UpdateDecember 2015 Vol 23, No. 3 Thrice Yearly Newsletter

music presenter at the ABC, applied and 2015 Broadcasting Excellence Award won the job. There followed a sparkling, 34 year career at the ABC. The first regular Marian Arnold – Classic FM presenter of weekday morning music and then on to Listener Requests, which had languished before her magic touch. She built this into a top rating program and a must for music lovers. Marian presented and produced the program, answered the calls and made the tea, and all with seemingly the greatest of ease. She brought perception and warmth to her presentations of live broadcasts and mischief and fun to her contributions to Classic FM Top 100 events. continued on page 4.

Inside Update From the President 2 2015 Broadcasting Excellence Ed Davis, Marian Arnold and Mal Hewitt on Award Night in Ultimo. Award - Marian’s Response 4 It’s time for an ABC Friends Political Party 5 Why so many ABC voices echo similar perspectives 6 Tribute to Marian: Alan Sunderland responds to The Australian 7 Letter to the Editor - The Australian 8 Murdoch’s Media Tax 8 A Living Treasure Zaky Mallah furore and boycott was based on a ‘big lie’ 9 Support the rebuilding of your ABC 10 migrated to Australia with her family at Encouraging start for Friends’ Ed Davis age 7, and grew up in Orange, New South National Campaign 11 NSW Vice President Wales. She was born with a love for music. ABC spent nearly $50m on Listening and experimenting were threads redundancy payouts after Coalition in her early years. After completing a BA at budget cuts hit 12 t is impossible to think of any other the University of Sydney, she taught music What’s in, what’s out for the ABC in 2015 13 radio presenter who has won so much at Ascham High School for two years Maintaining the Rage affection and love. For years, the ABC before seeking to make music her career. I - Vale Walter Bass 14 has been flooded with cards, letters, Her engagement with music has included From the National Spokesperson 15 emails and phone calls to Marian, with singing, playing the violin and Middle Eastern Dancing. Letter to the Editor from listeners expressing their appreciation ABC Friends 15 of her music but above all for her After singing with the Sydney Philharmonia New ABC Board Members 15 engagement with each on a personal Choir, then heading off to England for State News 16 level. Marian built and maintained deeply further voice training, she discovered in NSW Branch News 21 satisfying relationships with her audience. her late twenties that her voice would not Letter to the Editor Marian is of course a Living Treasure. sustain a singing career. Serendipity in - Illawarra Mercury 22 Born in sea-side Brighton in England, she the saddle, she saw an ad for a classical Update From the Editor Publication Information (and NSW President) Update is published three times a year by Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. elcome to the first fully national the Australian population trust the ABC edition of Update, in which and believe that it is an essential part of our Print Post approved: PP245059/00002. you will find content from all national landscape. Give it the funds so it Extracts from newspapers and other W states and the ACT. A national Update can do its job! publications appearing in Update do not necessarily reflect the views of the is only one aspect of an historically members of ABC Friends. unprecedented level of co-operation ANOTHER TRIENNIAL BUDGET Update is distributed to all members of between the State Branches, as they The ABC is currently preparing its ABC Friends as part of the membership work together in a national campaign submissions and requests to the fee. Update is also supplied to in defence of the ABC in the leadup to journalists, politicians and libraries Government for the next triennium, and across Australia. the 2016 Federal Election. Following the the Turnbull government budget, handed National Conference of ABC Friends in Update is edited and produced in down in May 2016, will be critical to the Sydney and contributions are welcome Adelaide in July, state presidents now future of the ABC. We have a new minister from state and regional branches. Email engage in a fortnightly telephone hookup; in Mitch Fifield – it is hoped that Friends your contribution (in Microsoft Word) to there is a sharing of initiatives, resources representatives will meet with the minister [email protected] or post to above and ideas; states are moving towards a address. in the very near future, but we must always national membership fee structure; state Material may be quoted or reproduced remember that Prime Minister Turnbull, branches are supporting the national from Update provided the source is as minister responsible for the ABC under acknowledged and reproduction is sent office in Melbourne; we have a highly Tony Abbott, glibly stated that $200 to the Editor at the above email or postal respected National Spokesperson in the million in cuts to the ABC could easily be address. former Senator Margaret Reynolds from absorbed by “back office efficiencies,” Tasmania, ably backed up by Ranald Would you like to receive without affecting programming. He even Macdonald from Victoria, whose press Update newsletter repeated it on a Q&A program with a releases and letters to the media are electronically? straight face! proving a very effective outreach to the Save the planet’s trees and ABC Friends’ Australian community. For administrative FAREWELL WALTER BASS printing and postage costs and read and organizational reasons, State Update on your tablet or computer. When I was privileged last week to speak at Update is published, you will receive an Branches will always be essential to the the funeral of Walter Bass – Bassie to all email with a link to the latest issue (each operation of Friends, but we now have magazine is between 1 – 2 MB). who knew him. If anybody can claim to a true national voice in supporting our have founded Friends of the ABC, it was You can try this now by going to national voice, the ABC. www.fabcnsw.org.au and clicking on Bassie. Friends was launched at a public “Newsletter”. If you prefer this delivery meeting at Anzac House, Sydney, in 1978, THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN option for future Updates please contact and Bassie became its first president, your local state branch (see back page). Half-page ads in The Age and Sydney a position he held for the next 20 years, Who to write… Morning Herald were the first shots fired and from which he fought tirelessly and in a campaign which will run to the next with great passion and determination for Anyone seeking basic information about his beloved ABC. Further tribute is paid writing to persons of influence might find election – those ads resulted in new it helpful to go to www.fabcnsw.org.au members for Friends and substantial in this Update, but we extend to his wife where there are some menu items donations to the Fighting Fund, which Corin, sons Jeremy, Martin and Christian, under “Be Active” leading to pages of is approaching $150,000. Ranald and other family members our deepest information: Who can I write to? What sympathy in this time of great sadness can I say? Macdonald, Convenor of the Friends Action Committee, reports to us in this and celebration of a great life well lived. Update Editor - Mal Hewitt Update, but 2016 will see an increase We remember, too, the life and enormous contribution of another great fighter for PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 in awareness raising of the importance [email protected] of the ABC to all Australians, as well the ABC and many, many other causes of as reminding us of what has been lost social justice, Sister Veronica Brady, who Assistant Editor – Chris Cartledge already as a result of the savage cuts recently passed away in Western Australia. [email protected] in the first two years of the Abbott Cartoonist - Phil Somerville government. Our campaign will also MEDIA REPORT AXED Editorial Cartoonist for aim to counter the relentless stream of In another of those utterly The Sun-Herald (Sydney) misinformation and bias emanating from incomprehensible decisions by the [email protected] the Murdoch press as they prosecute management of Radio National, Richard Layout Artist - Paul Martens their campaign against publicly funded Aedy’s revealing, insightful and informative [email protected] broadcasting. The message to politicians Media Report has been axed. At a time must be clear and unequivocal – 85% of when all media should be under far closer

Page 2 scrutiny in order to detect and expose will be relieved that Richard Finlayson, the history of our national broadcaster as commercial and political influence and ABC Director of Television, has promised it struggles to maintain essential services interference, and all manner of bias, to lift Australian content in prime time despite the loss of 400 staff so far, and the ABC closes down a program which to 60%, from an all-time low of 42%. another 100 still to go. This Update for many was compulsory listening. Comparisons are interesting – the BBC contains news and pictures of the many No intelligent rationale for the decision has 84% local content, CBC (Canada) activities across the country by our has been offered, and we have the 73%, TVNZ 43%. Other parts of the plan members which have been a powerful usual assurances from management include: “a culture of high performance expression of the community’s outrage – “the issues will be taken up in other and continuous improvement;” a at the government’s treatment of the programs.” We can be sure, though, restructure of commissioning; a return to ABC. Thank you to all who have taken that, as with the closure of other essential investing in longer run series and “program to the streets, or made contact with programs, they never are! brands;” international partnerships with your local member (especially Coalition broadcasters and distributors like AMC members) through letter writing and BBC WORLD SERVICE GETS and Netflix; and working closely with ABC personal visits. Our National Campaign Commercial to better maximise returns on £289 MILLION will strive to remind the government that programming. It surely cannot come soon We can only look on in amazement, and it continues to ignore the voice of the enough! some envy, at a Conservative government people at its own electoral peril! on the other side of the world that has BROADCASTING EXCELLENCE We applaud the passion, the just given the BBC 289m pounds over 5 AWARDS commitment and the activism of local years as part of its strategy to strengthen and state branches, and the leadership the UK’s “soft power.” The Cameron NSW Friends each year recognizes of many hard-working leaders and government is aiming for “a secure the contribution of an outstanding committee members in mounting and prosperous United Kingdom, with broadcaster, and the award is presented community protests. Our National global reach and global influence,” and at our end-of-year celebration at ABC Fighting Fund will provide funding and acknowledges that part of Britain’s soft headquarters in Ultimo. Recipients in 2014 resources to support the branches and power is the BBC’s reach into “some were Sean Dorney and Jim Middleton, state groups in 2016 as we make the of the world’s most remote places, both of whom were made redundant as ABC a significant election issue for all providing a link to the UK for individuals a result of the government’s cuts to ABC political parties. The crisis facing the and societies.” BBC Director Tony Hall funding. Awardees in 2015 were popular ABC has brought together ABC Friends said “The World Service is one of the UK’s Classic FM presenter Marian Arnold, across the nation in a way that would most important cultural exports and one who retired last month after 34 years of our best sources of global influence.” with the ABC’s classical music network, have made Walter Bass proud of the No doubt the BBC will be broadcasting and veteran 702 Sydney presenter and fledgling organization that he established enthusiastically into our region, writer Richard Glover. Marian received her in 1978, but it is challenges such as the abandoned by the Abbott government award in Sydney last week (covered in this one that we now face which brings out when it closed down Australia Network Update.) Richard’s will be presented early the best in all of us. In these challenging and emasculated Radio Australia. So in 2016. times for the ABC and for Australia, I much for Australia’s “soft diplomacy!” hope that you can all find time in the 2015 - A TOUGH YEAR FOR festive season to share some joy and ABC TV TO LIFT LOCAL THE ABC love with others. Thank you for your CONTENT support. We are reminded almost daily across the Friends who are sick of yet more repeats many networks and platforms of the ABC Mal Hewitt of British television shows on the ABC that 2015 has been the toughest year in President, NSW & ACT Friends

The new fee structure from 1 July 2016: Fees to increase for • Single membership for one year $30 and $80 for 3 years NSW & ACT Members • Household/Organisation membership for one year $50 and only $100 for 3 years! From I July 2016 the ABC Friends NSW & ACT membership fee • Single Concession/Low Income structure will change to align with other states. It has been so long membership for one year $20 and $50 for 3 since membership fees increased in NSW & ACT that no one can years. remember the last time they changed! If we are to take the fight for the ABC seriously we need the funds for appropriate campaigns Members who have already renewed for 1 or and we think it’s important that ABC Friends’ members throughout 3 years will not be affected by this change Australia pay the same membership fees. until they are due for renewal again.

Page 3 2015 there were tears before lunchtime, as wanted to tell you how much you have Tribute to Marian: Marian signed off after her last program, in meant to them and that they will miss you. A Living Treasure which she had shared some of her most Marian, you have opened up music to so memorable experiences at the ABC with many. You have shared the joy you find in continued from page 1 her listeners. ABC switchboards ran hot, music and your warmth has enriched our There is an old expression ‘tears before email servers collapsed and Australia Post lives. ABC Friends thanks you and bedtime’. On Sunday, 11th October, braced itself for heavy lifting. So many salutes your sparkling career.

et me say first of all, many, many life with our listeners. Taking Requests thanks to you for presenting me with on, and staying with it for 25 years, has Lthis wonderful award. It means a lot repaid me 1000 fold, and I am now very 2015 to me on several levels. moved, not just by the quantity of letters Broadcasting My father was a radio man, and I was his and emails I’ve been receiving on my 8 year old daughter, snuggled under the retirement, but by their huge variety. Excellence bedclothes with my magic radio. Radios, In the last dozen years or so it’s become Award oscilloscopes, TVs, gramophones and a radio cliché that we speak to just one tape recorders in all states of repair were listener... For those of us on air that’s the backdrop of my childhood. ABC something you learn very early, but over Marian’s Radio in Orange, where I grew up, was a the years my thought has been that we lifeline of culture for my parents; I became must go further and name that listener... Achilles 31 in The Argonauts’ Club; In Because that one listener is Everyman. Response our household, no Sunday morning was Everyman, and Everywoman. In one is all, complete without Ralph Collins and in all is one. And therein lies the beautiful (excerpt) ‘Sunday Morning Concert’. Because music and challenging paradox of radio. was the driving passion in our family. So my own particular world of radio, made So you could say the die was cast. When up of me, my listener and the music has I did my very first audition for my job at been truly wonderful. Arriving at the ABC ABC Classic FM, I felt I’d come home. every day to work on my listeners’ letters Classical Music broadcasting is for all those years was quite something. traditionally the poor relation in the context And of course, I’ve loved speaking to my of the greater ABC, and that is another listeners in all the contexts in which I’ve way in which I’m especially pleased about been a broadcaster. this award. Journalists of course have There are a great many pleasures I glean extremely important roles, and might from the honour of this award. I love the expect to receive awards for their difficult great institution of the ABC, and I am and sometimes dangerous work... but I am passionate about its survival and growth not a journalist, I have always been purely in rather uncertain times. I particularly and simply a music broadcaster. appreciate that through me, the Friends Some see this role as an opportunity to are recognising and honouring the role of de-mystify the world of classical music. classical music in ABC broadcasting. And I have never been of that view... my I have to say that I derive much personal ambition was always to allow my listener satisfaction from knowing that this award to actually experience/ live in and share recognises what I’ve tried to bring to the the glorious mystique of that world... realm of music as both presenter and In my 34 years of music broadcasting I producer for my entire career. I have been have attempted firstly to understand my invited to retain my links with ABC Classic listener’s world, and then to share it with FM through broadcasting our live-to-air others. And for myself, the challenge - concerts, and I’m very happy about that. and it’s a challenge that can be met in I still firmly believe in the magic of radio, ... my ambition was and my goal from the very beginning of always to allow my many different ways- but that challenge is of course to go right out through the my career was to be a good and faithful listener to actually microphone and straight into people’s servant of the ABC. experience/live lives. To all of the Friends, may I close by saying in and share the ABC Classic FM’s “Listener Requests”, or how much the ABC appreciates your existence and your work on our behalf? I glorious mystique “Your Concert Choice” as it was originally known, was something nobody wanted am truly honoured by this award, and will of that world ... when I took it on. And weekends at the always treasure it. Thank you very, very time rated very poorly. That all changed, much. because behind the closed door of my The full text of Marian’s response may office I constructed a very vibrant work be found on www.fabcnsw.org.au

Page 4 for an it’s ABC Friends Political Party

Is my hypothetical scenario beyond the time Graeme Connelly realms of possibility? You are entitled to be President, ABC sceptical but, then again, is the alternative Friends Victoria strategy of persuading either of the two – an opinion piece political parties to promise s President of any organisation, it NO CUTS TO THE ABC or TO RESTORE beyond the capacities of any one onlooker, is probably incumbent on the office FUNDING TO THE ABC, but then to keep and certainly beyond my limited capacities holder to take a step back at least their promises when elected any more A and judgement, and would at the very one time during the course of the year and likely????. POSSIBLY NOT!!!! least require exploration of a notoriously reflect on where the organisation is headed difficult subjunctive-conditional and I know I am not alone in believing that the and whether that is the right direction. In hypothetical: best way of ensuring that both parties take terms of the ABC Friends, this requires the funding of the ABC more seriously is us to be unflinchingly honest about our How much worse would the current plight to threaten them with a bigger stick than achievements, but also our failings in our of the ABC be if not for the energetic Rupert Murdoch currently wields, and now quest to be both honest critics but also intervention of the Friends over the last blatantly uses, to try to ensure that the vigorous defenders of the ABC. twenty or more years? ABC gets scant public support or respect If we pause to consider what the Having strayed into these somewhat in both parliament and the Australian Friends is all about and why we attract philosophical conjectures let me remove media. such vehement support from our many my President’s hat for a moment to answer It could be persuasively argued that the members over a long period of time, the strictures of a stern hypothetical critic only stick of sufficient size and heft that this includes the primary goals of both who might demand an answer to the the ABCF could manufacture and use defending the ABC from crippling funding following relevant question: to influence either party to desist from cuts… critiquing the current policies “How can you envisage a scenario in selling the ABC short, instead of weakly as promulgated by the ABC senior which the ABC Friends is successful in pandering to NEWS LTD influence, is in management, but also attempting to persuading either of the two major political fact the only thing politicians really lose persuade the two major political parties to parties in restoring or increasing funding to sleep about - either fear of losing the perks restore the resources that have been cut the ABC?” of Government office, or the even stronger over a significant period of time so that our fear of failing to be elected at all. After considerable rumination, I can only National Broadcaster can fulfil its charter answer that question with the following It could be argued that the aims of ABC obligations to both the City and the Bush. hypothetical proposed solution…..Imagine, Friends will only be realised if we create a My major motivation in this article is to if you can, that when consideration of political party that represents our mission ask the really hard questions, which so appropriate funding comes before the statement of reinvigorating the ABC, often in the day to day planning and cabinet or select committee in either and allowing it back to its rightful place activities consist primarily of responding Government, the following scenario plays in Australian culture, and even the threat to the latest crisis or announcement - and out. The Minister for Communication in of such a scenario alone will make them consequently risk being overlooked. whichever party holds power federally… sit up and take notice in a way we don’t The Minister is forced to negotiate with a Namely - how successful have we been currently experience. couple of independent senators who either with our strategies and rallies and letters to hold the balance of power in their own If any of our members agree with or the editor in achieving our ultimate goals right, or in an alliance with a small group of disagree with the above sentiments, let me and mission? fellow independents. hasten to remind them that I expressed A long term member recently offered me them personally and individually, so they Crucially, these parliamentarians who the following observation regarding ABC don’t reflect the supported or official policy punch well above their weight also Friends’ strategy - Einstein’s definition of of the ABC Friends (Victoria), but I will belong to a single issue party called madness, namely: Repeating the same be happy to continue the conversation, THE FRIENDS OF THE ABC POLITICAL thing over and over again but expecting to and who knows what might eventuate PARTY, who managed to get elected in the if a groundswell of support for the idea get a different outcome. Federal election of September 2016. This emerges. Of course, any realistic and fair evaluation is one of the few possible scenarios I can of the success of the Friends in both envisage where a positive outcome for the I would welcome your thoughts: critiquing and defending the ABC is ABC could be realised. [email protected].

Page 5 Why so many ABC voices echo similar perspectives

at its disposal, we might expect the The Australian ABC to have prominent expertise over a range of fields. But who 12 November 2015 is the national broadcaster’s expert on the trade union royal Editor’s note – Why an editorial from commission? Who is its expert the Australian? The Murdoch press in on climate policy? Who at the Australia presents the greatest threat ABC — apart from outside to the ABC, because of its relentless contributor Alan Kohler — is a campaign against the ABC and its recognised national expert on propensity for baseless and untrue economics and commerce? Is allegations. As with the BBC in the there an expert on indigenous UK, Murdoch sees the publicly funded policy, foreign affairs or even broadcasters as the greatest threat law enforcement and crime? to expanding his wealth, power and Aunty does have Antony political influence. So, it is important Green, a widely respected that we know our enemy, to better psephologist, but he enable us to fight him. Please read seems to be the exception this, and then the ABC’s response that proves the rule. The from Alan Sunderland. ABC no longer even has leading voices on national politics — the BC obsessions are confounding, likes of Paul Lyneham, to say the least. Peter Dutton was Kerry O’Brien or Asurprised yesterday to be pressed, Maxine McKew of yet again, over claims border officers paid days gone by — people-smugglers. “Well,” the Immigration but rather a stable Minister told Michael Brissenden on AM, of personalities “I dealt with this as recently as Sunday dabbling in the area with Barrie Cassidy, who’s obsessed with while, perhaps their the issue as well.” Eagerly amplifying any wisest analyst, claims damaging to border protection Chris Uhlmann, is policy — even (we kid you not) criticism underused. from the odious North Korean regime — the national broadcaster reveals itself daily. It is less inclined to relay the success of the policy in stopping deaths Recruiting at sea, freeing people from detention and digital-savvy staff opening up our humanitarian quota. Such Scott’s who are cheap and maximise ABC traits are often dismissed as bias. access to content, it has forgotten the There was a similar predictability about successor must obligation to ensure the content has the ABC’s coverage of the trade union take the editorial substance. The ABC has lost experienced royal commission and claims it had been and wise editorial heads along with the will established to pursue Bill Shorten. There role seriously. to impose strong standards of reportage, is no evidence to support this — in fact scepticism and balance in its younger the revelations that drew the Opposition cohort. In a rudderless vessel, with few Leader into the hearings were unexpected For $1.1 billion a year and with clear role models, the inexperienced drift — yet the claim was repeated as accepted charter obligations we are entitled to and tend to echo the superficial green- wisdom by ABC journalists last weekend. expect better. In an effort to spread left views of in-house opinion leaders Rather than simple groupthink, a more itself across the media landscape, from such as Fran Kelly, Paul Barry and Jon worrying flaw is fuelling Aunty’s jaundice. Twitter to 24/7 television news, the Faine. This default positioning becomes With all the platforms, programs and staff national broadcaster has forsaken depth. entrenched when there is no editorial edict

Page 6 for reporters to examine spin, test claims of multi-platform personalities such as chief Scott has not asserted control. To and look at issues from a mainstream Annabel Crabb or Mark Colvin? steady the ship and protect the national perspective. Who, for that matter, should New board appointments are due and broadcaster from sustained criticism, Why so many ABC voices the recruits emulate? Would they model top of their agenda will be choosing Scott’s successor must take the editorial themselves on the practised detachment Mark Scott’s replacement next year as role seriously. The key is to impose high of late greats such as Andrew Olle and managing director. In his role as editor-in- professional standards on journalists, echo similar perspectives Lyneham, or the social media cultivation editors and producers. Director ABC Editorial Policies, Alan Sunderland, responds to The Australian

f only the leader writers And while it is true that a generation of at The Australian (“Why Alan Sunderland important and influential ABC journalists Iso many ABC voices Director ABC Editorial has moved on – greats like Andrew echo similar perspectives”) Policies Olle, Paul Lyneham, Maxine McKew could step away from their 12 November 2015 and (this month) Kerry O’Brien – if computers, remove their they lift their eyes to what is actually happening around them instead of ideological blinkers and They might have noticed that alongside actually listen and watch the Alan Kohler, our business and finance taking refuge in tired assumptions ABC more closely. They might team also includes decades of experience they might notice a new generation of be surprised at what they find. from a wealth of other reporters, editors, ABC greats already delivering some They might, for example, have producers and presenters including Ian of Australia’s best journalism: Sarah tuned in to our exclusive and Verrender, Ticky Fullerton and Peter Ryan. Ferguson, Chris Uhlmann, Leigh Sales, Barrie Cassidy, Sally Neighbour, Deb ground breaking reporting of They might have noticed that, apart from Masters, Phil Williams, Lisa Millar, Caro union corruption on 7.30 and having one of the nation’s largest teams Meldrum-Hanna, Steve Cannane, elsewhere. of specialist national rounds reporters, Linton Besser, Josie Taylor, Mark we also have Australia’s largest team of They might have noticed our Willacy, Matt Brown, Annabel Crabb, international correspondents providing detailed and regularly updated Mark Colvin … We could go on. And in-depth original reporting from around the Fact Check data which sets out all on. the facts and clearly declares Tony world, in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Abbott’s vow to stop the boats as a Thailand, Japan, China, Africa, India, the They might notice that the ABC is more “promise delivered”. Middle East, the United Kingdom and the heavily represented in next month’s United States. Walkley Awards, Australia’s premier They might note that Michael And if that wasn’t enough to convince journalism awards, than any other Brissenden’s legitimate, important them of the ABC’s commitment to depth media organisation: 26 finalists across and probing questions to Immigration and quality in both daily and weekly 16 categories in radio, television and Minister Peter Dutton about the reporting, they might have noticed that we multimedia, including for social equity alleged payment of people smugglers are alone among Australian broadcasters journalism, multimedia storytelling, only came after thirteen other in delivering to audiences a comprehensive coverage of community and regional questions about a range of other range of quality current affairs programs affairs, sports journalism, radio news equally important issues. Holding the across radio and television. Programs and current affairs journalism, radio Government to account on matters of like AM and PM, The World Today, 7.30 documentary, business journalism, public policy has always been at the and Lateline, Four Corners and Foreign international journalism, daily and heart of the ABC’s journalism. Correspondent, Insiders and Offsiders, weekly current affairs, investigative As for our “missing” experts on Australian Story and The Business. journalism and more. important issues, they might have come And if they were really adventurous and They might also notice the Newspoll across some of the ground-breaking, explored the ABC’s online offering, they survey that found 84% of Australians Walkley-award winning coverage might discover that at the same time as described the ABC as “valuable or produced across radio, television we are maintaining our commitment to this highly valuable”. And that 70% of and digital platforms by our extensive traditional and traditionally unique range Australians aged over 18 watch, listen National Reporting Team, including of quality television and radio journalism, or log on to the ABC each week. experienced reporters specialising in we are also exploring new and important They might notice all these things. the environment, science, technology, forms of journalism via our dedicated rural and regional issues and a host of interactive unit, producing long-form But first they would have to be willing other dedicated rounds. journalism in new forms. to take off their blinkers and see.

Page 7 What kind of new leadership should take the ABC Letter to Editor forward? How can the ABC Board better promote community consultation? t is important to challenge the way in which Australia’s Ipublic broadcaster is meeting its Charter obligations When will the ABC prioritize Australian made television and free up opportunities for our film makers? ABC Friends welcomed recent comments by Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss that management There is an exciting debate to be had about preparing interference in regional radio programming was the ABC for new opportunities. unacceptable and demonstrated just how Sydney centric We know the ABC is valued and trusted by the ABC has become. Australians but we also know that it is at risk of We need to discuss how well the ABC serves regional being undermined by those who for ideological and rural Australia communities. or competitive reasons aim to weaken public broadcasting in this country. We also need to question why ABC Sydney headquarters houses 51% of staff while there are ABC office closures That is the where future Australian editorials should and staff retrenchments that force programming changes focus and ABC Friends look forward to this essential without consultation. debate as we believe in the need for a strong and competitive ABC. But the editorial “Why so many ABC voices echo similar perspectives” (12 November) does not address these On behalf of ABC FRIENDS NATIONAL, or other major issues affecting the future of Australian Margaret Reynolds public broadcasting. It missed an opportunity to invite 15 Wellington St, Richmond TAS Australians to get involved in determining the priorities of the ABC to ensure it maintains relevance in a climate of Ranald Mc Donald media upheaval. The Moorings, Flinders VIC

Murdoch’s Media Tax that Rupert Murdoch receives is loaded we pay for goods and services that John Menadue into the cost of the goods and services we buy. With Murdoch owning about Pearls and Irritation we buy. two thirds of metropolitan newspapers, blog this means that he gets about $200 Last year, over $13 b. was spent on per year advertising revenue from each 23 November 2015 advertising of which about $5 b. was household. This $200 is loaded into the for commercial TV and Radio, and more [email protected] price we pay for all goods and services. than $2.5 b. for newspapers, which is It is in effect a consumption tax which is an important part of Rupert Murdoch’s a regressive form of tax. So in effect, my upert Murdoch complains that he media income. In broad terms we pay household pays about $200 per year to faces unfair competition from a about $1,500 per year per household for Rupert Murdoch for newspapers that he taxpayer funded public broadcaster advertising. That revenue goes to media R produces that I scarcely ever read. like the ABC. Yet in effect, he imposes his companies such as Murdoch’s. Of the own consumption taxes on consumers. $1,500 per year per household, about By contrast we pay about $120 a year $500 is for commercial TV and radio and per household for the ABC through As consumers we make a contribution to $300 for newspapers. This excludes the progressive tax. Rupert Murdoch’s empire when we buy cover price. goods and services. This is because the In short, Australian households are producers of those goods or services So we pay about $300 per year per getting a cheaper and better service include the cost of advertising that is spent household for advertising in newspapers compared to what Rupert to help sell the product. The advertising and that amount is loaded into the price Murdoch offers.

Page 8 Q&A host Tony Jones says Zaky Mallah furore and boycott was based on a ‘big lie’

Q&A host Tony Jones has spoken out on the scandals that engulfed the program in 2015, declaring that Tony Abbott’s government boycott of the show began ABC logo on as if somehow this guy was person on the program could or should be with a “big lie” surrounding backing ISIS terrorism or that he was in singled out or scapegoated,” he said. the appearance of former fact a member of ISIS or something along “We’re all pretty experienced journalists terrorism suspect Zaky Mallah those lines ... he wasn’t ISIS. So I didn’t so I can say we understood the urgency and descended into a “nasty think anyone would turn around and say of the matter but no one was panicking or political fight” with Jones and that he was. arguing with each other behind the scenes. his colleagues uniting behind the “In the end, the big lie sometimes wins “It was actually a pretty unified response scenes amid calls for ABC heads out in propaganda wars and there was and with cool heads ... we thought about to roll. a sense - a kind of general sense from how we could handle this. people who hadn’t seen the program or In an exclusive interview with had misunderstood it - that we put on a “Obviously the ABC at a broader level was Fairfax Media - his first since the program a guy from ISIS, deliberately. We involved at a higher level so we had lots of midyear controversies - Jones didn’t.” meetings about it and in the end I think we spoke of Mr Abbott’s decision to behaved sensibly. Jones said when it emerged that Mallah ban ministers from the program had previously made sexually threatening “The ABC behaved relatively sensibly and after calling it a “lefty lynch mob”. remarks about women journalists on the government finally saw that we were “I’m not going to question [Mr Abbott’s] Twitter, it was clear he had “plenty of other taking it seriously.” judgment,” he said. “It’s really up to other things to be ashamed about”. Of the barrage of criticism from News Corp people to make the call as to whether that papers and columnists - specifically the “The following week we made the point was a breach of freedom of speech or cartoon mock-up of the ABC logo on an that, had we known about that, of whether it was an appropriate thing to do.” Islamic State flag - Jones said: “It was a course we would not have given him combination of things. Yes, it was offensive In the incident that sparked the boycott, the opportunity to ask the question,” but it was so absurd that it was also Mallah told Liberal MP Steve Ciobo that, Jones said. “In the end lots of issues got laughable.” because of “ministers like him”, many muddied in that particular period.” Muslims would feel justified “to leave and Editor’s note: The transcript of the go to Syria and join ISIL”. Jones said he knew “we were in a quite nasty political fight” - with two program shows that Mallah’s question Jones said: “It never occurred to me inquiries launched, including a continuing was considered and inoffensive – it was actually that what [Mallah] said - the intent independent investigation. Minister Steve Ciobo’s response that was of what he said - would be reversed [by aggressive and inflammatory, producing But, behind the scenes, Jones and his some in the media]. the much-misquoted response from colleagues decided on solidarity in the face “Even though he’s pretty extreme in Mallah, but the whole incident shows our of the onslaught. many of his views, he is absolutely not a ambivalence on the matter of freedom of supporter of ISIS. Which, if you look at the “We took the view early on that this was a speech and freedom to discuss opposing front pages and you’ve got ISIS flags - I’m collective decision that we’d made, that if points of view. Surely the ABC must talking about the News Limited tabloids in anyone wanted to blame anyone we were always provide a forum where such particular - you’ve got ISIS flags with the all equally to blame and that no single discussions can take place.

Page 9 Yet the ABC is required under its Malcolm Turnbull as our new Prime Charter to serve the needs of all Minister has promised a “more Australians - through regional and innovative, open and outward-looking Support the rural coverage, authoritative news Australia”. Such a country, though, and analysis, drama, the arts, needs a fully independent and properly children’s programming, entertainment, resourced national broadcaster that can rebuilding documentaries, international reporting inform, analyse, entertain, and reflect the and sports. nation to itself and to the world. Reduced funding has led to the Damage to the ABC during the Abbott of your centralisation of ABC operations in Government years (and, of course, while Sydney affecting reporting of issues Malcolm Turnbull was Communications involving rural, regional and provincial Minister) has been extensive. Despite ABC Australia – while lessening the pre-election promises, cuts to the ABC influence of capital city centres. have resulted in some 500 talented employees being lost to us, plus Help us to restore the ABC’s hundreds of millions of dollars taken capacity to inform, educate from operational and programming and entertain our nation and budgets; yet the ABC must be able to communicate with the world. compete in the rapidly changing media world. Lobby your Federal and State politicians to: The decision to break the ABC’s contract for the Australia Network has • Return funding to levels existing muted our Australian voice into Asia and before the Abbott cuts. the Pacific, and with it our capacity to • Ensure independent and transparent understand and engage with these key forced to close, or truncated, productions processes for appointment of ABC neighboring countries. shelved, planning tentative and Board Members and the next CEO. The budget cuts have meant many provisional, and ideas and people are • Restore the ABC’s Australia Network programs and services have been going elsewhere. contract so our nation has a credible voice in the Asia Pacific region.

NOW to allow us to defend our National independent, authoritative, strong Here’s what broadcasters against those that continue and diverse voices. to try and weaken them. And with top quality Australian you can do So, please become an ABC Supporter, programming for all. or join ABC Friends, and donate either to help by going to our website: www.abcfriends.org.au or, call Graeme Connelly Join your local or State ABC Friends campaign headquarters (03) 9682 0073, President ABC Friends Vic. group, and work to build an ABC voice or mobile 0498 111 261. GPO Box 4065, Melbourne, Vic 3001 respected by all. Go to our website or phone us to talk Mal Hewitt We need you, though, to give to the to a ‘Friend’ so you can help the ABC President ABC Friends NSW & ACT ABC Friends National Fighting Fund to flourish and provide what is needed – PO Box 1391, North Sydney NSW, 2059

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Page 10 Encouraging start for Friends’ National Campaign to protect and strengthen the ABC

and continual attacks of former Prime young and old of whatever backgrounds. Ranald Macdonald Minister Tony Abbott and his Ministers. He It is meant to set the gold standard for Convenor, Friends gave us an obvious opponent and easy drama, news and documentaries, children’s Action Committee target. programming, the arts and international Now, all are hoping that Malcolm Turnbull reporting. incere thanks to all who have will right the wrongs of the past few years How can it do this when funding is reduced supported our National Campaign and his accession has blunted our fund- while more needs to be spent to embrace Sso far, as we increase our raising efforts. new technology and be able to compete in membership and build a Fighting Fund BUT, all should remember that the funding so many fields? so we can become a more effective cuts and the pressuring of the ABC Board All this happened under Minister Turnbull’s organisation. occurred while Malcolm Turnbull was watch. Membership around the country has Communications Minister. And, where Further, there has been the constant attacks grown and we are developing a healthy was he when the Australia Network was from ideological, political, commercial and financial base so we can fight the good taken away from the ABC with its role now other opponents who would benefit from fight. substituted by the Murdoch broadcasting a weakened ABC. These are consistent, interests? The ABC needs its ‘ Friends’ now more bitter and apparent to all. than ever before. It is being assailed from So - we (the ABC Friends) plan on all sides - and even from some of those using the social media to ensure that all who have been given roles of responsibility Advertisements generations understand what the ABC in supporting the independence and and social media means to Australia, to organise our army of necessary funding of our National initiatives are being friends around the country to educate the broadcaster. prepared and our politicians of all hues about the importance In a nutshell - the ABC’s budget has been campaign will unfold of an independent, properly funded and cut, 500 jobs lost and of very real concern dedicated broadcaster - and to fight for was the capricious decision of Foreign in the New Year prior a stronger and better ABC serving all Minister Julie Bishop to break the 10 year to the next election. Australians. contract of the ABC’s Australia Network, Advertisements and social media initiatives which presented Australia to our Northern are being prepared and our campaign will neighbours while ensuring this country had Further, the triennial funding negotiations unfold in the New Year prior to the next the best of foreign reporting so we knew start from a lower base and with over half election. what was taking place in Asia and the the employees of the ABC in Sydney or So, please, if you have not joined the Pacific. nearby. Campaign, given financial support to Our fund raising - to be absolutely honest Under its charter the ABC is required to the extent you can, or told your - has been affected by the best story we provide quality programming to serve the friends about what we are doing had going for us. The broken promises interests of all Australians - rural, provincial, - NOW IS THE TIME.

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Page 11 Amanda Meade – ABC TV, ABC2, ABC3, The Guardian ABC ABC News 24 –and five radio networks – ABC online, iView November 3, 2015 and educational and ABC Open spent nearly services. The most popular shows on ABC he ABC spent close to television were: the 2015 Asian $50m on redundancy Cup final between Australia and payments to staff last T South Korea; New Year’s Eve financial year as a result of the 2014: Midnight Fireworks; local Coalition’s $254m budget cut. dramas Anzac Girls and The The annual report for 2014-15 $50m Doctor Blake Mysteries; and New reveals the broadcaster paid out Tricks. $47.1m in redundancy and separation Consistent with the drop in linear payments up to June this year television audiences overall, the ABC’s compared with just $3.8m in 2013- ratings were down slightly from the 2014. year before but ABC Television’s The ABC says the job losses amount on redundancy average weekly reach last year was to around 300 so far but the 9.4m people, or 58% of the five- Community and Public Sector Union city metropolitan market. puts the figure at 430, including the payouts after “The digital era is proving a boon 80 people who lost their jobs when for consumers but its disruptive the government withdrew funding Coalition budget impact on the media landscape is for the Australia Network. pronounced,” the report said. The redundancy bill will be high again cuts hit “It is made doubly difficult for the next year as there have been more national broadcaster because of job losses since June, including 41 its budgetary situation. The five-year jobs cut in the technology division and program of cuts announced by the federal more to come. The report warned that government in late 2014 has begun. the five-year program of cuts imposed by the Abbott government started gently but “At the very time that it needs to invest in would “ratchet sharply upwards” in coming new audience strategies, the ABC is being years. forced to divert badly-needed funds back to consolidated revenue.” According to the annual report, employee benefits totalled $530m, including The ABC spent $4.7m on consultants, the $366m in wages and the remainder in majority going on financial and strategic superannuation and leave. advice. A payment of $42,135 was made “With the first impact in 2015–16 of the to Shaun Brown, the former managing $206.8m funding cuts over four years, At the very time director of SBS who is reviewing the coming on top of the 1% funding cut and operation of ABC TV program Q&A. The the cessation of the Australia Network that it needs to other reviewer, broadcaster Ray Martin, contract in the May 2014 Budget, the invest in new has not been paid yet. The broadcaster ABC is in the process of implementing also shelled out close to $13,000 to the a number of efficiency savings initiatives audience strategies, Australian Federal Police for a security targeting support functions in order assessment. to address the decline in funding from the ABC is being Funding for the ABC from the federal government,” the report said. forced to divert government has declined sharply in real “Implementing these savings involved terms in 30 years: the total allocation of significant upfront redundancy and badly-needed $867m for 2015-16 represents a decrease restructure costs, with overall savings to funds back to in real funding of $299m or 25.6% since be achieved over a number of years.” 1985–86, according to the chart ABC consolidated Operational Revenue from Government. The ABC was allocated $1.11bn in the 2014-15 financial year, which includes revenue. Opinion polls commissioned by the ABC around $200m for analogue and digital show a large majority of Australians – 84% transmission costs. This leaves $868m – believe the ABC performs a valuable in general funding for four TV channels role and produces quality content.

Page 12 What’s in, what’s out for the ABC in 2015

Page 13 Bass was a Civil Engineer for the Main Roads Department. Bassie too worked for MRD as a surveyor, before joining the Sydney Water Board. Bassie met his wife, Corin, shortly after her arrival from Auckland in the mid 50s to study piano. And Sydney has been home to them and their family ever since. Walter Bass is still active in his local community and is a treasured Life Member of our organisation for which he was President for a total of 20 years. The over-riding impression I had of Bassie, chatting with him that evening, was of his “fire in the belly.” He had every bit of it surging through his veins. His passion for the freedom of the press is undimmed, and for a fully funded ABC. And from a letter to Update from Bassie in 2013: “Since that first well-attended meeting in Anzac House, Sydney, in 1978, Friends has become a national organization, demonstrating the importance of the ABC to all Australians. It is, in fact, indispensable. The ABC must not be commercialised – it must remain free from political and commercial influence.”

The Australian public can be confident that in its relative balance Maintaining the Rage the ABC provides an effective counter-measure to the excesses of the Vale Walter Bass commercial sector. Any commercial broadcaster is automatically to some degree, at the behest of its alter Bass (“Bassie”) passed broadcaster”. The groups of Friends advertisers. away on 18th November, 2015, gradually spread throughout Australia, Wage 84. Angela Williamson, NSW and to this day provide confirmation of the Walter Bass had a deep sense of the Membership Secretary, interviewed Bassie deeply held view by the Australian public of vital importance of the ABC as an in April, 2013, for Update. Here is that the importance of the national broadcaster. independent, learned and free-thinking interview: He believes that the independence of media organisation with the essential Founding President of the FABC NSW, the national broadcaster must not be role of providing unbiased news and Walter Bass, recently told us why he is compromised by any form of advertising. commentary to Australia and beyond. so committed to the independence of the The Australian public can be confident that He had no illusions where the powerful, ABC. When threats to the ABC’s funding in its relative balance the ABC provides an private media were concerned – they were became manifest back in the 70s, and effective counter-measure to the excesses consumed by self-interest, and not to be worsened through the 80s, he joined of the commercial sector. Any commercial underestimated. The ABC’s role was the the thousands of others at rallies around broadcaster is automatically to some more important in this context. Walter Australia saying “enough”. “I was sick of degree, at the behest of its advertisers. dedicated enormous time and energy what was happening to the ABC.” identifying threats to the ABC – there was Our Founding President is now an no shortage! He committed himself to “Bassie”, as he is fondly known by all, octogenarian who came to these shores bringing together like-minded souls so that says he was one of many to instigate from Vienna as a young lad with his family these attacks could be exposed and seen the Friends because the ABC was in immediately pre-war. His father had spent off. He was an utterly dedicated warrior as need of friends, and because, frankly, “all a year in a concentration camp and upon President and Life-long Friend of the decent countries have a non-commercial release weighed only 38 kg. Wolfgang ABC, and we are all deeply in his debt.

Page 14 From the Letter to the Editor National from ABC Friends Spokesperson Dear Editor, and by the loss of the Australian Network and the penchant for budget 016 will be a significant The appointment by the ABC Board of cuts from Governments of both year in which to speak out the Corporation’s next CEO is of major persuasions. national importance. 2in support of our Public As the advertisement for the position Broadcaster. The qualities needed would test an stated: “Operating under Government Abraham Lincoln. It will be a year to remind all Charter the corporation has a unique parliamentarians that we expect He or she is required to be a visionary, role in informing, educating and them to value the ABC and its committed to providing programmes of connecting all Australians.” independence. quality and relevance to all Australians, Further, the new CEO: “Will have to be able to battle governments for A new Managing Director will be responsibility for ensuring ABC’s the money required to fulfil its charter, introduced to the complex role success in augmenting and reinforcing a to build public confidence in public of juggling priorities and finances sense of Australian culture and identity.” while often under much closer broadcasting and to understand and May the Board, Chairman Jim scrutiny than other media. embrace technological change. Spigelman and (dare we say it) the new On top of that, the successful applicant ABC Friends will be active Prime Minister, who we suspect will not needs to have the strength and and constructive in ensuring be far from the action, be guided by administrative skills to run a disparate that Australia what is the best for all of us, rather than organisation which gives an authentic retains the very backing someone who satisfies personal Australian voice, both internationally best of public priorities and beliefs. broadcasting. and to its stakeholders - the country’s taxpayers. On behalf of the ABC Friends, Margaret All this is made more difficult by Margaret Reynolds and Reynolds ideological and competitive pressures, Ranald Macdonald

solicitor who is also an Adjunct Professor New ABC at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Business School and holds a PhD in leadership and governance. Board South Australian-based Ms Walford is the founder of the Behind Closed Doors executive women’s program and of the Members executive coaching business DW Bottom Line. She is a member of multiple boards, Kirstin Ferguson and Donny including the Heart Foundation of SA Walford have been appointed and KeyInvest Lending Services, and in non-executive directors of 2003 was the inaugural CEO of the South the ABC, in a move hailed by Australian government’s Defence Unit. Above: Kirstin Ferguson. Below: Donny Walford. the government as boosting She was also the chair of Australian women’s representation on Dance Theatre for four years. the board. Communications Minister Senator Mitch Dr Ferguson is the former CEO of Sentis, Fifield congratulated Dr Ferguson and Ms a health and safety service provider for Walford on their appointments and said the global mining and resources sector he “looks forward to the expertise they and is a currently a non-executive will contribute to the ABC board.” director of multiple boards, including the “It is important that the ABC board Queensland Theatre Company, Hyne reflects both gender and geographic Timber, CIMIC Group, SCA Property diversity and the addition of Dr Ferguson Group and formerly the Queensland and Ms Walford will achieve these Reds rugby team. She is a qualified objectives,” he added.

Page 15 State News

Groups up as ABC characters, bring their ABC toys and play pin the badge on ACT Talk to your book club, walking group, Pepper Pig. golf buddies, volunteer fire fighters particularly any country groups and give Mums could then post photos of their them whatever they need from your kit to party on their Facebook pages. empower them to make their voices heard. This would, most importantly, spread ABC the message, that the ABC/SBS is in Example serious trouble, to people who may A mothers group could hold an ABC not know and inspire them to think up Action themed party. The children could dress their own fun event and post it too! Kit

White paper carry bag with ABC logo painted on it or a bumper sticker or postcard

Contents • ABC Friends national website and contact details including Facebook and twitter • List of contact details for your ABC Friends branch head and committee members • An on-going list of contact details for Federal and local politicians and Senators across all parties, the ABC Board, national and local media to write and email to • Copies of any current petition in support of the ABC/SBS • ABC information pamphlets (many people have little idea of all that our National Broadcaster does • I Love ABC postcards (great to also hold up for photos and at rallies) • Bumper stickers (good on rubbish bins and baby buggies) • Badges (easy conversation starters, can wear on clothes, hat, bag etc) • A list of ideas for groups and individuals on ways to effectively use your ABC Action Kit

Page 16 communicating with the community, New South Wales News Tasmania providing detail of the way our national broadcaster is being undermined. The NSW AGM on 26th September re- PRESIDENTS REPORT 2014-15 Everyone have been encouraged to elected the long-serving, highly effective Not an easy year for ABC Friends write directly to the Prime Minister and and extremely dedicated team of Ed Tasmania as the impact of the 2014 Minister for Communications and to local Davis (Vice-President), James Buchanan Budget became evident with the loss of newspapers. Several excellent letters have (Secretary/Treasurer), Angela Williamson State Line, major staff cuts, more television (Membership Secretary), Chris Cartledge been published in both the Mercury and repeats and quite outrageous attacks on (Webmaster), Jason Lowe (Events and Examiner the public broadcaster by senior members Recruitment), Geoff Bran, (Minutes The Secretary and I spent two days in of the Federal Government. Secretary) and Committee Members Jim Adelaide discussing the ABC crisis with Grainda, Ireen Allanson and Ivy Walker- In Tasmania the Committee has been other state ABC Friends members. As Smith. We welcomed two new members active in challenging both government a result a National Campaign of Public to the committee – Margaret Whealy and ABC management. While the loss of Awareness and Fundraising was launched and Gayle Davies, and farewelled former financial resources is of course a Federal in June. Tasmania is very ably represented Vice-President Nance Loney. As NSW Government responsibility nevertheless on the Executive of the National Campaign President, I am privileged to work with neither management nor the ABC Committee by Secretary Belinda such a wonderful team, who devote Board appeared ready to work with the Wright. I have recently become National countless hours to advancing the cause community to see how best to minimize Spokesperson with Campaign Manager of ABC Friends in NSW. I must pay the impact on ABC audiences across Ranald Macdonald organizing a national special tribute to Chris Cartledge, whose Australia. The Sydney centric dominance advertising campaign. experience and expertise has been of of management decision making has In late November I will be meeting a immense value in establishing the National resulted in severe cutbacks in state offices number of regional parliamentarians in Office and website in Melbourne. I wrote and regional Australia Parliament House Canberra to see last year that we are not immortal – we Over the year ABC Friends has written to how we can work with the parliamentary look forward to passing on our respective • the Prime Minister and Minister for Friends of the ABC group. As National batons to new and younger member in the Communications and Treasurer Spokesperson I have also approached near future! expressing concern about the impact of Minister Mitch Fifield about meeting Mal Hewitt, NSW President Budget cuts in 2014 members of the National Campaign • the ABC Board asking why the Board Committee in Melbourne. accepted the decisions of Managing I would like to thank all members of Director in regard to regional office the executive for their efforts during closures and major staff reductions. the year and especially our Secretary • the new Minister for Communications Belinda Wright who has worked wonders congratulating him on his new portfolio in managing so many secretarial and and recommending a fresh approach to treasury tasks as well as working on the valuing the national broadcaster National Commiittee. Our website has been updated and members kept regularly Our two committees in the North and informed. We have had a major increase in South have been active in engaging members at meetings and market membership as well as several donations. stalls with the emphasis being on This gives me much encouragement as we face another challenging year. Margaret Reynolds

Tasmanian FORUM and AGM In November Friends ABC Tasmania held a Public Forum- What is the Future of the ABC Beyond Sydney with speakers • Quentin Dempster • Emma Bennison, CEO Arts Access Australia • Lisa Singh, Labor Senator for Tasmania • Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Denison An excellent discussion was held with speakers agreeing that the ABC must give Pictures from ABC Friends NSW & ACT AGM . Above: That Blue Mountains Banner! a renewed commitment to its charter to Top left: Guest speaker Ranald Macdonald. Top right: Susan Buchanan – caterer provide public broadcasting services to par excellence. ALL Australians and that this commitment

Page 17 Another venture to the ABC Gardeners Market on Saturday 10th October in Collinswood, South Australia.

relied on the Federal Government membership in 2016 – so stay tuned! mentally stimulated and there is always recognizing its responsibility to restore The Gardener’s Market, which was held on plenty of material to listen to, any time confidence and resourcing to guarantee October 10th, and the end of year function of the day, to achieve that. Programme the ABC’s future planned for December 6th have also been presenters almost become “digital friends”, Concern was expressed that 51% of staff occupying the Committee and we hope to their voices easily recognisable and remained in Sydney while staffing cutbacks see you there on December 6th! programme content is relevant, deep, well considered and thoughtfully presented. had impacted disproportionately in Capital As always we are keen for new ABC television and radio helps me to keep city offices other than Sydney and across Committee members. Moving forward, up to date. This is why I joined the ABC regional Australia. in 2016, meetings will be held on the first Friends. There is too much to be lost if In addition speakers focused on the Wednesday of the month, with the first we don’t support the ABC to continue in impact of technology in changing priorities meeting taking place on February 3rd its vital role as Australia’s independent, and diversity of programming with priority beginning at 6.30pm, at the Prince Albert national broadcaster, free of advertising or given to Australian made content. Hotel, 254Wright Street Adelaide. corporate sponsorship and to be a “free Jessica Knight, President voice” representing all Australians. South Australia ABC Friends SA/NT Gardeners Sue Pinnock (Committee Member) Market President’s Report Another venture to the ABC Gardeners South Australia is participating in the Victoria Market on Saturday 10th October in planning underway for the National Collinswood. A large crowd attended to The major challenge for the Victorian Campaign leading up to the next Federal buy plants for their gardens. Overall the branch of the ABCF over the latter part of election. The first stage which involving day was successful with many people the year has been developing a response a fundraising and membership drive stopping by for a chat and picking up the to the change of leadership in Canberra. is underway and strategies are being ABC Friends promotional material. Whilst Tony Abbott led the Coalition it developed dependent on the amount of was clear to virtually everybody whether money raised. The Committee is starting Why I joined ABC Friends SA/NT to work on possible strategies for South members supporters or just onlookers Australia to build on this National action. For many years the ABC has been an that the ABC was not only going to be important part of my life. ABC television starved of resources including funding, Discussions are also underway about was one of the few stations that was but also vilified as being not part of Team strengthening the Friends by developing a reliable when I lived in Port Pirie in my Australia and cast as being a supporter more cohesive national approach across teens. Being able to immerse myself in a of Australia’s enemies both at home and the states to functions like membership, programme without constant interruption overseas. the website, the newsletter and so on and to viewing, became something I valued the new look National website. When Abbott departed many within and have done ever since. ABC television our supporter base which is of course The Friends Committee in SA has programming is diverse; there is much much bigger than our membership base developed a Facebook page, specifically to pick from when viewing. It is often breathed a huge sigh of relief and dared to for Friends of South Australia and has novel, and from where great ideas for dream that the threats to the ABC would been looking to revitalise the website new types of programme originate (for quickly become a thing of the past. which will interface with the National example Andrew Denton’s “Enough website. A key focus for 2015 has also Rope”, “The Chaser” and “Utopia”). I really Our major challenge of the past few been on reviewing the SA Constitution, don’t think my life would be half as rich if months is to convince our members that which was developed in 1991 and it wasn’t for Radio National; my radio is the threats to the ABC are far from over has been in need of updating. This will tuned permanently to it. One of the most and that in fact an even bigger challenge be ready for endorsement by the SA important things in life, I think, is to be confronts us.

Page 18 State News

The damage to the ABC has been so extensive such that in effect Malcolm Turnbull can afford to sit on his hands without imposing new cuts and allow the decline of the ABC and its failure to meet its charter obligations remain a trend that continues to make the ABC but a pale shadow of its former self. To communicate this negative message in the face of renewed business optimism and the continuance of a “honeymoon” ABC Friends from Inner Melbourne South branch listen to guest speaker Ranald period for Malcolm Turnbull in the polls Macdonald. is going to require all the energy and communication skills we can muster. Hence the necessity of the advertorial Kilda on 21 September at 6.30pm. placed in The Age and the SMH in the Inner Melbourne South We were delighted to have Ranald last weekend of October which conveyed Branch Macdonald as the guest speaker. Ranald the message that the ascention is a former managing editor of The Age of Malcolm and a new Minister of Inaugural Event and morning presenter on Melbourne ABC Communication did not guarantee a rosy The ABC Friends Inner Melbourne South radio and currently the convenor of the future for our National Broadcaster branch held its inaugural information event ABCF national campaign and fighting fund. Graeme Connelly, President at Readings Bookshop in Acland Street St Ranald shared with us his perspectives on

BC Friends notes with sadness member of PEN), and more. She was the recent death of Dr Veronica often described as ‘outspoken’ and was ABrady (or Sister Veronica as she publicly critical of aspects of her Church, was more widely known), who was such as its stance on contraception a member of Friends of the ABC WA and homosexuality; she remained an for many years and served as an ABC avowed John XXIII Catholic. Board member 1983-86. Veronica Brady was a keen and loyal Veronica Brady was born and raised supporter of the ABC and an active in Melbourne, and was educated at member of Friends of the ABC WA, a Loreto school there. She attended regularly attending Friends meetings and Melbourne University and taught in events over a number of years. Veronica Catholic schools for several years. IN MEMORIAM was an inaugural member of the ABC After completing her undergraduate Board, appointed when the Commission studies, she joined the Loreto sisters, Dr Veronica Brady became a corporation in 1983. a teaching order, and taught in schools Around the university neighbourhood, in Victoria and Sydney. Later, she did Jan 1929 – 20 Aug 2015 and beyond, she was often seen on postgraduate studies in North America, her bicycle, which was her primary form attaining a PhD in Literature in Canada. of transport until just a few years ago. Her thesis was on the work of Patrick Veronica enjoyed travel and helped to She participated in many activities on White, whom she held in high regard. promote Australian Studies in universities campus and the wider community, and was a convivial guest and host to her In 1972, Dr Brady joined the staff of the in Italy, Spain and other European many friends. English department at the University of countries, and in North America; she was Western Australia, where, she taught a visiting lecturer on several occasions Although Veronica had dementia in literature and promoted Australian and kept in touch with many colleagues her later years, her interest in poetry, Studies, conveying her enthusiasm for overseas, as well as in Australia. literature, religious texts, current affairs, the writings of White, Randolph Stow Veronica’s passions went beyond her as well as in her family and friends, and others. As a teacher, Veronica religious and teaching roles. She was persisted. With one friend, who visited inspired many students, but also had a champion of many causes, including her weekly, she read and discussed Dante’s Divine Comedy, Don Quixote her critics. In retirement, she continued the rights of Indigenous Australians, and more; this practice continued until to be actively engaged in scholarly independence for East Timor, the peace days before her death. pursuits as well as in her many extra- and anti-nuclear arms movements, curricular interests. freedom of expression (she was an active Myrna Tonkinson, ABC Friends WA

Page 19 the ongoing threats to the independence beginning with several previous terms “ABC Friends are famous!” of the ABC and the irretrievable damage on the committee under her belt; Three weeks after the AGM I received that funding cuts have on the effectiveness SECRETARY CATHY BARDON, for her an email, with the above heading, from a of the public broadcaster. second term and her first as an office- contact at ABC Perth who provided me with holder; TREASURER TERRI BROWN Recently returned from overseas, including the following excerpt from the ABC’s new who was Secretary for her first term on the UK, he also appraised us of the dire ‘SCOSE’ (Standing Committee on Spoken the committee last year; COMMITTEE situation for the BBC, where funding has English) equivalent which is available for the MEMBER JOHN BOTTOMLEY, also been drastically cut by the UK Cameron use of all ABC staff, particularly aimed at on returning for another term after a gap government. air staff:- of some years; COMMITTEE MEMBER MC Jan Cossar led a lively question and GLEN MORGAN who joined Friends “At a recent Friends of the ABC meeting in answer session following Ranald’s talk, earlier this year and now takes on an Perth, a Friend expressed concern about in which the attendees (approximately 70 active role. how the ABC’s command of English is passionate ABC Friends) shared their views, slipping. The example given was ‘use of the Thanks to everyone for nominating. We some wonderful memories, and some good word amount when the proper English is still have room for another person! ideas for progressing the national campaign number.’ This distinction is count vs mass to restore and quarantine essential levels of I’d like to thank MEG DURSTON nouns. Number is used for count nouns, funding for the ABC. and LINDSAY SMITH, who did not amount is used for mass nouns. re-nominate this time, for their long It is anticipated that a program of similar Consider this incorrect copy, from News commitment to their various roles on the events will be held in 2016 at Readings in online: St Kilda. committee. They volunteered many hours of their time and much energy. In north-west New South Wales the amount Guest speaker at the AGM was Manager of all agribusiness lenders doubled, from 12 Western Australia ABC 720 Perth, SARAH KNIGHT who to 25. The 2015 ABCF-WA Annual General gave an interesting and enjoyable “Agribusiness lenders” is countable, so the Meeting was held on Sunday, 18th. account of her many years in ABC Radio, correct word here would be number. answered questions and joined us for October in Studio 620 at the ABC Centre It is strongly recommended that number in Perth. Studio 620 is the ‘fine music’ refreshments following the meeting. should be used when referring to countables, and amount be used when referring to mass nouns. Remember: a number of cows produce an amount of methane gas.” I’m sure we are all pleased that a guide Left: The ABC to pronunciation and correct language Centre in usage is again available to ABC staff. Let’s Perth. hope all announcers refer to it! Thanks to Below: The our member who made the comment to General Sarah, and thanks to Sarah for passing the Meeting audience. comment on. Below Thank you for your support. Please ask your right: Guest family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances Speaker to join us. Sarah Knight. Bobbie Mackley, President If you have not yet renewed your membership, this is a polite reminder! recording studio on the ground floor of the 10 year old, custom-built building and is also fitted with lighting for TV production. Sadly, it has rarely been used for production of any kind. Ditto the large TV Studio 62, since the end of in-house ABC TV production. Much talent has departed. At the AGM I reported on our year, on issues affecting the ABC and on ABC Friends’ national campaign. You can read my report here: abcfriendswa.wordpress. com. We elected our committee for 2015/16, as follows: PRESIDENT BOBBIE MACKLEY for a fourth term; VICE PRESIDENT MYRNA TONKINSON, a member since the

Page 20 NSW Branch News Office Bearers and Committee were Dangerous Ideas program held at the Blue Mountains returned unopposed. We also welcomed Sydney Opera House. a new Minutes Secretary to our team Blue Mountains Branch members have We enjoyed hearing about Christine’s and extended our thanks to our previous travelled far and wide in 2015 when any job of five years which involves finding Minutes Secretary who managed to fit this rally, meeting or community event to hundreds of people each week from job into a very busy life. promote, protest and protect OUR ABC diverse political perspectives who may has been held. We attended twelve events The AGM was followed by Guest Speaker, be willing to quiz Australia’s politicians, in 2015, most in our ‘home territory’. Christine El-Khoury, Senior Audience pundits and other opinion makers on the However we also visited Sydney often and Producer for Q&A, a program which big issues affecting the nation and our Canberra on one occasion. The Canberra reaches one million viewers each week. communities. Christine also provided an rally, held on the forecourt of Parliament We had met Christine earlier in the year interesting and detailed explanation of House, like those in Sydney, protested the when members and guests were part what goes on behind the scenes in putting drastic cuts which have resulted in the loss of the Q&A audience for the Festival of the Q&A program together. This included of jobs, the cutting back or axing of much loved programs across the ABC spectrum. We’ve also witnessed the closure of production centres and the announced closure of ABC shops. One of our placards used in demonstrations now resides in the National Library Archives Collection of Public Events. In other rallies/protests, our members paraded and protested loudly with our boom box broadcasting familiar ABC program theme music catching the attention of the crowds who sang along with us! More recently we have focused on the ‘Save Our ABC Campaign’ and the recent launch of our Blue Mountains grass roots campaign: “Stop the CHOP-Your ABC is being Gutted”. We have placed our “Stop the Chop” banners in strategic and highly visible public locations. Some members have attended community markets sharing our printed campaign material. These include posters and our fact sheets, which summarise what is happening/has happened to the ABC. Invitations to more than fifty other Blue Mountains community groups have been sent offering a presentation by one of our members explaining the cuts and their affect on our ABC. Some of these groups included the Blue Mountains Neighbourhood Centres, Men’s Sheds, CWA branches, Rotary, and Lion’s Clubs. The campaign will ramp up when the 2016 Federal Election is confirmed. As we all know the fight to Save Our ABC will be challenging and demanding for ABC Friends. With hard work and a fabulous Committee we were delighted to complete the Top: AGM with Guest Speaker Christine El-Khoury, Senior Audience Producer Q&A. 2015 year in good shape. Around thirty Bottom: The banner for the campaign, at Springwood Station. members attended the AGM where the

Page 21 Allan Thomas welcomed our new NSW Branch News committee members, Colin, Anne and Hank and thanked retiring secretary Lisa Thomas and committee member Rupert anecdotal incidents dealing with tricky working for our national broadcaster. Mazlin for their contributions to the work of comments, questions and the thousands Following Carol’s presentation, president the committee. of tweets as they flood in. Our thanks to Allan Thomas delivered his annual report Margaret Conners Christine for her excellent presentation and about the busy year that has just ended. Publicity Officer, ABC Friends Hunter giving us an insight into one of ABC’s most Allan outlined our activities which included: Branch popular programs. together with others presenting a petition Our 2015 AGM closed with all feeling to Hon. Bob Baldwin, the Liberal Member satisfied and enthused for the coming for Paterson protesting the funding cuts, year and another Federal Election. Some arranging a meeting with the 1233 staff Armidale members stayed to hear more from about the forthcoming cutbacks to the An evening with ABC’s sensitive and skilled Christine over lunch. local ABC station, attending a protest rally interviewer, Jane Hutcheon, was a real highlight for the Armidale group of ABC Overall our 2015 year has been informing, in Newcastle against the funding cuts, Friends in November. demanding and interesting and we believe presenting a petition to the then Minister we have given our community inclusive, for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull and Around 150 people enjoyed a most informed insight into the plight of Our the ABC’s Managing Director, Mark Scott stimulating account of Jane’s professional ABC. We have endeavoured to convey about the funding reductions, manning a background, her views and experience of the sometimes hidden effects occurring stall at the Newcastle Farmers’ Markets, the art of interviewing, and some stories of behind the scenes as well as the ongoing operating an ABC Friends’ information stall her discussions with well-known people. difficulties confronting Our ABC both now at the Seniors’ Expo at Toronto Workers’ Jane, as ABC Friends will know, is the and into the future. Club and attending a talk and guided presenter of News 24’s One plus One. tour of the 1233 ABC Newcastle station She has had twenty years’ experience as With the Festive Season almost upon conducted by the former Local Content a TV journalist for the ABC. She served us, I extend my best wishes for a Merry Manager, Phil Ashley-Brown. Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe as foreign correspondent in Beijing and New Year. A new year that promises The 2014-15 year has been a worrying the Middle East, presented the national challenges for both ABC Friends and Our one for all ABC and SBS supporters and midday news bulletin the World at Noon, ABC. this coming year is shaping up to be just and reported on many Australian events. as challenging. Local members were In her first published book (From rice Barry Redshaw thanked for their ongoing support and our to riches, 2003) she wrote about her President, ABC Friends Blue president encouraged them to urge their experiences in China, where her command Mountains Branch. fellow ABC viewers and listeners to join of both the Mandarin and Cantonese ABC Friends to support our national public languages proved invaluable. All of these broadcaster. roles, she said, prepared her for the Hunter current challenges of conducting intimate We were pleased to welcome a good Hunter Branch Committee conversations in One plus One. Members for 2015-16 number of our local members who In Armidale Jane was herself interviewed attended the AGM at the Adamstown We are pleased to announce that the – by local author, journalist and academic, Uniting Church Memorial Hall on Saturday, following members were elected to the Dr Janene Carey. Janene, as Jane 17th October, 2015. committee for 2015-16. herself always does, conducted a lot of Carol Duncan, well-known former President: Allan Thomas, Vice President: background research into her subject. broadcaster of the local version of the Stuart Carter, Treasurer: Greg Struck, The result was a warm, far-reaching and “Afternoons” program on 1233 ABC Secretary: Lynda Forbes, Publicity Officer: insightful portrait of Jane’s work, and of Newcastle, gave an interesting and very Margaret Conners and Committee successful interviewing in general. In the informative talk about “A 21st Century Members: Colin Lawrence, Anne Kirsten, equally informative ‘q and a’ segment ABC”. Sadly, Carol and her popular Margaret Christiansen, Hank Willems, Allan which followed discussion Jane introduced program which had incorporated content Baker and Bob Conners. many of her responses with “that is a good of particular interest to the Hunter’s question”, and she answered accordingly. listeners, was one of the victims of the In short, the evening proved to be a Federal Government’s funding cuts to most stimulating and enjoyable one for the ABC late last year and she has been both the audience and the two delightful sorely missed ever since. During her talk, ‘performers’. One couple expressed their Carol provided a lively insight into the pleasure in two ways: by saying that they preparations that occur before a broadcast wished the interview “could have continued including decision-making about content for hours” and by joining as new members and interviewees and she later responded of ABC Friends. to the many questions and comments from her audience. We thank Carol for Carol Duncan addresses members at During the last year the Armidale the AGM of the Hunter Branch of ABC giving up her Saturday afternoon to come branch also engaged in other ways of Friends. and provide us with an insider’s experience gaining support for the ABC. Members

Page 22 Logo courtesy of Illawarra Mercury

Letter to the Editor Illawarra Mercury Dr. Janene Carey with Jane Hutcheon IT’S YOUR ABC participated in a phone blitz to Federal emails, started a Facebook page for the I was the ABC’s Illawarra Regional politicians protesting against the tough branch, and sent an initial $1000 donation Manager from 1987 to 1992, financial cuts, and in a Get-up initiated to the Friends’ National Campaign. Finally, during which time we moved from campaign to protect the ABC. They set up at its recent AGM, it appointed some AM to FM and opened a branch information tables at monthly markets, kept “new blood” to its committee, whilst office in Nowra. members informed with newsletters and retaining most of its “old hands”. When I took over from Guy Crittenden 2WN, as it was then, broadcast live from the Wollongong studios from 5am to 6pm weekdays and 5am to midday on Saturdays. The station had a complement of five full-time and 3-4 part- time broadcast/admin staff, with three full-time and one part- time journalists plus a full-time assistant. By the time I left in 1992 local live broadcasting was down to 5am to 11am weekdays and 5am to 10am on Saturday despite vociferous protests, including industrial action. • Want information on the Now it seems there are to Check out latest campaign? be further cuts to live local broadcasting and reductions in • Join the ABC Friends in local news bulletins, but ABC your State the new management claims there will be • Donate to ABC Friends no reduction in local content. How can that possibly be true? National Don’t let local radio wither www.facebook.com/ away, tell the Sydnocentric ABC FriendsOfTheAbc bureaucrats you’re mad as hell website twitter.com/ and you won’t take it any more. www.abcfriends.org.au FriendsoftheABC Allen Clark, Mt Kembla

Page 23 Join the ABC Friends There is strength in numbers, and every membership counts at this time of unprecedented attacks on ‘Our ABC’. To join go to www.abcfriends.org.au or phone your local contact below.

ABC Friends NEW SOUTH WALES & ACT President MAL HEWITT Friends of the ABC QUEENSLAND President ROSS MCDOWELL ABC Friends SOUTH AUSTRALIA President JESSICA KNIGHT ABC Friends TASMANIA President MARGARET REYNOLDS ABC Friends VICTORIA President GRAEME CONNELLY ABC Friends WESTERN AUSTRALIA President BOBBIE MACKLEY

State Branches

Victoria/National Office – ABC Friends Queensland – Friends of the ABC South Australia – ABC Friends GPO Box 4065 Melbourne VIC 3001 Ross McDowell Jessica Knight Phone: 03 9682 0073 5 Dunn Ct Bunya Qld 4055 PO Box 7158 Hutt St Adelaide SA 5000 [email protected] Phone: 07 3870 7718 Phone: 0412 139 485 [email protected] [email protected]

NSW & ACT – ABC Friends Mal Hewitt Western Australia – ABC Friends Tasmania – ABC Friends FABC NSW PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 Ms Bobbie Mackley Belinda Wright (Secretary) Phone: 02 4751 6227 PO Box 534 Subiaco WA 6904 41 Sheppard Avenue Hillwood TAS 7252 [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 03 6394 8291 [email protected]

Regional Branches

ACT and Region Cowper Hunter Northern Rivers Catherine Henderson Martin Miller (Secretary) Allan Thomas Jill Keogh PO Box 3984 Bundilla Farm, 7 Cantwell Road Phone: 02 6688 4558 Weston Creek ACT 2611 1516 Eastern Dorrigo Way Lochinvar NSW 2321 [email protected] Phone: 02 6288 0237 Ulong NSW 2450 Phone: 02 4930 7309

Mobile: 0409 989 550 Phone: 02 6654 5259 [email protected] Tweed sub branch Sandy Copley [email protected] [email protected] Publicity Officers Phone: 02 6677 1570 Armidale Eastern Suburbs Margaret and Robert Conners [email protected] 4 Wattle Street Priscilla Connor (Secretary) Nizza Siano (Secretary) Lismore sub branch Bolton Point NSW 2283 41 Judith Street 16 Holland Rd Therese Crollick Phone: 02 4959 8464 Armidale NSW 2350 Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 Phone: 02 6624 2289 [email protected] Phone: 02 6772 2217 Phone/Fax: 02 9327 3423 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Illawarra Riverina / Murray Great Lakes and Jan Kent (Secretary) Blue Mountains PO Box 336, Drew Porter Barry Redshaw Manning Valley Unanderra 2526 PO Box 5659 Margaret Gardner 37 View Street Phone/Fax: 02 4271 3531 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 49 Carmona Drive Lawson NSW 2783 [email protected] Phone: 02 6922 3813 Phone: 02 4759 2168 Forster NSW 2428 Mobile: 0409 369 253 [email protected] Phone: 02 6554 9181 (H) Mid North Coast [email protected] 02 6591 3704 (W) Drusi Megget Central Coast [email protected] 24 Arncliffe Ave Shoalhaven Klaas Woldring Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Carmel McCallum 6 Tourmaline Ave Phone: 02 6583 8798 PO 89 Cambewarra Pearl Beach NSW 2256 [email protected] NSW 2540 Phone: 02 4341 5170 Phone: 0414 392 660 [email protected] Harry Creamer [email protected] PO Box 1888 Port Macquarie 2444 Phone: 02 6582 6187 Mobile: 0431 158 252