b) Net cost of services is total operating expenses, including transmission services, less operating revenue. (c) Current assets divided by current liabilities. (d) Equity as a percentage of total assets.

Revenue from Operating Revenue independent sources

Independent Sources 19% Sale of Goods & Services 85%

National Transmission Agency 8% Net gain from disposal of assets 1%

Revenue from Government 73% Interest 6%

Other 8%

11 ABC Donald McDonald AO, BCom Appointed Chairman for a five year term board from 24 July 1996. Mr McDonald is a Fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney and Chairman of The Really Useful Company (Aust) Pty Limited. He is a member of the Board of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, Chairman of the Cultural Commission for the Sydney Olympic Games and Chairman of the State Opera Ring Corporation in South Australia. Diana Gribble AM Appointed Deputy Chair for a five year term from 27 June 1995. Ms Gribble is a Director of Text Media Group, a Board Member of Cinema Papers and a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Philosophy and Public Issues, University of Melbourne.

From left: Russell Bate, Brian Johns, Wendy Silver, Kirsten Garrett, Donald McDonald, Ian McPhee, Michael Kroger, Dianne Gribble, John Bannon.

12 Brian Johns AO Michael Kroger B Juris, LLB Appointed Managing Director for a five year Appointed a director for a five year term from term from 17 March 1995. 5 February 1998. Mr Johns is a Council Member of the Mr Kroger is the Chief Executive of JT Australian National Gallery, Board Member Campbell and Co, a merchant bank in of the National Institute of Dramatic Art Melbourne. He has had extensive experience (NIDA), Council Member of the United States in the media as a columnist, occasional National Academy of Television Arts and broadcaster and political commentator. Sciences (NATAS), a member of the International Institute of Communications’ Hon. Ian Macphee AO, LLB, MA Editorial Panel for the Global Report Series. Appointed a Director for a five year term from 9 December 1994. Hon. J.C. Bannon BA, LLB Mr Macphee is a consultant to Corrs Appointed a Director for a five year term Chambers Westgarth. from 24 July 1994. Mr Bannon is currently undertaking post- Wendy Silver BA, B Soc Wk graduate research on the Federation of Appointed a Director for a five year term Australia at Flinders University, South from 1 July 1994. Australia and edits The New Federalist, the Ms Silver is the Chief Executive Officer of national journal of federation history. He is a Relationships Australia (WA). member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Board and Chair of the South Retiring Members Australian Chapter of the Constitutional Centenary Foundation. Janine Walker Grad Dip Bus Appointed a Director for a three year term Russell Bate from 9 June 1991 and re-appointed for a Appointed a Director for a five year term three year term from 1 July 1994. She retired from 20 December 1995. on 30 June 1997. Mr Bate is Managing Director of Sun Microsystems Australia Pty Ltd. He is a Board Ian Callinan QC, LLB member of AIIA, a member of Musica Viva Appointed a Director for a five year term Advisory Board and a member of the from 23 July 1997. He resigned on 31 January Interactive Information Institute Advisory 1998 upon his appointment as a Justice of Board. the High Court of Australia. Kirsten Garrett Re-appointed staff-elected Director from 15 June 1998 for her second two year term. Ms Garrett had been Deputy staff-elected Director on the ABC Board since 1988. She is the Executive Producer of Radio National’s Background Briefing, which she joined in 1988.

13 ABC organisation

Minister for Federal Communications Parliament and the Arts

National ABC Board Advisory Council

Chief of Staff Managing ABC Director Development Janet Clayton Brian Johns Ian McGarrity

Regional National News and Program Services Networks Current Affairs Production Head: Head: Head: Head: Sue Howard Andy Lloyd- Paul Williams Don Reynolds Target, James Gather, analyse, Create and commission and Commission and package and produce programs deliver services to schedule network present news & to satisfy schedule meet local programs to meet current affairs to as commissioned audience needs national audience meet identified needs and audience needs interests across the country

Human Technology Finance & ABC Symphony Resources Strategy and Business Enterprises Australia Development Services Head: General Director Jacquie Head: Head: Manager: of Music: Hutchinson Colin Knowles Russell Balding Terry Moloney Nathan Waks Manage human Plan and Manage ABC resources and coordinate the finance and industrial reform technical provide business environment support services

ABC executive members

14 ABC executive Brian Johns AO, Managing Director Brian Johns was appointed Managing Director in March 1995. Prior to this he was Chairperson of the Australian Broadcasting Authority, Managing From left: Russell Balding, Sue Howard, Don Reynolds, Brian Director of the Special Broadcasting Service Johns, Paul Williams, Jacquie Hutchinson, Andy Lloyd-James, from 1987–92 and Publishing Director of Colin Knowles. Penguin Books from 1979–87. Before joining the ABC, he ran his own Paul Williams, Head News and Current production house, Tasman, out of London Affairs since 1995. Prior to that he worked with the Paul Williams joined the ABC in 1968 as a Grundy Organisation in London and was rural radio reporter in Queensland. He went Head of Production and Co-production with on to produce a number of documentaries Television New Zealand and Chief Executive including A Big Country and Heartlands and Officer and Head of Production for South worked as a field producer, Supervising Pacific Pictures, TVNZ’s separate drama Producer, and Executive Producer for the Four production subsidiary. Corners and Lateline programs. He was Executive Producer for the Gold Walkley Jacquie Hutchinson, Head Human winning Labour in Power series. In 1995 he Resources was appointed Head of Television News and Jacquie Hutchinson joined the ABC in 1995 Current Affairs. as Federal Head Television Human Resources. She has extensive experience in senior Sue Howard, Head Regional Services management positions in higher education, Sue Howard began working in radio in 1980 public sector unions and industrial relations at Adelaide University’s 5UV where she was commissions. In addition she has a research Breakfast presenter for several years. She and consultancy background in women’s joined the ABC in 1986 as an announcer in employment and work place reform. Adelaide and has been a presenter on Radio National, Classic FM and 3LO. Most recently, Russell Balding, Head Finance and she was Manager Regional Radio and 3LO in Business Services Victoria. Russell Balding joined the ABC as General Manager Finance in early 1996. Prior to this Andy Lloyd-James, Head National he was Finance Director with the NSW Roads Networks and Traffic Authority. He has also held senior Andy Lloyd-James joined the ABC in 1967 finance positions in the NSW Department of and became a producer and executive Housing and Department of Health. producer in Documentaries and Features. In the early eighties he became Head of Colin Knowles, Head Technology Strategy Television Features. In 1988 he was and Development appointed Head of Television at SBS and in Colin Knowles joined the ABC as Head 1994 he initiated and became General Technology Strategy and Development in Manager of SBS Independent, the August 1997. Prior to this he was General independent commissioning wing of SBS Manager – Planning and Corporate with the Television. In 1996 he rejoined the ABC as Australian Broadcasting Authority. He has the Head of Television Drama. over 30 years experience in broadcasting, telecommunications and engineering and Don Reynolds, has been actively involved in the Head Program Production development of digital broadcasting Don Reynolds is an experienced international technology since 1983. film and television producer and manager.

15 statement by A primary focus for the Board this year has been planning for the ABC’s future as an directors independent national broadcaster in the digital environment. The importance of ensuring the ABC’s development in this environment has underpinned its strategic planning and public advocacy, and provided continuing The ABC’s place as a impetus for organisational change. comprehensive national The ABC’s place as a comprehensive national broadcaster – established in its broadcaster – established in its legislative Charter and elaborated in its Corporate Plan legislative Charter and – remains central in the new era. Just as the ABC over the past 65 years has provided elaborated in its Corporate Plan balance to the commercial media, through a – remains central in the new strong commitment to diversity, innovation and Australian identity, so it must continue era. Just as the ABC over the to stimulate the industry in the future across past 65 years has provided all its forms - broadcast networks, online services, and in the multichannel world of balance to the commercial digital radio and television. media, through a strong Implementation of the far reaching One ABC restructure is providing the organisational commitment to diversity, and conceptual framework for the ABC to position itself as a key content provider in innovation and Australian this environment. identity, so it must continue to A cornerstone of this platform is our critical stimulate the industry in the commitment to regionalism. The One ABC restructure has given timely future across all its forms - recognition to the importance and broadcast networks, online underlying strength of the ABC’s engagement with regional Australia, services, and in the with the establishment for the first time of an multichannel ABC Regional Services world of digital portfolio. The extensive reach the radio and Corporation has into television. communities around the country – via some 58 broadcasting centres opened up over a long period of time – ensures that the ABC is uniquely well placed to build upon its existing services in the digital age, in the process realising significant communication opportunities for people Wildside (top) and living outside the Seachange, two of the acclaimed and metropolitan areas. popular ABC drama Despite serious financial series broadcast this year. constraints, the ABC’s

16 commitment to meeting the needs of Digital technology regional Australians remains firm. As the year closed, the Corporation opened new digital The impact on all industry sectors of the studios in a restored heritage building at introduction of digital broadcasting and Rockhampton, bringing the first ABC digital transmission technology represents a production and editing facilities to regional dominant long term strategic issue for media Queensland. In a strategy to be emulated organisations in this country. around Australia, these facilities enable local Digital technology is as important for the staff to gather and exchange content for use ABC, as a national broadcaster, as it is for the across the ABC’s radio, television and online commercial sector. The ABC must be able to services. be an effective player in the digital world. It To increase the availability of television will be critical to the health of the Australian program material from regional Australia and broadcasting system in the new century that capitalising on the existing radio the balance between sectoral interests, which infrastructure around the country, digital has served Australia well, continues to be cameras are being placed on a staged basis at properly recognised. selected regional radio centres. The As a result, Government decisions about equipment is being used to collect regional digital funding, spectrum allocation and our material, initially for the Snapshot television flexibility in using that spectrum impact segment, and to create a base for new, heavily on the ABC. Legislation for the innovative program ideas. As a further allocation of spectrum and mandating a manifestation of the high priority accorded commencement date for digital terrestrial to the ABC’s regional commitment, limited television broadcasting in metropolitan areas funds have been allocated for special local by 1 January 2001 and in regional areas television production outside Sydney and before 1 January 2004 means that early Melbourne which reflects particular regional decisions need to be taken. interests and issues. This special event Parliament has also provided for the national programming is mainly for regional broadcasters to be able to broadcast transmission, but where there is broader multichannel programming, subject to terms interest it is also being included in national to be decided in a review looking at this and television schedules. Local television other issues next year. programs made in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart have already reached national While the Corporation is able to make a audiences since the commencement of this significant contribution - some $66 million initiative. of the estimated $150 million required by the ABC over the next five years for the introduction of digital technology, the 1997–98 Budget overall costs are such that the ABC must call on some Government assistance. In this first year of a three year funding There are historical precedents for funding of agreement with Government, the this kind at key technology junction points - Corporation continued to deal with the such as at the time of the introduction of effects of the ongoing funding reductions of television broadcasting, the later move to 12 per cent applied by the Government the colour television and the introduction of FM previous year. The Board remains obligated radio broadcasting - to ensure the ABC’s to minimising the effects of these funding proper participation. In the case of the cuts on programs by reviewing all alternative commercial free to air television networks, avenues and finding savings in areas such as the Parliament has acknowledged the high administrative and support services, financial commitment involved by extending communications and transmission the prohibition on new entrants to the sector expenditure. until the end of 2006. Through close attention to financial In the ABC’s case, lengthy negotiations with strategies, the Corporation again ended the Government over funding assistance for year within budget in both accrued and cash digital conversion costs have been assisted by terms. In view of the size of the budget a strategy and costing developed during the reductions and the limited time in which to year in conjunction with independent accommodate them, this is a gratifying result technical and financial consultants. The for which management is to be congratulated. ABC’s strategy and costing has in turn been

17 ‘After consideration of these matters, the Board indicated that it was confident the ABC’s [editorial] practices are as rigorous, transparent Board’s specific responsibility to ensure that and objective as those of any other the gathering and presentation of news and responsible public broadcaster in the information by the Corporation is accurate and impartial according to the recognised world.’ standards of objective journalism. The Board takes a realistic view of this responsibility and ensures that a full and adequate regime examined and broadly supported by the is in place so that it can be satisfied these Government’s own expert advisers. obligations are being observed. In the May 1998 Federal Budget, the Early in 1998 the Board approved and Government announced the additional promulgated revised Editorial Policies, which allocation to the ABC of $20.8 million over were developed after a lengthy process of five years to assist digital conversion, with a consultation within the organisation and decision on funding the balance of the with other stakeholders such as the National conversion strategy deferred for some two Advisory Council. These policies form the years pending the outcome of a further cornerstone of the ABC’s commitment to the review. highest editorial standards. They provide a detailed, systematic statement of mandatory The Board is concerned that this outcome requirements, statements of principle and does not provide a financially prudent basis philosophy, and program objectives. They for it to proceed at this stage, as it would be have been distributed widely and an required to agree to substantial borrowings extensive briefing and training program has without knowing how the forecast been provided to relevant staff around the outstanding debt would be satisfied. On this country. basis, we have sought greater total digital funding certainty from the Government and The Board considers on a quarterly basis a in particular asked that the proposed review management report on accuracy, impartiality of further funding requirements be brought and objectivity, which assists it in forward. monitoring and reviewing the Corporation’s actual performance against the standards established by the Board. These reports Independent news and current encompass presentation and analysis of audience response on a number of levels, affairs services issues raised in written complaints and action 1997-98 marked the 50th anniversary of the taken. There is a focus on management and establishment of an independent ABC news editorial controls and initiatives to improve service. While the then Australian program evaluation processes and the quality Broadcasting Commission had been of journalism. These reports also include established in 1932, it was not until after the formal audience research outcomes and Second World War that the monopoly comparative studies which assist in enjoyed by the newspapers and cable measuring audience response and the agencies was ended and greater diversity in Corporation’s performance in presenting a news coverage provided. The provision of an balanced range of programming. independent news service was subsequently As necessary the Board also reviews in detail enshrined in the ABC’s legislation. the Corporation’s performance in coverage of In the course of the past year the editorial matters of major public interest. In the case independence of the ABC came under close of the criticism of the ABC’s coverage of the scrutiny and challenge. The Corporation’s national waterfront dispute, the Board radio and television coverage of the national undertook two separate examinations of waterfront dispute, which effectively allegations of lack of accuracy, impartiality commenced on 6 April 1998, drew criticism and objectivity. On both occasions we were from the Government and some ABC satisfied that there had been proper viewers, on the grounds that in specific compliance with the Editorial Policies. instances it was not accurate, impartial and The Board also took the opportunity to objective. commission an independent content analysis Under the ABC Act, the Board is responsible of the main ABC radio and television news for maintaining the integrity and and current affairs programs over the four independence of the Corporation. It is the weeks of the dispute. This qualitative and

18 quantitative analysis, carried out by Professor a very strong immediate following, is Philip Bell, the Head of Media and experiencing rapid growth in usage and is Communications at the University of New already the most popular service on the ABC South Wales, found that claims of bias in the website. ABC’s coverage could not be sustained. In discussion with the Board over these matters, the Minister raised his concern about the International Broadcasting adequacy of the ABC’s mechanisms to ensure A significant impact of the cutbacks to ABC compliance with its Editorial Policies and base level funding in 1996-97 was the need made a series of suggestions, based on to redefine the scope of services able to be overseas experience, about steps which might provided through the ABC’s international improve them. After consideration of these radio service, Radio Australia. Substantial matters, the Board indicated that it was reductions to Radio Australia staffing in confident the ABC’s practices are as rigorous, Melbourne and in program output have now transparent and objective as those of any been implemented. Radio Australia other responsible public broadcaster in the management has worked to secure world. rebroadcasting agreements in China while in The Board believes that the internal the Pacific, AusAID funding is enabling the management and editorial mechanisms and installation of satellite downlinks to permit processes are appropriate to ensure local rebroadcasting of Radio Australia compliance with the ABC’s Editorial Policies programs. requirements. In discharging its broad The ABC has continued to make statutory responsibilities, the Board will representations to Government in relation to continue to monitor and review both the the future of the major short wave policies and the performance of the transmission facilities at Cox Peninsula in organisation to ensure it achieves and the Northern Territory, which were maintains the highest standards. mothballed by the Government from 1 July 1997. Pushing the Frontiers — Online In the light of continuing political volatility and Regional Broadcasting in the region to Australia’s north and the findings and recommendation of the Joint Since the establishment of ABC Multimedia Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, in 1995, the ABC continues to be at the Defence and Trade of the Australian forefront of the Australian multimedia Parliament that the facilities be reopened to industry, with award winning websites, CD- ensure better transmission of Radio Australia ROM development and a range of new services in the region, we have continued to multimedia applications underway. In urge Government reconsideration of the particular, the development of Online matter. services continues apace. In March 1998 the ABC News Online service was launched officially, delivering an Orchestras integrated Internet news service linking the Following the successful establishment of the city and the country. As the first of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Australia’s major online news providers to Orchestras as wholly owned subsidiary include regional news as part of its service - companies of the ABC, the West Australian contributed by the ABC’s regional centres Symphony Orchestra was also corporatised around the nation - ABC News Online is a from the beginning of 1998 with its own tangible benefit of the One ABC strategy. Board of Directors nominated by the West ABC News Online provides a fast, Australian Government and the ABC. continuously updated service incorporating The corporatisation of the remaining international, national, State and local news orchestras, in Tasmania and Queensland, will in a format which has proved highly be assisted by the apparent successful appealing. It demonstrates the capacity and conclusion of long running negotiations for strength of the ABC in the digital age, the construction of a more economically utilising existing skills and facilities to viable home and performance venue for the provide a rich, interactive site combining Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the text, audio, pictures and graphics. It achieved

19 ‘The Board acknowledges the dedicated work of ABC staff in Programs, Staff and Audiences achieving these results and thanks Against the background of significant audiences around the nation for organisational change, substantial staff their consistent, strong and vigilant redundancies and the need to focus on important medium to long term strategic support for an independent, properly issues such as those arising from the funded, quality national development of national digital broadcasting policy, the Board is gratified that the ABC’s broadcasting corporation.’ programs continue to demonstrate qualities which set them apart from those on offer elsewhere. That ABC program makers are continuing to satisfy the expectations of their diverse audiences is reflected in healthy usage figures for the range of ABC services. The Board advancement of discussions with the acknowledges the dedicated work of ABC Queensland Government about future staff in achieving these results and thanks arrangements for the provision of orchestral audiences around the nation for their facilities and services in the State. consistent, strong and vigilant support for an independent, properly funded, quality Appointment of Directors national broadcasting corporation. Donald McDonald Queensland barrister Ian Callinan QC was Diana Gribble appointed as a Director, replacing Janine Brian Johns Walker who retired on 1 July 1997 after six John Bannon years service. Mr Callinan was in turn Russell Bate replaced from 5 February 1998 by Melbourne Kirsten Garrett lawyer and businessman Michael Kroger, Michael Kroger upon the appointment of Mr Callinan as a Ian Macphee Justice of the High Court of Australia. Wendy Silver

20 regional At a time when most regional areas are experiencing reductions in local services, the services ABC has maintained a deliberate policy of protecting its regional operations from the severest effects of budget cuts. Eighteen months after the Regional Services was established local radio, television and online programming has increased and the ABC’s regional production centres ‘In a year of the tough budget strengthened. Under the new State and Territory-based cuts to the ABC, we are proud to management structure, Regional Services has deliver quality services to responded to the challenge to improve services at the local level by amalgamating regional, rural and urban key strategic functions of radio and television Australia.’ technical services. Decentralisation has reinforced the ABC’s Sue Howard links with communities across the country, Head Regional Services ensuring that the national broadcaster continues to play a crucial role in overcoming the isolation felt in rural and regional Australia at a time of rapid economic and social change.

Snapshot being filmed at Customs House in Brisbane. Feroze Khan audio, Eric Lofting camera, Peter Cooke director, Carol Lloyd researcher/writer, Gerry collins presenter.

21 Programs and Services

Increased localism The amount of local programming has increased Australia-wide across radio, television and online services. Initiatives include Regional Radio promotions on television highlighting the breadth and diversity of ABC coverage in each area, and the production of Snapshot in each State and Territory. A number of locally- produced one-off programs were made primarily for local audiences, but with the potential to be broadcast nationally. Research and development has also begun on a possible short series for the States and Territories. Regional Services produced 30 additional local television programs during the year, including Tasting Australia in South Australia, Crime Fighters Forum in Queensland, A Christmas Symphony in Western Australia, Raising the Devil in Tasmania and Sports Awards in the Northern Territory. Local ANZAC Day coverage was extended with the ACT providing local television coverage for the first time in many years. Commitment to local sport continued, with Australian Rules football broadcast in South Australia, Top: For the first time Local TV & 2CN join forces to cover Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria and ACT Election in February 1998. the Northern Territory, Rugby League in Above: On the Line, produced by local Television in Queensland and Rugby Union in Queensland Tasmania, an interactive forum program which explored and New South Wales. Tasmanian information technology policy directions.

ABC Marketing The role of ABC Marketing is to attract and involve as many Australians as possible in the diverse range of programs and services provided by the ABC. As well as ensuring audiences are aware of ABC programs, Marketing will provide audience analysis and information for ABC program makers and management. Marketing staff are located in each State and Territory to service all national and regional television, radio and online activity, providing marketing strategy, publicity, promotions, external advertising, event marketing and audience research. The effective use of ABC services to promote programming is a key priority. The new structure has created a dynamic strategic marketing effort able to support the priorities of the ABC.

22 The ABC strengthened its presence in the regions extending local coverage in some areas The south eastern region of Western Australia gained a full-time Rural Reporter based in Esperance, and in the Northern Territory launched a new weekend program Nightrain. The presentation of some national programs was decentralised, with Angela Catterns’ Evening program coming from Lismore instead of Sydney, Kevin Naughton’s Weekend evening program moving to Adelaide and the early morning program now emanating from Melbourne and Hobart. Enhanced localism was achieved with a reduction of Local Radio’s Sounds of Summer from five to four weeks, along with flexibility to include material, such as vital information about bushfires, floods and cyclones. Summer programs emanted from Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Mackay and included a greater emphasis on sport coverage. A daily half-hour sports program and the World Swimming Championships complemented a full schedule of Test and One Day international cricket. With radio and television initiatives Regional Services has explored the potential for related online services. A successful website established in conjunction with the Tasmanian Government, for example complemented Tasmania’s Tall Ships television special. As participants in the ABC News Online trial websites were established for regional stations in Bunburry, Karratha Top: Mike McGowan (left) Local Radio Manager NT and and Albany. Eight of the nine Metropolitan Peter Camilleri, Production Operations Manager broadcasting to flood-bound communities in Katherine from Stations are online, with 2NC Newcastle’s site a makeshift studio. in development. Rural Radio continued to develop its Bush Telegraph online service Above: 2NC Newcastle broadcast from the ‘red & blue’ house on the eve of the Newcastle Knight’s win in the 1997 which now provides daily transcripts from Rugby League Grand Final. the Country Hour, regular online forums and feature packages of rural stories available in transmission to flood-bound areas with no Real Audio. other means of contact. GIFM broadcast 48 hours continuous local programming to Responsiveness to communities cover the flood emergency in the Gippsland. Regional Services played a vital role in In Western Australia, Local Radio and delivering news and information to Television quickly mobilised to provide a audiences in emergencies, including the simulcast of the memorial service for HMAS implosion of the Old Canberra Hospital, the Westralia victims to nationwide audiences. Thredbo tragedy, bushfires in New South Regional Services strengthened its links with Wales, Victoria and Western Australia and local communities through a wide range of floods in the Northern Territory, Queensland events, the celebration of 45 years of rural and Victoria. regional broadcasting from Launceston, and Local Radio responded rapidly and with 30 hours of special Local Radio programming ingenuity to these crises. Darwin Local Radio in Queensland on the road from Brisbane to staff moved portable technology to the Birdsville including two public forums – transmitter site in Katherine to ensure Surviving in Queensland Bushtowns in Roma

23 Local Radio Program Source A live broadcast of open heart surgery in A 6WF’s Day in the Life of the Royal Perth NSW Regional Hospital was the first ABC domestic radio 2BL program to be audio-streamed online. 3LO 2NC broadcast initiative A Day in the Life of Vic Regional Melbourne Zoo included a broadcast after a 3LO serious storm damaged much of the Zoo’s Qld environment. Regional 4QR A team from Darwin travelled 900 kilometres SA Regional to cover the Battle of the Bands at the 5AN Lajamaanu community, providing live WA satellite crosses to Northern Territory Local Regional Radio. 6WF Tas In sport, 2NC broadcast from the ‘red and Regional blue’ home of a Newcastle Knight’s Fan on 7ZR NT the eve of their Rugby League Grand Final Regional victory and broke from national 8DDD programming the following week to cover ACT the biggest parade ever seen in Newcastle. 2CN 5AN provided special coverage of the Adelaide Crow’s bid for the AFL Grand Final 0 20406080100 Per cent simulcasting with 2NC to share their Local State National subsequent victories. Based on the availability of alternative coverage and the preference of the majority of listeners for the same year-round, and Surviving Disaster in Charleville. Live uninterrupted sports coverage available to broadcasts of popular radio programs were metropolitan audiences, the ABC decided to presented from the Royal Queensland Show, discontinue the ABC’s Regional Radio racing the EKKA, in Brisbane, and in Sydney from service. Coverage of racing information will the Royal Agricultural Society Easter Show continue as part of Grandstand’s general held for the first time at the new Homebush coverage. site.

24 audiences ABC Radio The overall national weekly audience reach for the ABC’s radio services increased by 1.1% to an annual average of 6 459 000 which is the highest result on record. This figure largely reflects the strong growth of NewsRadio’s audience and steady increases for Triple J. The ABC aggregate share remained steady in Sydney (19.1 %), Adelaide (20.9%) and Newcastle (21.2%). It increased in Perth (to 25.5%) and is slightly lower in Melbourne (19.7%), Brisbane (22.4%), Canberra (42.9%), Darwin (36.4%) and Hobart (41.9%). A statistical analysis of ABC Metropolitan Radio’s weekly audience reach radio and Television audiences across the nine cities is 2 062 000, marginally down (by 1.2%) on the 1996–97 figure. The ABC’s regional areas were not surveyed in 1997–98. In future the regional areas will be surveyed on an annual basis. The current weekly reach for ABC Regional Radio is 1 337 000. Metropolitan Radio often extends beyond the city areas and there is a sizeable audience of 543 000 who listen to Metropolitan Radio in regional areas. The total national ABC Local Radio audience is 3 856 000 which is steady compared to last year. In Sydney, 2BL’s weekly reach increased to 540 000, with its share increasing slightly to 7.8%. In Melbourne, 3LO’s weekly reach and share were down marginally to 630 000 and 9.6%. In Brisbane, 4QR’s weekly reach decreased to 235 000 and its share to 8.6%. In Adelaide, 5AN’s reach was steady at 166 000 and its share was down marginally at 7.0%. In Perth, 6WF’s reach increased to 236 000 while its share increased to 9.9%. Canberra’s 2CN’s weekly reach was steady at 88 000 and its share was down marginally to 16.7%. In Darwin, 8DDD’s reach was unchanged at 26 000 while the share was down to 18.0% (a new commercial station entered the market during 1997). 7ZR’s weekly reach and share were both down slightly to 68 000 and 24.7%. Radio National’s overall national weekly reach was down slightly (by 2.8%) to 862 000. This decrease was due to a drop in the network’s metropolitan audiences (to 634 000). ABC Classic FM’s national weekly reach was steady at 991 000 and was virtually unchanged in both the regional and metropolitan areas compared to last year. Triple J’s national weekly reach increased by

25 1.0% to 2 169 000. The metropolitan Radio Audience Share (all ABC Radio) audience increased to 1 550 000. There were Per cent no surveys across regional Australia in 1997. The strongest growth of all the ABC’s radio networks this year was NewsRadio which Sydney increased its national weekly reach to 477 000 (up 20.2%).

Melbourne

Radio Reach (all ABC Radio) Brisbane 97–98

96–97

95–96 Adelaide

94–95

93–94 Perth 5 5.2 5.5 5.75 6 6.25 6.5 Millions

Newcastle Radio Reach (Networks)

Canberra Metros

Regional Darwin

Radio National Hobart

Classic FM 0 1020304050

93–94 94–95 95–96

Triple J 96–97 97–98

NOTES: NewsRadio • Survey results for PNN became available from Survey 1/1995. • Metropolitan data based on AGB McNair 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 Surveys in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Millions Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Newcastle, Hobart 1993–94 1994–95 1995–95 and Darwin (ABC Survey of Darwin used from 94/95). 1996–97 1997–98 • Regional data includes AGB McNair Gold Coast Surveys and ABC surveys of regional Australia.

26 ABC Television the evening (6pm to midnight) share averaging 14.7 per cent. ABC Television’s weekly audience reach for the five cities of Sydney, Melbourne, ABC Television attracts a particularly strong Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth ranged between audience share for its children’s 70 per cent and 71 per cent. The four weekly programming. During the hours from 8:30am reach for the five cities has been maintained to 10:00am on Monday to Friday 44.2% of all at between 88 per cent and 89 per cent for viewing by 5–12 year olds and 61.5% of all the 1997–98 financial year. viewing by 0–4 year olds is on the ABC. Also from 3:00pm to 6:00pm Monday to Friday ABC Television’s overall (6am to midnight) 60.7% of all viewing by 0–4 year olds and five city audience share remained steady at 49.1% of all viewing by 5–12 year olds is on 14.3% for the 1997–1998 financial year, with the ABC.

Television – audience share Television – average weekly reach

Sydney Sydney

Melbourne Melbourne

Brisbane Brisbane

Adelaide Adelaide

Perth Perth

0 5 10 15 20 60 65 70 75 Per cent Per cent 1996–97 1997–98 1996–97 1995–96 1997–98 1995–96 1994–95 1993–94 1994–95 1993–94

27 national National Networks seeks to satisfy the needs of audiences throughout Australia and networks beyond by delivering innovative, distinctive programs. National Networks purchases, commissions and schedules programs for all the ABC’s national television, radio and online services – Network Television, Radio National, ABC Classic FM, ABC NewsRadio, Triple J, Radio Australia and ABC ‘The great strength of the ABC Multimedia. A clear commissioning structure and process lies in the quality of its program for television programs was established, separate from in-house program production, makers. In Radio, Television and and covering the programming of Arts and Online they continue to develop Entertainment, Comedy, Children’s, Education, Documentaries, Drama, Science, new concepts, seek out new Religion and Talks, Sport and Natural agendas, find and face new History. The relationship between commissioning and in-house production has creative challenges. been under intensive review during the year and continues to be worked through. Imagine an Australia without The National Networks structure is designed, them.’ in part, to encourage cross-media production and the year has seen many ventures of this Andy Lloyd James, type. By encouraging early development of Head National Networks cross-media skills, the ABC will be in a strong position to deliver programming in the digital era.

Alex Dimitriades and Tony Martin in Wildside

28 Network Television In the course of the year implementation of the ’One ABC’ structure has resulted in the separation of program commissioning and program production for ABC television. Network Television, as part of National Networks, now has responsibility for commissioning and scheduling programs from a wide variety of sources. Seven Commissioning Editors were appointed by July, and a Network Television Commissioning Guide was published in August. Staff and industry briefings were held in all States during September and October. Following the Board decision that the commissioning of 15 per cent of general programs should be open to proposals from ABC and independent producers, the first round of Contestable Programs Bids was announced in September. Over 150 proposals were received for eight program strands, and a further round in May attracted over 340 proposals for ten program strands. Network Television works closely with Regional Services to establish programming opportunities for new ideas reflecting all the regions of Australia.

Drama The ABC has continued to produce work of the highest quality, despite a reduced Top: 2. Filming Under the Hammer: Graham Wyse sound, commitment to independently-produced Philip Bull camera, Susan Lambert producer/director. Middle: The 1998 Race Around the World team mini-series. The greatest audience success of Above: Ling-Hsueh Tang and Ian Stenlake from Children’s the year was the first 13-part series of Hospital. SeaChange, a co-production with Artist Services, which became the ABC’s most popular program, regularly winning its Macbeth and The Bill have provided a popular timeslot at 7.30pm on weekend viewing alternative to commercial Sundays and and SBS fare. attracting unprecedented Documentaries attention from other The network has sought to commission media. Wildside, co- major series on aspects of Australian culture. produced with Budget cuts meant a reduction of seven Gannon Television, documentaries, but a wide range of programs achieved a high continued to find favourable audience profile in its responses. Among them were the Australian Wednesday night slot produced series The Liners, Film Australia’s and won Under the Hammer series, The Fatal Game, the overwhelming critical Sigrid Thorton star of multi-award winning story of Australian SeaChange. acclaim. The 13 part climber Mike Rheinberger’s attempt to reach Children’s Hospital, was seen in an early Mount Everest’s summit, and Miracle at Sea evening timeslot from December, as a trial about the rescue of Tony Bullimore. A second for this lighter side of drama. Overseas series of the highly successful Race Around the programs such as Ballykissangel, Hamish World went into production, and the same concept was adapted for 12 to 16-year-olds in

29 Network Television — Most popular programs

1997 June 1998 Audience Audience Program ‘000 Program ‘000 1. Heartbeat 1551 * 1 SeaChange 1462 2. The Bill – Saturday 1385 2 The Bill 1430 3. Pie In The Sky 1370 3. Ballykissangel 1310 4. Hamish Macbeth 1304 4. Edinburgh Military Tatoo 1289 5. Ballykissangel 1177 5. Vicar Of Dibley 1287 * 6. 7.30 Report Special – Diana 1167 6. Full Circle With Michael Palin 1251 6. Eire Apparent Michael Flately 1167 7. The Bill – Tuesday 1250 * 8. ABC News – Monday 1162 8. Pie In The Sky 1171 9. Full Circle With Michael Palin 1150 * 9. ABC News – Mon 1149 10. The Bill – Tuesday 1149 * 10. Late Edition News – Sat 1123 11. Vicar Of Dibley Easter Special 1137 11. Two Fat Ladies 1118 * 12. John Howard’s Address To Nation 1089 * 12. ABC News – Tue 1090 * 13. ABC News – Tue 1082 * 13. ABC News – Sun 1074 * 14. A River Somewhere 1080 14. Nature World 1064 15. One Foot In The Grave 1073 * 15. Late Edition News – Sun 1043 * 16. Frontline 1057 * 16. ABC News – Wed 1033 * 17. ABC News – Wednesday 1054 * 17. ABC News – Thu 1010 18. Next Of Kin 1048 * 18. ABC News – Fri 1006 19. Vicar Of Dibley Chrstmas Spcl 1035 19. McCallum 994 * 20. McFeast Portrait of Power Pussy 1023 20. Big Cat Diary 960 * Australian Content The above table lists the most popular programs transmitted by Network Television in the calendar year 1997 and up to June 1998 for the five capital cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Left: Petals a new ABC-produced animation series launched in June. Right: Teletubbies Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Po and Laa-Laa take over the morning timeslot.

30 Race Around The Corner. In commissioning new series National Networks have sought opportunities for co-production with overseas broadcasters and for overseas sales of ABC-commissioned work.

Children’s Children’s programs have retained their central role in scheduling, with constructive programming for every young age group. The introduction of a hosted morning show, presented by Mixy the rabbit, and incorporating pre-school favourites like Playschool, Bananas in Pyjamas and Sesame Paul McDermott in Good News Week Street, proved popular with younger viewers. The new series Teletubbies has doubled the early morning audience since its February of the Rio Curaca, and his award-winning launch. Children’s Week in June saw the Black Holes. Talk programs included First launch of a variety of ABC-produced, co- Wednesday, presented by Peter Thompson, a produced and acquired series, including monthly forum for important national issues Petals, The Morph Files and a second series of such as the debate over legalisation of heroin, Magic Mountain. UNICEF’s International and a second series of Jenny Brockie’s Children’s Day of Broadcasting in December interview program Speaking Personally. featured six hours of programs drawn from Richard Ackland took over as presenter of various cultures for and about children. Media Watch in March. The weekly religious program Compass was presented by Geraldine Comedy Doogue from the beginning of 1998 and The ABC has continued its commitment to extended its coverage of ethical issues and original Australian comedy, producing a controversies. broad mix of programming for a range of ages. Roy and HG returned with an Sport acclaimed new ten-part series, The Channel Sport continues to present a major challenge Nine Show, building new audiences in most for Network Television given the high cost of States. Good News Week returned on Fridays sporting rights, but once again the focus on for a third year, attracting growing audiences, the regions has enabled the network to while a new series from the same team, Good develop its coverage. February saw the start News Weekend, followed on strongly from the of live broadcasts of National Basketball Roy and HG series on Saturday nights. League games from Canberra, Perth, McFeast Live was a creative attempt at Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. Coverage combining comedy and talk, but failed to of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament from attract a sufficiently solid audience share. Perth in January won good audiences. The Other comedy initiatives included the first network also provided the widest coverage of ABC series of the popular Artist Services co- women’s sports, including the nation’s most production Micaleff, the six part Smallest played game, netball and basketball. Other Room in the House and Raw Comedy from the sports regularly covered included lawn bowls, Melbourne International Comedy Festival. junior tennis, volleyball, cycling, badminton, English soccer and American football. Science, Religion and Talks Science, Religion and Talks covers an eclectic Natural History variety of programming. Quantum gained a The Natural History Unit has again won new presenter, Triple J’s Adam Spencer, and international recognition for its quality sought to appeal to a wider, younger programs, such as Dragons of Galapagos, audience. Programs produced for the filmed over two years by award-winning film successful Science Week cross-media makers David Parer and Elizabeth Parer- collaboration included Rumble in the Jungle, Cook. The unit has begun an initiative to Richard Smith’s examination of the impact of develop new strands of shorter programming. a meteor on the life of the rainforest people Successful new programs included Zoo’s

31 Network Television Content Network 6am to Midnight 6pm to Midnight Television Content Analysis

Australian First release 32.3% Aust First release 46.2%

Australian Repeat 22.4% Aust Repeat 9.2%

Overseas First release 10.2% Overseas First release 20.3%

Overseas Repeat 35.1% Overseas Repeat 24.4%

Australian Content 1994–98 Television Program Analysis Arts Childrens 1997–98 Comedy Current Affairs 1996–97 Documentary Drama 1995–96 Education Entertainment 1994–95 Features Movies 1993–94 News Religious 0 102030405060 Per cent Sport 6am to Midnight 6pm to Midnight 0 300 600 900 1200 1500 180 Hours broadcast Australian Content (first run vs repeats) Australian Overseas 6am to Midnight 1997–98 1996–97 ABC made programs (first run) 1995–96 1994–95 1997–98 1993–94 6pm to midnight 1996–97

1997–98 1995–96 1996–97 1995–96 1994–95 1994–95 10 20 30 40 50 1993–94 1993–94 0 102030405060 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 First run Repeat First run Repeat Hours broadcast 6am to midnight 6pm to midnight Overseas content (first run vs repeats) (6am to midnight) First run programs 1997–98 1996–97 1997–98 1995–96 1994–95 1996–97 1993–94 6pm to midnight 1995–96

1997–98 1994–95 1996–97 1995–96 1993–94 1994–95 1993–94 0 20406080100 Per Cent 0 102030405060 Per cent 6am to midnight 6pm to midnight First run Repeat first run repeat

32 Company, filmed at three zoos in Victoria and ABC International Bunch of Fives a series of 3D animations suitable for children and adults that has ABC International extends the ABC’s role already won eight national and international through sale and distribution of its television awards. programs to broadcasters throughout the world. Despite the difficulties of the 1997- Education 1998 financial year, particularly with the downturn of business in Asia, revenue targets Education continues to commission for program sales were met for the fifth programming in all key learning areas for consecutive year. Bananas in Pyjamas, now Years K-12. Behind the News, for upper seen in 50 countries worldwide, added Latin primary and lower secondary students, America to its export list. Animation series remained the most popular schools television Petals was sold in a number of countries program, with an audience of around one including France and the Australia Ballet’s million students. New productions included Rites, filmed by the ABC, is soon to be Shape Shape Shape, a seven-part mathematical broadcast by the BBC. A European co- series for lower primary students, new producer for the Zoo’s Company and episodes of For the Juniors, Vital Systems, a reversioning of Frontier for the BBC’s series for secondary students looking at major Timewatch history series have also been body systems, and new episodes of secured. ABC Footage Sales has formed a Australians. consortium with Film Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive in Youth anticipation of overseas demand leading up Network Television undertakes programming to the 2000 Olympics. The Non-theatric Sales to reach every section of the Australian Unit supplies educational videos to schools, population. Programs with special appeal for tertiary institutions, libraries, businesses and a youth audience included Heartbreak High, government organisations throughout Rage, Recovery, Race Around the World, Raw FM Australian and New Zealand, as well as and the most popular programs for the 16–24 viewers. Series such as Reading Writing age group, Good News Week, Red Dwarf, Roy Roadshow, What’s your Poison and programs and HG and Seachange. on Indigenous culture have proved Network Television also made a significant particularly popular this year. contribution to LOUD, Australia’s first media festival of youth culture and the arts.

Indigenous Programs The ABC maintained its commitment to presenting programs with Indigenous themes Garth Caird on camera filming his fourth Hopman Cup. and perspectives. In television, the Indigenous Programs Unit produces and develops indigenous programs and brings an indigenous perspective to other programming. An eight-part documentary series screened in September and October as part of The Festival of the Dreaming, featured the work of leading indigenous film-makers, including Blacktracker from Producer Michael Riley, Shifting Shelter from Ivansen and Crim TV directed by Rachel Perkins. Jenny Brockie’s Speaking Personally series included performer Ningali Crawford and Social Justice Commissioner Mick Dodson’s Story was told in an episode of Australian Story. Songlines was repeated over summer.

33 The Arts Radio National In both Radio National is the ideas powerhouse of radio and the radio networks, with specialist output on television the arts, science, international affairs, social National Networks has ensured issues, law, religion and comprehensive news the ABC’s contribution to the artistic life of and current affairs coverage. The network’s the nation. programming explores the capabilities of the radio medium in a range of forms, including In television, Express continued to provide a magazine pieces, features, documentaries, weekly forum for arts coverage. Performance panel discussions, performance and music. programs included summer concerts by The network continues to explore new State symphony orchestras, and a summer content and to set new agendas. Stereo Specials season including a simulcast of Opera Australia’s Madama Butterfly, three The most significant programming short works from The Australian Ballet and innovation was the introduction of the overseas specials. Arts documentary nightly Asia Pacific presented by Peter Mares, programs included Brushes with Fame, a co-production with Radio Australia. coinciding with the Archibald Prize, Opera Launched in April, it brings key developments Works, a series attempting to demystify in the region to every area in Australia. Other opera and documentaries on painter David new programs in 1998 were the language Hockney, architect Frank Lloyd Wright and program Lingua Franca; Rural Reporter, giving composer Ennio Morricone. a new voice to the bush, and Saturday AM. The Radio Arts department supplies the Radio National provided in-depth coverage of networks, particularly ABC Classic FM and the Constitutional Convention across a range Radio National, with programming from a of programs. Late Night Live went to Hong range of specialist units. Programming Kong for the handover to China, and to highlights included Icons, a series featuring India for a week. Speeches by five of the six international concert stars on Radio living Australian Prime Ministers were National, special programming for the tenth broadcast in Prime Ministers on Prime anniverary of The Listening Room on Classic Ministers, and Open Learning began a 13-part FM, special programming celebrating Percy series, The Good Citizen: Australian Democracy Grainger’s works as part of the 1997 and Citizenship. Sunday Special continued to Melbourne International Festival and a showcase special series and lectures, successful collaboration with Perspecta and including Robert Theobald’s series The Future the Art Gallery of NSW. of Work and The Healing Century and the 1997 Boyer Lectures by Martin Krygier. In co- The ABC Radio Fellow, a six month position operation with the LOUD youth arts festival, funded annually by the Australia Council, Radio National produced a series of programs was Sophea Lerner with The Listening Room. on youth issues or with young presenters. Writer Raimondo Cortese worked for three months as a writer in residence with Radio Major arts and literary festivals, including Drama, funded by the Ian Reed Foundation. Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and the Festival of the Dreaming, were given Cross-network collaboration included: extensive coverage. Science Week programs Illegal Harmonies, a series on 20th century were broadcast across the country. Radio music on ABC Classic FM and Radio National Science Unit’s producers met National, production by The Listening Room regularly with their television and online of a series of Audioclips for broadcast on counterparts to discuss cross-media initiatives Triple J, and a joint production with ABC and to ensure cross-promotion, notably Multimedia which resulted in the broadcast between The Science Show, Quantum and the of Andrew Garton’s work Sensorium Connect online site The Lab. on the internet. Relationships with overseas public broadcasters were strengthened, and Since the beginning of 1998, Radio National collaborations with cultural organisations has been moving the bulk of its repeat within Australia included an agreement programs to a computer-based automated with the NSW Ethnic Communities Council program delivery system. This autoscheduling for the production of radio plays. system gives greater flexibility and efficiency, and is now delivering 65 hours of programs a week.

34 ABC Classic FM Triple J ABC Classic FM, Australia’s only national Triple J remains one of the ABC’s key classical music network, broadcasts a wide successes. In this financial year it achieved range of classical music as well as new music, the highest audience levels in its history, jazz and performance, and is committed to with its wide appeal to young Australians, the recording and broadcast of Australian live based on a balanced, innovative mixture of music. The network consistently exceeded its information, entertainment and new music. Australian content targets of 5 per cent Network promotions were highly successful composition and 20 per cent performance, in attracting audience interaction, with attaining monthly averages of 7.5per cent 260 000 voting in the ‘Hottest 100’ poll and and 27.5per cent respectively. 100 000 votes towards the ‘Hottest 100 of all The major music festivals Melbourne, time’. The Triple J website developed as a Sydney, Perth and Adelaide were extensively significant form of programming, covered during the year. At the Sydney information delivery and audience Spring International Festival of New Music 14 interaction, with weekly accesses growing world premieres and 33 Australian premieres from around 30 000 hits at the start of the were broadcast. The Australian Composing financial year to as many as 431 000 by the Women’s Festival was supported by the end of the year, accounting for 25 per cent of network which also staged a concert in total access to the ABC website. In the Sydney to mark the centenary of composer innovative new weekly chart program, The Margaret Sutherland. Net 50, the audience votes for the playlist via the internet. The network continued its close relationship with the Symphony Australia orchestras, Triple J reviewed its on-air line-up for 1998, with many live concert broadcasts. During with Jenny Oldershaw joining the Breakfast February Christopher Lawrence presented his team, Sarah Macdonald presenting the popular Swoon concerts in four cities. With Morning Show, Michael Tunn moving from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, ABC Nights to Afternoons, Adam Spencer and Classic FM co-promoted the Beethoven Helen Razer on Drive, and Jane Gazzo Festival, with the orchestra performing all presenting Nights from Melbourne. the concertos and symphonies for the first The Unearthed project continued to discover time in 55 years, culminating in a gala new musical talent, with Adelaide the second performance of the Eighth and Ninth capital city to be unearthed and 12 new Symphonies simulcast with Network bands discovered. Extensive arts coverage Television. included the Melbourne International The Recording of the Year Awards, presented Comedy Festival, the Third Annual Raw by the Hon Justice Michael Kirby, included Comedy Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festival jazz for the first time. The Awards were the and the Falls Festival. occasion for announcing a number of Triple J has consistently taken a responsible programming initiatives, including the stance on social issues affecting young broadcast of the entire season of 19 operas in people. In July, the network presented a the New York Texaco-Metropolitan Opera series, live broadcast of the Shostakovich Adam Spencer, Triple J and Quantum presenter broadcasting string quartet cycle by the touring Brodsky live from the Melbourne Exhibition Centre during science Quartet from the UK, and special week. programming for the tenth anniversary of the award-winning acoustic art program The Listening Room. The Young Composers Award saw the six finalists travel to Perth for the broadcast of their compositions by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra 20th Century Ensemble. Winner Dominik Karski received $5000 and an agreement with ABC Classics for the commercial recording of his work Floating on the River of Time.

35 week-long series of discussions and special programs aimed at the prevention of youth suicide, culminating in the Reach Out fundraiser which collected $180 000 for the establishment of a youth suicide prevention website. The Reach Out site was launched eight months later by Federal Family Services Minister, Warwick Smith, and Triple J was thanked in a special mention in the Senate. The network also focussed on significant community events during the year, including NAIDOC Week, World Environment Day and Ocean Week.

NewsRadio ABC NewsRadio, Australia’s only continuous radio news service, provides the most comprehensive radio news programming in also audiostreamed the internet. State and Australia. Broadcast on the Parliamentary Territory-based election coverage broadcast and News Network (PNN), which also carries to all States and Territories by the network the only extended live radio coverage of included 5AN’s coverage of the South Federal Parliament proceedings, it is heard in Australian election vote-counting in October, all capital cities and Newcastle. The radio reports on the ACT and Northern Territory service is complemented by NewsRadio’s elections, and of greatest national interest, website, which is updated regularly. During 4QR’s tallyroom program on the Queensland the year it has strengthened both its election in June. The network launched international and regional coverage. Australian radio’s first extended news-based NewsRadio broke the weekend story of the Sunday evening program, with strong death of Princess Diana, covered the Thredbo elements of science and technology, and disaster and the rescue of Stuart Diver, Australiawide segments, covering events brought continuing news of the Asian around the country, were also extended to economic crisis and broadcast President Sunday evenings. Soeharto’s resignation live from Indonesia. A International sources for Worldwide segments highlight was NewsRadio’s extended live and features were extended, with new coverage of the Constitutional Convention, programs from Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. Financial information was expanded, with a new daily stock market report and half-hourly financial reports added from 6am to midday on weekends. Radio Australia Tok Pisin Broadcaster, Paulus Kombo, in Sporting coverage was increased, including action during the twentieth Anniversary of Independence Celebrations, Honiara, Solomon Islands expansion of the only AFL radio coverage heard in all States and Territories.

Radio Australia Radio Australia, the ABC’s international service, was completely restructured in the course of this financial year following the Federal Government’s closure of the Cox Peninsula transmitters. Its budget was reduced by more than half, from $13.5 million to $6.3 million, with staff cut from 144 to 73, broadcasts in Cantonese, Thai and French ended, and broadcasts in Mandarin and Indonesian curtailed. Services in Khmer, Vietnamese, Tok Pisin and English have been

36 maintained. Shortwave reception in most Africa. Multimedia delivery has also been parts of Asia has been adversely affected crucial, with accesses to the website up over particularly in Indonesia and the Mekong. the period by 100 000 to a quarter of a Nonetheless, with great ingenuity, technical million per month. innovation and strong support from Radio In programming, Radio Australia has National and ABC Multimedia, the network identified distance education as a major field has redefined its role as the leading provider of opportunity, and started developing radio of information, education and cultural and online educational material in March. A programming in the Asia-Pacific region, team of specialist producers has worked with building new audiences both domestically Monash University academics to produce and on the internet. New specialist programs Money, Markets and the Economy, a series of such as Asia Pacific and Pacific Beat provide radio programs explaining the workings of unequalled coverage of issues in the region the international economy as a pilot for complementing Radio Australia’s 24 hour distance education delivery. Other news coverage of the region. Radio Australia universities have expressed interest in programs respond to development collaborating with Radio Australia and the imperatives, including economics, agriculture network is developing plans to produce and science and technology, in the Asia- Chinese and Indonesian language versions of Pacific region. educational activity. The challenge of reduced shortwave broadcasts has been met by finding new systems of delivery. While the Shepparton ABC Multimedia and Brandon transmitters have continued to ABC Multimedia has gone from strength to deliver services to Papua New Guinea and the strength in the management of the most Pacific, 40 partner stations in the region now advanced multimedia services of any relay Radio Australia programs in English, broadcasting network in Australia. It Chinese, Indonesian, Khmer and manages the award-winning internet service, Vietnamese; the network’s reach has ABC Online, as well as highly-acclaimed CD- extended into Vanuatu, Kiribati, Niue and ROM publishing. Tonga with programs re-broadcast there; a During 1997–98 ABC Online accesses rose contract has been signed with AusAid to from approximately 600 000 to over one secure additional satellite downloading million per week. The most popular sites facilities in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga; and were Online News, Triple J, Radio Australia, through the World Radio Network satellite science site the Lab and children’s site the service, Radio Australia is heard across Playground. The online ‘gateway’ structure Europe, North America and now South

ABC Online Accesses

6

5

4

3

2

1

0 July 1996 July 1997 July 1995 June 1998 December December December No. of accesses (millions)

37 initiatives included the launch of Australia’s first internet-based radio program, Net 50 on Triple J; web forums linked to episodes of Quantum; Discovering Democracy, a co- production between Open Learning Australia, Radio National and ABC Online; and cross-media coverage of the Kyoto climate conference in January. ABC Multimedia is now represented in Network Television’s program commissioning meetings, to encourage consideration of cross-media applications. During 1997–98 extensive negotiations were held with Cinemedia, the Victorian Government’s multimedia production funding body, with a view to a major production agreement in the next financial l o year. Australia Television International Pty Limited In early July 1997 the ABC Board announced that the Seven Network was the successful was consolidated during the year, with the bidder, and would purchase the ordinary Drum site for youth, Learn Online for shares in Australia Television International education, the On Air marketing gateway, Pty Limited. The Seven Network assumed Your Local ABC for regional services, The Shop management control of, and financial for ABC Shops and The Playground launched, responsibility for, the service on 1 August joining the Lab and ABC News Online. 1997. Each of the gateways is strongly linked to During February 1998, the ordinary shares broadcasting facilities, with cross-media were transferred and final agreements signed. opportunities frequently exploited in the The Seven Network committed to areas of youth and education in particular. maintaining a quality Australian based Frontier Education Online, launched in service of 16 hours per day for at least the February, joins television to provide schools next three and a half years. with significant resources for Indigenous The Seven Network contracted the ABC to studies. ConCon, launched on Australia Day, provide the award winning Australia provided innovative coverage of the Television nightly news, along with access to Constitutional Convention including ‘live’ domestic ABC News and Current Affairs. The audiofeeds of the debate and allowed for cost to the ABC for providing this service is interactive public response. $3 million. This amount is specifically For the second consecutive year, ABC Online, allocated for the support of Australia TV won Best Media Web Site at the prestigious within the ABC's Parliamentary 1997 Australian Internet Awards ceremony in appropriation. Australia Television November. The Real Wild Child CD-ROM International Pty Limited also contracts the won seven 1997 Australian International ABC for supply of certain operational support Multimedia Awards. services. ABC News Online relaunched in March, now The ABC retains a preference shareholding, provides a full 24-hour multimedia news in Australia Television and has three seats on service, fully incorporated within the the seven-member Australia Television Board. editorial structures of ABC News to ensure Current ABC Directors are Donald the highest quality. Other cross-media McDonald, Brian Johns and Dianne Gribble.

38 news

& current News and Current Affairs radio and television programs covered breaking world news affairs stories, from the death of Princes Diana to the Northern Ireland peace talks, the economic crisis in Asia, the leadership change in Indonesia, the Global Warming Confernce in Kyoto and the Skate tapes affair in Papua New Guinea. At home, the service provided extensive ‘We will embrace the future by coverage of events from Katherine to Launceston, including the Thredbo disaster, building on our traditional floods and bushfires and the waterfront dispute. The ABC’s coverage of the Katherine strengths – the depth and floods was publicly praised by both the NT breadth of our news coverage, the Chief Minister and Police Commissioner. quality of our analysis and the ABC coverage of the Constitutional Convention, which included a nightly strong allegiances we sustain television Convention Report by the Lateline team, received congratulations from the daily with the Australian Chair of the Convention, Ian Sinclair. community.’ Elections in South Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and Paul Williams, Queensland were covered and special Head News and Current Affairs election night programs were produced for each State and Territory. In addition, the Radio Current Affairs program AM broadcast from South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland in the days before and after the elections. Kim Beazley, left, and John Howard, right, being interviewed ABC Television News launched its ‘new look’ for ABC Radio in the ABC Parliament House studios. on Australia Day and has received positive Photo: Andrew Meares

39 Grandstand program continues to maintain ACCUSATIONS OF BIAS REJECTED its reputation as an agenda setter in the At the time of the national waterfront national sports media. In cricket, Radio Sport dispute in April-May, accusations of bias provided coverage of the New Zealand and were made against ABC News and Current South Africa cricket tours of Australia, the Affairs. Given its commitment to provide Ashes Test in England, the One Day series in balanced, independent coverage, these New Zealand and the Australian tour of were serious allegations. India.Other highlights include the World Two comprehensive reports by Professor Swimming Championships in Perth in Philip Bell of the Media and January and football (various codes) on Communications Unit of the University of Grandstand. New South Wales, one into television coverage and the other into radio coverage, unequivocally rejected International accusations of bias. Professor Bell Twelve months after a major review of its concluded, in the case of ABC Television overseas offices, the ABC is utilising more bi- News and the 7.30 Report, that “the media reporting from its foreign programs acted professionally and fairly correspondents. insofar as balance and accuracy can be The new Asia hub built around the Bangkok judged”. The report on radio concluded “It Bureau is working well and reinforcing other is not possible to judge the ABC radio Asian bureaus where needed. The splitting of coverage of the dispute as ‘biased’.” resources between London and Brussels has provided permanent television coverage from Europe for the first time, but resources have audience response. Network Television News been stretched at both Bureaus during busy from December 1 to February 13 broke new news periods. ground with a highly successful 20 minute Late Edition News, Monday to Friday. The The strength of the ABC’s network of foreign program made full use of domestic and Bureaus was graphically illustrated during the overseas corespondents, broadcasting live year, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. with breaking or fresh news. News and Current Affairs coverage of the social and political changes in Indonesia and Australian Story moved to a new time slot for the political tumult in Papua New Guinea the 1998 season at 8.30pm Thursday won general acclaim. resulting in a significant increase in audience reach. It has become one of the ABC’s ten most watched programs. News Online Radio Sport finalised the radio contract for ABC News Online, based in Brisbane, rapidly the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and is well expanded the amount of News and Current prepared for the Commonwealth Games in Affairs content available online during Kuala Lumpur in September. The national 1997–98, culminating in the official launch News Online Accesses

Wharf QLD election 600 dispute Indonesia 500 Constitutional 400 Convention Asian Hutchence Gulf 300 Thredbo Diana's crises death crises disaster funeral 200

100

0 1 Jun 8 Feb 5 July 27 Jul 8 Mar 11 Jan 5 April 3 May 29 Jun 28 Jun 19 Oct 24 Aug 14 Dec 16 Nov 31 May 21 Sept No. of accesses (000s)

40 ● ● Moscow London ●Brussels Beijing● ●New York Jerusalem ● ● ●Tokyo Washington ●Amman ● New Delhi● Hong Kong ●Hanoi ●Bangkok

● Jakarta ●Port Moresby

●Johannesburg

● ABC Bureaus and Correspondents

of the News Online service in March. Report share remains steady. The Australian New services covering Business, the Story audience has increased significantly. Olympics, State News, Sport and Features The Stateline audience remains constant were launched. Audio featuring ABC Radio although when special editions of the Current Affairs was developed as a program have been produced and broadcast component of the Online News package. outside the normal timeslot, as with the Queensland Election program, there have During the year, ABC News Online launched been marked increases in audience numbers. the Regional Online Project which is designed to deliver news from ABC regional Radio Current Affairs continues to perform newsrooms. The service has been so popular well with AM and PM in particular increasing that the number of regions online increased their audiences. to 25 and there are plans to bring the remaining regions online by the end of 1998. Future Directions Special News Online coverage was mounted for the death and funeral of Diana, Princess In the first half of the financial year, News of Wales, the Constitutional Convention, the and Current Affairs completed first and waterfront dispute, the Federal Budget, the second tier restructuring in accordance with Indonesian crisis, the World Cup and the the Corporation’s ‘One ABC’ policy. Queensland State election. News and Current Affairs has continued to Access activity on the News site continued to merge newsrooms. Adelaide is due to move rise, peaking at more than 600 000 accesses into a purpose-built bi-media newsroom per week. On the night of the Queensland towards the end of 1998. election the election site received 140 000 The goal of developing a 24-hour news hits. ABC News Online now accounts for gathering capability proceeds. As part of this between 35 and 45 per cent of total accesses planning, digital cameras and editing on the ABC site. eqipment have been introduced in Melbourne. Audiences A project team has been established to advise on the replacement of the Basys system. Audience numbers for News and Current Training programs for multi-skilling Affairs programs show slight variations from journalists, crews and editors have the previous year. Television News has commenced. increased its audience share while The 7.30

41 program Last year the ABC Board endorsed a new organisational structure which resulted in the production establishment of the Program Production portfolio - a production house to create, produce and resource commissioned programs, other than News and Current Affairs, to satisfy ABC network schedules. The establishment of this portfolio with its Head being a member of the ABC Executive was a clear reflection of key ‘One ABC’ principles – production of content as a …the portfolio created, produced central ABC business and program led and resourced award winning management. During the year the portfolio created, television programs that produced and resourced award winning television programs that continue to be the continue to be the hallmark of hallmark of ABC television programming. ABC television programming These programs covered the diverse range of categories – Arts and Entertainment, Documentaries, Natural History, Indigenous, Drama, Children’s, Education, Comedy, Science, Religion, Talks and Sport. The year was also a period of change as the portfolio proceeded with the implementation of the ‘One ABC’ restructure. This has The Channel Nine Show in production at the ABC’s Gore Hill resulted in the portfolio developing new Studios in Sydney. Pictured is camera operator Dick Bond. relationships both within the ABC and with

42 the external program production industry, encouraging new program development, restructuring the portfolio organisation and reducing ongoing staffing by one in four.

Programs and Services

Television Programs Over 1000 hours of first run television programs were delivered and broadcast by the ABC television network, contributing significantly to ABC Australian content. These programs, and the work of their creators, producers and resourcers, were recognised nationally and internationally by winning many awards. Richard Ackland, joined the Media Watch team as the new presenter. It is through these programs, and the programs produced by the News and Current Affairs portfolio, that the ABC largely meets its Charter obligations - to broadcast Archives and Library Services programs that contribute to a sense of Archives and library services are used by all national identity and inform and entertain, ABC output portfolios for the research and and reflect the cultural diversity of the production of television programs, radio Australian community and to broadcast programs and online services. In addition the programs of an educational nature. services include cataloguing, preserving and Programs produced by Program Production, archiving program material, managing ABC as well as satisfying a major portion of the media collections and libraries and an online ABC television network schedule, provide site providing information about the ABC Enterprises with sources for additional collections and access to material through products and services. sales outlets. Archives and Library Services has locations in Online Service all States, which are managed by Program Program Production is a significant content Production. contributor to the ABC Online Internet service, with many of the online sites relating to television programs produced by the Future Directions portfolio. Program Production has developed a business These television programs, and the online plan for the next two years which defines service content, are produced in several strategic responses to the ‘One ABC’ production units around the country. restructure and sets targets for production output within the existing infrastructure. The goal is to increase levels of production Production Resources output for the ABC in terms of innovation, Production resources are largely used for the diversity, quality, value and quantity. In production and post production of television support of this goal Program Production’s programs. In addition these resources are priorities are to develop the production and used by other ABC portfolios either for resource skills of the staff, upgrade facilities, production of television programs and online extend the use of digital technology and services or for transmission operations. improve production processes to realise these increased output levels of ABC programs. These production resources are located in Sydney and Melbourne.

43 ABC The ABC has been producing material for sale, generated through radio and television enterprises programs since 1974 and has been operating ABC Shops since 1981. There are currently 28 ABC Shops located in major cities and regional centres throughout Australia. ABC Centres, dedicated spaces within existing retail outlets selling ABC product, have been operating since 1988. ABC Centres provide access to ABC products to audiences in country and suburban centres that are not large enough to support shops. Enterprises activities fall into three main areas: • production of consumer products such as books, audio tapes, contemporary and classical music CDs, videos and magazines, • the sale of this product through ABC Shops, ABC Centres, traditional retail outlets and direct marketing activities, and • the licensing in Australia and overseas of ABC program related products such as toys and clothing bearing ABC trademarks. Warehousing and distribution of ABC products are carried out under contract by private sector corporations such as Allen and Unwin (books), EMI and PolyGram (contemporary and classical music) and Roadshow (video). The manufacture of musical recordings, videos, books and licensed merchandise is also carried out by private sector companies. ABC Enterprises is a self funding division of the ABC. It maintains separate accounting systems, receives no appropriation from the ABC budget and returns all profits to the Corporation to support programming activities. Over the past six years ABC Enterprises has increased its net profit fourfold as a result of expanding its activities and innovation in the design of products and services. In 1997–98 all areas of ABC Enterprises performed strongly and the organisation achieved above budget trading results. Over 530 products related to ABC programming activities were offered for sale in ABC Shops, Centres and general retail stores. A total of 73 awards was won during the year; 41 for creative excellence and 32 for business performance. (see Appendix 8).

44 Activities Classics 1997–98 was an exceptionally good year for Retail ABC Classics with the celebration of ten Two new shops in Preston Victoria and years of the ABC Classics recording label. Marion South Australia were opened in The small unit of two has 1997–98 bringing the total number of shops achieved the best financial to 28. Several existing shops were results ever, and a third refurbished. Gold Record in two years, for Swoon II. Online Shopping The ABC has fostered It is now possible to purchase goods classical music in electronically through the ABC Shop Online. Australia since its The existing site was upgraded in April with a formation in 1932, new look and streamlined operation. The supporting six Online Shop contains a choice of about 1400 Symphony items, mainly new releases and best-sellers. Orchestras and making The full range of 4500 products should be thousands of recordings of available by the end of 1998. Items are Australian compositions and performances, displayed with image and text description. for broadcast and long-playing vinyl disc. Audio and video displays will be The ABC’s own label was created in 1988 progressively introduced where relevant. and in ten years ABC Classics has created a Goods can be ordered electronically via a catalogue of over 150 active titles across secure credit card payment system for home many periods, genres and styles of classical delivery. music. Within Australia, ABC Classics titles routinely outsell major releases by large Consumer Publishing international record companies. Overseas All areas of consumer publishing recorded the label is stocked by leading record stores strong results for the year. and receives a steady flow of positive reviews. ABC Classics has won numerous Magazines national and international awards. In 1997–98 the contribution made by the label Enterprises took over the management of 24 was recognised with a special award of Hours magazine in March. It is now published Record Industry Achiever of the Year and distributed monthly under licence by presented to the Head of ABC Classics, Terraplane Press. Following the closure of Robert Patterson. Soundscapes magazine in April, 24 Hours is the pre-eminent source of classical music ABC Classics are distributed in Australia by reportage in Australia. PolyGram and internationally by HNH International Ltd. Audio ABC Audio produces Australian literary works Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute at on audio tapes and CDs and is Australian the Garvan Institute in Sydney. distributor for the BBC Radio catalogue. This year a new range of ABC Book and Tape sets Contemporary Music for children was added to the catalogue. ABC Country Music artist Gina Jeffreys was These sets contain full colour story books invited by the Country Music Association of packaged together with a top quality cassette America to headline the first official recording of the story brought to life with International Showcase at its annual Fan Fair music and sound effects. The new range in Nashville, Tennessee, the USA’s biggest includes Bananas in Pyjamas, Blinky Bill and Country Music event. While in Nashville Ms Play School favourites. Jeffreys also appeared at the Grand Ole Opry, Video in an event which was broadcast to a television audience of 75 million. One of the best selling video tapes of the year The ABC Country label has been part of ABC was Diana – A Celebration. Profits from the Contemporary Music since 1991 and in the sale of the BBC video were donated to the

45 Licensing, Films And Events

Licensing Bananas in Pyjamas merchandise is available in nineteen countries with approximately 350 overseas companies licensed to manufacture products such as books, toys, clothing, accessories, stationery and games. In Australia approximately 70 different Enterprises first film distribution venture Her Majesty Mrs licensees manufacture products for domestic Brown. sale and export.

ensuing seven years ABC Country artists have Films won 36 Golden Guitars at the Tamworth Enterprises’ first film distribution venture, Country Music Festival and achieved 9 Gold Her Majesty Mrs Brown, grossed over $4.5 and 5 Platinum albums. During the year, million at the Australian box office and is Head of ABC Contemporary Music, Meryl still being exhibited in parts of the country. Gross, was honoured by the Australian The film opened on Boxing Day at twenty Country Music Association with an award for venues and was soon screening in 46 her contribution to Country Music in cinemas. Australia. Events Building on the ABC’s strengths in children’s television programming, Enterprises is expanding its children’s entertainment activities, augmenting the ABC for Kids range of books, videos, licensed product and music with new events for children such as theatrical performances, concerts, character appearances and an ABC for Kids Club.

Enterprises – Enterprises – Cash contribution to ABC Revenue Activities

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994 0246810 $ millions

Films 2%

Enterprises – Accrued Profits Classical Music 1.1%

1998 Licensing 11.2%

Video 15.7% 1997 Contemporary Music 8.2% 1996 Audio 2.5% 1995 Publishing 8.1%

1994 Retail Sales 51.2% 03691215 $ millions

46 symphony Symphony Australia australia Symphony Australia provides administrative and professional services to the orchestral network and coordinates and manages the Artist Development Program. It continues to oversee the corporatisation of the orchestras. As part of its Artist Development Program, Symphony Australia administers the prestigious Young Performers Awards. The 1997 Grand Final was held in Sydney, simulcast on Network Television and ABC Classic FM. The winner, Philip Arkinstall, gave an outstanding performance of Françaix’s Clarinet Concerto. In October, the Symphony Australia Conductors’ Mastercourse was held in Queensland, under the direction of Maestro Jorma Panula. The winner of the Westfield Young Conductor of the Year Award, Andrew Robinson, was invited by Maestro Panula to take part in a similar course held at Carnegie Hall in February. Symphony Australia in collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra presented Orchestra Dreaming at this year’s Adelaide Festival, a concert that canvassed and celebrated the ways in which Indigenous and European Australian music can meet. This concert was broadcast on ABC Classic FM and is due to be screened on Network Television later this year. One of the highlights of the concert was Music is our Culture by composers Jardine Kiwat, Grayson Rotumah, Kerry McKenzie, Jensen Warusam and Chester Schultz. The work proved to be a powerful symbol of our shared history in this land.

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) further increased the diversity of its activities with the introduction of a summer season of pops repertoire, an early evening series of The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Circus Spectacular conducted by Timothy Sexton. Photo: Drew Lenman. chamber music, and a short series of concerts of music of the Classical era with the renowned Swedish conductor, Arnold Östman. In addition to its regular series of concerts, the ASO performed with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa for Opera in the Outback; performed in the pit for the State Opera of South Australia and The Australian Ballet; and was the major contributor to the 1998 Adelaide Festival, performing four distinct programs to a total audience in excess of 65 000.

47 Concerts Concerts – Attendances

1998 1998

1997 1997

1996 1996

1995 1995

1994 1994 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 No. of concerts Attendance ('000s) Paid Schools Free Paid Schools Free

The ASO’s recording of the complete Sun Resurrection which marked the beginning of a Music of Peter Sculthorpe conducted by Chief complete Mahler cycle. Other artistic Conductor, David Porcelijn, won an ARIA highlights of the period were the Australian award for Best Classical Recording of the premieres of Esa-Pekka Salonen’s LA year. Other highlights included the world Variations, Rautavaara’s Symphony No. 7 premiere of Orchestra Dreaming, a Angel of Light, Ross Edwards’ Guitar Concerto, collaboration with Indigenous music makers Tristan Murail’s Time and Again, Kits by in creating a genuine fusion of cultures. Philippe Hurel and Giya Kancheli’s cycle of To appeal to a wide cross-section of South prayers, Life Without Christmas. Australians, a community series, ASO Alfresco, On 30 March, the Melbourne Symphony’s was introduced; the Christmas Proms Managing Director, Steven Porter died after a featured three members of the victorious long fight against heart disease. Steven Porter Crows football team; and the Family Concert joined the staff of the MSO in August 1990, in March featured a satellite link-up with guiding the orchestra through a period with South Australian astronaut, Andy Thomas, in numerous major changes. The culmination the Mir Space Station. of his vision for the orchestra was the appointment of Markus Stenz. In addition to its regular concert activities Melbourne Symphony and special events, the Melbourne Symphony During the year the Melbourne Symphony took a key facilitative role in the Arts 2000 welcomed Markus Stenz as its new Chief project, involving the orchestra, Opera Conductor and Artistic Director. He Australia, The Australian Ballet, the commenced his four-year term with Melbourne Theatre Company and the performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 Victorian Arts Centre. The project raised over $1 000 000 for the five companies and generated an enormous profile for the arts among corporate and social leaders.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra The year has seen significant artistic achievements for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO). Highlights included: combined concerts with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, in particular a performance of Mahler’s First Symphony conducted by the QSO’s Principal Conductor, Muhai Tang; a special concert with Ray Charles; and a CD recording of Frankel’s Violin Concerto, Viola Concerto and Triple Concerto – subsequently voted one of the top ten recordings of 1997 by Gramophone Steven Porter, MSO Managing magazine. Director from 1990 to 1998.

48 In this twelve-month period, the QSO has Sydney; and educational concerts, recording introduced ten new works to its performance programs, and pre-concert talks. repertoire, performed nine Australian works in subscription concerts and released four new CDs. Eighty-four guest artists have Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra appeared with the orchestra (twenty-five of January 1998 marked the start of the whom were international musicians) and one Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s (TSO) hundred and five concerts were given, Fiftieth Anniversary year. A celebration including orchestral subscription and special concert was held in April conducted by the concerts, schools concerts and free concerts. orchestra’s Chief Conductor and Artistic The QSO currently remains a division of Director, David Porcelijn. Other artistic Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, but achievements of the past twelve months have strategies are being implemented to effect a been: the Schubert and Mendelssohn successful transition to full corporatisation by Festival; an ABC Television special Focus, the year 2000. featuring the music of Eddie Sauter; the recording of the soundtracks for A LittleBit of Soul and Empire; and the release of the CD Sydney Symphony Spirit of the Baroque, conducted by Geoffrey The Sydney Symphony’s key artistic projects Lancaster. of the year were the result of the The programming of works for the TSO’s implementation of Chief Conductor, Edo de subscription concerts has included the Waart’s artistic strategy and planning introduction of forty-nine pieces new to their policies. The performances of Mahler’s repertoire, as well as twenty-one works by Seventh Symphony continued the orchestra’s Australian composers. The TSO has intended cycle of Mahler symphonies over a performed seventy-one concerts this year and six-year period. In June, Edo de Waart seventy-four guest artists from both Australia conducted the Sydney Symphony in the and overseas have appeared with the Beethoven Festival – the complete cycle of orchestra. nine symphonies and five piano concertos In addition to its regular concert activities, was performed in a four-week period. the TSO has been involved in: chamber As well as four world premieres of new music and theatre productions in regional Australian compositions, one complete CD of Tasmania; collaborations with a range of Australian music was recorded for future community groups; the Australian release. During the year, eight works new to Composers’ Orchestral Forum in conjunction the orchestra’s repertoire were introduced, with the Australian Music Centre and eleven Australian works were performed and five CDs were recorded. The orchestra gave one hundred and eighty-four concerts to an audience totalling approximately 386 000. The orchestra presented fifty-one guest artists during the year. The orchestra’s array of non- stage activities for the year included: Sydney Sinfonia, an orchestral mentoring program for student musicians; Young Artists Program, providing talented musicians an opportunity to perform and record as a soloist with the orchestra; Playerlink!, a series of tutorials and workshops for The SSO on the steps of Sydney Opera House. Photo: Richard Weinstein. students living outside of

49 Symphony Australia; and the Youth Performance Activities Music Australia Orchestral Fellowships program. Major Subscription Contemporary Series The highlight of the year was the Popular Programming announcement of the construction Special Events of a new concert hall, to be the Opera, Ballet & Hirings home of the TSO. Development Activities Access Activities Recordings West Australian Symphony 0 50 100 150 200 250 Orchestra No. of Concerts Corporatisation of the West Australian Australian works. The orchestra has also Symphony Orchestra (WASO) took place in commissioned seven new works by January. Australian composers. Artistically it has been a year of change and With an audience of approximately 150 000 development. Vladimir Verbitsky, the for the one hundred and twenty concerts orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor since performed over this year, there have been 1992, was appointed Conductor Laureate; in fifty-six guest artists that appeared with the July the orchestra toured to Melbourne and WASO – thirty-two from Australia and Sydney as part of those orchestras’ twenty-four from overseas. subscription series; and in December the The WASO has also undertaken a diverse WASO appeared with Placido Domingo in a range of orchestral activities away from the concert at the Burswood Dome, to an concert hall, such as: outdoor performances; audience of 15 000. educational performances; community The year has seen the introduction of twelve access; regional touring; and pit orchestral more works to the orchestra’s repertoire, as work for the West Australian Opera and well as the performance of eighteen Ballet companies.

50 human This has been a difficult year for the staff and management of the ABC: a new re-structure resources of the organisation had commenced just before the ABC faced the largest budget cuts in its history. A significant number of staff positions was lost during the year. In all, one-fifth of the ABC’s workforce has left in the space of two years. There were great strains on those staying, but the professional commitment of our staff supported by new systems and strategies developed by Human Resources and implemented through line management saw the ABC successfully through this difficult period of re-adjustment. The Human Resources portfolio embraces the following functions: Human Resource Policy Management; Training and Development, Employee Relations; Workforce Planning Unit; Occupational Health and Safety; Equal Employment Opportunity; and Remuneration and Payroll.

Human Resource Policy Human Resources has worked to develop portfolio line management knowledge and understanding of human resource issues. The Human Resources portfolio has representation on all corporation wide management bodies and State management executives. Output portfolios are assigned a human resources manager to provide advice on a Production Manager, Shona Challen and technical producer Wayne Chee at the variety of issues including employment, Sydney Royal Agricultural Society Easter contract negotiation, workplace reform, Show training and development and restructuring.

51 Staff 1989–98 Staff by portfolio 1997–98 1996–97 1995–96 1994–95 1993–94 1992–93 1991–92 1990–91 1989–90 1988–89 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 No of Staff (000s) Corporate Management 0.5% Training and Development Enterprises 4% Finance and Business Services 9% Training Plan Human Resources 3% Creative renewal for the ABC requires National Networks 12% development and maintenance of a critical News and Current Affairs 21% mass of skills. A major survey of the ABC’s Program Production 23% training needs was completed and has formed the basis of a co-ordinated training Regional Services 26% Technology Strategy plan for all portfolios for 1998–99.The plan and Development 1.5% aims to ensure equity of access, consistent delivery and a cost effective approach to industry, there has been considerable interest training activities within a reduced budget on the part of education and training allocation. providers in extending partnerships and Corporation wide initiatives such as arrangements whereby students gain work collocation in Sydney and Melbourne, experience at the ABC as part of their formal introduction of the new integrated SAP courses. system and the associated PC rollout, have In addition, the ABC has provided shaped the Corporation’s training needs, as opportunities, particularly in technical and does the move from anologue to digital operational areas, for staff from the technology. commercial sector to join ABC training A range of strategies to ensure that regional courses. This has allowed the ABC to deliver staff can continue to benefit from training commercially viable courses as well as initiatives, including use of local mentors contributing to the industry more broadly. and various technological solutions is being The appointment of a Business Development developed. Manager in March has provided the opportunity for these industry links to be ABC Traineeships strengthened and to generate income to The employment of trainees emerged as a support training delivery within the ABC. priority issue during the past 12 months as part of the organisation’s approach to International Activities succession planning. Some are already on The ABC’s broader training role includes staff and are partway through a traineeship international activities. The ABC has period; others will be taken on as part of a undertaken a number of significant projects Corporation-wide initiative. funded by the Australian Agency for In order to capitalise on the employment of International Development (AusAID, trainees, the ABC’s policy is to provide and formerly AIDAB). deliver structured training and to ensure they International activities are self-funding, and receive adequate support and feedback on also generate income. They have provided their performance in their attachments to ABC staff with valuable opportunities to ABC workplaces. work with other broadcasters as well as enhancing relationships between the Industry Links Corporation and international organisations. Because of its key position in the media

52 Staff by region Staff by Job Group Admin Officers Broadcasters Engineering & Technical Journalists/Reporters TV Production Support Senior Executives TV off Prod Ops TV Producer/Directors TV production Services TV transmission 0 200 400 600 800 1000 No of Staff

ACT 2%

Northern Territory 3% restructured ABC. The skills register/competency database developed by NSW 52% the WPU to facilitate the major redundancy Overseas 1% process has streamlined workforce Queensland 8% management, particularly in the areas of selection and recruitment (including South Australia 7% selection for substitution and redeployment); Tasmania 5% performance management; and training gaps Victoria 16% analysis for career or succession planning

Western Australia 6% management. Following completetion of most bulk redundancies, Human Resources plans to include the WPU as part of the Employee Relations Organisational Structures Unit, allowing the database capacity to be integrated into A detailed workplace reform content strategy ongoing human resource decision-making. was developed. It focuses on the ABC’s current 68 classification structures and employment conditions which are Occupational Health and Safety considered to be inflexible, complex and bureaucratic. The proposed new enterprise The Health and Risk Unit was established this agreements will seek streamlined, flexible year to assist line management in achieving a conditions under one instrument with the safe and productive workplace. The unit has principal elements centring on efficiency, developed a Corporation wide OH&S strategy simplicity and fairness. and management plan. The plan was In June the ABC secured a broad, interim designed to: complement the ABC OH&S common law agreement with the three ABC Policy and Agreement with unions; reflect unions to include existing non-allowable Comcare Australia’s audit requirements; award matters in an agreement for a period promote consistency while facilitating a of no more than 12 months, with the final flexible approach to risk management; content and the location of these matters to formalise key objectives and outcomes; be resolved as part of a new Enterprise nominate levels of accountability; and Bargaining process. identify key criteria to measure performance. It is anticipated that actual negotiations with The implementation of the OH&S strategy the unions will not occur, in substance, and plan has been strengthened by a before 1999. The interim period will be management training program in each State. devoted to developing a business case There were 273 OH&S incidents reported approach to the reforms with commitment during the year. Five incidents were reported by portfolios to use the reforms to deliver to Comcare Australia and one Improvement increased productivity. Notice was issued to the ABC under Sections 40 and 68 of the Occupational Health and Workplace Planning Unit Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. There were 125 claims for workers’ The Workforce Planning Unit (WPU) was compensation accepted by Comcare costing established in 1996 to manage the approximately $236 000. anticipated twenty percent staff reduction by matching staff skills with the needs of a

53 Employee Assistance Program Staff by Gender

This year saw many difficult issues arise as 1993–94 hundreds of long-serving staff considered accepting offers of voluntary redundancy. For 1994–95 many the ending of their careers allowed a 1995–96 new stage of their life. For others there was real pain, not just for themselves but genuine 1996–97 concern about the welfare of the ABC and their ex-colleagues within the Corporation. 1997–98 The national Employee Assistance Program 0 20406080100 Per cent (EAP) and associated services were introduced for all ABC staff in July. Staff were informed Male Female about the service using a publicity video and briefings and a freecall number has been established to enable staff overseas to access EAP. Six per cent of staff made use of the There are 64 Indigenous staff employed with service this year. the ABC. Thirteen traineeships were held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff Equal Employment Opportunity across such areas as News, radio production and on-line services. Acting opportunities A major review of EEO management across a broad range of ABC activities were undertaken during the year examined further encouraged. Nine staff resigned from overseas experience, practice within the ABC, the ABC to pursue their careers elsewhere results of consultation with management and having received ABC skills training and they staff and future directions. were replaced by nine experienced staff As at 30 June, the representation of staff from recruited during the year. EEO groups included: EEO and Cross-Cultural Awareness programs • 30.1 per cent of Senior Executives women; conducted with a broad range of ABC staffs • 13.7 per cent of staff from non-English have produced great benefits. speaking backgrounds; The ABC also implemented a Disability • 1.5 per cent of staff Aboriginal and Torres Action Plan as required under the Strait Islander; and Commonwealth Disability Strategy, including a policy for Access and Equity for • 2.5 per cent of staff with disabilities. People with Disabilities. Women have been further encouraged to enter and retain management career paths and special initiatives are being encouraged for women in engineering and technical areas.

Remuneration and Payroll Human Resources’ long term strategies for development of relevant, steamlined remuneration policies and procedures involve workplace reform and implementation of a new Human Resource Management Information System. To this end extensive consultation has occurred this year. Trainees for Women in Engineering with Chrissie Tucker (far left) EEO Officer.

54 finance & business The financial year 1997–98 was both challenging and demanding for the ABC. We services faced a loss of $55 million in government funding, the largest cut in ABC history. Such a loss of funding inevitably meant that a significant number of staff was lost to the Corporation during the year. Our forward planning needed to accommodate not only the financial losses but also the staff losses that have occurred. These considerations ‘This year saw the ABC drove major reviews of our business systems, successfully undergo a information technology renewal strategy and our property holdings. comprehensive re-engineering of The changes resulting from the reviews were its finance and business services specifically designed to support the ‘One ABC’ structure with its emphasis on regional which are now directly tailored development, to make the ABC even more to support the Corporation as it efficient in resource management and to prepare for the arrival of digital broadcasting. enters the new era of digital broadcasting’ Major Savings Achieved with Russell Balding, Better Efficiencies Head Finance and Business Services Areas such as financial management, procurement, property maintenance and accounting practices were all re-engineered. The portfolio was involved in on-going negotiations for future funding, the sale of the ABC’s interest in Australia Television to the Seven Network, the development of a Total Asset Management system, and the implementation of a new integrated business technology system. The establishment of a new shared service centre at the ABC’s Collinswood offices in Adelaide will see further benefits flowing to the ABC. The implementation of these financial and administrative reforms means The facade of the refurbished historic Rockhampton ABC that scarce funds can now be redirected into studios. Pictured inside the new Rockhampton studio are output areas. David Anderson (seated) 4KY breakfast presenter, Melissa Sullivan, journalist and Paul Robinson, radio news editor. As a result of these and other improvements

55 throughout the Corporation over $28 million The Collinswood building in Adelaide was in savings were achieved during the year. substantially refurbished for the new Shared This met slightly more than half of the $55 Services Centre and the collocation of our million funding shortfall for the ABC. The re- News and Current Affairs operations. Further organisation of support activities through a work in Adelaide includes improvements to well coordinated Business Support Review carparking and landscaping. Collocation of (BSR) was a key element in this strategy. all news and current affairs operations on Traditional services such as Accounting one floor has also occured in Adelaide. Operations, Financial Controls, Financial News and Current Affairs collocation has also Planning and Analysis and Financial Advice occurred in the Perth complex, is progressing for Content Production and Broadcasting in Melbourne and is planned for Hobart. In have all been integrated and reviewed. The keeping with the ‘One ABC’ re-structuring BSR team also oversaw the selection and and efficiencies to be made through digital introduction of the SAP R/3 system with an broadcasting and improved computerisation, introduction date (since met) of October a major review commenced into the 1998. The centralisation of purchasing across Corporation’s Sydney studio and operational the ABC brought significant financial and facility complexes. These comprise the efficiency benefits. A ‘one-stop purchasing Ultimo building built in 1990 and the system’ via computer has allowed a faster and substantial Gore Hill television site and the wider access to inventory items. Frenchs Forest Drama studios – much of the Other key results for the year saw: latter two complexes dating back to the 1950s. • completion of the 1996–97 financial statements without qualification, Other accommodation studies are occurring in Brisbane, Perth and the Northborne • assistance with the incorporation of Avenue site in Canberra, where the ABC Symphony Australia and the Melbourne, invited Expressions of Interest for purchase Adelaide and West Australian symphony or redevelopment. These are currently being orchestras, evaluated. Improvements are in process for • introduction of new strategic financial the Darwin studios. planning and budgeting over two year time- A five year strategic plan for the management spans rather than the previous single year, of the ABC’s 48 regional studio buildings has • a $50 million borrowing secured on also been developed. This has identified favourable terms to refinance existing debt, needed improvements including partially replacing a $100 million refurbishment as well as likely re-locations. Eurobond facility, which matured in June, Consistent with this plan new premises have • market-testing of the ABC’s Fleet been considered for Bega and Kalgoorlie Management arrangements resulting in a while the heritage-listed premises in decision to sell the light passenger vehicle Rockhampton were refurbished, as were ABC fleet and outsource the ABC’s fleet facilities in Tamworth and Broken Hill. management services. The ABC’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading its regional studios is consistent with Board policy to make an active financial Property and programming commitment to regional A comprehensive review of the Corporation’s Australia at a time when many other valued property holdings was undertaken. services are being withdrawn. The vacant Melbourne Broadcast House and Overseas, upgrading of the ABC’s London Waverley Terraces site, which had served studios has been completed and upgrading of radio for many decades, was sold to the the Jakarta studios is proceeding. Victorian State government. Electricity supplies were upgraded in Victoria and NSW taking advantage of new supply arrangements and substantial savings have already been achieved.

56 Information Technology Services Legal and Copyright Information Technology provides the The ABC is ably supported by legal and platform for much of the modern ABC. copyright experts, who provide production Again, as with property, much attention has assistance, artist, commercial and business been paid to improving IT services to contract and leasing negotiations and regional locations. copyright clearance and advice. ABC Legal ITS underwent a restruture following a and Copyright also provides the Corporation comprehensive review in 1996–97. It is now with policy and legal advice on more customer focussed and aligns its administrative law and legislative drafting. strategies more closely with program and The introduction of program contestability operational needs. in television production, the expansion of An update of the telephone and computer the ABC’s multimedia services and the network is well advanced with some $4.6 growth of activity through ABC Enterprises million already invested and another $3.3 all saw a greater call on such specialist million committed. This will enable all professional advice. Australian-based ABC staff to have access to A series of defamation proceedings was the full range of the ABC’s computing successfully defended or settled during the services. year. Significant resources were also devoted Throughout the year ITS participated in the to the development of a long-term services following corporate initiatives: contract between the National Transmission Agency and the ABC for the provision of • upgrading of the Regional Network transmission services and to the making of Facilities program. representations in respect of the digital • implementing standard network protocols television conversion legislation. and recabling major sites for multi-media Copyright clearances for the ABC’s diverse expansion, and growing on-line projects are also • major upgrades to the ABC Enterprises occupying more time. In addition, increased retail management system, work will be generated in the television • consolidating the national archives production area as a result of new working database for future ditigal cataloguing, relationships between the ABC and external program suppliers now that the • review and strengthening of the commissioning and production processes corporartion’s disaster recovery procedures, have been separated. and • management of the year 2000 project.

57 technology strategy & development Technology Strategy and Development (TS&D) became a fully functional portfolio in the last six months of the financial year with finalisation of its new ‘One ABC’ structure. It is already tackling the big issues facing the Corporation and developing strategies to ‘With the strategy of convergence maximise the effectiveness of the ABC’s technological resources. and the implementation of The functions of TS&D are primarily strategic, compatible technology, we are facilitating the development of an ABC-wide technology strategy, technology capital already leading the ABC into the budgets based on that strategy, and technical policies applicable across the Corporation. digital age.’ The portfolio also has overall management of centralised broadcast technology infrastructure Colin Knowles, systems such as the external transmitter Head Technology Strategy and network, and internal transmission and Development program distribution networks. Technical operational functions remain the responsibility of the Regional Services and Program Production portfolios. Technology Strategy The initial steps towards a comprehensive five-year plan were completed with the ABC Digital Technology Strategy document presented to Government in December. A companion five-year capital program is being prepared to underpin the technology strategy currently being developed. Production & Program Exchange An enhanced scheduling system has been successfully tested and is ready to be installed on all existing digital radio (D-RADIO) consoles in Melbourne and Brisbane. Digital radio services are also being continually enhanced in the regions, with remote areas among the first to get digital satellite transmission. Changes by Telstra to video analogue services called REACH (Remote Access Channel) in early 1998 necessitated the ABC quickly finding alternative arrangements for remote access video connections throughout Australia. Alternative arrangements for delivering television news items from remote Australian regions to capital city newsrooms Master Control, Southbank have been established for North-West Western Australia and solutions for other sites are currently being developed. The ABC has contracted with Pan AM Sat for carriage of internal network program video. This has enhanced the ABC network capability with coverage from Asia and the West Coast of the USA. In recent years Personal Computer (PC) based digital audio systems have become cost effective and more capable of addressing a

58 wide variety of needs. TS&D undertook a being upgraded to replace obsolete TV graphics review of digital production equipment for equipment and to provide new features. These radio. This included digital audio consoles as include new methods of displaying election replacements for radio studios, and digital results analysis and predictions. Operational audio workstations. control of the graphics will also be improved The ABC has been discussing with the Office to provide better information to production of Asset Sales and the Department of staff and simplify the operator’s control Communications and the Arts arrangements function during high stress conditions. that would be put in place to ensure ongoing An election web site addition to ABC On-Line performance and quality of ABC services has been developed by TS&D, the Multimedia transmitted to its audience in the event the Unit and News and Current Affairs. The web National Transmission Network is sold. The site has extensive Party, Electoral and National Transmission Network is used Candidate information as well as a dynamic primarily to broadcast television and radio results section for the election night. On the programs of the ABC and the Special election day the web site is linked with the Broadcasting Service. The outcome is likely to ABC election results and display system, take the form of a compact with the Federal which produces the Television graphics in Government and a contract with new suppliers the Tally Room, to provide immediate vote in the event of completion of the sale. updates. The system was used successfully in June to provide coverage of the Queensland State Election (and subsequently in the Delivery of Services to Audiences October Federal election). TS&D has taken various steps during the year to enhance ABC services throughout Australia. Future Directions The ABC’s Homestead and Community Broadcasting Satellite Services (HACBSS) will The ABC Technology Strategy, including a move programming from analogue to digital detailed strategy for the implementation of transmission. The ABC has finalised contracts Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting with Optus Communications for HACBSS and (DTTB), is currently being developed in radio interchange satellite transponder services. consultation with other portfolio areas across In 1998–98 changes made to the configuration the organisation. TS&D will assist in of these services will provide two more radio centralising and coordinating capital services to people living in the remote areas expenditure for this strategy. of Australia who receive their ABC services Video streaming technology on the Internet direct from satellite. The Parliamentary and is being explored by TS&D with the ABC News Network (PNN) and Triple J will be Multimedia Unit. Testing has included South broadcast to them for the first time. Australian technical staff converting video Considerable effort has been made to ensure segments from the 1997 South Australian the transition of service technology happens election. Technology for automating the with minimum inconvenience for the satellite streaming of any Network Television audience. Information on the transition and program is currently being investigated. digital satellite receiving equipment has been coordinated with other broadcasters. TS&D has developed a database of ABC New and Emerging Technology television and radio transmitters which is TS&D staff represent the ABC on a number of now available on the ABC’s Intranet to assist national and international broadcasting staff in support of our audiences. industry standards bodies and the An enhanced digital localisation system called International Telecommunications Union. D-Localisation that enables local messages ABC Specifications and Acceptance Standards including weather and station identifications for the Digital Betacam tape format have to be inserted automatically into national radio been developed. These specifications and programming, was commissioned in standards will be used by operational and November. It was developed by the Technology resources staff in News and Program Research & Development Department. Production for this new tape format. A trial of audio streaming on the Internet has The ABC is represented on all relevant been successful and generated much interest. technical groups, including those associated This technology allows audio to be played in with the Digital Television Planning and real-time on the Internet anywhere in the Steering Committee set up by the Federal world. A project to establish an on-going Government to advise on matters relating to service is under way. The new service will the Television Broadcasting Services (Digital make available more ABC programs and live Conversion) Bill 1998. The new Bill facilitates networks to a larger Internet audience. the introduction of Digital Terrestrial The ABC’s election results computer system is Television Broadcasting in Australia.

59 chief of The Chief of Staff portfolio coordinates a number of corporate support functions. These staff include the daily operations of the Managing Director’s Office, liaison with the Chairman’s office and the ABC Board Secretariat. The portfolio also includes Corporate Policy, Corporate Strategy and Corporate Affairs.

Corporate Policy ‘In corporate work we have Corporate Policy works with other portfolios to focussed on the strategic represent and protect the ABC’s interests from requirements of the ABC as the a corporate-wide perspective in the industry, legislative and regulatory environments. national broadcaster, going forward into the digital era.’ Reviews and Legislation Janet Clayton, Editorial Policies and Code of Practice Chief of Staff Following comprehensive review, new versions of the ABC Editorial Policies and the ABC Code of Practice were published in print and on the Internet in April. The review addressed structural and editorial changes resulting from the One ABC restructure and considered complaints handling procedures, program standards and policies. ABC editorial staff throughout Australia were provided

editorialpolicies with copies of the booklet and trained in the The ABC’s functions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education • Program Standards • Program new policies. With its clear guidelines, it Complaints • Political and Election Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements and Fundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • Program Involvement with Public and Commercial became a vital point of reference in • Organisations,Products and Services • ABC Name, Logo and Other Registered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • Further discussions about allegations of bias which Information and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education • came later in the year, during the ABC’s Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and Election Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements and Fundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • Program coverage of the national waterfront dispute. Involvement with Public andof Commercial practice • Organisations, Products and Servicescode • ABC Name, Logo and Other Registered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • Further Information and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs and Digital Television Legislation Information • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting GeneralServices Program • Education Codes • Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and Election Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements and The ABC made representations in relation to Fundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • Program Involvement with Public and Commercial • Organisations,Specific Program Products Codes and Services • ABC Name, Logo and Other the introduction of digital conversion Registered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • Further Information and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • Editorial legislation, to ensure the ABC’s input and Responsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts • CulturalNews, DiversityCurrent Affairs • International and Broadcasting Services • Education • Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and Election Information Programs protect its strategic position. The Television Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements and Fundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • Program Broadcasting Services (Digital Conversion) Bill Involvement with Publicograms and Commercial • Organisations, Products and Services • ABC Name, Logo and Other Registered Trademarks • ABC EnterprisesPromotions Product for Charter Pr • Further Information and Advice • The ABC’s and Datacasting Charge (Imposition) Bill 1998 functions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education • Program Standards • Program Complaints • were introduced into the House of Political andWarnings Election Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements and Fundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • Program Involvement with Public and Commercial • Representatives in May. The purpose of the Organisations,ProductsApril 1998Television Program and Services • ABC Name, Logo and Other Registered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • Further Bills is to provide for the transition from InformationClassifications and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education • analogue to digital television broadcasting. Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and Election Complaints The ABC prepared submissions on the Bills and appeared before the Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications New editions of ABC Editorial Policies and the ABC’s Code of Practice were and the Arts Legislation Committee. This published in print and online in April. brought about recognition in the legislation that the national broadcaster may have a different role from the commercial networks, and hence the Bills incorporate provision for multi-channelling for the Corporation. Self-Regulation Inquiry In August, the Senate Select Committee on Information Technologies was appointed by

60 the Senate to evaluate the existing self- Digital Technology Strategy regulatory framework for the information Corporate Strategy worked closely with and communications industries. The ABC Technology Strategy & Development and submission to the Inquiry supported with Finance and Business Services in preparing continuation of the current self-regulatory the Corporation’s Digital Technology Strategy regime, detailing the ABC’s complaints funding submission to Government, which handling procedures. Representatives from was delivered in November. (See Box) Corporate Policy and News and Current Affairs appeared at a public hearing of the Education strategy Committee. Corporate Strategy has been developing a Policy Development corporate-wide strategy to take advantage of opportunities in education as the ABC moves Corporate Policy also assisted with: to digital broadcasting. • a submission to the Australian Law Reform In September, the Board decided to pursue Commission on its Draft Recommendations Paper concerning Review of the Archives Act 1993; Digital Technology Funding • provision of comments on the Administrative Review Council’s discussion As the national broadcaster the ABC faces paper on access to information in relation special needs in digital conversion, to to contracting of Government services; ensure that it meets its charter obligations • provision of submissions and comments to provide services nationwide. on processes and procedures arising from The full cost of digitalisation and the development of the new telecommunications necessary funding arrangements cannot be regime, which will take effect on 1 July 1998; finalised until the following issues are • a submission to the Senate Environment, resolved: aspects of Government policy Recreation, Communications and the Arts and industry standards including the Legislation Committee inquiry into the timetable for the introduction of digital Bills for sale of the National Transmission services; options for ABC property Network; rationalisation; and changing digital • a submission to the Senate Legal and equipment cost structures. Constitutional Legislation Committee Inquiry However initial estimates are that the ABC into the Copyright Amendment Bill 1997; will need to spend some $150 million over • ongoing dialogue with the Australian five years in order to commence digital Broadcasting Authority about complaints transmission by 2001. handling and application of the Code of The ABC proposes to fund a significant Practice; and amount of its digital strategy from its own • preparation of the ABC Service Commitment, resources – $30 million from ongoing in consultation with staff and the National capital expenditure and $36 million from Advisory Council. property rationalisation. However, the ABC needs Government support to bridge the funding gap, to assist Corporate Strategy it in making the next great technology Corporate Strategy assists the office of the leap: as occurred with the introduction of Managing Director in strategic development, black and white television more than 40 planning and communications. It aims to years ago and colour TV in the 1970s. enhance the positioning, performance and The ABC has requested $84 million in public profile of the ABC, including manage- assistance from the Government: ment of the Corporation’s media relations. comprising two phases of $44 million and $40 million necessary for the Organisational Change commencement of transmission. Corporate Strategy continued to play a In May, the Federal Government significant role in assisting with organisational announced in its Budget that the ABC change, including implementation and would receive $20.8 million over five years, progress of the One ABC re-structure. a first phase of assistance. It left the decision on a further phase for a later time.

61 opportunities for the delivery of educational of budget cuts: 933 calls services throughout Asia and elsewhere with • 835 complaints about Hetty Wainthrop Monash University. Detective being replaced by the Last Corporate Strategy has been working closely Governor series with Monash to develop the model for the • enquiries about coverage following Mother partnership’s first co-production, Money Teresa’s death and complaints about Markets and the Economy expected to be insufficient coverage compared to the launched in September 1998 and broadcast Princess of Wales: 695 calls internationally and nationally through Radio • 686 enquiries/praise about coverage of Australia, Radio National and ABC Online. South Australian, Queensland, Northern Territory and ACT elections • 537 complaints about the appearance of Corporate Affairs Mark “Chopper” Reed on the first McFeast Live program ABC Corporate Affairs provides three main services to the Corporation: monitoring Reports and publications community reaction to ABC services; managing many of the ABC’s Parliamentary ABC Corporate Affairs provides a range of governance requirements; and coordinating printed publications and information online, the ABC’s international relations. including the Annual Report, the Code of Practice, a short history of the ABC and a Links with the community host of ABC editorial and corporate policy documents. Audience reaction is monitored through A comment line on programming is available daily phone logs from all ABC switchboards on the website and the comments made are and through letters, e-mails and faxes monitored daily by Corporate Affairs. received at the corporate head office. A major emphasis of Corporate Affairs this A total of 10 599 e-mails, faxes and letters year has been the publishing of information was received this year. on, and encouraging staff usage of, the ABC’s Correspondence by email continued to grow, Intranet. This included the development of with more e-mails than letters and faxes now the main Intranet home page, a Corporate reaching the ABC. However, most people still information website, and coordination of the provide comments by telephone. Intranet Steering Group. Although some politicians claimed that As part of its Parliamentary obligations, the political bias was of public concern, the most up to date information is gathered in following statistics shows the mainstream response to Ministerial and Parliamentary ABC audience was more interested in other inquiries, Parliamentary Questions without matters. Listed below are the issues of major Notice or issues raised at Senate Estimates interest and/or concern to viewers and Committee hearings. listeners (ie. 500 or more calls logged at ABC switchboards during the financial year). International Relations • ABC coverage of cricket from India, New Zealand and South Africa: 4 232 calls The ABC is an active member of major • a further 3 782 calls were logged about international broadcasting bodies. Our other sporting matters principal involvement is with the Asia-Pacific • the death of the Princess of Wales Broadcasting Union (ABU), of which the ABC prompted 4 450 calls in one week – more was a founding member in 1964. The ABC is calls than any other event heading planning arrangements for the 1999 • the year’s most contentious issue was ABU general assembly to be held in Sydney. national waterfront restructuring. The ABC The ABC is also a founding member of the received 2 729 calls about its coverage Commonwealth Broadcasting Association • transmission, over which the ABC has no and an active member of the European control because it does not own or operate Broadcasting Union, the International the transmitters. This year there were 1 990 Council of the (US) National Academy of complaints about transmission difficulties, Television Arts and Sciences and the up from 1 262 last year International Institute of Communications. • concern about loss of programs and The ABC hosted training and professional industrial action taken by staff as a result visits from various international broadcasters.

62 Two visits of note were the delegation of key in part to nine requests. In relation to two Chinese radio and television managers requests for internal review, further access headed by Mr Tian Congming, the Chinese was granted to one request. Minister of Film, Radio and Television, and the visit of Sir John Birt, Director-General of Categories of Documents the BBC. The ABC holds documents under three broad categories: • general records including correspondence, Freedom of Information reports and minutes of meetings relating to The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) ABC policy, program development, external gives the public the right to access relations and internal management, documents held by the ABC. Schedule 2 Part program transmission documents, reports 11 of the Act gives the ABC an exemption in on audience reaction to ABC programs and relation to material which is program related. publicity on programs and ABC activities; During the year the ABC received ten requests • records subject to copyright including for access to documents under the FOI Act. scripts and transcripts of programs (also subject to availability), recorded programs Access was granted in full to one request and and other recordings;

National Advisory Council the closure of the Cox Peninsula shortwave broadcasting facilities resulting in the loss or The National Advisory Council (NAC) of the degredation of the valuable international ABC, provided for under the ABC’s service. legislation, is serviced by staff in ABC Council commended the ABC on its Corporate Affairs. continuing efforts in providing programs The ABC openly invites members of the and services for a youth audience. public to join the Council. The twelve ABC Executives are regularly invited to members of the Council are appointed by Council meetings. Some of the areas where the ABC Board for a three year term. Council made recommendations and Appointments are staggered so that a small received executive responses included: group of new members joins each year. This • the need for the ABC to continue to year Katie Biggs from Victoria, Charlotte provide innovative programs which Samiec from Queensland, Jim Salmon from challenge community views and Queensland and Douglas Stott from South encourage debate; Australia joined the Council. The ABC Board • Suggestions and views on interviewing renewed the term of the Convenor Robin techniques and interviewing styles; Stuart-Harris for a further two years. • a suggestion for a food and wine program The ABC Board puts great emphasis on the NAC recomendations for 1997–98 are independent role of the Council and its ability detailed in Appendix 11. to provide the ABC with community advice. The Advisory Council’s views were taken NAC from left: Robin Stuart-Harris (Convenor), Douglas Stott, into consideration in the preparation of James Salmon, Lesley Bangama Fogarty, Katie Biggs, Charlotte Samiec, Aimee Heuzenroeder, Giovanni Carsaniga, Audrey both the ABC Service Commitment and the Tremain, Jo Gemmell (standing), Jillian Crowe. revision of ABC Editorial Policies. One of the Council’s main concerns is to ensure that the ABC remains a vital program provider and that it is able to continue to produce quality Australian material. Council has strongly argued that as a national broadcaster it is essential that the ABC receives sufficient funding to provide digital and multi-channelled services across Australia, particularly to regional Australia. Council also unanimously regretted

63 • articles available for purchase, including The Managing Director merchandise from ABC Shops and selected Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC program material. GPO Box 9994 As noted above, program related material is in your State or Territory capital. exempt under Schedule 2 Part 11 of the FOI Requests addressed to the Managing Director Act. can also be lodged at the nearest ABC office (see Appendix 20). Requests for Access Formal requests under the FOI Act will be Written requests for access to material under acknowledged within 14 days of receipt, and the FOI Act, including the $30 application applications will be processed within 30 days. fee, should be addressed to:

Complaints handling The ABC’s complaints handling mechanism the ABC on nine matters. One complaint is benchmarked against the Australian about accuracy involved a segment on Standard and accords with the principles 3LO concerning the forestry industry. laid down by the Australian chapter of the Eight findings involved Section 8 of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals Code of Practice where the ABC had not (SOCAP), of which the ABC is a member. provided a satisfactory response within the required period. The ABC’s Code of Practice, which gives the essence of the Corporation’s Editorial Independent Complaints Review Panel Policies, is freely available to members of the public. The Independent Complaints Review Panel (ICRP) reviews written complaints alleging In forwarding the Minister in May the first serious cases of bias, lack of balance or unfair of two reports by Professor Philip Bell on treatment arising from ABC broadcasts. his analysis of the ABC’s coverage of the Complainants may seek a panel review national waterfront dispute, the Chairman once the ABC’s normal complaints advised that the ABC’s editorial policies procedures have been completed and if the ‘have evolved significantly over the years complainant is dissatisfied with the ABC’s with each revision and now provide a response. ICRP findings and systematic statement of mandatory recommendations are carefully considered requirements, statements of principle and by the ABC, particularly when updating philosophy, program objectives, the ABC’s Editorial Policies. information on general policies and explanatory material’. The Chairman The ICRP consists of Ted Thomas, concluded: ‘I am confident that that ABC’s Convenor, Margaret Jones, Deputy practice is as rigorous, transparent and Convenor, Professor Michael Chesterman, objective as that of the BBC or any other Stepan Kerkyasharian AM, Julianne responsible broadcaster.’ Schultz and Bob Johnson. Members of the Panel have been appointed for their Complainants who remain dissatisfied knowledge of or experience in journalistic with ABC handling of their complaints ethics and practice, media operations and may refer their concerns to either the program production, complaints handling Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) and other review processes. or the Independent Complaints Review Panel (ICRP), a body unique to the ABC. In its seventh year of operation, the ICRP received 13 requests to review complaints. Australian Broadcasting Authority Many of the requests did not meet the Panel’s criteria as they had not been dealt If a listener or viewer’s complaint is covered with by the ABC or involved matters by the ABC’s Code of Practice and s/he is outside the Panel’s area of responsibility. not satisfied with the ABC’s response, s/he The ICRP accepted three requests for can refer the complaint to the ABA. review but none of these were completed Seventeen complaints were investigated by during the reporting period. One further the ABA during the year. Eight of these request for review was accepted, but were not upheld. The ABA found against abandoned by the complainant.

64 Australian Broadcasting Corporation Financial Statements 30 June 1998

Independent audit report 66 Statement by directors 67 Operating statement 68 Statement of assets and liabilities 69 Statement of cash flows 70 Schedule of commitments 71 Schedule of contingencies 71 Notes to and forming part of the financial statements 1 Statement of Significant Accounting Policies 72 2 Expenses and revenues 76 3 Economic dependency 77 4 Goods and Services Expenses 77 5 Interest Expense 77 6 Operating Revenue from Independent Sources 78 7 Revenues from Government 78 8 Extraordinary items 78 9 Abnormal items 79 10 Debt 79 11 Provisions and Payables 80 12 Equity 80 13 Financial Assets 81 14 Non-Financial Assets 82 15 Cash Flow Reconciliation 85 16 External Financing Arrangements 85 17 Financial Instruments 86 18 Remuneration of Directors 88 19 Related Party Disclosures 88 20 Remuneration of Officers 89 21 Remuneration of Auditors 89 22 Trust Funds 90 23 Controlled Entities 90

65 Independent Audit Report

To the Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts

Scope I have audited the financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for the year ended 30 June 1998. The financial statements include the consolidated financial statements of the economic entity comprising the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the year. The statements comprise: • Statement by Directors • Operating Statement • Statement of Assets and Liabilities • Statement of Cash Flows • Schedule of Commitments • Schedule of Contingencies, and • Notes to and forming part of the financial statements. The members of the Board are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements and the information they contain. I have conducted an independent audit of the financial statements in order to express an opinion on them to you, the Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts. The audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards, to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Audit procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial statements, and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other mandatory professional reporting requirements (Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views) and statutory requirements so as to present a view which is consistent with my understanding of the Corporation and the economic entity’s financial position, the results of their operations and their cash flows. The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis. Audit Opinion In my opinion, (i) the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines for Financial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities; (ii) the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards, other mandatory professional reporting requirements and the Guidelines for Financial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities, of the financial position of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the economic entity as at 30 June 1998 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended.

Auditor General for Australia P. J Barrett Australian National Audit Auditor-General Office GPO Box 707 Sydney 30 September 1998 Canberra ACT 2601

66 Statement by Directors

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

In our opinion the statements show fairly, for the Corporation, its controlled entities and the entities it controlled from time to time during the financial year, the information required by the Guidelines for Financial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities issued by the Minister for Finance and Administration.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

DONALD McDONALD AO BRIAN JOHNS AO Chairman Managing Director

30 September 1998

67 Operating Statement for the year ended 30 June 1998 Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

NET COST OF SERVICES

Operating expenses National Networks 211 061 224 157 211 061 225 153 Program Production 120 264 146 518 119 458 146 518 News & Current Affairs 165 016 163 973 165 016 163 973 Regional Services 136 244 117 263 136 244 117 263 Concerts (a) 60 079 64 037 – 54 199

Total operating expenses (before abnormal items) 2 692 664 715 948 631 779 707 106

Operating revenues from independent sources National Networks 83 474 67 773 83 474 66 645 Program Production 16 770 25 499 16 735 25 499 News & Current Affairs 6 652 8 393 6 652 8 393 Regional Services 17 554 15 202 17 554 15 202 Concerts (a) 26 063 27 160 – 16 038

Total operating revenues from independent sources 2 150 513 144 027 124 415 131 777 (before abnormal items)

Net cost of services (before abnormal items) 542 151 571 921 507 364 575 329

Gain or (Loss) on abnormal items 9 35 315 (3 078) 37 508 (3 078)

Net cost of services 506 836 574 999 469 856 578 407

REVENUES FROM GOVERNMENT Parliamentary appropriations received 7A 468 496 531 212 468 496 531 212 Resources received free of charge 7B 54 170 56 900 54 170 56 900 Funding from Commonwealth and State Governments 7C 33 325 – – –

Total revenues from government 1,2 555 991 588 112 522 666 588 112

Surplus of net cost of services over 49 155 13 113 52 810 9 705 revenues from government

Accumulated surpluses at beginning of reporting period 12 173 805 160 692 183 431 173 726

Accumulated surpluses at end of reporting period 12 222 960 173 805 236 241 183 431

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements. (a) Concerts figures for 1997/98 relate to the Orchestral Subsidiaries (refer note 19)

68 Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 30 June 1998 Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 DEBT Loans 10 202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

Total debt 202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

PROVISIONS AND PAYABLES Employees 11A 110 482 126 827 102 393 125 045 Suppliers 11B 39 497 37 029 29 666 32 841 Other 11C 0 810 0 810 0 00– 0 00–

Total provisions and payables 150 789 164 666 132 059 157 886

Total liabilities 353 140 366 922 323 611 349 343

EQUITY Reserves 12 263 939 115 040 263 939 115 040 Accumulated surpluses 12 222 960 173 805 236 241 183 431

Total equity 486 899 288 845 500 180 298 471

Total liabilities and equity 840 039 655 767 823 791 647 814

FINANCIAL ASSETS Cash 13A 19 949 9 802 5 683 3 418 Receivables 13B 69 595 72 282 69 683 73 054 Investments 13C 5 759 0 00– 7 646 0 250

Total financial assets 95 303 82 084 83 012 76 722

NON FINANCIAL ASSETS Land and buildings 14A 415 451 343 520 415 268 343 322 Infrastructure, plant and equipment 14B 235 773 145 504 233 105 143 935 Inventories 14C 57 960 53 023 57 960 53 023 Intangibles 14D 17 256 0 00– 17 256 0 00– Other 14E 18 296 31 636 17 190 30 812

Total non-financial assets 744 736 573 683 740 779 571 092

Total assets 840 039 655 767 823 791 647 814

Current liabilities 211 256 222 750 185 847 206 381 Non-current liabilities 141 884 144 172 137 764 142 962 Current assets 159 125 155 568 145 478 142 743 Non-current assets 680 914 500 199 678 313 505 071

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.

69 Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 1998 Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Inflows Inflows (Outflows) (Outflows) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Cash received Parliamentary appropriations 501 821 531 212 468 496 531 212 Sales of goods and services 118 322 127 473 114 867 115 447 Interest and bill discounts 7 986 9 745 7 268 9 036

Total cash received 628 129 668 430 590 631 655 695 Cash used Employees (323 995) (328 106) (295 870) (317 707) Suppliers (284 427) (293 652) (278 792) (283 600) Interest and other financing costs (11 535) (23 086) (12 643) (23 086)

Total cash used (619 957) (644 844) (587 305) (624 393)

Net cash from operating activities 15 8 172 23 586 3 326 31 302

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash received Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 12 147 4 692 12 147 4 676 Bills of exchange and promissory notes 14 203 0 00– 14 203 0 00– Repayment of loan – Arnbridge Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 6 900 – Australia Television International Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 3 957 Sales tax refund on property, plant and equipment 0 00– 0039 0 00– 0 00–

Total cash received 26 350 4 731 26 350 15 533 Cash used Purchase of property, plant and equipment (24 687) (11 211) (24 723) (11 010) Bills of exchange and promissory notes 0 00– (7 556) (7 556) Payments to Controlled entities 0 00– 0 00– (3 000) (14 933) Repayment of borrowings 0 00– (7 000) – Total cash used (24 687) (25 767) (27 723) (33 499)

Net cash from investing activities 1 663 (21 036) (1 373) (17 966)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash received Proceeds from debt 99 452 0 00– 99 452 0 00– Total cash received 99 452 0 00– 99 452 0 00– Cash used Repayment of debt (99 140) (13 223) (99 140) (13 223)

Total cash used (99 140) (13 223) (99 140) (13 223)

Net cash from financing activities 0 312 (13 223) 0 312 (13 223)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held 10 147 (10 673) 2 265 0 113 Add cash at 1 July 9 802 20 475 3 418 3 305

Cash at 30 June 19 949 9 802 5 683 3 418

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.

70 Schedule of Commitments as at 30 June 1998 Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 BY TYPE

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS Plant and Equipment 5 470 2 176 5 470 2 176

Total capital commitments 5 470 2 176 5 470 2 176

OTHER COMMITMENTS Operating leases (a) 20 233 14 448 20 060 14 033

Other commitments (b) 70 343 64 185 65 140 63 898

Total other commitments 90 576 78 633 85 200 77 931

Total commitments payable 96 046 80 809 90 670 80 107

Commitments receivable (1 570) (10 587) (1 570) (8 137)

Net commitments 94 476 70 222 89 100 71 970

BY MATURITY One year or less 48 448 23 923 44 971 25 857

From one to two years 20 929 16 362 19 453 16 176

From two to five years 23 879 26 381 23 456 26 381

Over five years 1 220 3 556 1 220 3 556

Net commitments 94 476 70 222 89 100 71 970

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements. (a) The Corporation entered into fleet leasing arrangements in 1997/98. (b) The Corporation’s main other commitments are detailed as follows: PT Satellite $9 249 654 (1997 $9 513 185), Optus Networks Pty Ltd $21 597 621 (1997 $28 453 830), Program Purchases $29 578 775 (1997 $22 448 400).

Schedule of Contingencies as at 30 June 1998

SCHEDULE OF UNQUANTIFIABLE CONTINGENCIES In the normal course of activities claims for damages have been lodged at the date of this report against the Corporation and certain of its officers. The Corporation has disclaimed liability and is actively defending these actions. It is not possible to estimate the amounts of any eventual payments which may be required in relation to these claims.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.

71 Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 1998

1. Statement of significant accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted in preparing the accounts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the consolidated accounts of the Corporation and controlled entities are stated to assist in a general understanding of these financial statements. These policies have been applied consistently by all entities in the economic entity. 1.1 Basis of accounting The financial statements are a general purpose financial report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with: 1) Guidelines titled Financial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities issued by the Minister for Finance and Administration in July 1997 (the ‘Guidelines’) and which require that the financial statements are prepared : (a) in compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and Accounting Guidance Releases issued by the Australian Accounting Research Foundation, (b) having regard to Statements of Accounting Concepts, and 2) the Consensus Views of the Urgent Issues Group. The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and are in accordance with historical cost convention, except for certain assets which, as noted, are at valuation. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or on the financial position. 1.2 Rounding Amounts are rounded to the nearest $1,000 except in relation to : a) remuneration of directors b) remuneration of officers c) remuneration of auditors d) trust funds 1.3 Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements are those of the economic entity, comprising the accounts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, its controlled entities and the entities it controlled from time to time during the period. Control exists where the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has the capacity to dominate the decision making in relation to the financial and operating policies of another entity so the controlled entity operates to achieve the objectives of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The effects of all transactions and balances between the entities are eliminated in full. Details of controlled entities are contained in Note 23. Financial statements of subsidiaries not considered to be a going concern have been prepared on a liquidation basis. No adjustments were necessary in relation to the recoverability and classification of the recorded assets of those subsidiaries. 1.4 Taxation The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is not subject to income tax pursuant to Section 71 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. Where controlled entities are subject to income tax, the economic entity adopts the liability method of tax-effect accounting whereby income tax expense is calculated based on the operating profit before income tax adjusted for any permanent differences. Timing differences which arise due to the different accounting periods in which items of revenue and expense are included in the determination of operating profit before income tax and taxable income are brought to account either as a provision for deferred income tax or an asset described as a future income tax benefit at the rate of tax applicable for the period in which the benefit will be received or the liability will become payable. Future income tax benefits are not brought to account unless realisation of the asset is assured beyond any reasonable doubt. No reconciliation is performed between prima facie tax expense and income tax payable. This is because the Corporation is not subject to income tax and its controlled entities are either exempt from tax or did not incur an income tax expense due to carried forward tax losses. 1.5 Foreign currency transactions Revenues and expenditures relating to overseas transactions are converted to Australian currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction, or at the hedged rate. Exchange gains and losses and hedging costs arising on contracts entered into as hedges of specific revenue or expense transactions are deferred until the date of such transactions at which time they are included in the determination of such revenues or expenses. Open hedge contracts relating to all other revenue and expenditure transactions are converted at the applicable exchange rate at balance date with exchange gains or losses being included in the operating statement. All foreign currency balances are converted to Australian currency at the exchange rate prevailing at balance date, except for liabilities brought to account at contract rates, which are subject to currency swap contracts for which an Australian dollar currency repayment schedule has been adopted. Monetary assets and liabilities of overseas branches and amounts payable to or by the Corporation in foreign currencies are translated into Australian currency at the applicable exchange rate at balance date. Non- monetary items of overseas branches are translated at exchange rates current at the transaction date. Currency gains and losses are reflected in the operating statement.

72 1.6 Derivatives Derivative financial instruments are used by the Corporation to manage financial risks and are not entered into for trading purposes. The classes of derivative financial contracts used are interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements and forward foreign exchange contracts and options. Derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are accounted for on the same basis as the underlying exposure. A. Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements are entered into for the purpose of managing the Corporation’s interest rate position. Gains or losses on interest rate swaps are included in the measurement of interest payments on the transactions to which they relate. Premiums or discounts are amortised through the operating statement each year over the life of the swap. B. Interest rate options Interest rate options are used to hedge interest rate exposures. The premiums paid on interest rate options are included in other assets and are amortised to interest expense over the term of the agreements. 1.7 Borrowings Borrowings are recorded at the amount of the net proceeds received and carried at amortised cost until the liabilities are fully settled. Interest on the instruments is recognised as an expense on an effective yield basis. Borrowings are Commonwealth Government guaranteed. 1.8 Cash For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks net of bank overdrafts. 1.9 Receivables – Goods & Services, Accrued Revenue, Other Debtors. Receivables are carried at nominal amounts due less provision for doubtful debts. A provision for doubtful debts is recognised when collection of the full nominal amount is no longer probable. Credit sales are on normal commercial terms. 1.10 Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes Premiums or discounts are amortised through the operating statement each year from the date of purchase so that investments attain their redemption value by maturity date and income is recognised on an effective yield basis. Any profits or losses arising from the disposal prior to maturity are taken to the operating statement in the period in which they are realised. These assets are intended to be held to maturity and are carried at cost or cost adjusted for discounts and premiums. 1.11 Trade Creditors Creditors are recognised at their nominal amounts, being the amounts at which the liabilities will be settled. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods and services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced). Settlement is on normal commercial terms. 1.12 Reporting by segments The Corporation principally provides a national television and radio service within the broadcasting industry. It is therefore considered for segmental reporting to operate predominantly in one industry and in one geographical area, Australia. 1.13 Resources received free of charge The Guidelines require resources received free of charge to be included in the operating statement, as both operating expenses and operating revenue. The National Transmission Agency (NTA) provides the services and operates the facilities necessary to transmit the Corporation’s programs to the public under the direction of the Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts. ABC programs are carried on 1078 of the 1719 broadcasting transmitters accommodated on NTA facilities. The costs provided by the NTA represent an apportionment of the base cash costs which excludes depreciation, administration and overhead charges. It does not represent the cost that the ABC would incur if it were empowered to transmit ABC services direct to the public. 1.14 Allocation by portfolios As part of the ABC restructure in 1996-97, reporting is now by output portfolios. These are as follows: National Networks, Program Production, News and Current Affairs and Regional Services. For 1997-98 Enterprises’ revenue and expenses are split proportionally between National Networks - 80% and Regional Services - 20%. 1.15 Comparative figures Where applicable, prior year comparative figures have been restated to reflect the current year’s presentation in the financial statements. 1.16 Television co-productions External contributions earned in respect of the production of television programs are recorded in the operating statement. 1.17 Employee entitlements Provision is made for the Corporation’s and controlled entities’ liabilities for employee entitlements arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. The calculation of long service leave liability is based on the probability of employees reaching ten years service and the expected cashflows arising from the accrued liability. In determining the present value of the liability, attrition rates and pay increases through promotions and inflation have been taken into account.

73 The long service leave and annual leave provision is split into current and non-current components based on historical trends, except for the anticipated redundancy and associated leave payments which have been included as current. The accumulated annual leave liabilities arising from services rendered by employees to balance date are provided for on the basis of current wage and salary rates. Accumulating non-vesting sick leave is not recognised as a liability as at balance date as the sick leave taken each reporting period has been less than the entitlement accrued during the same period. As the accrued entitlement is not anticipated to result in a cash outflow in the future, no provision has been made. Accrued salaries, wages and other benefits represent amounts the Corporation has a present obligation to pay as at balance date. 1.18 Redundancies Provision is made for the Corporation’s redundancy liability for employee numbers which have been identified and can be reliably measured. The provision includes the estimated eligible termination payment. Long service leave or annual leave paid on termination due to redundancy is included in the respective provision. 1.19 Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis to amortise the cost or valuation of each non-current asset over its expected useful life. Non-current assets are depreciated from the commencement of the monthly accounting period subsequent to the date of receipt. The cost or valuation of leasehold land, buildings and improvements is amortised over the shorter of the unexpired lease period or over its expected useful life. 1.20 Repairs and maintenance Maintenance, repair expenses and minor renewals which do not constitute an upgrading or enhancement of equipment are expensed as incurred. 1.21 Superannuation Contributions made by the Corporation are expensed. 1.22 Consultants A consultant is defined as ‘providing independent expert advice to the Corporation under an assignment of limited duration’. 1.23 Commitments Contracted revenue and expenditure items are shown in accordance with the Guidelines. 1.24 Property, plant & equipment For these financial statements, purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the statement of assets and liabilities, except for purchases costing less than $2,000, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total). The $2,000 threshold was selected because it facilitates efficient asset management and recording without materially affecting asset values recognised. The acquisition of property, plant and equipment free of charge or for a nominal amount is recognised initially at fair value. 1.25 Valuation of non-current assets The Guidelines require that property, plant and equipment be progressively revalued in accordance with the ‘deprival’ method of valuation (as set out in the Guidelines on Accounting Policy for Valuation of Assets of Government Trading Enterprises) by 1 July 1999 and thereafter be revalued progressively on that basis every three years. The Corporation is implementing its progressive revaluations as follows (changes in accounting policy from 1996-97 are indicated): Freehold land and buildings are initially being revalued progressively over the financial years 1997-98 and 1998-99 and thereafter over successive three year periods. A geographical approach is being adopted. (In previous years, these classes were revalued in full every three years. The last revaluation under this policy being as at March 1996). Leasehold improvements will be revalued at 30 June 1999 and progressively every three years on a geographical basis. Plant and equipment assets are being revalued progressively over the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 and thereafter over successive three year periods by type of asset. Assets in each class acquired after the commencement of the progressive revaluation cycle will be reported at cost for the duration of the progressive revaluation then in progress. The financial effect of the move to progressive revaluations is that the carrying amount of assets will reflect current values and that depreciation charges will reflect the current cost of the service potential consumed in each period. The application of the deprival method values land and buildings at current market buying price and other assets at their depreciated replacement cost. Any assets which would not be replaced or are surplus to requirements are valued at net realisable value. At 30 June 1998 there were no assets in this situation. Valuations are independent or at directors’ valuations. The carrying amounts of non-current assets of the Corporation have been reviewed to determine whether they are in excess of their recoverable amounts. In assessing recoverable amounts, the relevant cash flows have not been discounted to their present value. Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written off to their residual values over their estimated useful lives to the Corporation using, in all cases, the straight line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are amortised on a straight line basis over the unexpired period of the lease. Depreciation/amortisation rates (useful lives) and methods are reviewed at each balance date and necessary adjustments arerecognised in the current and future reporting periods, as appropriate. Residual values are re-estimated for a change in prices only when assets are revalued.

74 Depreciation and amortisation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are as follows: 1998 1997 Buildings on freehold land 50 years 50 years Leasehold land, buildings and improvements Lease term Lease term Plant and equipment 6 to 15 years 6 to 15 years Intangibles Over contract/useful life The aggregate amount of depreciation allocated for each class of asset during the reporting period is disclosed in Note 4C. 1.26 Inventories For these financial statements, inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. As inventories are not held for sale, AAS2 Measurement and Presentation of Inventories in the Context of the Historical Cost System does not apply. Television programs are produced for domestic transmission and include direct salaries and expenses. Fixed production overheads are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The cost of television program inventory is amortised as follows: * News, Current Affairs and Live Programs – 100% on first screening. * Children’s, Education and Movies – Straight line over the shorter of the license period or three years. * All other programs not covered above – 90% first screening and 10% second screening. * Alternative Amortisation Schedule – Management may determine an alternative amortisation schedule for exceptional programs in any of the above categories for which the stated policy is considered inappropriate. Subsequent sales of residual rights are recognised in the period in which they occur. The costs of programs produced for radio are expensed as incurred. Such programs are normally broadcast soon after production, stock on hand at any time being minimal. The provision for obsolete retail stock is based on stock on hand over twelve months old and which may require discounting or disposal. Items in engineering and general stores which have not been issued for three years are provided for as obsolete. 1.27 Changes in accounting policy A. Capitalisation of Software The policy of expensing significant valued computer software in the year of development or purchase was changed, effective 1 July, 1997, which resulted in a decrease in expenses of $5.631 million and increase in non-current assets of $5.531 million, of which $5.340 million is in capital works in progress. Significant valued software previously expensed and still being used has been recognised as an asset of the Corporation, amounting to $2.465 million. The basis of valuation recommended by the Australian Valuation Office and adopted by the Corporation is the depreciated replacement cost (as required under the deprival method of valuation) of equivalent proprietary packaged software. B. Valuation of Intellectual property At the end of 1997-98 the Corporation instructed the Australian Valuation Office to provide a market valuation of the Copyright for the Bananas in Pyjamas television programme, characters and associated merchandising. Based upon discounted cash flows this amounted to $14.5 million which has been recognised as an intangible asset of the Corporation and will be amortised over its useful life. C. Valuation of Libraries The Corporation obtained an independent valuation from the Australian Valuation Office of its Film, Reference and Sound Libraries at the end of 1997-98 using the deprival method of valuation. The depreciated replacement cost amounted to $24.152 million and has been recognised as an asset of the Corporation. The previous policy of the Corporation was to expense minor items on purchase.

75 2. Expenses and revenues Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Operating expenses (a) Employee related – Remuneration 283 293 305 071 251 288 294 791 – Leave entitlements 24 357 30 458 21 931 30 133 4A 307 650 335 529 273 219 324 924 Artist fees 4B 16 149 19 130 9 977 16 915 Auditor’s remuneration 4B 0 297 0 277 0 230 0 248 Bad and doubtful debts (e) 4B 0 403 0 (73) 0 403 0 (73) Communications 4B 8 904 9 329 7 826 9 248 Computer costs 4B 9 262 4 691 9 073 4 598 Consultants and contract labour (f) 4B 9 729 8 100 9 418 7 075 Depreciation and amortisation 4C 31 384 29 670 30 906 29 446 Freight 4B 2 085 2 378 1 772 2 260 Interest 5 15 078 23 237 15 078 23 237 Legal costs 4B 1 162 1 394 1 128 1 394 Loss on disposal of non-current assets (b) 4D 0 419 0 492 0 379 0 492 Materials and minor items 4B 19 643 27 629 19 354 27 402 Merchandising and promotion 4B 56 652 53 498 51 417 52 381 Transmission services (c) 4B 54 170 56 900 54 170 56 900 Operating leases and occupancy (d) 4B 16 780 17 403 15 252 17 149 Program purchases 4B 34 514 35 230 34 512 35 230 Program rights 4B 29 501 17 775 29 370 16 987 Repairs, maintenance and hire 4B 13 986 12 947 12 665 12 347 Satellite and transmission 4B 25 093 29 032 24 737 26 851 Travel 4B 17 683 19 248 16 675 18 098 Video production services 4B 4 031 3 126 3 866 3 063 Incidental 4B 18 089 9 006 7 352 6 000 Payments to controlled entities (g) 4E 000– 000– 3 000 14 934 Total operating expenses 692 664 715 948 631 779 707 106

Operating revenues from independent sources (a) Co-production contributions 6D 10 818 8 807 10 632 8 807 Concert sales and subsidies 6D 17 301 17 713 000– 9 977 Gain on foreign exchange 6C 1 236 0 641 1 236 0 641 Gain on disposal of non-current assets (b) 6B 1 816 1 268 1 815 1 268 Interest and bill discounts 6A 7 854 9 667 7 142 8 946 Merchandising and promotion 6D 50 038 49 928 50 037 49 928 Program sales 6D 11 345 10 690 11 199 10 631 Radio publications 6D 0 519 0 940 0 519 0 940 Rent and hire of facilities 6D 8 670 7 870 9 924 10 096 Royalties 6D 22 284 18 250 22 259 18 250 Sponsorships and donations 6E 4 221 1 253 000– 000– Technology sales 6D 0 901 0 675 0 901 0 675 Incidental 6E 13 510 16 325 8 751 11 618 Total operating revenues from independent sources 150 513 144 027 124 415 131 777

Total revenues from government 7A, B 555 991 588 112 522 666 588 112

Total revenues 706 504 732 139 647 081 719 889

Operating result before abnormal items 13 840 16 191 15 302 12 783

(a) Operating expenses and revenues are allocated across the Corporation’s major activities and shown in the Operating statement by activity. (b) The Corporation’s proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment $ 12 147 462 (1997 $4 675 755). (c) Transmission services received free of charge (refer Note 1.13) are detailed as follows; National Networks $30 000 000 (1997 $34 000 000), Regional Services $24 170 000 (1997 $22 900 000 ). (d) The Corporation’s rent expense total $5 849 645 (1997 $6 986 256). (e) Bad and doubtful debts expense includes a writeback of the provision for doubtful debts in 1997 $154 000. (f) Consultants expenses $2 362 726 (1997 $2 309 489), contracted labour $7 054 625 (1997 $4 765 511) ABC only. (g) Payment to controlled entities relates to a transfer of appropriation to Australia Television International Pty Limited, which was sold 11 February 1998 to Seven Network (Operations) Ltd.

76 3. Economic dependency The Corporation is dependent upon direct and indirect appropriations of monies by Parliament. In excess of 81% of normal activities are funded in this manner, and without these appropriations the Corporation would be unable to meet the terms of its Charter. (Refer to Note 7 for details of revenues from government).

4. Goods and services expenses Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

4A Employee expenses Basic remuneration for services provided 283 293 305 071 251 288 294 791 Leave entitlements 24 357 30 458 21 931 30 133

307 650 335 529 273 219 324 924

4B Suppliers expenses Supply of goods and services 330 755 319 780 303 347 307 087 Operating lease rentals 7 378 7 240 5 850 6 986

338 133 327 020 309 197 314 073

4C Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 31 358 29 670 30 880 29 446 Amortisation of intangible assets 0 026 0 00– 0 026 0 00–

31 384 29 670 30 906 29 446

4D Net losses from disposal of assets Land and buildings 0 00– 0 053 0 00– 0 053 Plant and equipment 0 419 0 439 0 379 0 439

0 419 0 492 0 379 0 492

4E Grants expense (a) Payments to controlled entities: – Australia Television International Pty Limited – – 3 000 8 280 – Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited – – – 6 654

–– 3 000 14 934

(a) This is a transfer of appropriation funding from the ABC to its subsidiaries. The revenue has been included in Australia Television International Pty Limited.

5. Interest expense Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Loans 15 078 23 237 15 078 23 237

77 6. Operating revenue from independent sources Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 6A Interest Loans 0.00– 0.036 0.00– 0068 Deposits 1 283 1 447 0 571 0 726 Bills receivable 6 571 8 184 6 571 8 152

7 854 9 667 7 142 8 946 6B Net gains from disposal of assets Land and buildings 0 993 0.039 0 993 0039 Plant and equipment 0 823 1 229 0 822 1 229

1 816 1 268 1 815 1 268

6C Net foreign exchange gains 1 236 0 641 1 236 0 641

6D Sales of goods and services 121 876 114 873 105 471 109 304

6E Other revenues Other 13 510 16 325 8 751 11 618 Sponsorships and donations 4 221 1 253 0 00– 0 00–

17 731 17 578 8 751 11 618

7. Revenues from government Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 7A Parliamentary appropriations Division 151-1-01 Domestic service - operating 450 992 499 738 450 992 499 738 Division 811-1-01 Domestic service - capital 9 804 9 700 9 804 9 700 Division 151-1-02 Radio Australia 4 700 13 494 4 700 13 494 Division 151-1-03 Australia Television International Pty Limited 3 000 8 280 3 000 8 280

468 496 531 212 468 496 531 212

7B Resources received free of charge – National Transmission Agency 54 170 56 900 54 170 56 900

7C Funding from Commonwealth and State Governments for Orchestral Subsidiaries Department of Communication and the Arts 32 000 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– Other 1 325 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

33 325 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

8. Extraordinary items Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Total extraordinary items – – – –

78 9. Abnormal items Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Abnormal expenses Redundancy expenses (25 008) (23 078) (25 008) (23 078)

Abnormal revenue Writeback of superannuation liability 7 213 0 00– 7 213 0 00– Writeback of orchestral unfunded liability 0 00– 0 00– 2 193 0 00– Capitalisation of intellectual properties 14 500 0 00– 14 500 0 00– Capitalisation of sound and film libraries 24 151 0 00– 24 151 0 00– Capitalisation of software 8 126 0 00– 8 126 0 00– Writeback of debt forgiven 6 333 0 00– 6 333 0 00– Capitalisation of music library 0 00– 20 000 0 00– 20 000

Total abnormal items 35 315 (3 078) 37 508 (3 078)

10. Debt Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 10A Loans Loans (a) 10 799 10 799 0 00– 0 00–

Loans (b) 40 000 40 000 40 000 40 000 Bonds - maturity value $53,000,000 52 042 51 655 52 042 51 655 Euro Bond - maturity value $100,000,000 0 00– 99 802 0 00– 99 802 Bills of exchange and promissory notes (c) 99 510 0 00– 99 510 0 00– 191 552 191 457 191 552 191 457

202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

(a) Loans advanced by venture partners accepted by controlled entities on the condition that the loans are not callable, refer Note 19 Related party and other disclosures, Australian Information Media Pty Limited. (b) These loans are repayable in Japanese Yen. Currency swap contracts have been undertaken to effectively remove the currency risk associated with these loans. (c) Subsequent to 30 June 1998, Bills of exchange and promissory notes debt amount to $10 million. A borrowing of $50 million was taken out in July 1998. Loans at the reporting date are payable as follows: within one year (c) 110 309 110 601 99 510 99 802 within one to two years 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– within two to five years 52 042 51 655 52 042 51 655 more than five years 40 000 40 000 40 000 40 000

202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

79 11. Provisions and payables Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 11A Liabilities to employees Salaries and wages 8 348 7 478 7 199 7 277 Annual leave 30 975 29 694 28 471 29 235 Annual leave bonus 4 454 4 573 4 231 4 523 Long service leave (a) 47 264 50 197 43 051 49 125 Superannuation (b) 6 841 13 845 6 841 13 845 Separation and redundancy 12 600 21 040 12 600 21 040 Aggregate employee entitlement liability 110 482 126 827 102 393 125 045

(a) The notional value of long service leave entitlements not expected to be settled within 12 months has been discounted at 5%, a net discount rate determined by the Australian Government Actuary, which effectively discounts expected future cash flows at the Australian Government long term bond rate. In determining the present value of the liability, attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account.

(b) Commonwealth Superannuation liability from 1992 to 1996 for ABC employees who had not previously joined the Public Sector Superannuation scheme.

11B Suppliers Trade creditors 29 503 24 746 25 276 23 998 Other creditors 9 994 12 283 4 390 8 843 39 497 37 029 29 666 32 841

11C Other

Provision for cessation of business – Arnbridge Group 810 0 810 0 00– 0 00–

12. Equity (consolidated) Item Accumulated Accumulated Asset Asset TOTAL TOTAL results results revaluation revaluation EQUITY EQUITY reserve reserve 1997–98 1996–97 1997–98 1996–97 1997–98 1996–97 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance 1 July 173 805 160 692 115 040 120 337 288 845 281 029 Surplus 49 155 13 113 0 00– 0 00– 49 155 13 113 Net revaluation adjustment 0 00– 0 00– (a) 148 899 (4 847) 148 899 (4 847) Transfers (from) reserves 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0(450) 0 00– 0(450) Changes in accounting policies 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– Balance 30 June 222 960 173 805 263 939 115 040 486 899 288 845

$ ‘000 (a) The net revaluation increase in the asset revaluation reserve comprises: – revaluation increment - land 8 145 – revaluation increment - buildings 71 000 – revaluation increment - leasehold land and buildings 1 121 – revaluation increment - plant and equipment 68 633

148 899

80 13. Financial assets Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 13A Cash Cash at bank and on hand 19 949 9 802 5 683 3 418

13B Receivables Goods and services 6 239 6 780 5 547 6 203 Accrued revenue 6 762 3 222 6 051 3 210 Controlled entities 0 00– 0 00– 5 600 12 239 Bills of exchange and promissory notes – maturity value $39 996 273 (1997 $53 760 564) 39 791 53 510 39 791 53 510 Other debtors 17 206 8 849 17 518 8 725 69 998 72 361 74 507 83 887 Provision for doubtful debts (Goods and services) 0(403) 0 (79) 0(403) 0 (79) Provision for debt forgiveness: – Arnbridge Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– (4 421) (4 754) – Australia Television International Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– (6 000)

69 595 72 282 69 683 73 054 Receivables includes receivables overdue by - less than 30 days 5 482 2 958 3 991 2 843 - 30 to 60 days 1 069 1 540 0 493 1 495 - more than 60 days 1 528 1 327 0 869 1 272

8 079 5 825 5 353 5 610 13C Investments Shares in subsidiary at cost 23 0 00– 0 00– 0 250 0 250 Right to receive shares 23 0 00– 0 00– 1 637 0 00– Investments - Australia Television International Pty Limited (a) 5 759 0 00– 5 759 0 00–

5 759 0 00– 7 646 0 250

(a) As at balance date, the Corporation held 5 759 312 redeemable preference shares of $1 each, in Australia Television International Pty Limited redeemable at the Corporation’s option on or after 1 January 2002 subject to prior purchase in accordance with the shareholder’s agreement between the Corporation and Seven Network (Operations) Ltd.

81 14. Non financial assets Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 14A Land and buildings Freehold land - Directors’ valuation 1996 0 078 0 113 0 78 0 113 Freehold land- Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 84 886 0 0– 84 886 Freehold land- Independent valuation 1998 87 660 0 00– 87 660 0 00– 87 738 84 999 87 738 84 999

Buildings on freehold land - Directors’ valuation 1996 2 099 0 921 2 099 0 921 Buildings on freehold land - Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 272 529 0 00– 272 529 Accumulated depreciation 0 (87) (20 241) 0 (87) (20 241) 2 012 253 209 2 012 253 209

Building on freehold land - Independent valuation 1998 318 304 0 00– 318 304 0 00– Leasehold land - Directors’ valuation 1996 0 180 0 180 0 180 0 180 Leasehold land - Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 1 000 0 00– 1 000 Accumulated amortisation 0 0 (7) 0 (82) 0 0 (7) 0 (82) 0 173 1 098 0 173 1 098

Leasehold land - Independent valuation 1998 1 000 0 00– 1 000 0 00–

Leasehold buildings - Directors’ valuation 1996 1 051 0 154 1 051 0 154 Leasehold buildings - Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 1 632 0 00– 1 632 Accumulated amortisation 0 (71) 0(110) 0 0(71) 0(110) 0 980 1 676 0 980 1 676 Leasehold buildings - Independent valuation 1998 1 853 0 00– 1 853 0 00– Leasehold improvements - at cost 9 550 7 815 9 331 7 597 Accumulated amortisation (6 159) (5 277) (6 123) (5 257) 3 391 2 538 3 208 2 340

Total Land and buildings 415 451 343 520 415 268 343 322

14B Plant and equipment Directors’ valuation 1987 1 512 27 756 1 512 27 756 Accumulated depreciation (1 512) (22 997) (1 512) (22 997) 0 00– 4 759 0 00– 4 759 Independent valuation 1988 0 177 54 636 0 177 54 636 Accumulated depreciation 0(177) (45 268) 0(177) (45 268) 0 00– 9 368 0 00– 9 368 Independent valuation 1997 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 Accumulated depreciation (1 359) 0 00– (1 359) 0 00– 18 641 20 000 18 641 20 000 Directors’ valuation 1998 0 90 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– Accumulated depreciation 0 (19) 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 71 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– Independent valuation 1998 405 120 0 00– 405 120 0 00– Accumulated depreciation (222 103) 0 00– (222 103) 0 00– 183 017 0 00– 183 017 0 00– At cost 21 079 182 761 17 938 180 526 Accumulated depreciation (7 889) (77 732) (7 345) (77 066) 13 190 105 029 10 593 103 460 Plant and equipment (excluding capital works in progress) 214 919 139 156 212 251 137 587

Capital works in progress at cost 20 854 6 348 20 854 6 348

Total plant and equipment (including capital works in progress) 235 773 145 504 233 105 143 935 Total land, buildings, plant and equipment and intangibles 647 626 482 676 644 775 480 909 (excluding capital works in progress)

82 14. Non financial assets (continued) TABLE A Movement summary 1997-98 for all assets irrespective of valuation basis (Consolidated only)

Item Land Buildings Total Other Intangibles Total land and infrastructure, buildings plant and equipment

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Gross value as at 1 July 1997 86 179 283 051 369 230 285 153 0 00– 654 383 Additions 0 00– 3 872 3 872 13 675 0 00– 17 547 Revaluations 8 145 46 348 54 493 138 391 0 00– 192 884 Disposals (5 405) 0(414) (5 819) (13 201) 0 00– (19 020) Other movements 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 24 340 17 282 41 622

Gross value as at 30 June 1998 88 919 332 857 421 776 448 358 17 282 887 416 Accumulated depreciation / Amortisation as at 1 July 1997 0 082 25 628 25 710 145 997 0 00– 171 707 Depreciation /amortisation charge for assets held 1 July 1997 0 025 6 301 6 326 24 344 0 00– 30 670 Depreciation /amortisation charge for additions 0 00– 0 128 0 128 0 560 0 026 0 714 Adjustment for revaluations 0(100) (25 673) (25 773) 69 759 0 00– 43 986 Adjustment for disposals 0 00– 0 (40) 0 (40) (7 252) 0 00– (7 292) Adjustment for other movements 0 00– 0 (26) 0 (26) 0 031 0 00– 0 005 Accumulated depreciation / 0 007 6 318 6 325 233 439 0 026 239 790 Amortisation as at 30 June 1998 Net book value as at 30 June 1998 88 912 326 539 415 451 214 919 17 256 647 626 Net book value as at 1 July 1997 86 097 257 423 343 520 139 156 0 00– 482 676

Table B - Summary of balances of assets at valuation as at 30 June 1998 (Consolidated only)

Item Land Buildings Total Other Intangibles Total land and infrastructure, buildings plant and equipment $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 As at 30 June, 1998 Gross value 88 919 323 307 412 226 426 899 16 965 856 090 Accumulated depreciation/ 0 0 (7) 0(158) 0(165) (225 170) 0 00– (225 335) Amortisation Other movements 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Net book value 88 912 323 149 412 061 201 729 16 965 630 755 As at 30 June, 1997 Gross value 86 179 275 236 361 415 102 392 0 00– 463 807 Accumulated depreciation/ Amortisation 0 (82) (20 351) (20 433) (68 265) 0 00– (88 698) Other movements 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– Net book value 86 097 254 885 340 982 34 127 0 00– 375 109

83 14. Non financial assets (continued) Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 14C Inventories Retail Inventory 7 978 7 782 7 978 7 782 Provision for stock obsolescence 0 (83) 0(267) 0 (83) 0(267)

7 895 7 515 7 895 7 515

TV programs Purchased 18 447 12 617 18 447 12 617 Produced 17 136 21 024 17 136 21 024 In progress 13 247 11 841 13 247 11 841

48 830 45 482 48 830 45 482

Broadcasting consumables Inventory 1 235 0 026 1 235 0 026

57 960 53 023 57 960 53 023

14D Intangible assets Computer software - Directors’ valuation 1998 2 465 0 00– 2 465 0 00– Computer software at cost 0 317 0 00– 0 317 0 00– Accumulated amortisation 0 (26) 0 00– 0 (26) 0 00– 0 291 0 00– 0 291 0 00– Copyright - Independent valuation 1998 14 500 0 00– 14 500 0 00– 17 256 0 00– 17 256 0 00–

14E Other non-financial assets Prepaid property rentals 0 116 0 196 0 116 0 196 Other prepayments 8 263 17 541 7 157 16 717 Deferred interest rate hedging expenditure 9 917 13 899 9 917 13 899

18 296 31 636 17 190 30 812

84 15. Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to net cost of services Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Net cash flows provided by operating activities 8 172 23 586 3 326 31 302

Depreciation and amortisation (31 384) (29 670) (30 906) (29 446) (Increase) decrease in provision for doubtful debts 0(324) 0 361 0(324) 0 154 Gain on disposal of property plant and equipment 1 816 1 268 1 815 1 268 Loss on disposal of property plant and equipment 0(419) 0(492) 0(379) 0(492) Accrued interest 0 701 0(635) 0 701 0(635) Valuation of music library 0 00– 20 000 0 00– 20 000 Payments to controlled entities 0 00– 0 00– (3 000) (14 933) Valuation of intellectual property 14 500 0 00– 14 500 0 00– Capitalisation of software 8 126 0 00– 8 126 0 00– Capitalisation of film and sound libraries 24 151 0 00– 24 151 0 00– Writeback of debt forgiven 0 00– 0 00– 6 333 0 00– Debt forgiveness (a) 0 00– 0 00– 0(878) 0 00– Conversion of load to equity: – Australia Television International Pty Limited 5 759 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– Sales tax refund on property, plant and equipment 0 00– 0 039 0 00– 0 00– Changes in assets and liabilities Increase (decrease) in receivables 11 875 (3 806) 11 495 (3 321) Increase (decrease) in other current assets (9 358) 1 600 (9 640) 0 996 Increase (decrease) in other non current assets (4 501) 2 340 (4 501) 2 265 Increase in inventories 4 937 2 922 4 937 2 922 (Increase) decrease in creditors (1 241) 3 023 4 403 6 842 (Increase) decrease in provisions 16 345 (7 423) 22 651 (7 217)

Surplus of net cost of services over revenues from government 49 155 13 113 52 810 9 705

Parliamentary appropriations (468 496) (531 212) (468 496) (531 212) Resources received free of charge (54 170) (56 900) (54 170) (56 900) Funding from Commonwealth and State Governments (33 325) 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Net cost of services (506 836) (574 999) (469 856) (578 407)

(a) Refer to Note 19 Related party and other disclosures.

16. External financing arrangements Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Total facilities 194 000 194 000 194 000 194 000 Amount of facility used (193 000) (193 000) (193 000) (193 000)

Facility available 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000

85 17. Financial instruments A Interest rate risk exposures The economic entity’s exposure to interest rate risk and the weighted average effective interest rate for each class of financial assets and financial liabilities is set out below.

Fixed interest maturing in: Weighted Floating Non Average interest 1 year over 1 more than interest Effective rate or less to 5 years 5 years bearing Total Int rate $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 %

As at 30 June 1998 Financial assets Cash Cash at bank and on hand 19 949 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 19 949 3.85%

Receivables Goods and services 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 5 836 5 836 N/A Accrued revenue 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 6 762 6 762 N/A Bills of exchange and promissory notes 39 791 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 39 791 5.29% Other debtors 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 17 206 17 206 N/A

Investments Redeemable preference shares 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 5 759 5 759 N/A Total financial assets 59 740 0 0– 0 0– 0 0– 35 563 95 303

Financial liabilities Debt Bills of exchange and promissory notes 99 510 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 99 510 5.31% Loans 0 00– 0 00– 52 042 40 000 0 00– 92 042 8.45% Loans (a) 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 10 799 10 799 N/A

Provisions and payables Suppliers 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 39 497 39 497 N/A Interest rate swaps* (Unrecognised) 15 000 0 00– 25 000 (40 000) 0 00– 0 00– N/A #

Total financial liabilities 114 510 0 00– 77 042 0 00– 50 296 241 848

* Notional principal amounts only

# The interest rates under these swaps range from the Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate (BBSW) to 12.96% on payables and BBSW to 12.83% on receivables. BBSW rates are reset at a range between 90 and 180 days depending on the contracts. (a) Loans amounting to $10.8 million have been advanced by venture partners accepted by controlled entities on the condition that the loans are not callable, refer Note 19 Related party and other disclosures. There is no interest attached to these loans. B Net fair values of financial assets and liabilities The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate net fair values; Cash, receivables, creditors and short term borrowings (loans) The carrying amount approximates the net fair value because of the short term to maturity. Investments The carrying amount for non traded instruments has been assessed by the directors based on the underlying assets, expected cashflows and any particular circumstances of the investee as approximating net fair values. Long term borrowings (loans) The net fair values of long term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

86 B Net fair values of financial sssets and liabilities (continued) Interest rate swap and cross currency swap agreements The net fair values of unrecognised financial instruments reflect the estimated amounts the economic entity expects to pay or receive to terminate the contracts (net of transaction costs) or to replace the contracts at their current market rates as at reporting date. This is based on independent market quotations and using standard valuation techniques.

Forward exchange contracts The net fair values of forward exchange contracts are taken to be the unrealised gain or loss at balance date calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles. Carrying Net fair amount value 1998 1998 $’000 $’000 Financial Assets Interest rate swaps – 6 650 Foreign exchange contracts *21 55 Financial Liabilities Long term borrowings (loans) 92 042 102 817 *The gain is included in the carrying amount of receivables.

C Credit risk exposures Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counterparties to financial instruments fail to perform as contracted. Financial assets The credit risk of financial assets which have been recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the carrying amount, net of any provision for doubtful debts. The economic entity is not materially exposed to any individual customer. Items not recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities The credit risk arising from dealings in financial instruments is controlled by a strict policy of credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. The economic entity has no material concentration of credit risk with any single counterparty and, as a matter of policy, only transacts with financial institutions that have a high credit rating. Credit exposure of foreign currency and interest rate derivatives is represented by the net fair value of the contracts, as disclosed. D Hedging instruments General hedges At balance date, the economic entity held forward exchange contracts to buy United States Dollars (USD) and Great Britain Pounds (GBP). The following table sets out the gross value to be received under foreign currency contracts, the weighted average contracted exchange rates and the settlement periods of outstanding contracts for the economic entity An unrealised gain of $21 000 has been included in the operating profit for the year.

Sell Australian Ave.Exchange Dollars Rate 1998 1998 $’000

Buy USD Less than 1 year 1 600 0.6041 Buy GBP Less than 1 year 2 730 0.3663

87 18. Remuneration of directors ABC 1998 1997 $ $ Remuneration received or due and receivable by directors of the Corporation (a) 623 603 605 851 (including Superannuation) $ Number Number 0 – 0 9 999 11 10 000 – 19 999 15 20 000 – 29 999 51 30 000 – 39 999 1– 70 000 – 79 999 –1 80 000 – 89 999 1– 90 000 – 99 999 –1 300 000 – 309 999 – 1 370 000 – 379 999 1 –

(a) Includes accrued long service leave liability in the 1998 financial year

19. Related party and other disclosures Directors of the Corporation The names of chief entity directors who held office during the financial year were: Donald McDonald, Diana Gribble, Brian Johns, John Bannon, Russell Bate, Kirsten Garrett, Ian Macphee, Wendy Silver, Ian Callinan (appointed 23 July 1997, resigned 31 January 1998), Michael Kroger (appointed 5 February 1998). Controlled entities Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated. Australia Television International Pty Limited During the year, an amount of $878 000 was written off. This represents the net balance resulting from the conversion of debt to equity in Australia Television International Pty Limited. Arnbridge Pty Limited An amount of $4 421 000 was provided for diminution of the balance of the loan in the 1998 year. On consolidation this amount has been eliminated. Legal, financial, taxation, accounting, secretarial and operational services amounting to $31 303 were provided by the Corporation to Arnbridge Pty Limited. Charges reflect fully attributed costs based on the Corporation’s transfer pricing system. Australian Information Media Pty Limited Due to the Memorandum of Understanding dated December 1995 between related parties and the Memorandum dated 17 September 1996 by Fairfax Multimedia Holdings Pty Limited, liabilities to other creditors will be extinguished in full and in priority to related party creditors. Any residual cash will be distributed to the related parties with the balance of any loans due to such parties being forgiven in full. Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1996–97 Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited issued 250 002 $1 shares to the Corporation. At year end the ABC owed Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $186 869 in relation to long service leave (LSL). Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997-98 Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited held 6 $5 shares with 687 000 $1 shares to be issued to the Corporation. During the period the ABC provided goods and services to Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited on normal terms and conditions totalling $523 175. At year end the ABC was owed $78 816 in relation to the supply of these goods and services. At year end the ABC owed Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $389 700 in relation to LSL for staff at incorporation. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997–98 the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited held 438 002 $1 shares, 438 000 of which are to be issued to the Corporation. At year end the ABC owed Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited an amount of $336 058 in relation to LSL for staff at incorporation.

88 West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997–98 the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited held 299 002 $1 shares issued to the Corporation. During the period the ABC provided goods and services to West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited on normal terms and conditions totalling $113 000. At year end the ABC owed West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $307 189 in relation to LSL for staff at incorporation. Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997–98 Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited held 213 002 $1 shares, 213 000 of which are to be issued to the Corporation. At year end the ABC owed Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $192 484 in relation to LSL for staff at incorporation.

20. Remuneration of officers Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $ $ $ $

Income received or due and receivable by officers (a) 1 374 381 3 028 767 1 541 299 2 766 150

Executives during the year whose remuneration was between 1998 1997 1998 1997 $ Number Number Number Number 100 000 – 109 999 – 3 – 3 110 000 – 119 999 – 1 – 1 120 000 – 129 999 1 3 – 3 130 000 – 139 999 – 2 – 3 140 000 – 149 999 – 1 – 1 160 000 – 169 999 – 1 – 1 180 000 – 189 999 – 1 – 1 190 000 – 199 999 – 2 – 2 200 000 – 209 999 1 – 1 – 220 000 – 229 999 2 – 2 – 240 000 – 249 999 1 1 2 1 250 000 – 259 999 1 – 1 – 260 000 – 269 999 1 – 1 – 300 000 – 309 999 – 1 – – 530 000 – 539 999 – 1 – 1

The Managing Director’s remuneration is included in Remuneration of directors, Note 18. Performance pay has been excluded from the calculation of officers’ remuneration. The aggregate amount of performance pay received, or due and receivable, by officers was $119 114 (1997 $97 116) (a) Includes accrued Long Service Leave Liability in the 1998 financial year

21. Remuneration of auditors Consolidated ABC 1998 1997 1998 1997 $ $ $ $

Amounts received, or due and receivable, by the auditors for auditing the financial statements 297 000 277 000 230 000 248 000

Total amount payable to the Australian National Audit Office for the audit of the Corporation and controlled entities financial statements. No other services were provided by the auditors.

89 22. Trust funds 1998 1997 1998 1997 $ $ $ $ The Corporation is trustee for foundations with accumulated funds at 30 June 1998 as follows: Ian Reed Sir Charles Moses Foundation Foundation Revenues 28 473 32 529 (6) 15 Expenses (52 170) (3 352) – – Surplus for year (23 697) 29 177 (6) 15

Fund opening balance 430 307 401 130 3 187 3 172

Fund closing balance 406 610 430 307 3 181 3 187

The foundations funds are held in authorised trustee investments.

23. Controlled entities

The Corporation has twelve 100% owned controlled entities, all incorporated in Australia.

1998 1998 1998 1997 Country of Beneficial Book value of Book value of Contribution to Contribution to Incorporation percentage immediate immediate consolidated consolidated held by chief entity chief entity operating operating economic investment investment surplus surplus entity (Shares issued) (Sharesto be gain/(loss) gain/(loss) issued) %$ $$’000 $’000 Chief Entity: Australian Broadcasting Corporation N/A – – – 46 845 14 198 Controlled entities of Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Australia Television International Pty Limited (a) Australia 100%–––(3 102) Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd Australia 100% 5 – – – Arnbridge Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 – (30) 453 Australian Information Media Pty Limited Australia 100% 4 558 000 – (342) 274 The News Channel Pty Limited Australia 100% 4 670 237 – – (355) AIM Holdings Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 – – – Equipco Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 – – 8 AIM West Pty Australia 100% 2 573 272 – (10) – Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited Australia 100% 250 002 – 1 811 1 637 Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited Australia 100% 30 687 000 344 – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Australia 100% 2 438 000 737 – Pty Limited West Australian Symphony Orchestra Australia 100% 290 002 – 35 – Holdings Pty Limited Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 213 000 (235) –

12 341 558 1 338 000 49 155 13 113

(a) During the financial year 1997/98 Australia Television International Pty Limited was sold to Seven Network (Operations) Ltd and is no longer a controlled entity.

90 program performance Statement

Financial Resources Summary – Cash 1997-98 1997-98 1996-97 CASH CASH CASH BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL $'000 $'000 $'000

BUDGETARY (CASH) BASIS Components of Appropriation Division 151-01-01 450 392 450 392 499 738 General Activities - Domestic Division 151-01-02 ` 6 300 6 300 13 494 General Activities - Radio Australia Division 811-01-01 8 804 8 804 9 700 Capital Works & Services - Domestic Division 813-01~01 3 000 3 000 8 280 Australia Television - International

Sub Total ABC Appropriation 468 496 468 496 531 212 Total Other Revenue 106 520 106 758 133 547 Plus cash on hand at beginning of year 7 671 7 671 3 566 less cash on hand at end of year (2 500) (2 418) (7 671)

Total ABC outlays 580 187 580 507 660 654

91 appendices

1. Television Program Analysis 93 2. ABC Radio Networks – Content Analysis 94 3. Concerts and Attendances 95 4. ABC Staff Profile 1997–98 96 5. ABC Organisation 97 6. ABC Code of Practice 97 7. Broadcasting Awards 100 8. Enterprises Awards 102 9. Other Awards 103 10. NAC Membership 104 11. NAC Recommendations 104 12. Radio Transmitters 107 13. Television Transmitters 110 14. Radio Australia Transmitters 112 15. Consultants 113 16. Ministerial Powers 113 17. Reports on Particular Matters 113 18. Advertising and Market Research 113 19. Audit Subcommittee 113 20. ABC Offices 114 21. ABC Shops 117

92 Appendix 1 Television Program Analysis (Hours per year)

Australian Productions All Productions Hours Transmitted Hours Transmitted Prime Time Other Total % Prime Time Other Total % of Aust Aust Total Arts 14 66 80 33.2 44 197 240 2.7 Children’s 1 429 430 26.4 1 1628 1630 18.6 Comedy 136 57 193 28.9 380 287 667 706 Current Affairs 0 792 792 53.4 0 1482 1483 16.9 Documentary 65 92 157 31.1 190 315 505 5.8 Drama 59 42 101 37.4 170 99 269 3.1 Education 226 552 778 99.7 226 555 781 8.9 Entertainment 6 941 947 94.8 24 976 999 11.4 Features 69 102 171 90.6 86 103 189 2.2 Movies 0 3 3 0.6 11 433 444 5.1 News 214 345 559 98.1 218 352 570 6.5 Religious 1 29 30 27.0 3 108 111 1.3 Sport 19 454 473 88.1 19 518 537 6.1 Transmission 4 14 19 78.9 5 19 24 0.3 Promotions* 84 228 312 100.0 84 228 312 3.6 Total Less Promotions 814 3918 4732 56.0 1376 7071 8448 96.4

Grand Total 898 4146 5044 57.6 1460 7300 8760 100.0

* Promotions figures are estimates. Figures are rounded to the nearest hour. Prime time is defined as 6.00pm - 10.00pm. Figures are based on programming from the Sydney transmitter.

93 Appendix 2 ABC Radio Networks Content Analysis National Networks (Hours per week)

Radio National Classic FM Triple J NewsRadio Hours % Hours % Hours % Hours % Topical Issues* 28 16.7 0 0 14 8.3 0 0 News 16 9.3 7 3.9 5 3.1 126 75.2 Classical Music 2 1.1 114 67.7 0 0 0 0 Contemporary Music 0 0 0 0 126 75.2 0 0 Radio Australia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Current Affairs 22 12.8 0 0 0 0 8 4.6 Specialist Music 33 20.0 17 10.4 16 9.5 0 0 Sport 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 10.2 Specialist** 26 15.4 0 0 0 0 4 2.4 Live Music 2 1.1 25 15.4 2 0.9 0 0 Arts 16 9.6 0 0 4 2.4 0 0 Parliament 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 5.8 Rural 2 1.7 0 0 0 0 3 1.8 Religious 7 4.0 2 1.1 0 0 0 0 Arts Performance 3 2.0 3 1.5 0 0 0 0 Open Learning 10 5.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Comedy 1 0.4 0 0 1 0.6 0 0 168 100.0 168 100.0 168 100.0 168 100.0 * Topical issues includes audience involvement, eg talkback. ** Specialist includes Science, Humanities, etc. Figures are rounded to the nearest hour.

Local Radio (Hours per week)

Metropolitan Stations* Regional Stations* Station Average State Average % Hours % Hours

Current Affairs 9.2 16 9.2 16 News 11.7 20 12.2 20 Religion 2.4 4 2.4 4 Rural 0.3 1 3.6 6 Specialist Music 2.7 5 2.8 5 Sport 7.8 13 8.0 14 Topical 65.8 110 61.8 104 Total*** 100.0 168 100.0 168

* These figures are station averages for metropolitan stations and state/territory averages for Regional Stations. Content figures vary between stations/States according to community needs. Figures are rounded to the nearest hour.

94 Appendix 3 Concerts and Attendances

1997–98 1996–97 Total Average Total Average Concerts Attendances Attendance Concerts Attendances Attendance New South Wales and ACT Paid Orchestral Concerts 121 234 055 1 934 127 210 118 1 654 School Concerts 62 15 958 257 52 18 456 355 Free Concerts 1 135 000 135 000 1 110 383 110 383 Total 184 385 013 180 338 957

Victoria Paid Orchestral Concerts 92 153 625 1670 87 155 360 1 786 School Concerts 29 22 457 774 41 21 908 534 Free Concerts 5 49 800 9 960 5 50 526 10 105 Total 126 225 882 133 227 794

Queensland Paid Orchestral Concerts 52 48 561 934 63 36 983 587 School Concerts 47 32 617 694 29 32 974 1 137 Free Concerts 6 13 640 2 273 4 5 000 1 250 Total 105 94 818 96 74 957

South Australia Paid Orchestral Concerts 90 85 515 950 80 116 296 1 454 School Concerts 19 14 397 758 10 11 878 1 188 Free Concerts 4 66 550 16 638 1 30 000 30 000 Total 113 166 462 91 158 174

Western Australia Paid Orchestral Concerts 108 119 883 1 110 129 123 142 955 School Concerts 10 5 117 512 27 7 666 284 Free Concerts 2 25 000 12 500 1 25 000 25 000 Total 120 150 000 157 155 808

Tasmania Paid Orchestral Concerts 48 23 782 495 61 32 524 533 School Concerts 17 4 524 266 20 9 987 499 Free Concerts 6 7 530 1 255 3 11 276 3 759 Total 71 35 836 84 53 787

Australia Paid Orchestral Concerts 511 665 421 1 302 547 674 423 1 233 School Concerts 184 95 070 517 179 102 869 575 Free Concerts 24 297 520 12 397 15 232 185 15 479

Grand Total 719 1 058 011 741 1 009 477

95 Appendix 4 ABC Staff Profile

as at 21 June 1998* Con Corp Ent F&BS Human Nat News Prog Reg TS&D Total ** Man Res Net Caff Prod Serv

ACT 00000 725162096 Northern Territory 00032 1294780117 NSW 0 25 162 293 98 305 400 629 213 60 2185 Overseas 00000 02500025 Queensland 0 0 0 14 8 19 107 4 185 0 336 South Australia 0 0 0 13 8 26 61 19 156 0 284 Tasmania 0 0 0 10 3 2 46 9 130 0 199 Victoria 0 0 0 39 15 118 130 284 96 0 684 Western Australia 00085136561530250 Total 0 25 162 380 140 491 888 957 1073 60 4177

Figures are full-time equivalents, rounded to the nearest whole number. * These figures are for 21 June 1998 and include 37 staff who left on redundancy between then and 30 June 1998. ** Concert Music staff devoted to independent companies with effect 1 July 1998.

96 Nat Mgr Bus Affairs: Richard Davis Appendix 5 Mgr Prod Resources NSW: Gints Appendix 6 Vietnicks (a) ABC Organisation Mgr Prod Resources VIC: Dave Barker ABC Code of Nat Mgr Production: Harry Hall (a) ABC Board and senior management Nat Mgr Archives & Lib Servs: Mary Practice at date of publication (October 1998) Jane Stannus Commercial Mgr Policies & Strat: ABC Board Deanne McAlister (a) Preable Chair: Donald McDonald The ABC’s place in the broadcasting Deputy Chair: Diana Gribble Technology, Strategy and system is distinctive because of its Directors: John Bannon; Russell Bate; Development Charter, which gives the Corporation Kirsten Garrett (staff elected); Michael Head: Colin Knowles unique responsibilities, and because Kroger, Ian McPhee; Wendy Silver Mgr Nat B’cast Networks: vacant of other provisions under the Managing Director: Brian Johns Mgr Nat Transmission: Dick Winston Australian Broadcasting Corporation Mgr Nat Facil Plan & Projects: Brian Act, 1983, which give the Regional Services Bailey Corporation particular Head: Sue Howard. Mgr Tech Strat Planning: vacant responsibilities, for example, the Gen Mgr Prog Strat: Helen Hughes Mgr Tech Res & Dev: Spencer Lieng provision of an independent news National Ed Rural: Lucy Broad Mgr Spectrum Strategy: Dilip Jadeja service. Network Mgr Local Radio: Lisa Sweeney Mgr ABC Digital: James Bowden The ABC Act guarantees the editorial State Branch Managers: Mgr Tech Capital: Chris Minahan independence of the Corporation’s ACT: Liz McGrath (Mgr Local Radio) Mgr Policy & Resources: Josie Lead (a) program services. The ABC holds its NSW: Kate Miller power to make programming NT: Tony Bowden ABC Enterprises decisions on behalf of the people of QLD: Bob Wurth General Mgr: Terry Moloney. Australia. By law and convention SA: Michael Mason Head Retail: Don Walker neither the Government nor TAS: Rob Batten Publisher Books: Matthew Kelly Parliament seeks to intervene in VIC: Murray Green Head Audio: Bernadette Neubecker those decisions. WA: Geoff Duncan Head Contemporary Music & Music Publishing: Meryl Gross 2 General Program Codes National Networks Head Classics: Robert Patterson Head: Andy Lloyd-James. Head Video: Janine Burdeu The guiding principle in the Gen Mgr Network TV: Claire Head and Brand Mgr ABC for Kids & application of the following general Henderson (a) Licensing: Grahame Grassby program codes is context. What is Network Mgr RN: Steven Alward Head Sales & Distribution: Tony Jaspers unacceptable in one context may be Network Mgr ABC Classic FM: Peter Financial Controller: Andrew Eagleton appropriate and acceptable in James another. However, the use of Network Mgr Triple J: Ed Breslin Human Resources language and images for no other Network Mgr NewsRadio: Dr. Ian Head: Jacquie Hutchinson. purpose but to offend is not Wolfe Nat Employee Rels Mgr: Colin Palmer acceptable. Network Mgr RA: Jean-Gabriel Nat Policy & Planning Mgr: Alan Bull The code is not intended to ban Manguy Nat Training & Dev Mgr: Sandy Forbes certain types of language or images Network Mgr Multimedia: Colin from bona fide dramatic or literary Griffith Finance & Business Services treatments, nor is it intended to Arts Editor: Ros Cheney Head: Russell Balding. exclude such references from Talks Editor: Amanda Armstrong GM Group Audit: David Pendleton legitimate reportage, debate or Gen Mgr Nat Nets Dev: Sarah Benjamin Fin Contr Broadcasting: Sue Crane documentaries. Where appropriate, Gen Mgr Bus Affairs: Malcolm Smith Fin Contr Content Prod: Andrew audiences will be given advance Mgr Policy & Planning: Russell Stendell Cavenett notice of the content of the program. Mgr ABC International: Wendy Hallam Fin Controller Corp & Support: Eugene Remedios 2.1 Violence. The presentation or News & Current Affairs Corp Chief Accountant: John portrayal of violence must be Head News & Current Affairs: Paul Thomson justifiable, or else the material should Williams GM Legal & Copyright: Judith Walker not be presented. Particular attention Head News: Norman Taylor GM Fin Ops and Accting Servs: vacant should be paid to the portrayal of Head Current Affairs: Lindy Magoffin GM Fin Plan & Analysis: Laurie Treloar violence against women. State Heads Gen Mgr Info Tech Services: In news and current affairs programs, NT: David Robertson Christine Rogers violent events should never be QLD: John Cameron GM Property Services: Laurie Arthur sensationalised or presented for their SA: Jillian Attrill Project Mgr BSR: Wayne Rosen own sake. TAS: Richard Lower VIC: Peter Ryan (TV) Chief of Staff In drama programs, the aim is not to VIC: Stuart Heather (Radio) Chief of Staff: Janet Clayton. see how much violence will be WA: Kim Jordan Mgr Corporate Liason: Gary Linnane tolerated, but how little is necessary Gen Mgr Bus Affairs: Carolyn Jones GM Corporate Affairs: Roger Grant to achieve honest ends without Mgr Production Resources: Ian Carroll GM Corporate Strategy: Geoff Heriot undue dramatic compromise. Mgr Editorial Dev & Support: Heather GM Policy &Planning: Pauline Garde 2.2 Language. Variations of language Forbes Exec Officer to Board: Joan McKain favoured by different groups of Australians — young or old, well Program Production ABC Development educated or less educated, migrants, Head: Don Reynolds Head: Ian McGarrity Indigenous and others — are equally Nat Mgr Projects: Richard Ives (a) valid and have their place in Nat Mgr Dev: David Leonard(a) (a) means acting programs. On occasions, the language

97 of one group may be distasteful to exercised in traditional matters such relatives and survivors or another. Use of such language is as the naming or depicting of witnesses of traumatic incidents. permitted provided it is not used Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 4.2 News and Current Affairs gratuitously and provided the people after death. Programs. Every reasonable effort language can be justified in the 3.4 Portrayal of Women and must be made to ensure that the context of, for example, fiction, Avoidance of Stereotypes. Programs content of programs produced by documentary, dramatisation, will take care to acknowledge the full ABC News and Current Affairs comedy and song lyrics. range of roles now performed by Departments is: 2.3 Sex and Sexuality. Provided it is women. Irrelevant references to a (a) impartial: impartiality does not handled with integrity, any of the woman’s physical characteristics, require editorial staff to be following treatments of sex and marital status or maternity will be unquestioning; nor should all sides sexuality may be appropriate and avoided. of an issue be devoted the same necessary to a program: Programs should not promote or amount of time. ៉ it can be discussed and reported endorse inaccurate, demeaning or (b) balanced: balance will be sought in the context of news, discriminatory stereotypes of women through the presentation, as far as information or documentary or men. possible, of principal relevant programs; In producing programs using viewpoints on matters of ៉ it can be referred to in drama, experts, interviewees and other importance. The requirement may comedy, lyrics or fictional talent, program makers will ensure not always be reached within a programs; and that there are opportunities for both single program or news bulletin, but ៉ it can be depicted, implicitly or women and men to present will be achieved within a reasonable explicitly. viewpoints. period. 2.4 Discrimination. The 3.5 Closed Captioning for People 4.3 News Flashes. Care will be presentation or portrayal of people who are Hearing Impaired or Deaf. exercised in the selection of sounds in a way which is likely to encourage Closed caption programs will be and images and consideration given denigration of or discrimination clearly marked when program to the likely composition of the against any person or section of the information is provided to the press audience. community on account of race, or when captioned programs are 4.4 News Updates and News ethnicity, nationality, sex, age, promoted. Where possible, open Promotions. News updates and news disability or illness, social or captioned advice will be provided if promotions will not appear during occupational status, sexual technical problems prevent obviously inappropriate programs, preference or the holding of any scheduled closed captioning. especially programs directed at religious, cultural or political belief Addresses to the nation and events young children. Due to their will be avoided. The requirement is of national significance will be repetitive nature, there will be very not intended to prevent the transmitted with closed captioning. little violent material included in broadcast of material which is The ABC will endeavour to increase them, and none at all in the late factual, or the expression of the amount of closed-captioning afternoon and early evening. genuinely-held opinion in a news or programming, as resources permit. current affairs program, or in the 5 Promotions for Programs legitimate context of a humorous, 4 News, Current Affairs Program promotions will be satirical or dramatic work. and Information Programs scheduled so as to be consistent with 2.5 Privacy. The rights of individuals 4.1 News, Current Affairs and the nature of surrounding programs. to privacy should be respected in all Information Programs 6 Warnings ABC programs. However, in order to In programs produced by ABC News provide information which relates to and Current Affairs Departments and Where appropriate, the audience will a person’s performance of public information programs: be given advance notice of programs duties or about other matters of or program segments which some public interest, intrusions upon (a) Every reasonable effort must be viewers or listeners could find privacy may, in some circumstances, made to ensure that the factual distressing or disturbing. be justified. content of programs is accurate. Demonstrable errors will be 7 Television Program 3 Specific Program Codes corrected in a timely manner and Classifications in a form most suited to the 3.1 Children’s Programs. While the circumstances. This system of television program real world should not be concealed classification applies the Guidelines from children, special care will be (b) Editorial staff will not be obliged for the Classification of Films and taken to ensure programs children to disclose confidential sources Videotapes issued by the Office of are likely to watch unsupervised will which they are entitled to protect Film and Literature Classification. not cause alarm or distress. at all times. Programs having a particular 3.2 Religious Programs. Religious (c) Re-enactments of events will be classification under the Office of programs may cover Christianity, clearly identified as such and Film and Literature Classification other traditional religions and new presented in a way which will Guidelines may be modified so that religious movements, as well as not mislead audiences. they are suitable for broadcast or analysis and discussion of religious (d) If reported at all, suicides will be suitable for broadcast at particular issues from non-religious points of reported in moderate terms and times. view. will usually avoid details of 7.1 Classification 3.3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait method. G — General (suitable for all ages) Islander Programs. Program makers (e) Sensitivity will be exercised in and journalists should respect G programs, which include programs broadcasting images of or designed for pre-school and school Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interviews with bereaved cultures. Particular care should be age children:

98 – are suitable for children to watch segment in an arts program could response, the complainant may ask on their own; appear during a weekend daytime the Convener of the ICRP to accept – may be shown at any time. program. the complaint for review. Further There must be sound reasons for any information can be obtained from PG — Parental Guidance (parental the Convener, Independent guidance recommended for departure from the time zone for a program classification. Complaints Review Panel, GPO Box persons under 15 years) 688, Sydney, NSW 2001 or by PG programs: Programs which are serious phoning (02) 9333 5639. presentations of moral, social or – may contain adult themes and cultural issues may appear outside If the Convener rejects the concepts which, when viewed by their normal classification period complaint or if the complainant is those under 15 years, may provided that a clear indication of dissatisfied with the outcome of the require the guidance of an adult; the nature and content of the review and the complaint is covered by the ABC Code of Practice, the – may be shown between program is given at its complainant may make a complaint 8.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. on commencement. to the Australian Broadcasting weekdays 7.3 Television Classification Authority about the matter. 7.30 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. on any Symbols. The classification symbol day of the week. of the PG, M or MA program (except 8.3 Australian Broadcasting Authority. If a complainant: M — Mature Audience programs news, current affairs, general and MA — Mature Adult Audience information and sporting programs) – does not receive a response from programs being shown will be displayed at the the ABC within 60 days; or commencement of the program. – are programs which, because of – the complainant is dissatisfied the matter they contain or The classification symbol of the PG, with the ABC response; or because of the way it is treated, M or MA program (except news, – the complainant is dissatisfied are recommended for viewing current affairs, general information with the outcome of the ICRP only by persons aged 15 years or and sporting programs) being review (as mentioned above); over. promoted will be displayed during and the promotion. M programs may be shown – the complaint is covered by the between:noon and 3.00 p.m. on 7.4 Consumer Advice. Audio and ABC Code of Practice; weekdays that are school days 8.30 visual consumer advice on the p.m. and 5.00 a.m. on any day of the reasons for an M or MA the complainant may make a week. classification will be given prior complaint to the Australian to the commencement of an M Broadcasting Authority about the MA programs may be shown or MA program. matter. between: 9.30 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. on any day of the week. 8 Complaints While most adult themes may be 8.1 This Code of Practice does not dealt with, the degree of explicitness apply to complaints concerning and intensity of treatment will programs which are or become the determine what can be subject of legal proceedings. accommodated in the M and MA classifications — the less explicit or Complaints that the ABC has acted less intense material will be included contrary to this Code of Practice in the M classification and the more should be directed to the ABC in the explicit or more intense material, first instance. Phone complainants especially violent material, will be seeking a response from the ABC will included in the MA classification. be asked to put their complaint in writing. All such written complaints X programs and unmodified R will receive a response from the ABC programs (not suitable for within 60 days from receipt of the television) written complaint. – contain material which cannot The ABC will make every reasonable appropriately be classified as G, effort to resolve complaints about PG, M or MA because the Code of Practice matters, except material itself or the way it is where a complaint is clearly treated renders them unsuitable frivolous, vexatious or not made in for television; good faith or the complainant is – must not be shown at all. vexatious or not acting in good faith. 7.2 Implementation 8.2 Independent Complaints Guidelines. The time zones for each Review Panel. The ABC has program classification are guides to established an Independent the most likely placement of Complaints Review Panel (ICRP) to programs within that classification. review written complaints which They are not hard and fast rules and relate to allegations of serious cases there will be occasions on which of bias, lack of balance or unfair programs or segments of programs treatment arising from an ABC appear in other time-slots, for broadcast or broadcasts. example, a PG program or segment If a complainant making such an of a program designed for teenage allegation does not receive a viewers could appear before 7.30 response from the ABC within six p.m. if that is the time most suitable weeks or is not satisfied with the for the target audience, or a PG

99 Relationships Merit award, Bobby Cinematography, Nick Hilligoss, Appendix 7 & The Banded Stilts Cell Animation Okomedia ‘97 International • News Gathering, Peter Donnelley Broadcasting Ecological Film Festival, Japan ACS, Night Fires • Special Prize of the Federal • News Magazine, Peter Curtis, Port Awards Minister of the Environment Arthur - A New Dawn (Germany) for Outstanding • TV Magazine, Anthony Sines ACS, Achievement in the Field of Australian Story: Silent Nights International Awards Environmental Education, Nick • Current Affairs, Neale Maude, Four Hilligoss, Natural History: Turtle Corners: Business As Usual The New York Festivals International World • Wildlife and Nature Films, Television Programming & Campbell Miller, Natural Born Promotions Houston International Film Festival Cheats Gold Gold Distinction • Human relations series, Film • Box, Produced by ABC’s • Lawrence McManus ACS, Australia, Myths of Childhood, Indigenous Unit as part of a Australian Story: The Good Life Screened on ABC Network trilogy for the Festival of 1998 Australian Teachers of Media Television Dreaming, Catriona McKenzie, (ATOM) Awards • Biography/profiles, Colin Grubb, Writer/Director, David Jowsey, • Best Science Documentary, Alison Ravel’s Mother Goose Executive Producer Leigh, Executive Producer, What’s • Science & Technology, Richard Japan Prize International Educational Your Poison?: Nicotine, The Smith, Black Holes, an Program Contest Desirable Drug ABC/Pioneer Productions film in • PreSchool Education, Second Prize association with Channel 4, the Hoso Bunka Foundation Prize, 1997 Australian Teachers of Media Silver Henrietta Clark, Play School: Road (ATOM) Multimedia Awards • Sports & recreation series, Safety • Best Educational Multimedia Working Dog Pty Ltd, A River Production, Ingenious CD-ROM American Medical Association’s • Best Online Multimedia Somewhere, Screened on ABC International Health & Medical Film Network Television Golden Globe Production,the Lab - ABC Science Competition Online Awards • Series, Geoffrey Burchfield & • Health/Medical Information, The • Best Secondary School Multimedia Richard Campbell, Quantum: Resource, Frontier CD-ROM and Problem With Men, Beyond What’s Your Poison Distribution Pty Ltd Screened on Frontier Online Network Television Commonwealth Broadcasting • Best Use of Animation in a • Magazine format, Tony Jones, Association/Rolls-Royce Awards for Multimedia Product, Bananas in Reporter, Ivo Burum, Producer, Excellence in Broadcasting Pyjamas CD-ROM Foreign Correspondent: War Highly Commended 40th TV Week Logie Awards Criminals • Cost Effective Engineering, ABC Silver Logie • Coverage ongoing news story, National Communications Unit, • Most Outstanding Actor, Tony Mark Davis, Foreign Correspondent: Communications Platform for Radio Martin, Wildside The Lion of the Pavishir Other Bronze National Awards • Most Outstanding mini-series, • National/international affairs, Wildside, Gannon Jenkins Michael Maher, Reporter, Andrew 1997 Walkley Awards for Excellence Television/ABC production. Clark, Producer, Foreign in Journalism • Most Outstanding Series, Frontline, Correspondent: Budiman • Best Current Affairs Report, David Working Dog Productions for ABC Other Spicer, AM program: Juvenile Justice • Most Outstanding Achievement • Best Actress in a Drama, Judi • Best Feature or Documentary, in Comedy, Frontline, Working Dench, Her Majesty Mrs Brown A Norman Swan, Science Show: QUT: Dog Productions for ABC co-production with ABC for A University for the Real World • Most Outstanding Achievement which ABC have film distribution • Best Current Affairs Report, to Public Affairs, Liz Jackson, Four and TV screening rights. Feature, Documentary or Special Corners: Where Does The Buck Stop? • Best Newscast series, Australia (15 mins plus), Ben Cheshire & • Most Outstanding Achievement Television News Sophie Emtage, Australian in Children’s Programs, Henrietta Story:Valentine’s Day Clark, Playschool New York Festivals Radio Awards • Best Cinematography, Chantal Bronze Medal Abouchar, Foreign Correspondent: 1997 Australian Internet Awards • Stephen Watkins, Encounter: Still East Timor Resistance • Best Media Web site, ABC Online Glides The Stream • Excellence in Indigenous Affairs, Australian Interactive Multimedia International Wildlife Film Festival, Bruce Belsham & Victoria Pitt, Industry Association International (Missoula, Montana USA) Frontier Multimedia Awards • Entertainment Value, Nick Highly Commended The Real Wild Child CD-ROM won: Hilligoss, A Bunch Of Fives: Lower • Best Cinematography, Andrew • Best overall education Orders Taylor, Foreign Correspondent: multimedia/online product or • Short Television Program, Second Kosovo service place, David Luffman & Jeremy • Excellence in coverage of Asia • Best multimedia/online reference Hogarth, Bobby & The Banded Stilts (Broadcast), Dugald Maudsley, or information product or service • Best Narration,Tied winner, Bobby Foreign Correspondent • Best animation/video in a & The Banded Stilts, Hugo 1998 National Australian multimedia/online product or Weaving, Narrator, Jonathan Cinematographers’ Society Awards service Holmes, Writer • Multimedia/online programmer Golden Tripod • Presentation of Ecosystem • Interactive multimedia/online writer • Experimental & Specialised

100 • Multimedia/online history in radio and other media Bracken, Program Director, for studio/developer in North America and the United broadcasts contributing to Youth • Gold Award - Best Overall Kingdom. Week in the Hunter multimedia/online product 1997 Heart Foundation Media Award Muswellbrook Shire Australia Day United Nations Association of • Linda Bracken, Broadcaster, Report Award Australia Media Peace Awards 1997 on cardiac rehabilitation at John • Northoak Award, Mike Pritchard, Special Citation Hunter Hospital. Rural Reporter 2UH “outstanding • Michael Maher, Foreign Animals Australia Peter Rawlinson contribution to agricultural Correspondent: Budiman - Portrait of Award services” an activist • Excellence in a media 1998 NSW Royal Australian Institute Australian Federation of Aids presentation which promotes the of Architects Awards Organisations Awards protection of native wildlife, • Adrian Ashton Award for • TV Current Affairs, Mark Dione Gilmour, Klaus Toft, Architectural Journalism, Alan Edmondson & Christina Annette Cooper, Mark Lamble, Saunders, Presenter, Mark Wakely Koutsoukos, Compass: HIV Kids Jeremy Hogarth and Dave & Kerry Stewart, Producers, The Luffman, Wild Relations Comfort Zone Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission Media Awards Australian Rugby Union Award NSW Royal Agricultural Society • Radio, David Busch, Encounter: • Best radio coverage of the Super Television Media Award 1998 The Churches and The Stolen 12 Rugby Union, Tim Gavel, 2CN • Justin Murphy, 7.30 Report: Generations Sports Broadcaster Woodchop Commendations Australian Institute Of Polish Affairs 1998 NSW Royal Agricultural Show • Compass: Stolen Children; Michael Media Prize Award Maher Foreign Correspondent: • Maria Zijlstra, presenter, The • Best Radio Feature, Jenny Black, Budiman: Portrait of an Activist, Europeans, for a series of programs Rural Reporter, Report on a visually Chris Bullock, Hindsight: The based on interviews she recorded impaired rider Stolen Generation, Robyn Williams, in Poland Northern Territory book Normal Service Won’t be Henry Lawson Festival Resumed. • Drama, Wildside, Gannon Jenkins Darwin Press Club 1997 Media Television/ABC Earth Vision ‘97 Awards • Youth Choice Environmental Film • Best Sports Image, 7.30 Report, Award, Nick Hilligoss, Natural State & Community Awards Peter Quinn & Gerry Meyer, History:Turtle World (Network Barramundi Television) Australian Capital Territory • Best TV News Pictorial, Stateline, Peter Quinn & Gerry Meyer, Oil Environment Australia Peter Hunt 1998 Canberra Region Tourism Rig Eureka Prize Awards • Best News Story in Radio, Radio • Environmental Journalism, Liz • ABC Radio 2CN, Comprehensive News (NT), Michael Ockerby, Jackson and Mark Maley, Four Coverage of Events & Activities Corners: Hot Debate Petrol Sniffing • Best Piece of Current Affairs Michael Daly for Excellence in New South Wales Journalism, Denis Shulz & Science and Technology Journalism Australian Cinematographers’ Genevieve Hussey, Janet Mills, • Radio Journalism, Tom Morton, Society Awards (NSW) Euthanasia Background Briefing: The • TV Magazine, Laurence McManus, Millennium Bug Australian Story: The Good Life MBF Health and Well-Being Awards • Television Journalism, Justin (NT) Murphy, 7.30 Report: Battery Lady 1997 Landcare Media Award • Radio Report - Metropolitan, Mark • Keva Gocher, Report on Snowy River Bowling, Tiwi for Health Royal Australian College of General Erosion Control Practioners Awards Queensland • Ben Cheshire, Sophie Emtage, Law Society of NSW Media Awards Australian Story: Valentine’s Day • TV Current Affairs, Four Corners, Australian Cinematographers’ Murray McLaughlin, Euthanasia Society Awards (QLD) MBF Health and Well Being Awards • Best Radio Documentary, Susanna Gold The Most Outstanding Contribution Lobez, presenter, The Law Report • TV Magazine, Anthony Sines, to Improving Public Awareness of Runner-Up Australian Story: Silent Nights Health and Wellbeing in Australia • TV News, Nick Grimm, The Abuse • Documentary - Cinema & TV, • Series Metropolitan or Defence Anthony Sines, Australian Story: Regional/Suburban Press, Radio or MEAA South Coast Journalist of the The Last Tentman Television, Geoffrey Burchfield & Year • Current Affairs, Anthony Sines, Richard Campbell, Quantum: • Maurie Ferry Australian Story: Her Excellency What’s Your Poison, Mark Bowling, Judges Award AM Program: Tiwi For Health NSW Henry Lawson Society Media • Anthony Sines, Australian Story, • Most Outstanding Radio Current Award Silent Nights Affairs Story, Peter Walsh, Highly Commended Caroline Davison, Grandstand: • Nick Grimm, Bush Fire Season. Far North Queensland Media Awards Chronic Fatigue Syndrom • Best Radio Feature, Andrea NSW MBF Health Award • Best radio report in NSW, Natasha Wilhelm, Regional Program • Gordon Taylor Mitchell, Presenter, Brigitte Seega, Manager ABC Far North Producer, Health Report Interdepartmental Committee on • Best Radio Documentary and Youth Affairs Most Creative Audio, Ellen 1999 Churchill Fellowship McIntyre, Broadcaster ABC Far • Jane Connors, Hindsight, to Commendation: North investigate the uses made of oral • 2NC Newcastle and Linda

101 South Australia • Special award for wideranging contribution to radio and Appendix 8 Australian Cinematographers Society television journalism in Tasmania, Awards SA Judy Tierney, 7.30 Report & Enterprises Gold Stateline, Highly commended, • TV Magazine, Chris Moon, Electronic Journalism, Gillian Awards Australian Story: A Wing and a Bradford, Stateline Prayer MBF Health and Well-Being Awards ABC Contemporary Music Silver (Tas) • News Gathering, Carl Robertson, • Radio Report - Metropolitan, APRA Awards News SA: PCB Dolphins Peter Walsh and Caroline • Most performed Country Song, Highly Commended Davison, Report: Chronic Fatigue Gina Jeffreys, I haven’t got a heart • Andrew Burch, Landline: Drover Syndrome in Sports People ARIA Awards Artist • Radio Report - Regional, Steve • Best Australian Country Release, • TV Current Affairs, Greg Ashman, McClelland, Report: Children living Graeme Connors, The Road Less 7.30 Report: Coonawarra War with arthritis Travelled South Australian Rural Journalist of 1997 State Landcare Awards • Best Australian Children’s Release, the Year • Rural Country Hour team, Country Play School, In the Car • Prue Adams Hour: examining a range of landcare CMAA Country Music Awards South Australian Youth Media initiatives in the State (Tamworth Golden Guitars) Awards • Female Vocalist of the Year, Tania • Best News Story, Interview or Victoria Kernaghan, Dunroamin' Station Documentary on TV, Ian Rural Press Club of Victoria Annual • Vocal Collaboration of the Year, Henschke, 7.30 Report: Jobs for Awards Adam Harvey & Tanya Self, Drive Away (Open Road Compilation) Young Australians Highly Commended • Producer of the Year, Garth Porter South Australian Justice • News, Pip Courtney Administration Foundation Awards Highly Commended Victorian Country Music Awards for Media Excellence • Current Affairs, Pip Courtney • Male Vocalist of the Year, Mitchell • Special award, Susanna Lobez, Shadlow Victorian Law Institute Journalism presenter, The Law Report - Court Awards Golden Gumleaf Bush Laureate Radio series Award Commendation MBF Health and Well-Being Awards • Album of the year, Jim Haynes • Best Radio Story, Philippa and John Kane, Dipso Dan and (SA) O’Donnell • Radio Report - Regional/Suburban, Other Silly Buggers Stan Thomson, Report: Anxiety Victorian Law Foundation Media Tamworth Songwriters Awards Support Anxiously Awaited Awards • Gospel Song of the Year, Graeme • Best report on legal issues, Connors, One Child is Born Archbishop Media Citation Susanna Lobez, presenter, The Law • TV News, Rose Crane • Children's Song of the Year, Report. Graeme Connors, I believe in Santa • Stan Thomson, Story on: • Best Legal Broadcast, Alison Alzheimers Disease Clause Rogers, Caroline Quinn, Victorian • Contemporary Song of the Year, 1997 Mitchell Media Award Regional Drive program: Law Forum Fiona Kernaghan, Dunroamin • 5AN Adelaide for services to program Station victims of Crime Victorian Aids Council Media Award Country Music Association Industry ‘Ardyacka Park/Barmera Country Citation Award Music Festival Award • The ABC for recognising “diversity • Contribution to Country Music in • Special Award to Jim Grifsas, in all forms - social, cultural, racial Australia, Meryl Gross Commitment to Country Music in and sexual.” the Local Community Phonographic Performance Western Australia Company of Australia (PPCA) Award Clear Speech Awards • Most Broadcast Country Artist, • Sports Presenter, Leon Bignell Australian Cinematographers’ Graeme Connors • Weather Presenter, Xavier Society Awards (SA & WA) Minniecon • TV Magazine Commendation, Sales Achievement Awards • Personality Award, John Lombard Rick Harvey (WA), Gardening Gold sales achievement (35,000 Australia: Arabian Gardens units) Tasmania • Bananas in Pyjamas, It’s singing WA People with Disabilities Media time Australian Cinematographers’ Award • Wiggles Movie sound track Society Awards (TAS) • Jim Shaw, Local Radio WA, for • Wiggles, Toot Toot “highlighting mental health Highly Commended • Tania Kernaghan, December Moon issues” • TV Magazine, Paul Di Benedetto, • Lee Kernaghan, Hat Town Australian Story: Richard & Alice Better Hearing Australia (WA Bennett Platinum sales achievement Branch) Clear Hearing Awards (70,000 units) Tasmania Media Awards • Favourite Radio Voice, Peter • The Wiggles, Wake up Jeff • Keith Walsh Award for Kennedy, 6WF Perth • The Wiggles, Here comes a song Outstanding Contribution to Karratha Rotary Leadership Award Double Platinum acheivement Journalism over the previous year, • Rachel Baltis, Broadcaster (140,000 units) Pat Stanton Regional Radio, Karratha • Lee Kernaghan, Three Chain Road • Special Award for Contribution to Radio and TV Journalism, Mike Triple Platinum sales achievement Swinson, Drusilla Patkin (210,000 units)

102 • Triple J, Hottest 100 Volume 4 • John Sands Card of the Year, 1998 Diary • Grace Knight & Vince Jones, Come Bananas in Pyjamas Children’s Book Council of Australia in Spinner ABC Classics Notable Australian Children’s ABC Audio Book List ARIA Awards • Allan Baillie, author, Wayne TDK Australian Audio Book Awards • Best Australian Classical Release, Harris, illustrator, Star • Abridged Fiction, Natalie Scott Peter Sculthorpe Sun Music Navigator, Eating Out and Other Stories, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra • Penny Matthews, author, narrated by Ruth Cracknel conducted by David Porcelijn Potato Baby • Abridged Non-Fiction Award, Jan Soundscape Awards Ruff-O’Herne, Fifty Years of Silence • Readers Choice Best Australian ABC Video ABC Retail Orchestral Recording, Peter Australian Video Software & Sculthorpe Music for Strings Distributors Awards 1997 Excellence in Retailing Award Richard Tognetti and the • Highest Selling Children’s, Video, • ABC Shop Brookvale NSW Australian Chamber Orchestra Wiggles, Wake up Jeff Roadshow Sales Performance Award • Best Australian • Highest Selling Australian Video, • ABC Shop Darwin NT Chamber/Instrumental Recording, Wiggles, Wiggledance Rosalind Halton The French • Highest Selling Special Interest ABC Shop of the Year Harpsichord • ABC Shop Ringwood VIC Video, Wild Rhapsody • Record Industry Achiever of the • Highest Selling Sport Video, A ABC Licensing Year, Robert Patterson, Head ABC River Somewhere Classics Sales Achievement Awards Australian Interactive Multimedia Editor’s Choice Industry Association (AIMIA) Awards • Elizabeth Wallfisch, Australian Gold sales achievement ($250,000 Gold Award Brandenburg Orchestra conducted wholesale) • Best overall multimedia/online by Paul Dyer, Vivaldi: The Four • Playschool, On the Move product of the year, ABC, Pacific Seasons • Michael Palin, Full Circle boxed set Advanced Media, Powerhouse • Canberra Wind Soloists, To The • Faulty Towers boxed set Museum, Mushroom Pictures, Real Dark Wood • Wallace & Gromit, A Grand Day Wild Child • Sydney Alpha Ensemble, Strange Out • ABC for Kids, It’s Showtime Other Awards Attractions • Thomas, Playtime • Best overall education • Tasmanian Symphony Chamber • Sesame Street, Best of multimedia/online product or Players, Geoffrey Lancaster, Elmo/Elmocize service, ABC, Pacific Advanced Director, Spirit of the Baroque • Sesame Street, Get up and Dance Media, Powerhouse Museum, Public Relations Institute of Australia Platinum ($500,000 wholesale) Mushroom Pictures, Real Wild Awards of Excellence • The Hooley Dooleys Child • Comprehensive Campaign, ABC • Bananas in Pyjamas, Singing Time • Best multimedia/online reference Classics, PolyGram, Department • A River Somewhere or information product or service, of Administrative Services, • Diana - a celebration ABC, Pacific Advanced Media, Anthem: Celebration of a Nation Powerhouse Museum, Mushroom • Community Communication, Multi-platinum (1.5 million Pictures, Real Wild Child ABC Classics, PolyGram, Dept of wholesale) • Best animation/video in a Administrative Services, Anthem: • Dancing in the Street multimedia/online product or Celebration of a Nation • ABC For Kids, Favourites service, ABC, Pacific Advanced • The Wiggles, Wiggly Wiggly Media, Powerhouse Museum, ABC Classic FM Recording of the Christmas Mushroom Pictures, Real Wild Year Awards • Bananas in Pyjamas, Bumping and Child • Best Recording of an Australian a-jumping • Multimedia/online programmer of Composition (24 Hours Readers • Teletubbies, Here come the the year, ABC, Pacific Advanced Choice), Peter Sculthorpe The Fifth Teletubbies Media, Powerhouse Museum, Continent, Tasmanian Symphony • Teletubbies, Dance with the Mushroom Pictures, Real Wild Child Orchestra (David Porcelijn, Teletubbies • Interactive multimedia/online Conductor) writer of the year, ABC, Pacific • Best Australian Performance (24 Advanced Media, Powerhouse Hours Readers Choice), Elizabeth Museum, Mushroom Pictures, Real Wallfisch, Vivaldi The Four Wild Child Seasons, The Australian Appendix 9 • Multimedia/online studio Brandenberg Orchestra (Paul developer of the year, ABC, Pacific Dyer) Other Awards Advanced Media, Powerhouse MO Awards Museum, Mushroom Pictures, Real • Best Classical Performer, Michael Commonwealth Broadcasting Assoc Wild Child Kieran Harvey Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting ATOM Awards Sales Achievement Awards Highly Commended • Best Use of Animation in a Gold Sales achievement • Cost Effective Engineering, ABC Multimedia Product, Bananas in • The Swoon Collection II National Communications Unit, Pyjamas CD-ROM It’s Fun Time Communications Platform for Radio Apple Developer Award ABC Books Annual Reports Award • Best Entertainment Product, Australian Publishers Association Silver Bananas in Pyjamas CD ROM, It’s Design Awards • ABC Annual Report 1996–97 Fun Time • Brown Prior Anderson Award, Best Annual Greeting Card Awards Designed Diary, Triple J Sandman

103 The motivation for this is to allow Appendix 10 Appendix 11 traditional non–Quantum viewers to see this fantastic series. However, it is NAC Membership NAC also recommended that the series be promoted as ‘previously seen on Membership for year to 30 June Recommendations Quantum’ in order to entice viewers 1998 who enjoy the series to tune into Quantum in the future. Continuing Race Around the World The NAC commends the ABC for Quantum – Future Fantastic Associate Professor Robin Stuart- taking up the concept of Race Around Harris (NSW) Convenor, Professor The response to R5/1/97 on Quantum the World, a program which utilises broadcasting of Future Fantastic was Giovanni Carsaniga (NSW), Jo and appeals to young people. beside the point. The NAC Gemmell (SA), Aimee Heuzenroeder However, the Council believes there commented on the fact that (Tas/NSW), Jillian Crowe (Vic), are several aspects of the program Quantum is a scientific program Matthew Draper (ACT), Lesley which compromise its overall valued for its good science Bangama Fogarty (WA), Audrey quality. information. Future Fantastic on the Tremain (NSW) The choice of a game-show type other hand, mainly because of its format, with its associated hype, association to the X–Files series, Appointed From 1 January takes the focus off the participants’ tended towards science fiction and 1998 films and frequently trivialises their speculation. Future Fantastic with its achievements. The show fails to popular appeal could have been Katie Biggs (VIC), James Salmon provide additional information shown in a general documentary (QLD), Charlotte Samiec (QLD), about the locations and cultures the slot, outside Quantum, leaving the Douglas Stott (SA). racers film, and its tone is flippant in latter with its reputation for science a way that is encouraged by the reporting untarnished. Terms Expired 31 December program’s host. 1997 Comments from the program’s Eureka Prize Mark Anderson (WA), Betchay judges are often unconstructive, The NAC regrets that the ABC Mondragon (NT), Dr Alessandra highly personal and ultimately do withdrew its support for the Eureka Pucci, AO (NSW) not enlighten the audience in any Prize. This is a quest for scientific significant way. Judge, David Caesar excellence towards environmental shows particular bias, and has been topics in environmental science discouraging and dismissive toward reporting. The ABC was instrumental several racers’ films. in setting up the Eureka Prize and The NAC recommends that Race was seen to be at the forefront of Around the Worlds producers review scientific promotions. The the program’s style and better brief withdrawal represents a very modest its judges during the remainder of saving for the ABC but a major loss the series. of image with the scientific community. Serious Programs Treatment – Race Around The World And The Melbourne Comedy The Problem With Men Festival Great Debate The NAC recommends that serious Several Council members had the programs be not disguised as opportunity to view this program entertainment by an unnecessarily and those that did felt embarrassed, jocular or patronising presentation. offended and appalled. Previously In particular it regrets that this Council has commented favourably approach somewhat compromised on other debates and Elle McFeast the quality of such programs as Race Specials. However on this occasion Around the World and The Problem comedy was replaced by deliberate with Men. crudity. The program was deeply offensive to other viewers who Quantum – The Problem With described it with comments such as Men sleazy. Council would like to know what The NAC recommends that the style mechanisms exist to assist in of Quantum should not be changed deciding whether a program is from an opportunity to showcase suitable to broadcast and new and exciting scientific recommends much greater caution knowledge and is an inappropriate over the broadcast of this type of vehicle to show a program such as material which on this occasion The Problem with Men. The series The offended viewers and may have Problem with Men should have been harmed the image of the ABC. considered sufficiently unique and important to require its own time Songlines slot and promotion. The NAC recommends that the ABC assist, where possible, and encourage Quantum – What’s Your performers on Songlines to provide Poison top quality footage for their The NAC recommends that the presentation to ensure that this What’s Your Poison series, screened presentation enhances their on Quantum be screened again as a performances. separate series outside of Quantum.

104 Blinky Bill was not promoted appropriately. Transmission – North West Viewers could not anticipate the The NAC wishes to express concern historical importance of the series Western Australia regarding the children’s program and may have avoided the The NAC continues to bring Blinky Bill, currently screening on documentary with a feeling of attention to the lack of transmitters ABC Television. saturation for the topic. and resources provided to the North Whilst aware of previous complaints West of Western Australia. The NAC made against the program, and of Clichés – Ethnic notes that Mansfield brings attention the Independent Complaints Review Communities & People to Kununurra as an example of the Panel’s ruling in the program’s The NAC recommends that the out- inequality of access to services in favour, Council continues to receive Australia. (Mansfield Report – The feedback from concerned parents. of-context use of clichés or The Panel’s acknowledgment that hackneyed visual and sound signals challenge of a better ABC – Volume 1 – Blinky Bill induces children be avoided as a way of introducing pages 13 – 14 refer) “undoubtedly to see woodchippers segments about particular ethnic The NAC recommends that the ABC in general as ‘bogey figures’, and its communities or people (for instance continue to press the Government assertion that children will ‘grow up mandolins playing O’sole Mio before on the lack of resources in the North and acquire sufficient knowledge things Italian, or the ‘primitive’ and maturity to form their own West of Australia and encourage the judgments” is of serious concern. No sounding rhythmical chant Government to take this into ABC children’s program should heralding Aboriginal subjects). account with the sale of the NTA. indoctrinate children in such a way The NAC wishes to be kept informed that they have to ‘grow up and 7.30 Report regarding this issue. acquire sufficient knowledge’ in The NAC recommends that Jennifer order to formulate a balanced view Byrne be made aware that remarks Interviewing Styles of the world. such as ‘not bad for a farmer’ made The NAC expresses its concern The NAC recommends that Blinky to Tim Fischer can be interpreted as a reflection that farmers are not bright. regarding the style of some Bill and the possible conditioning interviewers where their rigorous effect of ABC children’s programs (as investigation can border on raised by the Independent Weather Presentation rudeness. A recent example of this Complaints Review Panel), be The NAC recommends that a review style is the Kerry 0’Brien interview reviewed. of the presentation of the weather with Cheryl Kernot immediately segment on the 7.00pm ABC News Program Classification – after her resignation. takes place. Whilst the current While not wishing the interviewing Heartbreak High weather presenters are more than to stop asking difficult questions, the The NAC recommends that programs competent they are hampered by NAC recommends the ABC likely to attract young viewers under lack of new technology and encourage interviewers to avoid fourteen, such as Heartbreak High, computer enhanced graphics. playing the person rather than the display an ‘M’ warning at the issue. beginning of any episode with a Station ID’s/ Promotions particularly adult theme, thus The NAC recommends the use of Standards enabling parents to exercise a ABC personalities in future discretion about what type of The NAC is concerned about recent promotions and ID’s. This concept instances of falling standards in ABC material they permit young viewers seems to appeal to a traditional to watch. news and current affairs. Use of ‘commercial’ audience, who will vernacular and popular coinage then be exposed to the ‘alternative’ appears to have increased in news Pathfinder Expedition content of ABC Television. It is bulletins, examples include reference The NAC acknowledges the great conceded that the use of ABC to the travel rorts affair as interest within the community personalities in station ID’s is very ‘Travelgate’, and to BHP as ‘The Big surrounding the historic Pathfinder similar to Channel 9, however the Australian’. The inclusion of a ‘vox expeditions to Mars. The NAC NAC believes that adopting this pop’ style report on the 7.30 Report recommends the ABC acquire or approach may appeal to a wider (2/10/97) was also of concern being develop a special series on the audience, encouraging more people overly commercial in style and expeditions as soon as possible. to enjoy ABC TV’s excellent contributing little to informed standard of content. It is also debate. Violence – Cartoons – Gogs recommended that, where possible, local personalities, such as News and The NAC recommends that these The NAC refers to its weather presenters, be incorporated matters be reviewed by News and recommendation R1/2/96 regarding into some promotions. Current Affairs with a view to a review of procedures by which preserving the ABC’s usual high cartoons are assessed and acquired. Triple J standards in the future. The NAC is concerned about the screening of the animated program The Council continues to note the Quantum Gogs and its violent nature. The excellent standard of the Triple J Council would like clarification on Network. However, Triple J’s Quantum programs have significantly the process of acquisition and tendency towards high repetition of improved over the past year. The screening of programs and how a a small selection of songs remains of NAC commends the production unit children’s program of this nature was concern to the National Advisory for this. At the same time, the NAC shown on air. Council. An innovative network like is aware of potential changes to Triple J should both satisfy and Quantum programming which Hong Kong Handover – The surprise its audience. This ensures would ‘popularise’ it for wider that popular tracks are given fair audiences. The NAC believes that Last Governor airplay while lesser known material this would be a mistake. Quantum The NAC commends the ABC for its also gains exposure. With this in should continue to be the coverage of the Hong Kong mind, the NAC recommends that the benchmark for scientific reporting handover and the timely repetition of Triple J’s playlist be on Australian television. In order to broadcasting of The Last Governor. subjected to greater scrutiny in cover more esoteric (science fiction) The latter is an exceptional future. or speculative and alternative views, documentary series and the ABC the ABC should screen them under a should be commended for obtaining separate umbrella. the rights from the BBC so soon. However, it was felt that the series

105 Lateline comments into account when subject has been considered on a producing the next series. number of occasions. The NAC considers Lateline an excellent specialist program of great Food and Wine Program The NAC believes that the ABC interest to professional and lay should consider reinstating people who appreciate the Over the years, the NAC has on a Children’s Radio. However we comments of international and number of occasions recommended believe that a new format would Australian panels. that the ABC produce a food and need to be established which might wine program. The NAC understands include a magazine format with On 28 October, though, the that Tasting Australia has been multimedia capacity, interaction presenter failed to give equal time to produced in South Australia. The capability, talkback and cross overseas commentators, due perhaps NAC recommends that Tasting promotions on other services. The to satellite delay in picking up their Australia be considered for national NAC is aware of the challenges intention to speak. Since we get broadcasting. which might be envisaged i.e. such quite a coverage from print and as which network, what time, age of electronic media of Australian Radio Australia – Cox audience and expense. commentators, Lateline should take Peninsula care to give time to speak to those Program Classification – overseas experts the ABC invites on The NAC believes it is essential for an informed and authoritative Heartbreak High the program. Australian opinion to be able to react The NAC notes the Head of National promptly to events in the Asia- Cartoons Classification Networks’ response to its enquiry Pacific region, and to reach regarding program classifications, The NAC recommends the ABC communities in that region whose but believes the issue requires further provide a program classification or lack of access to reliable sources of attention. Whilst Council information and to political parent warning at the appreciates that OLFC guidelines are guidance based on sound democratic adopted for the ABC, its concern is commencement of cartoons such as and social principles may contribute Gogs to state ‘this program is intended that the distinction between to strife and instability. programs aimed at different age for viewers over 12 years of age’. The Council therefore expresses its groups is not made sufficiently most earnest hope that the Cox obvious to parents. Songlines Peninsula transmitter be This is particularly pertinent to Gogs The NAC recommends that given the recommissioned as soon as and Heartbreak High, which follow a ABC’s budget reduction for 1998 practicable, and considers that the bracket of programs including Noddy cost of its operation is more than Songlines series, that those events and Rug Rats, although these compensated by the foreign affairs programs are rated ‘G’, Gogs and recorded focus on technical quality, benefits to Australia. rather than quantity. Heartbreak High involve language and concepts which are clearly Digitisation appropriate for older children and Cameras – Local Radio As a statutory body representing the teenagers. Accordingly Council The NAC commends the ABC on the community, the NAC commends the recommends that the ABC assists trial in Western Australia providing ABC on the preparations the parents to distinguish which local radio studios with cameras to Corporation has already made with programs not be appropriate for their child’s age group. This could be shoot local footage. This process respect to digitisation. The Council not only strongly supports achieved via a voice-over, or by a further supports ‘One ABC’ policy digitisation but is excited at the specific insertion between program and provides local content and prospect, as this could improve the blocks indicating that the programs ownership. The NAC recommends range of and access to ABC services to follow are aimed at older this process be used throughout for the community, especially in audiences. regional Australia. rural and remote areas. Council urges that the ABC pursues digitsation Weather Challenging Programs vigorously as well as all options for After having viewed weather the extra resourcing. The NAC recommends that the ABC presentations from each State the continue to air programs that may, Food and Wine Program NAC recommends: within reason, upset people as this • The loss of a weather presenter in provides an opportunity to challenge Following the outstanding success of South Australia and weekend beliefs, views etc. of issues relevant the Two Fat Ladies and the Italian weather presenters is regretted to our society. Chef, Antonio Carlucci programs and weather presentation in which highlighted the food, wine South Australia would be better Arts Programming and cooking styles of various regions done by a separate presenter. in England and Italy, the NAC • That the background colour of The NAC recommends that more arts recommends the production of a blue on blue may be difficult for programs be aired. program based on the highlights of the elderly and the sight impaired the South Australian Food and Wine Festival, Tasting Australia. to distinguish and that the Race Around The World previous background colour of The NAC feels the ABC should not This theme could be expanded to orange is preferable. just take into account the popularity take in different regions to create a • Some numbers are difficult to read program with a distinctly unique of a program or the lack of viewer and should be clearer. Australian style. The NAC has • Symbols be included as they are criticism as to whether they will commented on this type of program adapt the format of a program. previously and feels that the success important indications on the Comments in the Saturday Age in of the two programs mentioned weather map. late October by several of the racers above add justification to this • Geographical areas be highlighted as in the Queensland presentation re – disappointment of the way their recommendation. – and when presenters give films were evaluated and the style Children’s Radio warnings for particular areas that used further support the National area should be highlighted. Advisory Council’s concern. The The Board NAC Subcommittee • A 3–4 day forecast should be NAC requests the producers of Race recently asked the NAC to consider included. Around the World take these the subject of Children’s Radio. This

106 Tumbarumba 92.5* Kowanyama 106.1* Strahan 107.5 Appendix 12 Tumut 97.9 Laura 106.1 Swansea 106.1 Upper Hunter 105.7 Lakeland 106.1 Waratah 103.3 Radio Wagga Wagga 102.7 Lockhart River 106.1* Walcha 88.5 Longreach 540 Victoria Transmitters Walgett 105.9 Mackay 101.1 Albury-Wodonga 106.5 Wilcannia 1584 Middlemount 106.1 Alexandra 102.9 Young 96.3 Miriam Vale 88.3 Ballarat 107.9 Mission Beach 89.3 Bendigo 91.1 Metropolitan Radio Northern Territory Mitchell 106.1 Bright 89.7 Adelaide- 5AN 891 Adelaide River 98.9 Moranbah 104.9 Cann River 106.1 Brisbane - 4QR 612 Alice Springs 783 Mossman 639 Corryong 99.7 Canberra - 2CN 666 Bathurst Island 91.3 Mt Garnet 95.7 Eildon 98.1 Darwin - 8DDD 105.7 Borroloola 106.1 Mt Isa 106.5 Goulburn Valley 97.7 Hobart - 7ZR 936 Daly River 106.1 Mt Molloy 95.7 Hamilton/Casterton 94.1 Melbourne - 3LO 774 Galiwinku 105.9 Sunshine Coast 90.3 Horsham 594 Newcastle - 2NC 1233 Groote Eylandt 106.1 Normanton 105.7 Gippsland 100.7 Orford - 7ZR/T 90.5 Haasts Bluff 105.9* Pentland 106.1 Mallacoota 104.9 Perth - 6WF 720 Jabiru 747 Pialba 855 Mansfield 103.7 Sydney - 2BL 702 Jim Jim 105.9* Pormpuraaw 106.1* Mildura 104.3 Katherine 106.1 Quilpie 106.1 Swan Hill 102.1 Regional Radio Kings Canyon 89.1* Red Dome Mine 105.7* Myrtleford 91.7 Mataranka 106.1 Rockhampton 837 Omeo 720 New South Wales Mereenie Gas & Oil 96.3* Roma 105.7 Orbost 97.1 Armidale 101.9 Nabarlek 107.0* St George 711 Portland 96.9 Ashford 107.9 Newcastle Waters 106.1 Tambo 105.9 Sale 828 Batemans Bay 103.5 Ngukurr 104.5* Taroom 106.1 Warrnambool 1602 Bega 810 Nhulunbuy 990 Thargomindah 106.1* Bombala 94.1 Pine Creek 106.1 Theodore 105.9 Western Australia Bonalbo 91.3 South Alligator 88.9* Thursday Is 1062 Albany 630 Bourke/Brewarrina 657 Tennant Creek 106.1 Toowoomba 747 Argyle 105.9 Broken Hill 999 Ti Tree 107.7* Townsville 630 Augusta 98.3 Cobar 106.1 Yulara 99.7* Tully 95.5 Blackstone 106.1* Coffs Harbour 92.3 Wandoan 98.1 Bridgetown 1044 Cooma 1602 Queensland Warwick 104.9 Broome 675 Crookwell 94.3 Airlie Beach 89.9 Weipa 1044 Busselton 684 Dubbo 107.1 Alpha 105.7 Wide Bay 100.1 Carnarvon 846 Eden 106.3 Atherton 720 Cue 106.1 Glen Innes 819 Babinda 95.7 South Australia Dalwallinu 531 Gloucester 100.9 Bedourie 106.1 Andamooka 105.9 Darlot 105.9* Goodooga 99.3 Biloela 94.9 Coober Pedy 106.1 Derby 873 Goulburn 90.3 Birdsville 106.1 Cook 107.7* Esperance 837 Grafton 738 Boulia 106.1 Glendambo 106.1* Exmouth 1188 Griffith/MIA 100.5 Burdekin Falls 107.5* Leigh Creek 99.3* Fitzroy Crossing 106.1 Hay 88.1 Cairns 106.7 Leigh Creek Sth 1602 Geraldton 828 Illawarra 97.3 Cairns 801 Lyndhurst 88.7* Golden Grove Mine 106.3* Ivanhoe 106.1 Cairns North 95.5 Marla 106.1* Goldsworthy 107.3* Jindabyne 95.5 Camooweal 106.1 Marree 105.7 Halls Creek 106.1 Kempsey 684 Charleville 603 Mintabie 88.7* Hopetoun 106.9 Khancoban 89.7* Chillagoe 106.1* Moomba 106.1* Jamieson 106.1* Lightning Ridge 92.1 Coen 105.9 Mt Gambier 1584 Kalbarri 106.1 Lismore 94.5 Collinsville 106.1 Naracoorte 1161 Kalgoorlie-Boulder 648 Lithgow 1395 Cooktown 105.7 Oodnadatta 95.3* Karratha 702 Menindee 97.3 Croydon 105.9 Port Lincoln 1485 Koolan Is 106.1 Merriwa 101.9 Cunnamulla 106.1 Port Pirie 639 Kununurra 819 Mudgee 99.5 Dimbulah 91.7 Renmark/Loxton 1062 Laverton 106.1 Murrurundi 102.5 Doomadgee 97.5* Roxby Downs 102.7 Leinster 106.1* Murwillumbah 720 Dysart 91.7 Streaky Bay 693 Leonora 105.7 Muswellbrook 1044 Eidsvold 855 Woomera 1584 Manjimup 738 Narrabri/Moree 99.1 Emerald 1548 Yalata 105.9* Marble Bar 105.9 Nyngan 95.1 Georgetown 106.1 Meekatharra 106.3 Orange 549 Gladstone 99.1 Tasmania Menzies 106.1 Portland 94.1 Gold Coast 91.7 Bicheno 89.7 Mt Magnet 105.7 Rylstone/Kandos 96.3 Goondiwindi 92.7 Burnie 102.5 Mt Whaleback 105.7* Southern NSW 675 Goonyella 89.7* East Devonport 100.5 Nannup 98.1 SW Slopes 89.9 Greenvale 105.9 Fingal 1161 Newman 567 Talbingo 88.9* Gunpowder 106.1* King Island 88.5 Norseman 105.7 Tamworth 648 Gununa 92.7* Launceston 711 Northam 1215 Taree 756 Gympie 1566 Lileah 91.3 Nullagine 106.3* Taree/Pt Macquarie 95.5 Gympie 95.3 Queenstown 90.5 Palm Springs 106.9* Tenterfield 88.9 Hughenden 1485 Rosebery 106.3 Pannawonica 567 Thredbo 88.9 Injune 105.9 Savage River 104.1 Paraburdoo 567 Tottenham 99.3 Julia Creek 567 St Helens 1584 Port Hedland 603 Karumba 106.1 St Marys 102.7 Ravensthorpe 105.9

107 Red Hill 96.3* Northern Territory Mackay 102.7 Victoria Shay Gap 107.9* Adelaide River 100.5 Meandarra 104.3 Albury-Wodonga 990 Southern Cross 106.3 Alice Springs 99.7 Middlemount 107.7 Alexandra 104.5 Tjirrkarli 106.1* Bathurst Island 92.9 Miles 92.1 Bairnsdale 106.3 Tom Price 99.3* Borroloola 107.7 Miriam Vale 89.9 Bright 88.9 Tom Price 567 Daly River 107.7 Mission Beach 90.9 Cann River 107.7 Wagin 558 Darwin 657 Mitchell 107.7 Corryong 98.1 Warakurna 101.9* Galiwinku 107.5 Monto 101.9 Eildon 97.3 Warburton 106.1* Groote Eylandt 107.7 Moranbah 106.5 Mallacoota 103.3 Wiluna 106.1* Jabiru 107.7 Morven 107.5 Mansfield 105.3 Wyndham 1017 Kalkaringi 107.7* Mossman 90.1 Melbourne 621 Yalgoo 106.1 Katherine 639 Mt Garnet 97.3 Mildura 105.9 Yandicoogina 106.1* Mataranka 107.7 Mt Isa 107.3 Nhill 95.7 Yiyili 106.1* Newcastle Waters 107.7 Mt Molloy 97.3 Omeo 99.7 Ngukurr 107.7* Muttaburra 107.7 Orbost 98.7 Nhulunbuy 107.7 Nonda 100.9* Portland 98.5 Radio National Pine Creek 107.7 Normanton 107.3 Swifts Creek 103.5 ACT and New South South Alligator 88.1* Pentland 107.7 Wangaratta 756 Tennant Creek 684 Quilpie 107.7 Warrnambool 101.7 Wales Urapunga 107.5* Richmond 107.7 Armidale 720 Yulara 98.1 Rockhampton 103.1 Western Australia Balranald 93.1 Roma 107.3 Albany 96.9 Batemans B./Moruya 105.1 Queensland Warwick/Stanth. 106.5 Argyle 107.5 Bathurst 96.7 Airlie Beach 93.1 Springsure 100.9 Augusta 99.1 Bega/Cooma 100.9 Alpha 107.3 St George 107.7 Broome 107.7 Bonalbo 92.1 Aramac 107.9 Surat 107.5 Carnarvon 107.7 Bourke/Brewarrina 101.1 Augathella 107.7 Tambo 107.5 Cue 107.7 Broken Hill 102.9 Babinda 94.1 Taroom 107.7 Dalwallinu 612 Canberra 846 Barcaldine 107.3 Theodore 107.5 Dampier 107.9 Coffs Harbour 99.5 Bedourie 107.7 Thursday Is 107.7 Denham 107.5 Cooma 95.3 Birdsville 107.7 Townsville 104.7 Derby 107.5 Crookwell 95.1 Blackall 107.9 Townsville North 96.7 Eneabba 107.7 Deniliquin 99.3 Blackwater 94.3 Tully 96.3 Esperance 106.3 Dubbo 107.9 Boulia 107.7 Wandoan 98.9 Exmouth 107.7 Eden 107.9 Bowen 92.7 Weipa 107.3 Fitzroy Crossing 107.7 Emmaville 93.1 Brisbane 792 Wide Bay 100.9 Geraldton 99.7 Glen Innes 105.1 Cairns 105.1 Winton 107.9 Goldsworthy 105.7* Gloucester 102.5 Cairns North 93.9 Halls Creek 107.7 Goodooga 100.9 Camooweal 107.7 South Australia Hopetoun 106.9 Goulburn 1098 Capella 107.3 Adelaide 729 Jurien Bay 107.9 Griffith/MIA 98.9 Charleville 107.3 Andamooka 107.5 Kalbarri 107.7 Hay 88.9 Charters Towers 97.5 Ceduna 107.7 Kalgoorlie-Boulder 97.1 Ivanhoe 107.7 Clermont 107.7 Coober Pedy 107.7 Kambalda 95.9 Jerilderie 94.1 Cloncurry 107.7 Hawker 107.5 Karratha 100.9 Jindabyne 97.1 Coen 107.5 Keith 96.9 Koolan Is 107.7 Khancoban 91.3* Collinsville 107.7 Leigh Creek 100.9* Kununurra 107.3 Lightning Ridge 93.7 Cooktown 107.3 Leigh Creek Sth 106.1 Laverton 107.7 Lismore 96.9 Corfield 107.3 Marree 107.3 Leeman 107.3 Lithgow 92.1 Croydon 107.5 Quorn 107.9 Leinster 107.7* Menindee 95.7 Cunnamulla 107.7 Renmark/Loxton 1305 Leonora 107.3 Merriwa 103.5 Darling Downs 105.7 Roxby Downs 101.9 Marble Bar 107.5 Murrurundi 104.1 Dimbulah 93.3 Mt Gambier 103.3 Meekatharra 107.9 Narrabri/Moree 100.7 Dirranbandi 107.3 Spencer Gulf Nth 106.7 Menzies 107.7 Newcastle 1512 Dysart 93.3 Streaky Bay 100.9 Merredin 107.3 Nowra 603 Eidsvold 102.7 Tumby Bay 101.9 Mt Magnet 107.3 Orange 104.3 Emerald 93.9 Wirrulla 107.3 Mt Whaleback 104.1* Portland 92.5 Georgetown 107.7 Woomera 105.7 Mullewa 107.5 Rylstone/Kandos 100.3 Gladstone 95.9 Wudinna 107.7 Nannup 98.9 SW Slopes 89.1 Gold Coast 90.1 Narembeen 107.7 Sydney 576 Goondiwindi 94.3 Tasmania Newman 93.7 Talbingo 91.3* Greenvale 101.9 Bicheno 91.3 Norseman 107.3 Tamworth 93.9 Gunpowder 107.7* Hobart 585 Onslow 107.5 Taree/Pt Macquarie 97.1 Gympie 96.9 Launceston 94.1 Pannawonica 107.7 Tenterfield 90.5 Herberton 93.1 Lileah 89.7 Paraburdoo 107.7 Thredbo 90.5 Hughenden 107.5 Orford 88.9 Perth 810 Tumut 99.5 Injune 107.5 Queenstown 630 Pt Hedland 95.7 Wagga Wagga 104.3 Isisford 107.7 Rosebery 107.9 Ravensthorpe 107.5 Walcha 90.1 Jericho 107.7 St Helens 96.1 Roebourne 107.5 Walgett 107.5 Julia Creek 107.5 St Marys 101.1 Salmon Gums 100.7 Wilcannia 1485 Karumba 107.7 Strahan 105.9 Shay Gap 106.3* Wollongong 1431 Lakeland 107.7 Swansea 107.7 Southern Cross 107.9 Young 97.1 Laura 107.7 Waratah 104.9 Tom Price 107.3 Longreach 99.1 Wagin 1296

108 Wyndham 107.7 Goulburn Valley 96.1 Tasmania Willowra 106.1 Yalgoo 107.7 Hamilton/Casterton 93.3 Hobart 92.9 Yirrkala 105.3 Yandicoogina 107.7* Gippsland 101.5 Launceston 102.1 Yuelamu 105.9 Melbourne 105.9 Yuendumu 106.1 Mildura 102.7 Victoria ABC Classic FM Swan Hill 103.7 Albury-Wodonga 103.3 Queensland Warrnambool 92.1 Ballarat 107.1 Aurukun 107.7 Australian Capital Bendigo 90.3 Badu Is 107.5 Territory & New Western Australia Goulburn Valley 94.5 Bamaga 106.7 South Wales Albany 94.5 Gippsland 96.7 Boigu Island 106.1 Armidale 103.5 Bunbury 93.3 Hamilton/Casterton 94.9 Coconut Island 105.7 Batemans B./Moruya 101.9 Esperance 104.7 Melbourne 107.5 Darnley Island 106.1 Bega 99.3 Geraldton 94.9 Mildura 101.1 Dauan Island 105.7 Broken Hill 103.7 Kalgoorlie-Boulder 95.5 Swan Hill 105.3 Doomadgee 107.7 Canberra 102.3 Koolan Is 104.5 Warrnambool 89.7 Gununa 107.7 Coffs Harbour 97.9 Leinster 104.5* Hope Vale 107.7 Dubbo 105.5 Northam/York 98.9 Western Australia Injinoo 107.1 Goulburn 89.5 Perth 97.7 Albany 92.9 Kowanyama 107.7 Griffith/MIA 97.3 Bunbury 94.1 Kubin Island 105.9 Illawarra 95.7 Geraldton 98.9 Lockhart River 107.7 Khancoban 88.1* Triple J Kalgoorlie-Boulder 98.7 Mabuiag 106.3 Lismore 95.3 Northam/York 98.1 Murray Island 106.1 Narrabri/Moree 96.7 Australian Capital Perth 99.3 New Mapoon 107.5 Newcastle 106.1 Territory & New Pormpuraaw 107.7 Orange 102.7 South Wales Saibai Island 106.1 SW Slopes 88.3 Armidale 101.1 Parliamentary and Seisia 106.3 Sydney 92.9 Bega/Cooma 100.1 News Network St Pauls Island 106.7 Talbingo 88.1* Broken Hill 102.1 Stephens Island 105.9 Tamworth 103.1 Canberra 101.5 Adelaide 972 Sue Island 105.9 Taree/PtMacquarie 98.7 Coffs Harbour 91.5 Brisbane 936 Umagico 105.9 Wagga Wagga 105.9 Dubbo 102.3 Canberra 1440 Woorabinda 106.1 Goulburn 88.7 Darwin 102.5 Wujal Wujal 107.7 Northern Territory Griffith/MIA 96.5 Hobart 729 Yam Island 106.1 Alice Springs 97.9 Illawarra 98.9 Melbourne 1026 Yorke Island 106.1 Darwin 107.3 Lismore 96.1 Newcastle 1458 Yulara 99.7* Narrabri 99.9 Perth 585 South Australia Newcastle 102.1 Sydney 630 Amata 106.1 Queensland Orange 101.9 Ernabella 106.1 Airlie Beach 95.5 SW Slopes 90.7 Fregon 106.1 Brisbane 106.1 Sydney 105.7 Community Indulkana 106.1 Cairns 105.9 Tamworth 94.7 Facilities** Cairns North 94.7 Taree/ Western Australia Clermont 104.5 Port Macquarie 96.3 Northern Territory Balgo 106.1 Darling Downs 107.3 Wagga Wagga 101.1 Ali-Curung 106.1 Beagle Bay 106.1 Gold Coast 88.5 Barunga 106.1 Djarindjin 106.1 Gympie 93.7 Northern Territory Beswick 105.7 Jigalong 106.1 Longreach 102.1* Alice Springs 94.9 Bulman 106.1 Kalumburu 106.1 Mackay 97.9 Darwin 103.3 Daguragu 106.1 Kiwirrkurra 106.1 Mt Isa 101.7 Yulara 95.7* Finke 106.1 Lagrange 106.1 Sunshine Coast 88.7 Galiwinku 106.7 Looma 106.1 Rockhampton 106.3 Queensland Hermannsburg 106.1 Oombulgurri 106.1 Townsville 101.5 Brisbane 107.7 Imanpa 106.1 Tjukurla 106.1 Townsville North 95.9 Cairns 107.5 Kintore 106.1 Warmun 106.1 Warwick 101.7 Cairns North 97.1 Lajamanu 106.1 Wingellina 106.1 Wide Bay 98.5 Darling Downs 104.1 Maningrida 106.1 Yandeyarra 106.1 Gold Coast 97.7 Milikapiti 99.3 Yungngora 106.1 South Australia Mackay 99.5 Milingimbi 106.1 Adelaide 103.9 Mt Isa 104.1 Minjilang 106.1 Adelaide Foothills 97.5 Sunshine Coast 89.5 Nguiu 98.9 Renmark 105.1 Rockhampton 104.7 Ngukurr 106.1 Roxby Downs 103.5 Townsville 105.5 Nturiya 105.9 South–East SA 104.1 Townsville North 97.5 Numbulwar 106.1 Spencer Gulf Nth 104.3 Warwick 103.3 Oenpelli 106.1 Woomera 103.3* Wide Bay 99.3 Palumpa 106.1 Papunya 106.1 Tasmania South Australia Peppimenarti 106.1 Hobart 93.9 Adelaide 105.5 Pmara Jutunta 106.1 Launceston 93.3 Adelaide Foothills 95.9 Pularumpi 98.5 Mt Gambier 102.5 Victoria Ramingining 105.7 Renmark/Loxton 101.9 Santa Teresa 106.1 Albury-Wodonga 104.1 Roxby Downs 101.1* Umbakumba 106.3 Ballarat 105.5 Spencer Gulf Nth 103.5 Wadeye 106.1 Bendigo 92.7 Woomera 104.1* Warruwi 106.1 Bright 88.1

109 Domestic Shortwave Illawarra 56 Darwin 6 Alice Springs VL8A 2310 Appendix 13 Inverell 2 Darwin North 55 3230 Ivanhoe 6 Docker River* 69 4835 Television Jerilderie 10 Galiwinku 8 Katherine VL8K 2485 Jindabyne 60 Groote Eylandt 7 3370 Transmitters Kandos 60 Haasts Bluff* 69 5025 Khancoban 60 Helen Springs* 68 Tennant Ck VL8T 2325 Australian Capital Kings Cross 46 Hermannsburg* 66 3315 Kotara 58 Jabiru 8 4910 Territory Kyogle 57 Jim Jim* 69 Canberra 9 Laurieton 44 Kalkaringi* 57 The frequencies on which Fraser 56 Lightning Ridge 10 Katherine 7 shortwave stations Tuggeranong 60 Lithgow 32 Kings Canyon Resort* 69 transmit are varied as Weston Creek/ Lithgow East 55 Kulgera* 69 required to obtain Woden 55 Manly/Mosman 42 Mataranka 8 optimum results. Manning River 6 McArthur River Mine* 69 Notes New South Wales Mannus* 55 McArthur River* 59 Albury North 56 *SBRS — The Australian Menindee 9 Newcastle Waters 8 Araluen 56 Merewether 35 Nhulunbuy 11 Broadcasting Authority has Armidale 5A issued a licence to Merriwa 8 Numbulwar* 69 Armidale 33 Moonbi/Armidale 60 Peppimenarti* 69 rebroadcast the ABC Ashford 5A service indicated under the Mudgee 55 Pine Creek 10 Balranald 39 Mungindi 10 Pularumpi* 69 Self-help Broadcasting Batemans Bay/Moruya 9 Reception Scheme. Murrumbidgee Irrig’n 7 Robinson River* 59 Bathurst 6 Murrurundi 6 Santa Teresa* 68 Transmission facilities are Bega/Cooma 8 provided by the licensee Murwillumbah 60 South Alligator* 65 Bonalbo 55 Narooma 0 Tennant Creek 9 (not the National Bourke/Brewarrina 7 Transmission Agency). Newcastle/Hun.River 5A Ti Tree* 67 Bowral/Mittagong 33 Newcastle/Hun.River 48 Urapunga* 68 **Community Facilities — Braidwood 57 Nowra North 32 Wadeye* 69 Formerly known as Broken Bay 67 Nymagee* 66 Warrego 60 Broadcasting for Remote Broken Hill 2 Nyngan 3 Warruwi* 69 Aboriginal Communities Captains Flat* 55 Oberon 57 Wave Hill* 68 Scheme (BRACS). Cassilis 42 Portland/Wallerawang 57 Werenbun* 65 Communities with such Cen/Western Slopes 11 Quirindi 5A Yirrkala* 9 facilities have a transmitter Central Tablelands 1 Richmond/Tweed 6 Yulara* 67 which allows Cobar 2 Stanwell Park 33 rebroadcasting of Regional Coffs Harbour 60 SW Slopes/E Riverina 0 Queensland Radio, Radio National, Collarenebri 29 Sydney 2 Airlie Beach 49 ABC Classic FM, local Condobolin 65 Tamworth 2 Alpha 8 programming or Coolah 56 Tamworth 55 Aramac 11 programming from other Cooma 0 Tamworth/Moonbi 68 Atherton/Mareeba 68 sources. Cooma 56 Tenterfield 29 Augathella 11 Cowra 48 HACBSS The Homestead Thredbo 34 Aurukun* 69 Crookwell 45 and Community Tottenham 10 Ayr 63 Deniliquin 9 Broadcasting Satellite Tumbarumba* 66 Ayton* 69 Dubbo 57 Service allows Australians Tumut* 57 Babinda 54 Dungog 60 living outside transmitter Tweed Heads 32 Ballard 33 Eden 1 range to receive signals Ulladulla 33 Bamaga* 69 Emmaville 55 from ABC Radio and Upper Hunter 8 Barcaldine 10 Enngonia* 69 Television, as well as a Upper Namoi 7 Bedourie 7 Glen Innes 50 range of commercial and Vacy 31 Bell 56 Glen Lyons/Menindee 68 community broadcasting Wagga Wagga 56 Birdsville 8 Gloucester 42 services. It is estimated Walcha 6 Blackall 9 Goodooga 8 that about 12,000 satellite Walgett 69 Blackwater 8 Gosford 46 dishes are in service for Weilmoringle* 69 Bogantungan* 69 Goulburn 55 direct-to-home reception White Cliffs* 69 Bollon* 69 Grafton/Kempsey 2 of HACBSS. Wilcannia 8 Boonah 57 Hay 11 Wollongong 35 Boulia 8 Wyong 42 Bowen 5A ABC Radio Network Analysis Young 11 Boyne Island 57 Brisbane 2 Network Transmitters Northern Territory Burdekin Falls* 69 AM FM Total Adelaide River 11 Burketown* 69 Radio National 22 241 263 Alice Springs 7 Cairns 9 Metropolitan Radio 8 2 10 Batchelor* 69 Cairns East 41 Bathurst Island 11 Cairns North 4 Regional Radio 72 202 274 Beswick* 60 Cairns North 56 ABC Classic FM 0 70 70 Borroloola 6 Camooweal 8 Triple J 0 59 59 Bulman* 68 Cape Flattery Mine* 69 Parliamentary & News Network 8 1 9 Cattle Creek* 68 Capella 5A Shortwave Radio 3 0 3 Daguragu* 66 Charleville 9 Total ABC 113 575 688 Daly River 10 Charters Towers 44

110 Chillagoe* 69 Mt Molloy 7 Coober Pedy 8 Maydena* 58 Chinchilla* 56 Murgon 57 Cook* 69 Mole Creek* 57 Clairview* 69 Muttaburra 8 Cowell 6 Montumana 59 Clermont 10 Nambour 58 Elizabeth South 63 New Norfolk 56 Cloncurry 7 Nebo 55 Elliston* 69 Nth/Eastern Tasmania 3 Coen 8 Nonda* 69 Glendambo* 69 Nth/Eastern Tasmania 32 Collinsville 55 Noosa/Tewantin 32 Golden Grove* 56 Orford 55 Cooktown 8 Normanton 8 Hawker 48 Penguin 31 Corfield 10 Numinbah Prison* 56 Indulkana* 69 Pyengana Valley 33 Cracow* 68 Palen Creek Prison* 65 Keith 42 Queenstown/Zeehan 56 Croydon 8 Pentland 8 Kenmore Park* 69 Ringarooma Valley 55 Cunnamulla 10 Pormpuraaw* 69 Kingston SE/Robe 56 Rosebery 33 Currumbin 33 Port Douglas 55 Lameroo 57 Savage River 4 Dajarra* 69 Proserpine 56 Leigh Creek South 9 Smithton 32 Darling Downs 32 Quilpie 8 Lyndhurst* 60 Springfield South 56 Dimbulah 46 Ravenshoe 8 Manguri* 69 St Helens 31 Dirranbandi 7 Richmond 6 Marla* 69 St Marys 56 Doomadgee* 69 Rockhampton 9 Marree 8 Strahan 57 Dysart 2 Rockhampton East 55 Mintabie* 64 Strathgordon 43 Eidsvold 57 Roma 7 Moomba* 69 Swansea 57 Emerald 11 Scherger* 50 Naracoorte 57 Taroona 46 Esk 55 Shute Harbour 2 Nepabunna* 69 Tullah* 55 Eulo* 69 Smithfield Heights 56 Normanville* 57 Ulverstone 59 Forsayth* 56 Southern Downs 1 Oodnadatta* 60 Waratah 57 Georgetown 7 Springsure 8 Parachilna* 69 Weldborough 56 Gladstone East 32 St George 8 Penong* 69 Wynyard 33 Gladstone West 55 Stuart 59 Peterhead* 56 Glenden* 29 Sunshine Coast 40 Pinnaroo 56 Victoria Gold Coast 49 Surat 11 Pipalyatjara* 69 Alexandra 5A Goondiwindi 6 Tambo 6 Port Lincoln 60 Alexandra 59 Gordonvale 55 Tara 57 Quorn 47 Alexandra Environs 44 Greenvale 8 Taroom 11 Renmark/Loxton 3 Appollo Bay 55 Gunpowder* 69 Texas 11 Roxby Downs 56 Bairnsdale 57 Gununa* 69 Thallon* 69 South East 1 Ballarat 11 Gympie 45 Thargomindah* 69 Spencer Gulf North 1 Bendigo 1 Gympie Town 57 The Monument* 69 Streaky Bay 10 Bonnie Doon 58 Herberton 60 Theodore 58 Swan Reach* 51 Boolarra 56 Hervey Bay 55 Thursday Island 8 Tarcoola* 69 Bright 32 Hope Vale* 69 Tieri* 69 Tumby Bay 32 Bruthen 53 Hughenden 9 Toowoomba 56 Umuwa* 69 Cann River 11 Injune 8 Townsville 3 Victor Harbor 55 Casterton 55 Isisford 7 Townsville North 55 Waikerie 56 Churchill 55 Jackson Oil Field* 69 Trinity Beach 45 Watson* 68 Cobden 8 Jericho 7 Tully 8 Wirrulla 8 Colac 5A Julia Creek 10 Tully Falls 46 Woomera 7 Coleraine 2 Jundah* 69 Wandoan 5A Wudinna 30 Corryong 9 Karumba 6 Wangetti 51 Yankalilla* 56 Dartmouth* 57 Kowanyama* 69 Warwick 55 Yunta* 69 Dinner Plain* 64 Laura 8 Weipa 7 Eildon 33 Lakeland 69 Wide Bay 6 Tasmania Eildon Town 57 Linville* 63 Windorah* 69 Acton Road* 55 Ferntree Gully 56 Lockhart River* 69 Winton 8 Avoca 45 Foster 11 Longreach 6 Wirralie* 69 Barrington Valley 46 Freeburgh/Smoko* 56 Mackay 8 Wujal Wujal* 69 Bicheno 10 Genoa 31 Mareeba 54 Wyandra* 69 Binalong Bay 33 Gisborne* 56 Marpuna* 69 Yarrabah* 69 Burnie 58 Goulburn Valley 40 Meandarra 59 Yeppoon 56 Cygnet 45 Hopetoun* 29 Middlemount 8 Yuleba* 68 Derby 57 Horsham 45 Miles 9 Devonport/Ulverstone 48 Howqua* 57 Millmerran* 55 South Australia Dover 56 Jamieson* 58 Miriam Vale 11 Adelaide 2 Dover South 44 Kiewa 57 Mission Beach 2 Adelaide Foothills 46 East Devonport 57 Lakes Entrance 32 Mitchell 6 Andamooka 8 Forth* 45 Latrobe Valley 40 Monto 56 Angaston* 58 Geeveston 57 Lorne 57 Moore 33 Arkaroola* 69 Gladstone 40 Mallacoota 57 Moranbah 5A Barton* 69 Goulds Country/ Mansfield 50 Moranbah Town 55 Bordertown 2 Goshen 57 Marysville 46 Morven 7 Burra 56 Hillwood 46 Melbourne 2 Mossman 8 Caralue Bluff 59 Hobart 2 Mildura 6 Mount Surprise* 55 Carrickalinga* 55 Hobart, N/E Suburbs 57 Mitta Vale* 56 Moura 54 Ceduna/Smoky Bay 9 King Island 11 Murray Valley 2 Mt Garnet 2 Chandler* 68 Launceston 56 Myrtleford 2 Mt Isa 6 Coffin Bay 45 Lileah 8 Nhill 9

111 Nowa Nowa 55 Kambalda 5 Wagin 8 Omeo 32 Kambalda 55 Wangkatjungka* 69 Appendix 14 Orbost 2 Karalundi* 68 Warakurna* 69 Port Campbell* 54 Karratha 54 Warburton* 69 Radio Portland 60 Katanning 7 Wave Rock* 69 Safety Beach 61 Kojonup 69 Weeli Wolli Creek* 69 Australia Selby 57 Kondinin* 69 Westonia* 65 Seymour 55 Koolyanobbing 11 Wiluna* 69 Transmitters South Yarra 61 Koorda* 52 Winning* 69 Swifts Creek 59 Kulin* 31 Wittenoom* 66 Shepparton 6 Tawonga South* 32 Kununurra 9 Wongan Hills 6 Brandon 2 Trawool* 31 Kununurra East 68 Wyndham 10 Total 8 Upper Murray 1 Lagrange* 67 Yagga Yagga* 66 Upwey 39 Lake Grace 33 Yalgoo 10 Note: Unless otherwise Walwa/Jingellic* 56 Lake King* 69 Yandicoogina* 68 stated transmitters for Warburton 61 Lancelin* 53 Yiyili* 69 Television, Radio and Warrnambool 2 Laverton 10 Zanthus* 69 Radio Australia are Western Victoria 5A Learmonth* 66 Total TV Transmitters managed on behalf of the Yea33 Leeman 5A 634 Commonwealth by the Leinster 10 *SBRS — The Australian National Transmission Western Australia Leonora 8 Agency. The value of these Albany 7 Broadcasting Authority has Looma 68 services is shown in the Argyle* 69 issued a licence to Marandoo* 43 Financial Statements. Augusta 56 Marble Bar 8 rebroadcast the ABC Badgingarra* 68 Meekatharra 8 service indicated under the Bamboo Creek* 64 Menzies 10 Self-help Broadcasting Bayulu 45 Merredin 8 Reception Scheme. Beacon* 69 Moora 60 Transmission facilities are Beenup Camp* 64 Morawa 8 provided by the licensee. Bellevue Mine* 69 Mt Magnet 8 Bencubbin* 68 Mukinbudin* 31 Blackstone* 69 Mullewa 9 Boddington* 68 Munglinup* 69 Bremer Bay* 69 Nanga Bay* 69 Bridgetown 56 Nannup 32 Broads Dams* 69 Narembeen 64 Broome 8 Narrogin 57 Bunbury 5 Newman 7 Burracoppin* 66 Norseman 7 Callion* 69 North Rankin* 61 Carnarvon 7 North Rankin* 67 Central Agricultural 5A Northampton 8 Cervantes 46 Nullagine* 50 Cockatoo Island* 58 Nungarin* 66 Condingup/Howick 6 One Arm Point* 69 Coorow* 67 Ongerup* 67 Cue 10 Onslow 8 Curtin* 69 Oriental Well* 67 Dalwallinu 46 Overlander* 69 Dampier 29 Pallottine Mission* 69 Denham 8 Palm Springs Mine* 60 Derby 8 Pannawonica 11 Dolphin Island* 65 Paraburdoo 6 Eneabba 46 Pemberton 33 Esperance 10 Perth 2 Eucla* 69 Phillip Point* 68 Exmouth 8 Pingrup* 67 Fitzroy Crossing 58 Pink Hills* 69 Forrest* 69 Port Hedland 7 Gairdner* 68 Ravensthorpe 11 Geraldton 6 Rawlinna* 69 Gnowangerup* 69 Roebourne 9 Golden Grove Mine* 68 Roleystone 57 Goodwyn* 68 Salmon Gums 8 Green Head* 51 Shay Gap* 2 Halls Creek 8 South’n Agricultural 2 Hopetoun 65 Southern Cross 9 Hyden* 29 Tjirrkarli* 69 Jameison* 69 Tom Price 10 Jerramungup* 69 Toodyay 40 Jurien 55 Trayning* 69 Kalbarri 9 Useless Loop Town* 68 Kalgoorlie 6 Vlaming Head* 69

112 addition to completing its 1997-98 Appendix 15 Appendix 18 Strategic Audit Plan to schedule, Group Audit completed numerous Consultants Advertising and management requested reviews and participated in business re- Expenditure on Consultants in Market Research engineering processes. 1997–98 was $2 362 726, a decrease Other highlights included: of $603 933 on the previous year. Expenditure on market research and • An ANAO Financial Control and advertising for the 1997–98 year was Tech Strategy & Development 27,021 Administration review on internal $4 422 100 (1996–97 $4 803 580) audit across the Commonwealth Enterprises 12,065 The Corporation utilises advertising identified the ABC as one of a Human Resources 483,989 agencies and market research small number of organisations News & Current Affairs 68,467 organisations predominately to exhibiting international better promote Enterprises and Television practices in a number of key Regional Services 51,187 programming respects. • With the objective of providing a Program Production 151,489 Advertising 4 003 528 better understanding of Group National Networks 304,319 Market Research 304 876 Audit’s activities, an information Corporate Management 41,001 Direct Mail 113 696 brochure was completed Fin & Business Services 1 223 188 describing the role and Total 4 422 100 responsibility of Group Audit and Total 2 362 726 promoting the Branch as a resource for Management. Staffing Appendix 19 Appendix 16 There were two staff movements during the year, one resignation and Audit one internal recruitment. Group Ministerial Powers Audit used a combination of in- Subcommittee house, outsourced and contract staff. Under section 78 of the ABC Act the Minister responsible for the ABC has 1997-98 Meetings Information Technology the power to require the ABC to Audits broadcast any particular matter if the The Subcommittee met five times in Minister believes it to be in the 1997-98: Coopers and Lybrand (now Price national interest. Such direction must Meeting No. 3 – 1997 27 August Waterhouse Coopers) continue to be in writing, must be tabled in both Meeting No. 4 24 September provide value for money in the Houses of Parliament within seven Meeting No. 5 3 December provision of information technology sitting days, and must be included in Meeting No. 1 – 1998 25 March audit services. the ABC’s Annual Report. No such Meeting No. 2 26 May There were five (5) reviews completed directions were received during the Members of the Subcommittee are: during the year. year. • Wendy Silver, Audit Subcommittee Final Reports Chair Section 78(6) states ‘Except as provided 1. Year 2000 Project by this section, or as expressly • Donald McDonald, ABC Chairman provided by a provision of another • Brian Johns, Managing Director 2. Novell Operating System Act, the Corporation is not subject to • John Bannon, ABC Director 3. Post Implementation Review– direction by or on behalf of the Also in attendance are: OnLine 2000 Government of the Commonwealth’. • General Manager, Group Audit • Head, Finance and Business 4. Internet/Firewall Review Services 5. Year 2000 Follow Up Review • Australian National Audit Office In addition to the above, Group representatives Appendix 17 Audit also provided quality assurance Overall Performance advice to the SAP management Reports on information systems project steering Throughout the year, Group Audit committee throughout the year. Particular Matters continued to provide cost effective and value added internal audit Financial Compliance Audits services to the Corporation. In Under section 80 of the ABC Act, the Final Reports addition to accommodating Corporation is required to report • Retail Outlets management’s needs, the 1997–98 upon a number of particular matters. • EMI Strategic Audit Plan responded to • Directions from the Minister • Acme Trading change resulting from substantial relating to broadcasts pursuant to • Crystal Craft organisational restructuring. section 78 or other than under the • Motto Trading Act — There were no directions Highlights of the 1997–98 Audit Plan • PlayCorp included an increased coverage from the Minister. Compliance audits completed during derived from improved productivity, • Gifts or Donations within the the year confirmed the adequacy of a continued focus on risk based meaning of section 80(f) of the Act control environments for the areas planning and review, and the — The Corporation received no under review. Audit inclusion of previously unreviewed gifts or donations. recommendations were implemented operational activities. • Advice received by the ABC Board by Management on a timely basis. from the NAC is detailed in Group Audit’s profile continued to Appendix 11. improve throughout the ABC. In Operational Reviews

113 Final Reports Phone (02) 9950 3400; • Domestic Property Management Appendix 20 Fax (02) 9950 3418; • Western Australia Branch Head of Program Production: Don • Mobile Telephones ABC Offices Reynolds • Technology Project Management Regional Services: ABC Southbank & Licensing Centre,Cnr Southbank Blvd and • Private Vehicle Allowance ABC Head Office Sturt St, Southbank 3006; • Legal and Contract Management GPO Box 9994, Melbourne Vic 3001; • Control Self Assessment- Retail Australian Broadcasting Phone (03) 9626 1949; Outlets Corporation Fax (03) 9626 1633; • Classic FM ABC Ultimo Centre, Head Regional Services: Sue Howard • Overseas Travel 700 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007; • Budget Management GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Symphony Australia Holdings Pty • Asset Control Phone: (02) 9333 1500; Ltd: • Northern Territory Branch Fax: (02) 9333 5305; ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 Harris Reports Under Discussion Managing Director: Brian Johns Street, Ultimo 2007; 1. Payroll Processing Review Enterprises: John Mellion Building, GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; 2. Production Output- Natural 10a Campbell Street, Artarmon NSW Phone (02) 9333 1500; History Unit 2065; Fax (02) 9333 1678; 3. Network Television GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Managing Director: Nathan Waks 4. Program Acquisition- Radio Phone (02) 9950 3999; Technology Strategy & 5. Asset Utilisation Fax (02) 9950 3867; Development: 6. Facilities Marketing General Manager: Terry Moloney ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 Harris 7. Control Self Assessment- Branches Finance and Business Services: ABC Street, Ultimo 2007; 8. Control Self Assessment- Ultimo Centre GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Orchestras 700 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007; Phone: (02) 9333 2605 9. Spot Check Program GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Fax: (02) 9333 2603 10. Corporate Information Phone (02) 9333 5151 Head Technology Strategy & Fraud Control Fax (02) 9333 5172 Development: Colin Knowles Group Audit conducted an extensive Head Finance and Business Services: fraud awareness program throughout Russell Balding Australian Capital the ABC. A survey will be conducted Human Resources: ABC Ultimo next year to assess the effectiveness Centre, Territory and penetration of the campaign 700 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007; Canberra: Cnr Northbourne and with a view to focussing resources in GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Wakefield Avenues, Dickson; follow-up campaigns to areas of Phone (02) 9333 5120; GPO Box 9994, Canberra ACT 2601; greatest need. Included in the new Fax (02) 9333 5108; Phone (02) 6275 4555 fraud campaign will be an awareness Head Human Resources: Jacquie Fax (02) 6275 4601 video completed during this year. Hutchinson Manager 2CN & ABC Canberra Australian National Audit Office National Networks: ABC Ultimo Representative: Liz McGrath Group Audit continued to build on Centre, Parliament House Bureau: the strong working relationship 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, 2007; Phone (02) 6275 4640 resulting in the ANAO’s continued GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Fax (02) 6275 4641 reliance on Group Audit’s reviews. Phone (02) 9333 2602; Fax (02) 9333 2603; Head National Networks: Andy New South Wales Lloyd James NSW State Management: Network Television: 221 Pacific ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 Harris Street Highway, Gore Hill 2065; Ultimo, 2007; GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; ABC Switch Phone (02)9333 1500; Phone (02) 9333 2400 Network TV (02) 9950 3050; Fax (02) 9333 2404 Network TV Fax (02) 9950 3055; Manager: Kate Miller TTY 1800627854 (Toll Free) Email: [email protected] Acting General Manager, Network Bega: Office 1, 184 Carp Street, Television: Claire Henderson PO Box 336, Bega NSW 2550; Acting Manager TV NSW: Gints Phone (02) 6491 6011 Vietienks Fax (02) 6491 6099 News & Current Affairs: RPM: Cate Carrigan 221 Pacific Highway, Gore Hill 2065; Coffs Harbour: (administered by 700 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007; Kempsey Office) GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001; Cnr Gordon & High Street, Phone, Gore Hill: (02) 9950 3097; Coffs Harbour NSW 2450; Fax, Gore Hill: (02) 9950 3055; Phone (02) 6651 3986 Phone, Ultimo: (02) 9333 5546; Fax (02) 6651 4035 Fax, Ultimo: (02) 9333 2505; RPM: Steve MacDonald (acting) Head, News & Current Affairs: Paul Williams Dubbo: (administered by Orange office) Program Production: 221 Pacific 45 Wingewarra Street; Highway, Gore Hill NSW 2065; PO Box 985, Dubbo NSW 2830; GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;

114 Phone (02) 6884 1518 PO Box 1144, Alice Springs, NT 0871; Toowoomba: ABC Radio Centre, Fax (02) 6884 1051 Phone (08) 8952 3433, 8952 6639 297 Margaret Street; RPM: Laurie Neville Fax (08) 8952 2093 PO Box 358, Toowoomba Qld 4350; Lismore: 61 High Street, Lismore Phone (07) 4639 2878 Heights; Fax (07) 4632 1904 PO Box 908, Lismore NSW 2480; Queensland RPM: Stuart Parry Phone (02) 6625 1188 Brisbane: Middenbury, Cnr Townsville: 8-10 Wickham Street; Fax (02) 6625 1073 Coronation Drive & Archer Street, PO Box 694, Townsville Qld 4810; RPM: Martin Corben Toowong; Phone (07) 4771 5052 Mid North Coast: 18 Kemp Street, GPO Box 9994, Brisbane Qld 4001; Fax (07) 4772 5322 West Kempsey; Phone (07) 3377 5222 RPM: John Nutting PO Box 76, West Kempsey NSW Fax: (07) 3377 5633 2440; State Manager: Bob Wurth Phone (02) 6562 6388 Bundaberg: 58 Woongarra Street; South Australia Fax (02) 6562 8413 PO Box 1152, Bundaberg Qld 4670; Adelaide: 85 North East Road, RPM: Steve MacDonald (acting) Phone (07) 4153 2855 Collinswood; Muswellbrook: (administered by Fax (07) 4151 6805 GPO Box 9994, Adelaide SA 5001; Newcastle office) RPM: Laurel Eldridge Phone (08) 8343 4500 Market Street, Muswellbrook NSW Cairns: Cnr Sheridan and Upward Fax (08) 8343 4800 2333; Street; State Manager: Michael Mason Phone (02) 6541 1044 PO Box 932, Cairns Qld 4870 Broken Hill: (administered by the SA Fax (02) 6543 4651 Phone (07) 4031 3677 Branch) Manager: Mike McCluskey Fax (07) 4051 8368 454 Argent Street; Newcastle: Cnr Wood and Parry RPM: Sharon Molloy PO Box 315, Broken Hill NSW 2880; Streets, Gladstone: Dahl’s Building, Phone (08) 8088 3999 Newcastle West NSW 2302; 43 Tank Street, Gladstone Qld 4680; Fax (08) 8088 5136 Phone (02) 4922 1200 Phone (07) 4972 3812 RPM: Cameron Marshall Fax (02) 4922 1222 Fax (07) 4972 2650 Mount Gambier: Penola Road; Manager: Mike McCluskey News Journalist: Troy Davies PO Box 1448, Mt Gambier SA 5290; Nowra: (administered by Gold Coast: Cnr Gold Coast Phone (08) 8725 1101 Wollongong office) Highway and Francis Street; Fax (08) 8725 6227 59A Kinghorne Street; PO Box 217, Mermaid Beach Qld RPM: Spence Denny PO Box 1071, Nowra NSW 2541; 4217; Port Augusta: Church Street; Phone (02) 4423 2527 Phone (07) 5572 9917 PO Box 2149, Port Augusta SA 5700; Fax (02) 4423 2527 Fax (07) 5572 6477 Phone (08) 8642 2848 RPM: Peter Riley Manager: Phil Cullen Fax (08) 8642 2838 Orange: 46 Bathurst Road; Longreach: Duck Street; Port Lincoln: 2/8 Eyre Street; PO Box 863, Orange NSW 2800; PO Box 310, Longreach Qld 4730; PO Box 679, Port Lincoln SA 5606; Phone (02) 6391 2550 Phone (07) 4658 3601 Phone (08) 8682 6511 Fax (02) 6391 2555 Fax (07) 4658 3605 Fax (08) 8682 6538 RPM: Laurie Neville RPM: Chrissy Hinde Port Pirie: 85 Grey Street; Tamworth: Parry Shire Building, Mackay: 25 River Street; PO Box 289, Port Pirie SA 5540; 470 Peel Street; PO Box 127, Mackay Qld 4740; Phone (08) 8633 0500 PO Box 558, Tamworth NSW 2340; Phone (07) 4951 1560 Fax (08) 8632 2301 Phone (02) 6766 5611 Fax (07) 4951 1663 RPM: Terry Price Fax (02) 6766 6131 RPM: Wayne Shearman RPM: Jacqueline Bowmer Renmark: Ral Ral Avenue; Sunshine Coast: Shop 3A, Dolphin PO Box 20, Renmark SA 5341; Wagga Wagga: 100 Fitzmaurice Centre, Phone (08) 8586 6500 Street, 122 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore Fax (08) 8586 5890 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650; Qld 4558; RPM: Bruce Mellett Phone (02) 6921 3734 Phone (07) 5443 7878 Fax (02) 6921 1716 Fax (07) 5443 6524 RPM: Tim Butler Tasmania Senior Broadcaster: John Stokes Wollongong: Cnr Kembla & Market Hobart: ABC Centre Liverpool Street; Streets, Maryborough: 146 Bazaar Street; GPO Box 9994, Hobart Tas 7001; Wollongong East NSW 2520; PO Box 276, Maryborough Qld 4650; Phone (03) 6235 3333 Phone (02) 4228 0033 Phone (07) 4121 5207 Fax (03)6235 3407 Fax (02) 4229 2952 Fax (07) 4122 3750 State Manager: Robert J. Batten RPM: Peter Riley Rural Reporter: Jim Kennedy Email: [email protected] Mt Isa: 114 Camooweal Street, Burnie: 81 Mount Street; Northern Territory Mt Isa Qld 4825; PO Box 533, Burnie Tas 7320; Phone (07) 4743 9000 Phone (03) 6431 5466 Darwin: 1 Cavenagh Street; Fax (07) 4743 5619 Fax (03) 6431 8069 GPO Box 9994, Darwin, NT 0801; RPM: Danny Del Rossi Phone (08) 8943 3222 Launceston: 45 Ann Street; Rockhampton: 236 Quay Street; Fax (08) 8943 3125 PO Box 201, Launceston Tas 7250; PO Box 911, Rockhampton Qld 4700; State Manager: Tony Bowden Phone (03) 6332 4222 Phone (07) 4927 3666 Fax (03) 6332 4255 Alice Springs: Cnr Gap Road & Speed Fax (07) 4927 4137 Street; RPM: Ross Quinn

115 Victoria Orchestra Charlemagne, (Symphony Australia) 1041 Brussels, Belgium ABC Southbank Centre: 191 Adelaide Terrace; Phone: (32-2) 282 0520, 282 0522, Southbank Bvd, Southbank 3006; PO Box 9994, Perth WA 6848; 282 0525 GPO Box 9994, Melbourne Vic 3001; Phone (08) 9326 0011 Fax: (32-2) 282 0529 Phone: (03) 9616 1600 Fax (08) 9326 0099 Jakarta: Level 16, Deutche Bank Fax: (03) 9626 1601 Manager Director: Rod Lillis State Manager: Murray Green Jn Iman Bonjol, 80 Email: [email protected] Albany: 2 St Emilie Way; Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia Albany WA 6330; Phone: (62-21) 390 8123 ABC Elsternwick Centre: 8 Gordon Phone (08) 9842 5000 Fax: (62-21) 390 8124 Street, Fax (08)9842 5557 Jerusalem: 5th Floor, J.C.S. Building Elsternwick, Vic 3185; RPM: John Cecil 206 Jaffa Road, Jerusalem.91131, GPO Box 9994, Melbourne Vic 3001; Broome: 1/6B Napier Terrace; Israel Phone: (03) 9524 2222 Phone: (97-22) 537 2908 Fax: (03) 9524 2504 PO Box 217, Broome WA 6725; Phone (08) 9193 5597 537 3557, 538 9060, 670 1795 Radio Australia: ABC Southbank Fax (08) 9193 5609 Fax: (97-22) 537 3306 Centre, RPM: George Manning Johannesburg: 3rd Floor, 1 Park Southbank Bvd, Southbank Vic 3006 Bunbury: 72 Wittenoom Street; Road, Richmond Phone: (03) 9626 1800 Johannesburg 2092, South Africa Fax: (03) 9626 1899 PO Box 242, Bunbury WA 6231; Phone (08)9721 4622 Phone: (27-11) 726 8636, 726 8676 Network Manager: Jean-Gabriel Fax: (27-11) 726 8633 Manguy Fax (08) 9721 4851 RPM: Ron Pait London: 54 Portland Place, London. Bendigo: 278 Napier Street; W1N 4DY, United Kingdom PO Box 637, Bendigo Vic 3550; Esperance: Port Authority Building, Phone: (44-171) 631 4456 Phone: (03) 5441 8233 The Esplanade; Fax: (44-171) 323 0059, 323 1125 PO Box 230, Esperance WA 6450; Fax: (03) 5441 8573 Moscow: Kutuzovsky Prospekt RPM: Derek Guille Phone (08) 9071 5673 Fax (08) 9071 5823 Building 13, Apartment 113 Horsham: Shop 506, 148 Baillie Reporter Rural: Brian Walker Moscow 121248, Russia Street; Phone: (70-95) 974 8182 PO Box 506, Horsham Vic 3400; Geraldton: 245 Marine Terrace; Fax: (70-95) 974 8186 PO Box 211, Geraldton WA 6530; Phone: (03) 5382 0152 New Delhi: A-11 (Top Floor) Fax: (03) 5382 0913 Phone (08) 9921 1056 Fax (08) 9921 2183 West End Colony, New Delhi Mildura: 73A Pine Ave: RPM: Paul Thompson 110021, India PO Box 5051, Mildura Vic 3502; Phone: (91-11) 687 2337 Phone: (03) 5021 1620 Kalgoorlie: 383 Hannan Street; Fax: (91-11) 687 2153 PO Box 125, Kalgoorlie WA 6430; Fax: (03) 5021 1664 New York: Room 2260, 630 Fifth RPM: Jeff Hall Phone (08) 9021 2433 Fax (08) 9921 2183 Avenue, New York NY 10111, USA Sale: 340 York Street; RPM: Irene Montefiore Phone: (1-212) 332 2540 PO Box 330, Sale Vic 3850; Fax: (1-212) 332 2546 Phone: (03) 5144 3980 Karratha: Degrey Place; PO Box 994, Karratha WA 6714; Port Moresby: Airvos Avenue Fax: (03) 5144 3920 GPO Box 779, Port Moresby RPM: Debbie Bye Phone (08) 9144 1911 Fax (08) 9144 1856 Papua New Guinea Shepparton: 265a Maude Street; RPM: Paul Semple Phone: (675) 321 2666, 321 1024 PO Box 1922, Shepparton Vic 3630; Fax: (675) 321 2131 Kununurra: 15 Sandalwood Street; Phone: (03) 5831 2935 Tokyo: NHK Hoso Centre, Jinnan, Fax: (03) 5831 2140 PO Box 984, Kununurra WA 6743; Phone (08) 9168 2773 Shibuya-ku Traralgon: 1 High Street; Fax (08) 9169 1102 Tokyo 150, Japan PO Box 1063, Traralgon Vic 3844 Journalist: Greg Hayes Phone: (813) 3469 8089 Phone: (03) 5174 0433 Fax: (813) 3468 8445 Fax: (03) 5174 0109 Washington: Suite 510, National Warrnambool: 166B Koroit Street; Overseas Offices Press Building PO Box 310, Warrnambool Vic 3280; Amman: PO Box 830256 529 14th Street NW Phone: (03) 5561 1141 Amman, Jordan Washington DC 20045, USA Fax: (03) 5562 5249 Phone: (962-6) 461 6130 Phone: (1-202) 466 8575 Fax: (1-202) 626 5188 Wodonga: 1 High Street; Fax: (962-6) 461 6131 PO Box 1063, Wodonga Vic 3690; Bangkok: 518/5 Maneeya Centre Phone: (02) 6024 2000 Penthouse (17th), Ploenchit Road Fax: (02) 6024 2927(admin) Bangkok 10330, Thailand Fax: (02)6024 2404 (GenNews/prog) Phone: (66-2) 254 8325, 254 8326, RPM: Neil Meaney 254 8327, 254 8328, 254 8329 Fax: (66-2) 254 8336 Western Australia Speed Dial: 6909 Beijing: 8/121 Qi Jia Yuan Perth: 191 Adelaide Terrace; Beijing 100600, China PO Box 9994, Perth WA 6848; Phone: (861-0) 6532 6819 Phone (08) 9220 2700 6532 6820, 6532 6825 Fax (08) 9220 2899 Fax: (861-0) 6532 2514 State Manager: Geoff Duncan Brussels: International Press Centre West Australia Symphony Post Box 1, 1 Boulevard

116 Appendix 21 Northern Territory Tasmania Darwin Shop 55 Hobart Shop 206 Centrepoint Casuarina Square, Casuarina NT 70 Murray Street, Hobart Tas 7000 ABC Shops 0810 Phone (03) 6235 3648 Phone (08) 8927 8788 Fax (03) 6235 3649 Fax (089?) 8927 1291 Australian Capital Victoria Territory Queensland Chadstone Shop B53, Lower Mall, Canberra Shop CF 12, Canberra Brisbane Shop 240, Level 2 Chadstone Shopping Centre Centre, Canberra ACT 2600 The Myer Centre, Brisbane Qld 4000 Chadstone Vic 3148 Phone (02) 6247 2941 Phone (07) 3377 5455 Phone (03) 9524 2205 Fax (02) 6275 4567 Fax (07) 3221 1516 Fax (03) 9563 3510 Broadbeach Shop 139A, Boston Maribyrnong Shop 2072, Highpoint New South Wales Way, Shopping Centre Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong Vic 3032 Brookvale Shop 110, Level 1, Block Broadbeach Qld 4218 Phone: (03) 9317 4652 0, Warringah Mall Shopping Centre Phone (07) 5575 4231 Fax: (03) 9317 4653 Brookvale NSW 2100 Fax (07) 5572 0084 Phone (02) 9905 3758 Melbourne Shop 26, Galleria Level, Fax (02) 9905 7198 Carindale Shop 163, Level 2 Galleria Shopping Plaza Carindale Shopping Centre Melbourne Vic 3000 Campbelltown Shop U32, Carindale Qld 4153 Phone (03) 9626 1167 Macquarie Square Phone (07) 3398 1606 Fax (03) 9602 5221 Campbelltown NSW 2560 Fax (07) 3843 1534 Phone: (02) 4626 8624 Preston Shop K28, Level 1, Fax: (02) 4626 4027 Indooroopilly Shop 3017 Northlands Shopping Centre, East Westfield Shoppingtown, Preston Vic 3072 Chatswood Shop 350, Level 3 Indooroopilly Qld 4068 Phone (03) 9471 4863 Westfield Shopping Town Phone (07) 3878 9923 Fax (03) 9471 4864 Chatswood NSW 2067 Fax (07) 3878 9931 Phone (02) 9950 3148 Ringwood Shop L60, Eastland Fax (02) 9950 3149 Robina Shop 30, Shopping Centre Robina Town Square 171-175 Maroondah Highway, Erina Shop T46, The Boardwalk Robina Parkway Ringwood Vic 3134 Erina Fair, Erina NSW 2250 Robina Qld 4230 Phone (03) 9879 5094 Phone (02) 4367 6892 Phone: (07) 5575 9859 Fax (03) 9879 5616 Fax (02) 4365 4986 Fax: (07) 5575 9941 Miranda Shop 1087-88, Level 1, Westfield Shopping Town, Western Australia Miranda NSW 2228 South Australia Perth Shop 60, Gallery Level Phone (02) 9524 4289 Adelaide Shop 310, Level 3, The The Carillon Arcade Fax (02) 9524 8153 Myer Centre Perth WA 6000 Newcastle Shop 205, Upper Level, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone (08) 9321 6852 Charlestown Shopping Square Phone (08) 8410 0567 Fax (08) 9481 7858 Charlestown NSW 2290 Fax (08) 8410 0585 Morley Shop 173, Level 1 Phone (02) 4943 9763 Marion Shop 2047, Level 2 The Galleria Morley, Walter Road Fax (02) 4943 8460 Westfield Shoppingtown Marion, Morley WA 6062 Parramatta Shop 3038, Level 3, Oaklands Park SA 5046 Phone (08) 9276 7673 Westfield Shopping Town Phone (08) 8298 6350 Fax (09) 9276 6286 Parramatta NSW 2150 Fax (08) 8298 6352 Phone (02) 9635 9922 Modbury Shop 113, Westfield Fax (02) 9891 5668 Shoppingtown Penrith Shop 37, Ground Floor, Tea Tree Plaza, Modbury SA 5092 Penrith Plaza, Penrith NSW 2750 Phone (08) 8396 0000 Phone (02) 4721 8299 Fax (08) 8396 0930 Fax (02) 4721 8159 QVB/Sydney Shop 48, The Albert Walk Queen Victoria Building, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9333 1635 Fax (02) 9261 4347 Ultimo ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 Harris Street Phone (02) 9333 2055 Fax (02) 9333 1240

117 list of graphs tables & maps

Page Page Tables Australian Content 1994–98 32 Five Year Funding Analysis 11 Television Program Analysis 32 ABC Television Most Popular Programs 30 Australian Content (first run vs repeat) 32 Overseas Content (first run vs repeat) 32 Organisation Chart 14 ABC Made Programs (First run) 32 Maps First run programs 32 ABC Services 3 ABC Online accesses 37 ABC Bureaus and Correspondents 41 News Online Accesses 40 Graphs Enterprises Accrued Profit 46 Revenue from Government 10 Enterprises Cash Contribution to ABC 46 Operating Revenue 11 Enterprises Revenue activities 46 Revenue from Independent Sources 11 Concert Attendances 48 Operating Expenses 10 Number of concerts 48 Local Radio – Program Source 24 Performance Activities 50 Radio Audience Reach (all abc) 26 ABC Staff 1989-1998 52 Radio Audience Reach (networks) 26 Staff by Portfolio 52 Radio Audience Share 26 Staff by Region 53 Television Audience Share 27 Staff by Job Group 53 Television Average Weekly Reach 27 Staff by Gender 54 Network Television Content 32

118 index

A 14-15, 18-19, 34, 38-43, 56, 59, 61, 68, 73, 75, 93-94, ABC Board see Board 97-102, 105, 113-114 ABC Centres, 2, 44 Cuts, 17, 21, 29, 36, 51, 55, 62 ABC Classic FM, 2, 5-6, 25, 28, 34-35, 47, 97, 103, 109-111 D ABC design, 41, 52-53, 58-59 D-CART, 8 ABC for Kids, 46, 97, 103 D-RADIO, 8, 58 ABC International, 7, 33, 52, 97 Defamation, 57 ABC Offices, 92, 114 Department of Communications and the Arts, 7, 59 ABC Online, 2, 5, 8, 37-38, 43, 62, 100 Digital technology, 8, 17, 43, 52, 58, 61 ABC Shops, 2, 5-6, 38, 44, 64, 92, 117 Digitalisation, 61 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff - see also Directors, see Board Indigenous, 9, 54 Directors, Statement by, 16, 65-67 Archives, 43, 57, 61, 97 Documentaries, 2, 7, 15, 28-29, 34, 42, 97 Arnbridge, 70, 80-81, 88, 90 Drama, 2, 15, 28-29, 34, 42, 56, 93, 97-98, 100-101 Arts, 1, 4-5, 13-14, 28-29, 31, 33-35, 42, 45-50, 57, 59-62, 64, 66, 73, 76, 78, 93-94, 97, 99-100, 102, 106, 114 E Asia Pacific, 2, 5-6, 34, 37 Editorial independence, 18, 97 Assistance to overseas broadcasters, 31 Editorial Policies, 5, 9, 18-19, 60, 63-64 Audience (s), 1-2, 4, 6-8, 14, 17-18, 20, 22-31, 33, 35, 37, Education, 2, 6, 15, 28, 33, 37-38, 42, 52, 61, 75, 93, 100, 40-41, 44-45, 47, 49-50, 59, 62-63, 94, 97-99, 104-106, 103 118 Election coverage, 5, 36, 59 Audit, 53, 65-66, 89, 92, 97, 113-114 Employee relations, 51, 53 AusAID, 19, 37, 52 Enterprise agreement, 53 Australia Television, 5, 38, 55, 70, 76-78, 81, 85, 88, 90-91, Enterprises - see ABC Enterprises 100 Entertainment programs, 28, 42, 46, 104 Australian Broadcasting Authority, 15, 61, 64, 99, 110, 112 Equal Employment Opportunity, 51, 54 Australian composers/composition, 49-50, 103 Executive, 13, 15, 42, 63, 100 Australian content, 6, 30, 35, 43, 118 Australian Information Media, 79, 88, 90 F Australian music, 2, 4, 6, 47, 49 Federal Government, 36, 59, 61 Awards, 4, 7, 22, 33, 35, 38, 43-45, 47, 92, 100-103 Festival of the Dreaming, 6, 33-34 B Festivals, 34-35, 100 Finance and Business Services, 15, 55, 61, 113-114 Bias, 19, 40, 60, 62, 64, 99, 104 Financial management, 55 Board, 12-14, 16-20, 29, 38, 42, 56, 60-61, 63, 66, 97, 106, 113 Freedom of Information, 63 Business activities, 44, 56 Funding - see also Triennial Funding Agreement, 7, 10, 17- 19, 38, 44, 55-56, 61, 63, 68, 77-78, 85, 118 Business support review, 8, 56, 97 Future directions, 41, 43, 54, 59 C G Centres, ABC, 2, 44 Gifts/donations, 113 Government, 8, 11, 17-20, 23, 33, 36, 38, 55-56, 58-59, 61, Chairman, 12-13, 39, 60, 64, 67, 97, 113 65, 68, 73-74, 76-78, 80, 85, 97, 105, 113 Charter, 16, 43, 61, 77, 97 Chief of Staff, 14, 60, 97 H Children’s programs or products - see also ABC for Kids, 2, Hong Kong handover, 4, 6, 34, 105 6, 27-29, 31, 33, 37, 42, 45-46, 75, 93, 98-103, 105-106 Human Resources, 8, 14-15, 51, 53-54, 97, 113-114 Classic FM, ABC - see ABC Classic FM Closed captioning, 6, 98 I Co-production, 7, 15, 29, 31, 34, 38, 62, 76, 100 Independent Complaints Review Panel, 64, 99, 105 Code of Practice, 9, 60-62, 64, 92, 97, 99 Indigenous, 6, 9, 33, 38, 42, 47-48, 54, 97, 100 Comedy, 28, 31, 35, 42, 93-94, 98, 100, 104 Indigenous programs, 6, 33 Commissioning, 6, 15, 28-29, 31, 38, 57 Indonesia, coverage of, 5, 41 Complaints, 9, 18, 60-62, 64, 99, 105 Industrial relations, 15 Concert performance, 34, 46-47, 50 Information technology, 7, 22, 55, 57, 113 Concerts, 34-35, 46-50, 68, 92, 95, 118 International broadcasting, 19, 59, 62 Consultants, 18, 74, 76, 92, 113 International correspondents and bureaus - see overseas correspondents and bureaus Copyright, 57, 61, 63, 75, 84, 97 International coverage, 4-5, 35-36 Corporate affairs, 60, 62-63, 97 International services - see also Radio Australia and Corporate plan, 6, 8, 16 Australia Television, 2 Corporate policy, 60-62 Internet, 2, 4-6, 8-9, 19, 34-38, 43, 59-60, 100, 113 Corporate strategy, 60-62, 97 Intranet, 59, 62 Correspondence, 62-63 Cost of services, 11, 68, 85 L Current affairs - see also News & Current Affairs, 2, 4-6, 8, Legal and Copyright, 57

119 Licensing, 44, 46, 97, 103, 114 Recordings, 2, 44-45, 48, 63 Local radio, 4, 7, 21, 23-25, 94, 97, 102, 106, 118 Redundancy, 9, 20, 53-54, 74, 79-80, 96 Local television, 2, 4, 7, 17, 22 Regional Radio, 2, 7, 15, 17, 22, 24-25, 102, 107, 110-111 LOUD, 5-6, 33-34 Regional Services, 2, 4, 9, 14-16, 21-23, 29, 38, 58, 68, 73, M 76, 97, 113-114 Religious programs, 28, 31, 34, 42, 93-94, 98 Managing Director, 5, 13-15, 48, 60-61, 64, 67, 89, 97, 113-114 Reshaping the ABC - see also OneABC, 8, 10, 16, 36, 41- 43, 51, 53, 60, 62, 73, 113 Marketing, 6, 22, 38, 44, 114 Resource management, 54-55 Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), 101 Review of operations - see also Business Services Review, Metropolitan Radio, 2, 25, 107, 111 64 Minister for Communications and the Arts, 5, 14 Risk management, 53 Mission statement, 1 Rural programs - see also regional radio/services, 34 Multimedia, ABC, 2, 4, 6-7, 19, 28, 34, 37-38, 57, 59, 100, 103 S Music publishing, 2, 97 Sales and distribution, 7, 97 SAP, 8, 52, 56, 113 N Satellite(s), 2, 8, 19, 24, 37, 48, 58-59, 71, 76, 106, 110 National Advisory Council, 9, 14, 18, 61, 63, 105-106 School concerts, 49, 95 National Networks, 2, 14-15, 28-29, 31, 34, 68, 73, 76, 94, Science, 4-6, 28, 31, 34-37, 42, 94, 100-101, 104-105 97, 106, 113-114 Senior Executives - see also Executives, 54 National Transmission Agency, 11, 57, 73, 78, 110, 112 Short wave broadcasting, 2, 19 National Transmission Network, 8, 59, 61 Simulcasts, 5, 23-24, 34-35, 47 Sounds of Summer, 7, 23 Natural History, 28, 31, 42, 100-101 Southbank Centre, ABC Melbourne, 114, 116 Network Television, 4-6, 9, 28-33, 35, 38, 40, 47, 59, 97, Special Broadcasting Service, 15, 29, 59 100-101, 114 Sport, 22-24, 28, 31, 40-42, 93-94, 103 News and Current Affairs, 2, 4-6, 8, 14-15, 18-19, 34, 38- Staff profile, 92, 96 43, 56, 59, 61, 73, 97-98, 105 States and Territories, 6-7, 22, 36 NewsRadio, 2, 6, 25-26, 28, 36, 94, 97 Studios, 5, 17, 39, 42, 55-56, 59, 106 Subtitling - see closed captioning O Superannuation, 74, 79-80, 88 Occupational health and safety, 9, 51, 53 OneABC, 10, 16, 19, 29, 41-43, 55-56, 58, 60-61, 106 T Online election coverage, 5 Talks, 28, 31, 39, 42, 49, 97 Online services - see also multimedia, 5-6, 16-17, 19, 22- Technology Strategy and Development, 4, 14-15, 58, 97 23, 28, 43 Telecommunications, 15, 59, 61 Training, 9, 18, 41, 51-54, 62, 97 Open Learning, 34, 38, 94 Transmitters - see also National Transmission Agency, Optus, 59, 71 National Transmission Network, 2, 6, 19, 36-37, 59, Orchestras, 2, 4, 6, 19, 34-35, 45, 47, 50, 56 62, 73, 92, 105, 107, 110-112 Organisation chart, 1, 14, 92, 97 Triennial Funding Agreement, 10 Overseas correspondents and bureaus, 2, 40, 114 Triple J, 2, 4-5, 8, 25, 28, 31, 34-38, 59, 94, 97, 103, 105, 109, 111 P Parliament, 2, 4, 9, 14, 17, 19, 36, 39, 77, 94, 97, 113-114 U Parliamentary News Network - see NewsRadio Ultimo Centre, ABC, 114, 117 Payroll, 51, 54, 114 Unearthed, 4, 35 PNN - see NewsRadio Unions, 15, 53 Princess of Wales, 6, 41, 62 V Program Production, 14-15, 28-29, 42-43, 58-59, 64, 68, Violence, 97, 105 73, 97, 113-114 Program sales, 7, 33, 76 W Property management, 55-57, 61, 114 Women in Engineering, 9, 54 Publishing, 2, 15, 37, 45, 62, 97 Women in Senior Executive positions, 54 R Y Radio Australia, 2, 5-7, 9, 19, 28, 34, 36-37, 62, 78, 91-92, Youth audiences/programs, 6 94, 106, 112, 116 Radio National, 2, 4-5, 13, 15, 25, 28, 34, 37-38, 62, 94, 100, 108, 110-111

120 contents ABC Corporate Profile charter ABC Charter inside back cover Mission Statement 1 ABC Services 2 The functions and duties which Parliament has given to the ABC are set out in Significant Events 4 the Charter of the Corporation (ss6(1) and (2) of the Australian Broadcasting Priorities – Performance Summary 6 Corporation Act 1983). Financial Summary 10 6(1) The functions of the Corporation are — ABC Board Members 12 (a) to provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a ABC Organisation 14 high standard as part of the Australian broadcasting system consisting of national, Executive Members 15 commercial and community sectors and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to provide— Statement by Directors 16 (i) broadcasting programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and inform and entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity of, the Australian community; and Review of Operations (ii) broadcasting programs of an educational nature; Regional Services 21 (b) to transmit to countries outside Australia broadcasting programs of news, current Feature: Radio and Television Audiences 25 affairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment that will— National Networks 28 (i) encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian News and Current Affairs 39 attitudes on world affairs; and Program Production 42 (ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling outside Australia to obtain Enterprises 44 information about Australian affairs and Australian attitudes on world affairs; and Symphony Australia 47 (c) to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Human Resources 51 Australia. Finance and Business Services 55 6(2) In the provision by the Corporation of its broadcasting services within Australia — Technology Strategy and Development 58 (a) the Corporation shall take account of— Chief of Staff 60 (i) the broadcasting services provided by the commercial and community sectors of the Australian broadcasting system; Financial Statements 65 (ii) the standards from time to time determined by the Australian Broadcasting Authority in respect of broadcasting services; Program Performance Statement 91 (iii)the responsibility of the Corporation as the provider of an independent national broadcasting service to provide a balance between broadcasting programs of wide Appendices 92 appeal and specialised broadcasting programs; (iv)the multicultural character of the Australian community; and List of Tables Graphs and Maps 118 (v) in connection with the provision of broadcasting programs of an educational nature — the responsibilities of the States in relation to education; and Index 119 (b) the Corporation shall take all such measures, being measures consistent with the obligations of the Corporation under paragraph (a), as, in the opinion of the Board, will be conducive to the full development by the Corporation of suitable broadcasting programs. Front Cover: Throughout April and May ABC News and Current Affairs provided extensive coverage of civil unrest in Indonesia, culminating in President Suharto’s resignation, which was broadcast live on the World at Noon and The World Today. Pictured from top: President Suharto’s resignation; Evan Williams, ABC correspondent; Michael Maher, ABC Jakarta correspondent; Michael Brissenden, ABC correspondent; Tony Eastley, World at Noon presenter. Back Cover: Images and icons from the Playground, ABC Online’s Website for Published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation children. Designed and typeset by ABC Corporate Relations Printed by NCP Printing This Annual Report is available on the World Wide Web, follow the About For information on this Annual Report please contact: Manager Corporate Publishing, ABC link on ABC Online (www.abc.net.au) ABC Corporate Relations GPO Box 9994 in your capital city National Library of Australia card number and ISSN 0816 827X Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98 Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98

Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98