Is the Government Listening? Now That the Uproar and Shouting About Alleged Bias Has Died Down, There Is Only One Issue Paramount for the ABC - Funding

Home , ABC Classic, ABC North Coast, ABC Rural, Barrie Cassidy, Behind the News, John Doyle (comedian)

Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. qu a rt e r ly news l e t t e r Se ptember 2005 Vol 15, No. 3 in c o rp o rat i n g ba ck g round briefing na tional magaz i n e up d a t e friends of the abc

Is the Government listening? Now that the uproar and shouting about alleged bias has died down, there is only one issue paramount for the ABC - funding. The corporation has not been backward putting its case forward - notably the collapse of drama production to just 20 hours per annum. In the Melbourne Age, Director of ABC TV Sandra Levy referred to circumstances as "critical and tragic." around, low-cost end - we've pretty "We have all those important well done everything we can." obligations to indigenous programs, religious programs, science, arts, Costs up children’s programs ... things that the dramatically commercial networks don't, and yet Once the launch pad for great we probably battle along with about Australian drama, revelations that the a quarter of what they spend in a ABC's drama output has dwindled year - the disproportion is massive." from 100 hours four years ago to just Ms Levy's concerns have been 14 hours this year have received a lot echoed by managing director Russell of media attention. Balding and chairman Donald Ms Levy estimates that an hour McDonald, who have spent the past could cost anywhere from $500,000 few weeks publicly lamenting the to $2 million, 10 to 50 times more gravity of the funding crisis. than an entire series of a studio- Ms Levy cites an independent valu- based light entertainment program ation commissioned by the ABC a such as Spicks and Specks. few years ago that recommended an ‘Entire services "We would do more high-end extra $200 million a year was will be axed’ drama, there's no doubt about it, but needed to ensure the broadcaster's a drama telemovie costs $2.5 million sustainability. Ms Levy, says the newspaper, to $3 million and that's a great deal The Age - 27/6/05 gives an apocalyptic prognosis for of money. It costs $6 million to $8 the national broadcaster if it fails to million for a miniseries and we just secure a funding increase for the don't have the funds to do that." 2006-2008 triennium. So calamitous is the situation that not only will Funding crisis whole genres of programming be gravity I N S I D E : ignored, such as drama and comedy, After 15 years of requests for more Around the branches 2 - 4 but entire services will be axed, she money being rejected by the Federal The President’s Report 3 cautions. Government, "If this is the case this Media News 5 - 7 "The ABC's funding was down 27 time, I think the ABC will be unrecog- Special Budget Issue 8 - 1 0 per cent since 1985-86. It's kind of nisable in the sense it will have to Media Bias 1 0 - 1 1 at that point now where we can't do make drastic decisions about the Fear & Loathing (Part 2) 1 2 a lot more on the cheap, high-turn- lack of funds," she says. Allan Ashbolt 1 5

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Page 1 Flood Swamps Friends, but ABC shines

Swollen rivers put paid to But Northern Rivers' Friends are as number is 02 6680 3132 and her Northern Rivers Friends' June fond of Radio National as they are of email address is meeting, cancelled at short their Local Radio and they've [email protected] notice. A major flood had put the expressed concerns about changes Val hopes to run a Trivia Quiz Night city of Lismore on high alert. to Radio National they suspect result and is planning to promote FABC However, said Branch president from funding constraints. activities on local market days. Neville Jennings, as usual ABC "Our Friends group feels we must Northern Rivers next branch North Coast played a significant be vigilant in ensuring the ABC meeting will be held at 7.30 pm 5th role covering the flood and keep- remains independent and that individ- October in Lismore at the Workers' ing people informed about road ual ABC staff members are able to Club. Branch members should watch closures and flood heights. maintain their integrity in the face of local papers for news about upcom- So Northern Rivers met in Lismore increasing demands to conform to a ing Friends' events including a forth- in early August, noting other Local corporate mentality," Neville said. coming visit to the region by another Radio successes, including outside well known broadcasts providing on-the-spot Byron Bay foreign correspondent and a repeat of reports of the International action the Sunday Afternoon Breakfast Philosophy, Science and Theology Val Phillips has agreed to convene Show for members in the Tweed Festival at Grafton, the Primex Field the Byron Bay sub-branch and is district. Day at Casino and the Byron Bay keen to contact members from Ballina Neville Jennings, Writers' Festival. to Brunswick Heads. Her contact Branch President

Armidale's submission to rural summit (August 2005) Armidale branch represented Quality of regional Australians have access to the FABC at the biennial summit transmission the same level of multi-media services of Tony Windsor on issues of Most areas of the New England do as the cities do. This would include concern to New England's com- not receive the full range of ABC and continuing internet & digital broadcast munity. With 58 representations in SBS services. Regional radio, Radio service upgrades in all areas. Existing all, around five minutes were National, Classic FM, JJJ & News Government guarantees to this effect allocated to each presentation Radio, ABC TV & SBS should be to be maintained, including conditions and resolutions were agreed to by equally accessible to all Australians. on the full sale of Telstra. consensus. Supply of digital Election of the ABC Board to include a specific position for at least There was a strong feeling through- services from the ABC out that rural areas are disadvantaged one Rural/Regional representative. The ABC recently launched a num- compared with metropolitan ones and ber of multi-media services and more Resolutions that this inequity must be overcome. are planned for the future. New 1)The New England Regional Our concerns were received England continues to have limited Summit calls for the Federal sympathetically, with other speakers access to these services. This is Government to raise the level of fund- from the floor following up with inequitable. ing to the ABC in order to provide supportive and clarifying comments. improved broadcast, multi media & Political appointments Our resolution was unanimously digital services of equal quality and supported and the suggestion of a to the ABC board & lack of availability to those available in urban rural representative on the ABC's transparency Australia. Board was very favourably received. Politically-based appointments to 2) This meeting calls for the Federal Our concerns included: the ABC board have led to ineffective Government to establish a transpar- & biased decisions being made. Quality of ent process for electing the ABC local ABC radio Solutions: Board The process must include a Local ABC radio has a restricted All MPs representing non-urban specified position for at least one local content & frequently uses long electorates and non-urban community Rural/Regional representative on the items from elsewhere, severely limiting groups to lobby consistently to board. the range & variety of truly local infor- restore ABC funding at least to the Priscilla Connor, President mation of interest and value to New levels of 1986, and preferably more. England. Increased funding to ensure that

Page 2 THETHE PRESIDENT’SPRESIDENT’S REPORREPORTT

Focus on equacies over the years and is and most interested in what Funding Shortfall clearly in the interests of the they could do to support the people. It has often been bene- A B C . The focus in this edition of ficial to the Friends in pro b i n g Update is on Funding, or the behind government decisions. We gained eight new mem- vast shortfall in the ABC's bers on the day, some addition- budget which is reflected in Reliance on al new members subsequently what you see on your television New Senators and the probability of establish- set or hear from your radio, e.g. ing a new branch in the district. virtually no locally pro d u c e d I recently wrote to two new drama, more documentaries senators, Barnaby Joyce Later in the same week, I p u rchased rather than made and Stephen Fielding, having spoke at a forum conducted by l o c a l l y, more repeats, more net- been encouraged by their the Central Coast branch at working and fewer re g i o n a l d e s i re to reflect the will of their G o s f o rd, together with author radio pro g r a m s . constituents. I suggested to and playwright, Peter Ye l d h a m Senator Joyce that his rural and local ABC radio personality, E l s e w h e re in this edition, the and regional constituents re l i e d Scott Levi. As is the custom at issue of funding is dealt with in heavily on the ABC as well as Central Coast, a supportive and m o re detail. The ABC’s Tr i e n n i a l Telstra and that we looked inquiring audience asked a wide Funding Submission is being to him to be a strong advocate range of questions. p re p a red and it is arguably the within the coalition party ro o m I also attended a successful most critical submission for for much improved ABC fund- evening organised by our many years. In the December i n g . issue of Update, we expect to Parramatta branch combining be able to bring you details of a Senator Fielding re p re s e n t s an address by local federal massive campaign in support of Family First which emphasises m e m b e r, Julie Owens and a the ABC's submission. You will the role of the family in any performance by a quartet on be provided with detailed and decision making. In my letter I violin, cello and piano. up to date information to enable e x p ressed surprise that his party had no policy re g a rd i n g Discontinuance you to personally lobby in sup- of ABC D i s c o u n t port of your ABC. the ABC or Public Bro a d c a s t i n g and ventured that, the ABC, The decision by the ABC to C o n t rol of being the principal provider of discontinue the long standing Both Houses c h i l d re n ’s programs, should discount to members purc h a s- f e a t u re in his party’s platform. As you know, the govern- ing items in ABC Shops (see page 10) is short-sighted and ment now controls both houses Visiting Rural and of Federal Parliament. The fails to recognise the loyalty Prime Minister stated some Regional Are a s given over the years by mem- months ago that this privilege One of the most re w a rd i n g bers in patronising ABC Shops. would be handled re s p o n s i b l y elements in the role of While we have re q u e s t e d and not arro g a n t l y. Yet, the P resident is visiting rural and reconsideration of the decision, leader of the government in the regional areas and branches. In it is unlikely that the ABC will Senate, Senator Hill, has indi- J u l y, I travelled to Nambucca accede to it. The net result for cated that Senate Estimates Heads to speak to the local the ABC, in all pro b a b i l i t y, will Hearings will be stifled and branch of U3A (University of the be a loss in re v e n u e . opportunities to question minis- T h i rd Age). A very healthy G a ry Cook, President ters and bureaucrats limited. attendance of 80-90 people Questioning in estimates hear- f rom the district were passion- ings has uncovered major inad- ate ABC listeners and viewers

Page 3 John Doyle to Lunch in the be 2005 Blue Mountains Andrew Olle Lecturer

The formidable writer, performer/presenter and comedian, John Doyle - whose comic character Rampaging Roy Slaven is now an aussie icon will deliver the 10th annual Andrew Olle Media lecture on Friday, 7th October, in the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel's Ballroom.

FABC members welcome the change of pace John Doyle repre- sents from recent guest speakers at Lunch in Spring at the beautiful Art Deco Katoomba Youth Hostel the Andrew Olle forum, including Lachlan Murdoch, Chris Anderson, Steve Vizard and other industry cor- The Blue Mountains and Sydney branches of porate chiefs. the Friends of the ABC are having a joint function on Sunday 30 October in Katoomba. 702 ABC Sydney Manager Roger Summerill said 702 was thrilled to There will be a special guest Blue Mountains Friends will meet the have John Doyle delivering the speaker at a gourmet lunch, at the train and walk with the visitors, or Lecture this year. Katoomba Youth Hostel (winner of arrange for a lift, if required. "John has been a major creative best backpacker accommodation, The YHA is a short walk down force within the Australian media NSW & Australia.) Katoomba St. across Waratah St. scene for over 20 years, and the Lunch will be a catered gourmet and 100m further on. It is next to the depth of his broadcasting experi- buffet. Soft drinks and juice will be Police Station. Lifts will be available ence, including working with Andrew provided or BYO alcohol. later back up the hill. Olle here at 702, make him the per- fect speaker for this, the 10th Sydney people may choose to Why not spend the weekend in anniversary of this prestigious media either drive 1 – to 2 hours, or take a the lovely Blue Mountains our event," Roger said. It is in fact an train. Trains leave Central 18 minutes gardens are at their peak. ABC 702 event, because of Andrew after the hour, every hour, so board Contact:1300 653 408 for tourism Olle's association with the station - the 2nd last car in the train leaving information. and John Doyle's who from time to from Central at 10:18 am, which time worked with Anrew Olle. arrives at Katoomba at 12:18pm. Doyle will be delivering the lecture Blue Mountains/Sydney FABC Lunch in his role as an outstanding con- Katoomba Youth Hostel tributer to Australia's popular culture Cnr. Katoomba & Edward Sts through radio, television and the theatre, recognised by the granting Sunday 30 October 2005 — 12.30-4.30 of an Honorary Doctorate of Letters $30.00 includes gourmet lunch and refreshments. BYO Alcohol from the University of Newcastle, RSVP: 16 October 2005 eight Australian Writers Guild (AWGIE) awards for comedy, one for Contacts for bookings: Best Original Mini-Series for Changi, Ivy 9481 0381, Ireen 9745 4487, Paul 9888 3797 one for Marking Time, numerous Ingrid 4757 1558 (after 5pm), Veronica 4759 1993 (after 5pm) Logies for his television work and a 2004 AFI Award for Best Television Payment is by cheque (write on the back “Katoomba”), Screenplay, again for Marking Time. Visa, MasterCard or Bankcard. Tickets for the lecture are on sale Send to the Treasurer at FABC, now through the ABC. PO Box 1391 North Sydney, 2059

Page 4 Media laws still in limbo - ABC Mid North ig n o r ed but polls stron g l y Coast Branch The electorate learnt a little more about the Government’s stepping up in proposed media laws when, at the National Press Club, the status Minister Senator Coonan outlined the goals and obstacles involved; but the future still looks ‘scary’. Mid North Coast branch The Minister devoted most of her Howard/Costello leadership issue, in of Friends of the ABC now address to burgeoning new technolo- which Senator Coonan said the ABC have the benefit of a local gies and possible implications – and SBS would no doubt provide member who is also Deputy useful roles in new ways. digital, multi-channelling, broad band, Prime Minister, Mark Vaile. narrow band, servers and players. Survey Approval It was a near-overwhelming torrent of Coincidentally, on Senator Coonan’s Branch President Drusi Megget information, one for experts. Press Club engagement – the last day and Publicity Officer, Harry Creamer, “The long-term objective,” she of August – ABC MD, Russell wasted no time in putting FABC said, “was to move the industry into Balding, released a Newspoll Survey down for an early meeting with the an open, competitive environment (the sixth undertaken since 1998) member. What do the delegates without artificial and arbitrary which showed that nine out of 10 want to discuss? Well, as of the Australians say the ABC provides a restrictions in a globally competitive AGM of 6th August 2005 the topics valuable service to the community. environment.” included: Balding pointed out that the positive In a brief reference to ownership, response – 92 percent - was up from she said she was considering where 88 percent last year. n Future of Radio Australia mergers could take place; for It included 71% endorsement by example there could be common youth aged between 14 and 17. n Changes to appointment ownership of a TV licence, two radio process to ABC Board Did the ABC do a good job stations and an associated newspa- broadcasting programs that reflect per – or other combinations in the the cultural diversity of the Australian n Lack of funding same market …subject to a minimum community? Yes – 82 percent, up number in each market – regional or from last year’s figure of 78 per cent. n Cross-media ownership metropolitan. 82 per cent also believe the rules. Policy Needs ABC does a good job of being even- handed in news and current affairs, Drusi Megget's annual report high- She believed issues such as with approval of several individual cross-media ownership and foreign lighted the interest in the fortunes programs like 7pm News, AM and (or lack them) of the ABC, sparked investment should be moved from a PM and others hitting 94 percent. regulatory authority to become mat- by the U3A Nambucca Heads meet- ters for the government of the day. ing addressed by Gary Cook. “The policy needs to ensure diversity of ownership and services in the The AGM applauded Delwyn local market and we must embrace FABC (NSW) Saunders' research and letter-writing the competition potential of the digital Executive Committee energies and farewelled Brian market place,” she said. P re s i d e n t – Gary Cook and Sue Syms, with thanks for their “What is abundantly clear is the Phone:9810 3358 role and work at the branch; the policy needs to be enabling, not e m a i l : l o u r m a r @ i d x . c o m . a u election of office bearers then restraining, including questions of Tre a s u re r – James Buchanan returned Drusi Megget as President media ownership and foreign invest- P h o n e : 9371 5621 and Treasurer, Bill Queripel as ment – a workable proposition e m a i l : j a m e s b u c @ b i g p o n d . n e t . a u Vice President and Harry Creamer as clearly in the public interest. It’s an publicity officer. opportunity, not a threat,” Senator S e c re t a ry – Janet Crennan Coonan said. “It’s time to move our P h o n e : 9810 1758 media into the 21st century.” e m a i l : c r e n n a n @ b i g p o n d . c o m She envisaged the Australian Membership Secre t a ry – Competition and Consumer Carolyn Green Commission arbitrating on potential Phone: 9144 1351 or 0417 650 443 mergers. [email protected] The ABC cropped up twice: when the minister said that if she got Update Editor – Brian Dav i e s time she’d refer to it later and, next, in PO Box 1391 answer to a closing question ‘mud- North Sydney NSW 2059 died’ by the inclusion of the

Page 5 Media Watch 6 June 2005 "Sky's push for Asian subsidy" Media Watch presenter, Liz Jackson: And they would have noted the fol- region, Senator. Sky TV has been lobbying to take lowing exchange in Senate Estimates Liz Jackson: So why was ABC over the ABC's Asia Pacific television two weeks ago as well, between boss Russell Balding being given the service - will they get what they Senator Conroy, Shadow Minister for opportunity to spruik the ABC's Asia want? Communications and Russell Balding Pacific Television Service? Managing Director, ABC, at a Senate There's been a much lower profile Estimates hearing, May 23 2005 Well, because some of the most media stoush unfolding in recent powerful media players in Australia weeks, that's at least as important in Senator Conroy: I want to move have been bagging it behind his back. terms of how Australia is seen in Asia on to talk about ABC Asia Pacific tel- They want to take it off the ABC, but, unlike Schapelle, no one is evision. Could you give the committee along with the $18 and a half million reporting it. a brief overview of the sorts of programs that you broadcast on that dollars a year Foreign Affairs pays to That's ABC Asia Pacific - the satel- service and how many countries you fund it. lite service the ABC broadcasts into go to now? (NB: The Minister declined an Asia which is funded by the invitation to confirm that she would be Department of Foreign Affairs and Russell Balding: I would love to. supporting the ABC) Trade. ABC Asia Pacific has been the untold success story. The service is now For the full transcript go to: You can't watch it here in Australia available in 39 countries on 155 Rupert and Kerry, know all about it. growing networks in the Asia Pacific

ABC: Anniversaries and a new Award Radio National's Science Show is space and email only hinted at ing of selected ABC radio programs celebrating 30 years of making all extraordinary possibilities for commu- to subscribers around the world also aspects of science accessible to the nication. began this year. non-scientific listener. Presenter ABC Online had humble begin- Robyn Williams has been with it since Major Fiction nings, nurtured by a small group of its inception - a catalyst and champi- Award journalists and producers who antici- on of science awareness projects and pated the importance In July, ABC Chairman Donald science funding and consultant to of emerging technologies, especially McDonald launched an annual ABC countless science committees and the Internet. Fiction Award - a prize of a $10,000 organisations. advance and publication by ABC Television’s Hot Chips, triple j, In its three decades on air the pro- Books for the best, original, unpub- Behind The News, Radio National and gram has exposed some major scien- lished, quality fiction manuscript by an Radio Australia were among the first tific frauds in Australia including Dr Australian resident over the age of 18. to explore the new territory and in William Mc Bride’s falsified research August 1995, the ABC went on the The winner of the first ABC Fiction on birth defects and the activities of a internet, dedicated to five existing Award will be announced at the certain Professor Gupta whose histo- ABC TV and Radio shows together Adelaide Festival in February 2006 ry making fossils, supposedly found in with information about the ABC. and the winning entry will be broad- the Himalayas, turned out to have cast on ABC Local Radio and also been picked up at a local flea market. From its early years when it was the made available as an audio book. first to cover an Australian election Science itself is never dull. People online in 1996 and then streaming Mr McDonald said he expected the who have been heard on the Science radio content on the Internet the fol- entries would reflect the diversity of Show include John Cleese, Shere lowing year, ABC Online is now an the Australian community, adding to Hite, Paul Hogan, Oliver Sacks, Max integral part of the ABC’s broadcast our sense of national identity. Gillies, Sting, Bill Oddie, John Laws activities. and David Suzuki. The ABC Fiction Award will be Now , ten years later, ABC judged by a distinguished panel of Online Turns Ten Broadband has been launched offer- four: Richard Glover, novelist Delia When the first incarnation of ABC ing music, news, sport, children’s Falconer, literary editor of The Sydney Online was heralded in ABC programs, documentaries and enter- Morning Herald Malcolm Knox and the Commissioning Editor at ABC Television's technology series, Hot tainment. The beginning of podcast- Chips, words like Internet, cyber- Books, Jo Mackay.

Page 6 Surviving without Flint - with even fewer teeth A month out from the launch of Australia’s brand new Communications and Media Authority it was still without a head and a charter. Given no clear indication of what it was meant to do, The Australian’s media columnist Errol Simper wondered about its likely role. Here’s an abridged version of the way things looked before Helen Coonan’s press club appearance.

The federal Government's Mansfield, former mainstream media? new media super-regulator, ministers David Kemp and The choice is complicated because the Australian Warwick Smith and several private industry usually pays execu- Communications and Media names from the corporate tives much more than the $350,000 Authority, is materialising as legal world. There were salary said to be on offer and the job a headless chook desper- more, including “the usual precludes a policy innovator. As we ately seeking something quota of obscure Brits, noted, Coonan isn't eager for an worthwhile to regulate. Americans and ideas person. Canadians.”) The result of a well-publi- "The fact is Helen Coonan has cised July 1 merger Coonan said a few days completely stuffed up this entire between the Australian ago: "I currently have a ACMA saga," says Labor's communi- Communications Authority and the couple of candidates under serious cations spokesman Stephen Conroy. Australian Broadcasting Authority, consideration and will make an "She has come up with a headless, ACMA has a board but still no chair- announcement in due course." toothless organisation …hopelessly man-chief executive. The two obvious The ACMA board met first on 25th inadequate to deal with crucial mat- candidates for stern regulation, the July under an acting chairwoman, Lyn ters, such as cross-media regulations. complete sale of Telstra and a possi- Maddock. Maddock's acting deputy This Government has created a body ble loosening of cross-media owner- is a one-time senior officer with the [that] won't even have the power to ship regulations, have not yet communications department, Chris instigate its own investigations (and) occurred. Cheah. The rest of the board com- it’s not allowed to be proactive. The ‘Ensuring prised Coonan's part-time appoint- sector is going to need a strong, ments: Rod Shogren, Gerard proactive regulator. We're getting a Government Anderson, Malcolm Long and poodle." policy’ Johanna Plante. When will we know more about this And Communications Minister Still up and related matters? Well, some are Helen Coonan has made it abundant- keeping half an eye on August 31, ly clear ACMA is not destined to in the air when the minister is the scheduled frame policy. Coonan has gone out of The truth is no one who's talking guest at Canberra's National Press her way to confirm the new body will knows who the present candidates Club. If you can't be there, the ABC be confined to ensuring government are. A technician? A lawyer? will probably televise it. policy and strategies are implemented Someone with a smattering of knowl- and adhered to. The most weighty edge across telecommunications, Errol Simper, decision ACMA may find itself making emerging media technologies and The Australian, 28 July 2005 is to refer a market/competition dilemma to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. "I don't favour handing over quasi- Egg boil over proves costly policy roles to regulators," Coonan Competing priorities of income and ABC Enterprises created and produced said recently. "I think it really confuses ABC charter arise when commercial - the show as a revenue-raising exercise. the role of regulator, which is to ism creeps in and the ABC’s guard is ABC Enterprises produced one series and enforce the law." down. Here’s an abridged version of two specials of Active Kidz which were Amanda Meade’s report late July in the screened on the ABC and made the exer- ACMA Chair Australian. cise and fitness duo one of the highest- options The ABC has had to distance itself rating acts on the children’s schedule. But from one of its most popular children’s tel- the commercial activities of the Who will eventually chair ACMA? evision shows, Active Kidz, because of its brand…were blurring the line between a Every telephone line contains at least sponsorship by the Australian Egg commercial-free TV show and the Active one rumour. If, as reported, the Nine Corporation. Kidz act’s other activities which were overtly commercial. Network is looking for a new quiz/ The programmer of ABC Kids, Deidre game show, it might turn its attention Brennan, announced she would not be It is not unusual for children’s shows to ACMA. It'd be several weeks buying any more Active Kidz after “Media” such as the Wiggles and Bananas in (The Australian’s weekly supplement) Pyjamas to have a commercial side, before it ran short of boxes from which may involve licensing products which to pick. revealed the Egg Corporation and Active Kidz management were planning to publi- such as plush toys and yoghurt. Active (Simper then threw in a list of cise eggs through the next TV Show. Kidz however was created to be a com- possibles including Richard Alston, a mercial property rather than commis- “At ABC TV we take very seriously our sioned for its intrinsic worth. former cabinet minister, Neil Brown, role as a non-commercial broadcaster of one-time Telstra chairman Bob children’s programs,” Brennan said.

Page 7 SPECIALSPECIAL ABCABC BUDGETBUDGET ISSUEISSUE Mid-year Stocktake: the ABC IS worth fighting for! Friends NSW President Gary Cook late July was invited to talk to U3A (University of the Third Age) at Nambucca Heads about the ABC, and its “Friends”. It was an opportunity to inform, to counter mis-information, to win allies and to recruit Friends…and over the space of an hour, followed by questions, Gary did so. It constituted a stock- taking and a call to arms. Here’s a summary.

On election night 1996 former on Radio National’s Media Report on n ABC cost per radio broadcast- Communications Minister Richard 16 June said “The ABC is certainly ing hour = 40% of that of com- Alston was interviewed by the ABC’s not under-funded…I want to remind mercial radio and for television chief political correspondent, Jim listeners of what the funding actually 36%. Middleton. is. In ‘05/’06, the ABC’s total government funding will be $792 million”. n Channel 7 alone spends more Middleton: Senator Alston, since you might be the Communications That same day Russell Balding, than the entire ABC’s budget for Minister in the Howard government, speaking at the American Chamber radio, television and online. I might ask you a couple of ques- of Commerce, said the impact of the Yet, as the columnist Errol Simper tions on communications. First of all ABC funding decline was perhaps said at our recent National the commitment – close to home best illustrated by its effect on ABC Conference, commercial TV is essen- about the ABC – the commitment TV’s ability to create first-run tially just a marketing device, to maintain funding in real terms Australian content – in particular “designed to bribe you to watch the over the term of the coming parlia- drama. ads, while commercial current affairs ment. Does that stand? “This year,’ he said, “we will only are nonsense.” Alston: Absolutely. commission 20 hours of Australian Cross-Media drama compared to over 100 hours Middleton: Even if you discover on in 2001…but it’s not about not want- Laws Monday that the budget’s ing to do more drama, it’s about not Friends are deeply concerned bottom line is much worse than the being sufficiently funded to do it.” about this because of the implica- government’s been saying? tions the laws have for the role of the If the ABC is not able to provide Alston: Oh yes. I think John ABC.. quality Australian drama because it’s Howard’s made it very plain that we starved of funds, who will? No seri- According to Minister Coonan, want to honour all our commitments ous attempt is made on commercial speaking on Radio National’s Media and the ABC is an important part of TV to reflect or portray Australian cul- Report on 16 June, the government that. ture. Programs on 7, 9 and 10 are is “committed to freeing up the Four months later the Howard never going to change anyone’s life. media”. What does that mean? Is it government cut the ABC’s budget Gary then made the following points: to permit Packer and Murdoch to by $66 million. acquire television stations or print n Since 1985/86, ABC opera- media to further concentrate media The ABC’s triennial funding sub- tional funding has declined by ownership in Australia? mission will again be critical for the about 30% in real terms ABC but so far, even though the gov- This unwelcome scenario also puts ernment is awash with money, it has n A Macquarie Bank survey democracy dangerously at risk. In no shown no inclination to provide the found that on a per capita basis, other country in the developed world ABC with more than crumbs. Australia’s ABC was the second is media ownership so concentrated. Murdoch now owns nearly 70% of With Government members fond of most poorly funded public broadcaster in 18 major developed Australia’s print media and, with quoting distorted figures claiming Packer, 50% of the pay TV monop- countries funding in 05/06 is $792 million, oly, Foxtel. when the figure is $625 million - after n BBC’s funding rate (per capita) allowing for government costs includ- Warning ing a transmission bill of almost $150 was 3 times that of the ABC, Germany’s by 3.5 & Denmark x 5 Editorially Murdoch’s News million, Gary quoted a more recent Corporation has made it clear it times. radio interview. Communications wants the ABC reduced to the weak Minister Helen Coonan interviewed

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(continued on page 9) ties”- be funded by the govern- tion to his audience: “it was once 8 and sponsor-dependent voice of ment, “non-core activities” would cents a day, but these days – look at PBS in the US. An editorial in The be funded by sponsorship… pub- what you get for 10 cents a day?” Australian on 20th May argued a lic outcry… idea abandoned. case for the ABC to be downgraded n A national analog television to an outlet mainly for news and cur- n Anti-ABC attitude continued by service rent affairs. (This, of course, would the Hawke government; NSW n A digital multi-channel televi- suit Murdoch’s Foxtel, already in the Premier Neville Wran also joins in. US an unswerving mouthpiece for sion service n July,1996 – the newly-elected the Bush administration.) n Four national radio networks Howard government carves $66 (Radio National, ABC Classic In a recent article in the magazine million out of ABC’s budget. Monthly Robert Manne warned: FM, Triple J, NewsRadio) “The anti-Democratic implication of n For almost 30 years, the n Nine metropolitan radio all this is clear. Murdoch already has Friends of the ABC have been stations a stranglehold on the Australian raising funds, lobbying, cam- press. As Iraq shows, on questions paigning, recruiting members and n 51 regional radio stations of interest to him he is willing to use raising community awareness of his power. It is likely that in the near n Dig, a music-based service the plight of the ABC. future he will increase his influence available via the internet substantially once the cross-media The president stressed that gener- and digital television regulations are removed. By this time ally the fight was with the govern- n ABC Online with more than he will be almost irresistible. ment of the day, regardless of its pol- 1.6 million pages of web itics; that in NSW there are 2 metro- And, in our present mood, we content will hardly care. Indeed, the excess of politan and 13 rural and regional power of the Murdoch and Packer branches and branches in all the n Radio Australia by short- families in Australia has long been other states and territories, though wave, satellite and rebroad- taken for granted yet continues to not as a national structure but with a cast arrangements wreak untold damage on our democ- national conference every two years. racy”. Membership was about 10,000 n ABC Asia Pacific internation- nationally, with 3000 in NSW. al satellite television and As for editorial independence in online service Rupert Murdoch’s empire, he owns Amongst the Friends’ prominent 170 newspapers around the world – successes were its election cam- n 39 ABC Shops and all but one of them enthusiasti- paigns in marginal seats, particularly n 84 ABC Centres cally advocated going to war in Iraq. telling in South Australia at the last In conclusion, to quote my Friends Of federal election, a roll out of nearly 15,000 ABC supporters at a Friends’ colleague, John Derum : The ABC ABC rally at the Opera House in “Moreover we listen to the ABC The Nambucca Heads meeting 2001, rallies in the Sydney Domain in because we will hear a diverse views, proved a fertile ground for recruits. ’96 and ’03, and influencing Labor, a wide range of debate, a full Of the 80 or so present, some were Greens and Democrats to adopt spectrum of challenging opinions on already members and another eight Britain’s Nolan rules to make every conceivable issue. We listen to joined up immediately, others to fol- appointments to the board of the the ABC because the ABC IS the low. Gary gave them a brief outline of ABC. balance. the history and achievements of the ABC’s “friends’. Value for When you consider the self-serv- money ing, the mindless, the bigoted and n Formed in NSW in 1976 to the ignorant that clutter our airwaves, fight funding cuts and charges of Gary’s address covered the waste- the ABC IS the balance. We must bias made by the Fraser ful saga of Alston’s bias allegations remind politicians that we won’t government. (already well traversed in these pages, and again in this issue, and tolerate that balance being compro- n 1980s – funding cuts again, the chequered record of government mised”. this time by the Hawke govern- appointments to the ABC board a la ment; Communications Minister Kroger, Albrechtsen and Brunton; but Gareth Evans suggests only news mindful of a basic duty of friendship, and current affairs - “core activi- support for a friend, Gary put a ques-

Page 9 SPECIALSPECIAL ABCABC BUDGETBUDGET ISSUEISSUE Perceptions of Bias subsidise How easy it is funding... or lack of it in Opposition The day after Russell Balding made The Australian's media writer, Errol Simper, drew on the his gloomy "only 20 hours of US Congress, American politics and PBS as a as a possible Australian drama this year" speech, parallel for Australia. PBS faced a cut of nearly 50 per cent the Opposition's shadow Minister for Communications, Stephen Conroy, in its government funding. Simper wrote: chimed in with a media release - surprise, surprise - headed "ABC needs The ABC, over the years, has used PBS, National Public Radio and other a funding increase" all manner of diverse arguments to public television and radio stations - try to persuade the federal are unequivocal about what's wrong Senator Conroy said that if the Government it deserves better fund- with US public broadcasting: it's too funding and efficiency review ing. But a lesson from the US sug- "liberal". Translate liberal into announced by the government was gests the determining factor is raw Australian and you arrive at pro-Left, fair and objective, it would recom- politics. or something similar. mend an increase in funding for the ABC because "the ABC's funding Congress's Republican-dominated Single-minded was nowhere near adequate to pro- house appropriation committee voted This perception might come close vide the range of services Australians in June for what would have been to astonishing the thousands of expected of it. the most severe funding cut since Australians who routinely view CPB The lack of funding was such, said the Committee for Public programming. If PBS's Newshour is Senator Conroy, the ABC's ability to Broadcasting was established under relentlessly biased in favour of the fulfil its charter was threatened. Lyndon Johnson in 1967. left-oriented (US) Democrats then He pointed out the ABC was trying Fortunately, media consumers' those who watch it via SBS TV may to run its digital channel for just $2 petitioning of politicians - along with well concede to having missed the million a year when it needed more sanity and anticipated sympathy for bias. PBS's Frontline documen- funds to exploit the opportunities public broadcasting from the (US) taries, also often to be seen on SBS, new technologies such as digital TV Senate - appears to have prevailed. frequently tackle the moneyed end of and broadband created. The complete house, by a margin of town and say things about the Bush 284-140, voted a couple of weeks administration you don't regularly "Labor will closely scrutinise the back to restore at least some of what hear said. But it's single-minded, review to ensure that it not just the committee had planned to take rather than biased. National Public another excuse to undermine the effectiveness and independence of away. CPB supporters are hoping Radio, frequently available via ABC the ABC," he said. the Senate will restore another News Radio would probably strike $US100 million or so. most casual listeners as honest and informative. Defining value If they're examples of US public ABC AXES Just a week after the committee's broadcasters exhibiting an over- initial, draconian vote - and presum- FRIENDS’ whelming predilection for the Left, ably coincidence - Russell Balding, DISCOUNT then the mind boggles at the subtlety was invited to address the American of the bias...it must be open to the The ABC has advised that the 10% Chamber of Commerce in Sydney. average impartial Australian discount which members have Balding's speech included this: viewer/listener to assume what the received for all purchases in ABC "Network Seven, on television alone, critics really want is Right-leaning Shops over a period of many years spends more than the entire ABC: propaganda. will cease effective from 31 radio, television and online. If you're December this year. From this distance, that's the way looking for a definition of value for We have requested the ABC to it appears...(from) self-interested indi- money or efficiency, you can call off reconsider this decision. viduals frequently lacking intricate the search. You've found the ABC. knowledge of how the media works. The ABC has invited members to What Balding said about comparative Thus their definition of fair is an item join their Shop Reward program and expenditure and efficiency seems not they want to hear or see. If it's some- will offer members double rew a r d to matter. What matters is politics. points under that program for the thing they don't want aired then, by first half of 2006. Those justifying the cut to the CPB definition, it's unfair. - which distributes federal largesse to See Pres i d e n t ’ s report p3.

Page 10 TV ad revenue Yet another search for ABC Bias! stalls A new book by Labor speechwriter Dennis Glover raises an interesting How the money rolls in... question, as in its title - "Do Not Disturb: Is the Media Failing especially compared with the Australia?" He unleashed some introductory remarks when inter- ABC viewed by Stephen Crittenden on Radio National Electronic newsletter Crikey’s A former president of the press Telegraph or Melbourne's Herald-Sun. columnist, Glenn Dyer, collated the gallery, Malcolm Farr, probably got it Given that Opposition leaders seldom particulars of a crash in Australian right when he compared trying to get more than five words on the commercial television's earnings. For get 200 or so gallery journalists to do nightly ABC TV news to give their side Update's readers it makes an inter- the same thing to "trying to lure of the story, it's difficult to determine esting comparison with the ABC's blowflies into a straight line". the level of pro-Labor bias on the income, more so when the two Individuals in the gallery may stray 7pm bulletin. broadcasters' local coverage and occasionally, but the problems of bias production outlets are also The absurd Howard government probably lie elsewhere: in the opinion compared... claims of bias on ABC radio's and editorial departments. Australia's commercial TV market AM program have been exposed came crashing back to earth in the The same goes for the ABC. elsewhere as more paranoid attempts first half of this year as growth halved, Its knee-jerk, pro-Labor bias certainly at censorship than serious evidence and costs ballooned, especially at wasn't obvious to us as media min- of political partiality. the Nine Network. Revenue growth ders watching Tony Jones talk over fell 50% as major advertisers pulled in Crean or Kerry O'Brien interrogate Bombarded their belts. Latham about his "obsession" with Such attacks on the ABC are, But that didn't stop the Seven people's bottoms in the days after his indeed, an attempt to limit the Network from growing viewers and ascension to the Labor leadership. bounds of acceptable reporting on an issue of huge political importance: revenues faster than rivals Nine and Guest columnist? Ten, thanks mainly to hits like the war in Iraq. If the ABC ever was Desperate Housewives, Lost and Those to whom politics is close to a biased towards Labor - something Dancing with The Stars. religious calling can get up early on greatly exaggerated by people who Sunday morning and watch Piers benefit from outrageous conservative Seven says its performance came Akerman, Andrew Bolt and Gerard bias on commercial radio - then it mostly in the second three months Henderson "prove" the ABC is biased no longer is. If anything, after years of of the half as ad rates in the first half towards Labor while sinking the boot being bombarded by the Right's were based on 2004 levels. Seven into it on Barrie Cassidy's ABC-fund- heavy artillery, it would be surprising if claims revenues jumped 11% in the ed couch (on Insiders). One wonders the organisation didn't occasionally June quarter, Ten says it's happy whether Margo Kingston would be stay in its dugouts or pull back from a and Nine says it's the only network offered a guest column in the Daily full-blown fight with the Government. still writing more sales than its audience share, which is true but that premium is now much smaller, or has vanished. Revenues in these five major cities rose just $77 million, or 6.5%, half the near 13% of a year ago The figures, from the Free To Air TV, FTA, show that total revenues in the five major capital city markets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth), rose 6.49% to a record $1.277 billion. That rise was half the near 13% growth to $1.199 billion in the first half of 2004. Seven's share of revenues jumped from $358.77 million (and behind Ten last year) to more than $401 million. Ten's share rose from $359.7 million to $384.6 million.

Page 11 “Fear & Loathing at the ABC” – “A Sobering biased as well? Reflection” From an article by Margaret Simons in a new magazine, the ‘Monthly’, Like so many before her, continued from the last issue of Update. The first instalment dealt with Simons was struck by the ABC’s broadcasting staff’s pessimistic anxiety about the wearing down of imposing presence: budgets and staff numbers and corner cutting. In this extract Simons asks a key question. “It is hard to escape the ABC. Travelling the country researching this story I couldn’t switch off with social welfare, he asks Government even when I wanted to…. The antagonism? Bias is discussed, one hears, at ABC is so much a part of the nearly every ABC Board meeting, Has it, through its own actions, landscape that it is almost impos- dominated by the slow and exhaust- bought government antagonism sible to take it for granted, to ing progress of Richard Alston’s 68 down on its head? Surveys show that forget that it is there, and that complaints of bias in AM’s Iraqi war eight out of ten respondents believe behind those soaring atriums and coverage. (But) at every stage the the ABC’s reporting is even-handed. in offices all over the country, review bodies confirmed the coverage Only 0.7% of complaints received by there are microphones open and was even-handed “what was the the ABC concern allegations of party people behind them, TV studios, point,” says Kerry O’Brien. “He political bias. In the lead up to the offices, word and idea factories. expended a great deal of energy to last election Balding hired Rehame to prove very little, if anything.” It is sobering to stop and measure the “share of voice” given to reflect on how the nation would each political party and whether the Perception be changed if the ABC were not mentions they received were there.” favourable or unfavourable. John Cameron, Director of news and current affairs, believes the Former Media Watch presenter impact on how reporters do their David Marr has pointed out that such work has been minimal. He concedes A Letter to surveys can have nothing to do with they may be more “aware and wary” fairness. They can only measure the The Australian attention each side is getting. It’s impossible to point to a single “Balanced” is not the same as occasion on which there has been a "You are tuned to Stalin TV" was “impartial”. Nevertheless the Rehame clear and direct political influence on the heading The Australian gave to results showed the ABC’s coverage its news and current affairs coverage. the following letter. was very balanced with a difference in Sometime though, perception is "Where else on earth?" asks mentions of only 1.1% in the everything. Michael Patmore as he takes a swipe Coalitions favour Former MD Brian Johns believes at the ABC (First Byte, 6-7/8). Try The last election was the first in the Board failed the ABC by ‘not pretty much anywhere with a publicly which the ABC received no written being an effective advocate. The funded broadcaster - the UK's BBC complaints from any party’s campaign Board “went along silently, passively” and PBS in the United States are headquarters. Yet allegations of bias in the face of Alston’s criticism. both renowned for taking a critical from politicians and commentators “Ironically, in spite of the fact the stance on governments of either won’t go away. board has been stacked with govern- political stripe. ment supporters there are no signs of Not only is this common, it's “To demonise increased trust or respect for the entirely necessary when commercial and smear” ABC’s responsibilities as a national TV stations act as an unofficial prop- broadcaster.” Quentin Dempster describes the aganda arm for the Government's constant bias allegations as “a cam- corporate chums and the More or less – Government itself is so openly con- paign to demonise and smear public “Not guilty” broadcasters. We have been sub- temptuous of ideals like transparency jected to stereotyping and vilification.” Simons finally seemed to acquit the and accountability. Would Patmore (Director of Radio) Sue Howard says if ABC itself of fear and loathing. It prefer to live in a country where all there is any bias it is a vague “middle- was, she said, a “complicated organ- political reporting has to be vetted by classness (from the background of ism, shrinking from discomfort here, the government of the day in case it presenters and program- driving forward there, with no hard contradicts their line? makers)…not party political bias.” lines drawn between passion and Sounds like Stalinism to me, mate. intellect, belief and knowledge, Michael Duffy however argues that Rob Newcombe between rumoured and actual cases there is systemic bias. Where is the Norman Park, Qld of fear and intimidation. Radio National show on business, for The Australian 8/8/05 example to balance all those that deal

Page 12 Diversifying the Media into Culture Vultures Late August, the ABC announced a Monolith! a new ABC TV arts and culture program, Vulture described as That lively intelligence-gatherer and somewhat maverick electronic news sheet, Crikey, set to analysing a Financial Review fearless, fast and furious. front page story about how the media may be diversified by the The corporation said arts and Government....and only succeeded in frightening the daylights culture would get a weekly chewing- out of us.... over in an eight week season offering A "Diversity" law that will can disappear to still ensure an entertaining mix of commentary bury Australian democracy "diversity"? and discussion on art and culture - Australian and international. Page one of today's Financial Answer: four. Under the govern- The half-hour series premieres Review is dominated by a story under ment's proposed "diversity" test, four on Tuesday 27 September at 10pm the heading which outlines the fullest major media companies in the coun- to run for eight weeks, hosted by details yet of the government's blue- try's major cities could be taken over Richard Fidler. print to change the country's media by, or merged with, the remaining laws. companies. The Vulture will prowl the spectrum: from Barrie Kosky to "Border The plan is presented as a bold This is a media reform recipe that Security" and all points in between... "shake-up of the $12 billion media will bury Australian democracy. It will the themes and ideas that shape industry" that will "allow" TV networks leave the country's key markets – our cultural landscape. to offer viewers multiple digital chan- where all the major commentary, Each week Richard Fidler will be nels and "give" pay TV the right to analysis and media influence resides – joined by a panel of four drawn from broadcast more major sporting with a handful of the most powerful the likes of critic Peter Craven; events. media owners anywhere in the world. columnist Jonathan Green; publish- Unless the ACCC intervenes, this And the good news doesn't end er/broadcaster Louise Adler; "diversity" test could result in a carve- there. According to the Fin, commentator/editor Foong Ling up that could produces this result: Communications Minister Helen Kong; playwright/academic Dr Anita Coonan intends to introduce a "diver- Newspapers: News Limited, Fairfax Heiss; publisher/editor Michael sity" rule that "would ensure there TV: PBL, News, Fairfax Williams and curator Helen Thorn were five large media companies in picking over the bones - the ABC each capital city." Radio: PBL, News, Fairfax,ARN, DMG says - like "true culture vultures." Five large media companies in each A result like that would make Fidler was a member of the city – that sounds really diverse. everyone much richer – the anarchic comedy group The Doug Except for one thing: there are cur- acquirers and the acquired – and Anthony Allstars, presented Race rently nine large media companies Australia much poorer. We'd Around the World, was editorial operating in the two cities that really become a country whose news manager of ABC TV Comedy and is matter, Sydney and Melbourne. Count agenda was controlled by even currently on air on ABC Local Radio, 'em: fewer (and bigger) media owners Queensland. that we have now. Newspapers: News Limited,Fairfax (2) TV: Nine, Seven Ten (3) Parramatta FABC meets Julie Owens Radio: Southern Cross,Austereo, Australian Radio Network, DMG (4) A public forum organised by the entrepreneur and and as an advocate for Parramatta Friends of the ABC branch intro- performers, (something the Federal ALP According to the AFR, the five-com- duced the audience and the local Federal may still be coming to grips with!) pany diversity rule will be the only member Julie Owens to each other, accom- The historic Charles Byrne Room at cross-media restriction under the gov- panied by a ringing endorsement of the Parramatta Town Hall was the venue for the ernment's new plan – which means ABC by the member. forum at which an outstanding quartet of that companies could own newspa- Julie Owens, at the last election, defeated young local musicians played the music pers AND television AND radio in one the former member, long-time ABC critic of Parramatta composer Graham Howard. city (subject, of course, to ACCC (and champion of its privatisation) Ross A lively discussion with the musicians Cameron. followed on the merits of performing con- approval). And you don't need to be a Addressing the forum, Julie Owens temporary music. mathematics professor to work out touched on most of the many issues An hour of debate and discussion the answer to this primary school the ABC is currently facing: the funding cri- followed as ABC supporters from Western arithmetic test: sis, dumbing down in the chase for ratings, Sydney welcomed the opportunity to the disappearance of Arts programs, and have their say: an evening well spent with If there are nine companies in the the affect on the ABC of likely changes to a supportive local member. market now, and only five must cross-media regulations. Julia's has an Arts Mal Hewitt, President remain after Mr Howard's new rules background as a musician, manager and Parramatta FABC are introduced, how many companies

Page 13 ABC Local Radio is North A Distinctive Coast Number One voice (An ABC media release - 5 August 2005) signs off Rural broadcasting veteran, Colin A recent Nielsen Media Research Fiona Wyllie’s Morning program with Munro, retired in July after 40 years survey of radio listeners shows ABC a share of 17.4% share. Mike Corkill’s and 65 days with the ABC. There North Coast is the number 1 choice Regional Afternoons also attracts a was an affectionate farewell at the of listeners in the region. healthy share of 14.7% with the ABC’s Ultimo Centre from Statewide Drive program between colleagues, friends and family. North Coast’s Regional Program 4 and 6 pm enjoying a strong 13.8% For city listeners, Colin’s was the Manager Martin Corben says “I’m share, and a massive 32.2% of the distinctive, amiable drawl that stood delighted to know that so many peo- North Coast audience are listening to in for Ian McNamara when Australia ple value and enjoy what we’re Breakfast with Graeme Stuart on All Over was in recess. In the 1970s doing...it's always gratifying to see Saturday mornings. it was he who pioneered a new style figures on just how many people of mid morning program, Sounds appreciate and enjoy our programs. ABC Managing Director Russell Easy - a mix of rural current affairs This great result gives us a chance to Balding personally congratulated ABC and music, later called Morning acknowledge and thank our listeners North Coast staff while on a visit to Extra. for the loyalty”. Lismore. Colin started life with the ABC as With over 30,000 people listening Mr Balding said ABC Local Radio a trainee, broadcasting on Rural regularly across the week, ABC North was a window to the Australian com- Radio in four states and later working Coast is clearly the preferred radio munity. "Nowhere is this more relevant on ABC TV’s A Big Country. He was station, with 20.4% of all listeners than at ABC North Coast. This is head of ABC Rural Radio until in and a 47.6% share of the 55+ demo- an outstanding achievement from a 1993 when he took on the role of graphic. Breakfast with Martin Corben group of thorough professionals in Manager ABC Regional Liaison and starts the day with a 25.6% share of touch with the local community," he Resources. Director of Radio, Sue the available audience, followed by said. Howard, told the farewell gathering that Colin had been an inspiration to generations of rural broadcasters. With links forged over the years, Winning Awards he worked with many regional community organizations. The ABC has an enviable record of picking up prizes at international awards. 2005 is no different from other years.

l At the 2005 New York Festivals (radio) Radio National won the Gold World Medal in the Environment category for its co-production with the up d a t e BBC of Parched Lands l Gold also in the Profiles /Community category for one of Radio AN INVITATION National’s Street Stories – Tears Before Bedtime, produced by Kevin Klehr, sound engineer Jenny Parsonage. Think about this - Update - needs an Editor to take over from January l Bronze in the Religion category for RN’s Rachel Kohn for her produc- 2006. This could be you! tion and presentation of Mamloshen: Mother Tongue Yiddish Not only a Friend, but one with a And at an international hand on the tiller. Not too taxing - a quarterly publication, only one month conference in New York in June, per quarter. Think of the kudos! l Silver medals for ABC TV Promotions for two of their productions, Skills needed - both obvious and those promoting Anzac Day, Winter and Easter, produced by Karen diverse. Vlakhoudis and the ABC’s Holiday Image Campaign for last summer, pro- Share the production of the ducers Kerstin Norburn and Philip Dickson December issue of Update with the l ABC Books also triumphed as the winners at the annual Galley Club current Editor... awards. Manager Lindsay Somerville accepted the prize for Excellence ...and contact Brian Davies at in Production and Manufacture (Black and White Hard-back section) for [email protected] the ABC publication, The Western Front 1916-1918 or 9977 7130.

Page 14 “Radical giant of Australian broa d c a s t i n g . . . . ” ...the heading over the SMH obituary paying tribute to Allan Ashbolt who died in Sydney in June, aged 83. The writer was David Bowman, a former SMH Editor-in-chief, who praised Ashbolt for his spirited pursuit of “ideas and issues”... which goverment resented... healthy for public life but dangerous for Ashbolt.

"By mid-career he was said to be years had been appointed the ABC's Ashbolt's stand, that the lectures be the most censored man in the ABC. first news and talks man in New broadcast as written, not subject to Sandra Hall described him as the York. Back in Australia in 1961 he management review. Not long after, ABC's conscience-in-residence. His was to make, according to Bowman, aged 55, his state of health led to a survival owed something to the gradual passage from a conventional medical review and he retired. integrity of some ABC chiefs, but middle class background - the status Bowman reminded readers of more to his moral courage, his talent quo - to democratic socialism and, Ashbolt's contribution to the for broadcasting and skill in the an obvious turning point, the war in Bicentenary volume Australians from bureaucratic in-fighting." Vietnam. 1939 in which he expressed his Bowman recounted the story of a When, at an anti-Vietnam war rally, broadcasting philosophy and goals: night-time Commonwealth police raid an Australian Nazi party heckler to widen the frame of reference in on Ashbolt's office in which a cup- seized the microphone from activist talks and discussions... to seek out board was forced open to get a copy Francis James, it was Ashbolt who producers willing to take creative of the script on the Cuban impulsively leapt on stage to wrestle risks and make independent missile crisis by a guest broadcaster, it back from the intruder..a public judgements...to foster the growth of Dr Peter Russo, whose comments spectacle. national consciousness... to counter had upset the Americans. the ABC's ideological ties with pow- ABC management then "quaran- erful forces in political society and tined him in a television backwater" Banished from key civil institutions that had been and later returned him to what was Four Corners too close for too long...I was aiming seen to be a less dangerous area, for democratisation, he wrote. Next, Ashbolt was twice banished ABC radio, heading a new section from Four Corners; first for a story Special Projects Radio, designed to A lesser-known fact about the which portrayed the RSL as "less neuter him," instead he out-manoeu- broadcaster was his service in World than sacred" with Prime Minister vred management War Two in an AIF mounted unit, the Menzies sending for transcripts of 2/1 North Australian Observers, a the program and earlier Four Corners Ashbolt’s bush commando living rough and editions; and the second time for a Kindergarten roaming widely as sentries on watch Four Corners episode on capital pun- for a Japanese landing. ishment, the ABC barred. Special Projects Radio was to become famous as Ashbolt's It's hard to think of a more impor- "As usual after a crisis," Bowman Kindergarten into which he drew a tant broadcaster, certainly not at the recalled, "Ashbolt simply resumed "famously daring band" of bright, gift- ABC, more influential in the Australian knocking holes in the ABC wall of ed young people who developed media in the 1960s and 70s than political and social conservatism, its broadcast current affairs and related Allan Ashbolt. dominant bias, then as now (!)...man- issues into a source of intellectual agement's game (initially under discovery and enjoyment. Charles Moses, then under Talbot Duckmanton) was to neuter him. There were recurring storms as When censoring, removing and car- management coped with contentious peting failed, they quarantined him, programs or subjects - pederasty, dangled a China posting before him, sex and politics and recurring attacks and searched for disciplinary charges of censorship. Ashbolt remarked "I've against him. But Ashbolt held a per- been through so much of this it's manent ABC position (and) had a almost becoming tedious." healthy grasp of politics, law ABC His finale came in another contest rules and civil liberties..." with management over its demands Ashbolt's journey to influential, rad- to vet the scripts of Professor ical broadcaster, committed to free- Manning Clark's forthcoming Boyer dom of speech, began after a failed lectures, in the aftermath of Clark's freelance theatrical career when, in outspoken condemnations of the Allan Ashbolt 1954, he joined the ABC as an adult Dismissal. education producer and within four To its credit, the ABC board upheld

Page 15 S TATE AND REGIONAL BRANCHES

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