Investing in Audiences We are the independent source of Australian conversations, culture and stories.

Credit: Lachlan Dempsey For generations of Australians, the ABC has been a part of their daily life. We tell the nation’s story and help Australians understand their place in . We connect Australians wherever they live and bring them together around the moments that matter. We are the place where unique Australian stories are created, and where young and old alike can be inspired and delighted by the arts, music and the wonders of science.

Today, the ABC offers more quality and distinctive content, across more platforms than ever before.

Credit: Billy Pasco The ABC is ’s largest public Digital services including ABC broadcaster. It operates independently iview, Streaming, ABC NEWS and About under a Charter approved by Parliament Current Affairs online, ABC Open, and is funded by the Federal Government abc.net.au and podcasts. the ABC on behalf of the public.

The ABC is Australia’s largest The ABC employs around 4,000 creative organisation, collaborating people who operate from 56 and supporting the independent locations around Australia. creative community.

The ABC operates 6 national TV The ABC projects Australia’s culture channels: ABC, ABC Comedy, ABC ME, and identity overseas through ABC KIDS, ABC NEWS and ABC HD. international services including Radio Australia and Australia Plus.

4 national radio networks, 8 capital city The ABC is rated by audiences radio stations, 54 local radio stations as Australia’s most trusted and and 7 digital radio channels. credible media organisation.

The ABC reaches more than 20 million Australians a month.

Credit: Play School behind the scenes Investing in Audiences: Our Focus

Programs that matter to you We are committed to creating content that reflects our charter values and delivering the services audiences expect from us, while also finding new and innovative ways to tell stories.

The programs you want when you want them Exceeding the expectations of our audience is an important priority. By understanding where they live and how they seek our services we can make it easier for audiences to discover more of what the ABC offers - across TV, radio, websites, podcasts, apps and social media.

Ensuring a creative environment for better programs Our people are our greatest asset. By developing the best creative environment for our teams, our audiences will receive more of the high-quality programming they expect.

Programs that reach and engage with more Australians Audiences have access to more information and entertainment than ever before. The ABC will use innovative ways to connect with all Australians, including both loyal audiences and new audiences, to remain relevant into the future.

Credit: Q&A Quality Iconic, high quality programs such as , Landline, Catalyst, Four Corners, and Conversations with Richard Fidler that have always entertained, educated and informed.

Distinctive New programs Stargazing, War on Waste, Pine Gap and You Can’t Ask That and podcasts such as Trace and Ladies, We Need to Talk distinguish the ABC in a crowded market. Back Roads and ABC Classic FM, among others, continue to provide distinctive content for audiences.

Independent The most independent voices and programs offering analysis, expertise and clarity such as Fran Kelly, Barrie Cassidy, Antony Green, Alan Kohler and Patricia , AM, PM, Insiders and The Drum.

Committed to Trusted More than 80% of Australians trust the ABC, with accurate the Core and news, impactful investigative journalism and specialist content across science and health, arts and education, including ABC News, 730, (BTN), RN, and Embracing the New many more. Australian We are committed to creating content that The ABC provides audiences with uniquely Australian reflects our charter values and delivering the content in a media landscape saturated with choices from around the globe. Gruen, Utopia, Shaun Micallef’s services audiences expect from us, while also Mad As Hell, triple j unearthed and a new generation of finding new and innovative ways to tell stories breakthrough comedians, musicians and entertainers.

Credit: ABC ME 2017 Highlights

• War on Waste mobilised the nation reaching an audience of 3.7m on live broadcast and ABC iview.

• Podcast services investment increased by 1m.

• Daily investigative & specialist journalism services broadened to become the largest in Australia.

• Specialist science, education and arts programming received a 2.9m investment in the form of journalists, producers and program makers working across TV, radio and online.

• Regional Connecting Communities Program launched funding 80 reporters and resourcing for increased local news, weather and live coverage.

• launched providing a 25-minute national current affairs radio program providing rural & regional audiences with a greater voice in national conversations.

• ABC listen app launched sparking 212,000 downloads since launch.

• ABC COMEDY launched in December 2017 providing a platform to showcase emerging Australian comedic talent.

• Stargazing Live event & related content reached an audience of 2.7m and enabled the discovery of a four-planet solar system.

• Catalyst program series return providing audiences informed, new developments in science and health.

Credit: War on Waste Our content in 2018

The ABC will continue its commitment to Australian children by championing their voices and showcasing their stories through a slate of diverse and inclusive programming across ABC ME and ABC KIDS.

Credit: Grace Beside Me Our content in 2018

The most trusted news, the most independent voices, the same uncompromising pursuit of the public interest. And in 2018 we will enhance our commitment to Australian democracy with greater political coverage across Television, News and Online.

Credit: Four Corners Our content in 2018

The ABC has it covered in 2018 with a variety of new programming across all genres, more Australian premieres, and the return of audience favourites.

Credit: Get Krack’n Our content in 2018

Across the arts, science and education, ABC informs, entertains and educates like no other.

Credit: Catalyst Our content in 2018

Live events

New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, Australian of the Year, ANZAC Day, and the 2018 Invictus Games offer audiences the opportunity to connect with national conversations and celebrations.

Credit: Canberra Australia Day firework ©Salty Dingo Our content in 2018

Wherever you live, the ABC will provide local news and weather information, coverage of issues and community debate that will connect you both locally and nationally.

Credit: Back Roads Our content in 2018

Community

We will continue to build strong and trusted relationships with all communities. 78% of people believe the ABC reflects the cultural diversity of the Australian community.

Credit: triple j at Splendor in the Grass ©Dave Kan Our content in 2018

Digital

We will make it easier for you to stay informed and entertained by improving access to our content anywhere, anytime.

Credit: iview / William Iven