UpdateApril 2017 Vol 25, No. 1 Thrice Yearly Newsletter

“YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED TO MAKE ENEMIES” CARO MELDRUM-HANNA, who has just won the 2016 Graham Perkin Journalist of the Year Award.

resulting in the current Royal Commission. after Australia’s Shame was broadcast. However, such courageous journalism is Amanda Meade Four Corners’ investigation of the 2011 not without its cost, as Amanda Meade the Guardian death of a young mother on Ten Mile Beach reveals in this article in northern New South Wales was one of Nine’s 60 Minutes might have hogged the stories that prompted an independent aro Meldrum- Hanna has just been the headlines with its kidnapping antics in review that led to charges being laid against announced as the 2016 Graham Beirut this year but in Australian TV current two men. Both have pleaded not guilty. CPerkin Australian Journalist of affairs it was the ABC’s Four Corners that The sharp focus of Four Corners’ cameras the Year. Her outstanding investigative made its presence felt. on Lynette Daley’s brutal end in Callous journalism produced some of Four The program’s shocking images from Disregard has finally given her grieving Corners’ finest programs in 2016, including inside the Don Dale detention centre family another chance to seek justice. her exposure of the treatment of inmates forced a royal commission into youth in the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, detention in the Northern Territory the day continued on page 4.

From the Editor 1 Senate Committee Public Media union cries foul over Hearing 11 ABC’s ‘back office’ cuts 15 ABC takes Top Awards 5 Xenophon fighting to save Questions for the new Inside Travails with My Aunt 6 short wave transmission 12 Chairman of the ABC Board 16 Turning a once-shining jewel Michelle Guthrie National President and Update into mainstream sludge 7 restructure revealed 13 Media Adviser visit Canberra 17 An Open Letter to ABC MD Friends rally in Ultimo 14 State News 18 Michelle Guthrie 9 Somerville Cartoon 15 NSW Branch News 21 The other Guthrie... 10 Update From the Editor Publication Information (and NSW President) Update is published three times a year by ABC Friends National Inc. GPO Box 4065 Melbourne Vic 3001 The first three months of proposal. Further detail on the cuts can be found in this Update. Print Post approved: PP245059/00002. 2017 have not been good Extracts from newspapers and other for the ABC. Short Wave Transmission publications appearing in Update do Whilst the ABC remains one of our most The announcement on December 6, 2016, not necessarily reflect the views of the members of ABC Friends. trusted and valued institutions in the that the ABC would cease shortwave broadcasts on January 31, 2017, has Update is distributed to all members of estimation of the Australian public, it ABC Friends as part of the membership has been severely damaged by a series proved to be a public relations disaster for fee. Update is also supplied to of highly contentious and unpopular Michelle Guthrie and ABC Management, journalists, politicians and libraries decisions by ABC Management. The which seems to have moved into the “Post across Australia. result of these decisions has been Truth” era in a rather desperate attempt Update is edited and produced in further loss of talented, experienced to justify its decision by providing a series Sydney and contributions are welcome of “alternative facts.” Regarded by many from state and regional branches. Email and dedicated program makers and your contribution (in Microsoft Word) presenters, and the many technical staff Australians and our Pacific neighbours to [email protected] or post to who supported them. Morale within ABC as an essential service, the closure address below staff is at an all-time low. has resulted in three separate Federal Material may be quoted or reproduced Government processes of scrutiny: from Update provided the source is Recently departed Board Member acknowledged and reproduction is sent Professor Fiona Stanley summed it up 1 - Senate Estimates Inquiry (ongoing) to the Editor at the above email or postal thus: “The people who know most about 2 - ABC Amendment (Rural and Regional address. content and the audience they serve are Advocacy) Bill 2015 (Public hearings Would you like to receive not being sufficiently consulted. The ABC already held) has a fabulous, passionate, intelligent, Update newsletter 3 - ABC Amendment (Restoring wonderful staff with deep knowledge in electronically? Shortwave Radio) Bill 2017 (Receiving their fields. Engage more with them!” Save the planet’s trees and ABC Friends’ submissions.) printing and postage costs and read Catalyst may return in another form (in The final bill above has been introduced Update on your tablet or computer. When fact we believe it will later in 2017), but Update is published, you will receive an by South Australian Senator Xenophon, probably not the almost 20 specialist email with a link to the latest issue (each and proposes that Federal funding be newsletter is a 2-3MB PDF). science broadcasters who have been guaranteed to maintain the short wave lost. The ‘Save RN Music’ campaign has You can try this now by going to service. Ms Guthrie had rather a tough time www.fabcnsw.org.au and clicking on been passionate and sustained, with over in Senate Estimates under very informed “Newsletter”. If you prefer this delivery 25,000 signatures on a petition to restore questioning by Senators McCarthy (Labor, option for future Updates please contact music programs to Radio National, but the your local state branch (see back page). NT) and McKenzie (Nat. Victoria), especially specialists who produced those programs on the question of consultation with are long gone. Who to write… those affected prior to the decision. She Anyone seeking basic information about 200 More Jobs Gone claimed that there was, but could not say writing to persons of influence might find with whom. Friends’ investigations have it helpful to go to www.fabcnsw.org.au Loss of funding under the Abbott and where there are some menu items Turnbull governments has already seen satisfied us that there was none, not even under “Be Active” leading to pages of 500 ABC jobs disappear. The much with long-serving ABC staff in NT, and no information: Who can I write to? What anticipated Guthrie “restructure” will see member of ABC Management visited NT can I say? another 200 staff out the door. Whilst the to discuss the implications of closure with early suggestions from Ms Guthrie were staff or users of short wave. The annual Update Editor - Mal Hewitt that most of these jobs would be “middle cost of this essential service to Australians PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 in Northern Australia - $1.2m. (The cost of [email protected] management” and “back office” jobs, it is now known that up to 70 production one hour’s TV drama!) Much more on short Assistant Editor - Chris. Cartledge staff on programs like 7.30 and Foreign wave in this Update. [email protected] Correspondent – camera operators, vision Cartoonist - Phil Somerville mixers, lighting producers – will go. One 70 YEARS of ABC in the Editorial Cartoonist for stated aim of these cuts is to provide up NORTHERN TERRITORY The Sun-Herald (Sydney) to 80 content roles in Regional Australia Another milestone in the story of ABC [email protected] over the next 18 months, and Friends services to all Australians across our vast would support strongly the rebuilding of Layout Artist - Paul Martens continent has just been passed – 70 years resources and staff in regional locations, [email protected] of ABC staff, studios and facilities in the but we have seen no details of such a Northern Territory, concentrated in Alice Page 2 Springs, Katherine and Darwin. Go tumultuous years in the life of the ABC, WELL-DESERVED to the Friends’ website to find stories years which have seen unprecedented RECOGNITION for ABC from ABC reporters, with their vivid cuts in funding from the Abbott and JOURNALISTS recollections of their time as Territorians, Turnbull governments, sustained attacks December Update featured Four including Tony Eastley and the trials of from politicians of the right with their Corners, recipient of Friends’ National Lindy Chamberlain; Clare Martin (later accusations of bias, and the relentless Award for Broadcasting Excellence, in NT Chief Minister) and Land Rights; campaign waged by the Murdoch press recognition of an extraordinary 55 years Charlie King and the achievements and its lackeys against the very existence of courageous investigative journalism. of NT sportsmen and women; Matt of a publicly funded broadcaster. The Our front page this issue features Caro Peacock and the Stolen Generations fact that Spigelman was willing to serve Meldrum-Hanna, just announced as the or the Ozone Hole. Their stories reflect another 5 year term, but the Turnbull Graham Perkin Journalist of the Year NT as our “last frontier,” and yes, government preferred that he didn’t, for “Australia’s Shame,” her devastating Territorians are different from the rest of suggests that he was doing a very good Four Corners program on the Don Dale us! job! The same government which has Juvenile Detention Centre in NT. We ignored its own selection processes and How incomprehensible, then, that congratulate Caro, and the 8 other ABC given a position on the board to its own current ABC management should deny journalists who have won awards, listed thousands of Territorians access to their chosen candidate – Vanessa Guthrie. in this Update. You are the reason why ABC in 2017 by turning off short wave. We welcome Justin Milne – thousands of we must fight to the last breath to keep words in the press have been expended the ABC strong, independent, and free of FAREWELL JIM, WELCOME on his background, and in this Update, political and commercial influence, so that JUSTIN Ranald Macdonald has posed some you can continue to report with honesty ABC Friends expresses its appreciation questions for him. We welcome him to and courage the often dark truths in our to departing chairman James Spigelman one of the most important public offices in nation. for having a steady hand on the the country, and look forward to a positive Mal Hewitt ABC tiller throughout the past 5 dialogue with him. President, NSW and ACT Friends.

The ABC Friends NSW & ACT Committee is expanding! Are you an ABC Friend?

Are you recently retired, working • Hospitality / events management part-time or at home, and have If any of the above sounds like you, and some hours to spare? you are interested in participating on the Do you live within easy travel distance from ABC Friends NSW & ACT Committee, we Sydney CBD? would love to hear from you. Do you have skills/experience and interests Please email the Membership Secretary: in any of the following: [email protected] • Office Administration including use of The Committee meets every Word, Excel, Access two months at the: • Web and social media skills Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts (SMSA), • Development of policies and procedures 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, 2000 for NSW/ACT participation, with other states, in ABC Friends National (5 mins walk from Town Hall, close to St James and Museum stations). • Meeting procedure • Member services and support for Between meetings, we are in regular branches around NSW contact by email.

Page 3 “YOU NEED TO Neighbour, who has been has been warns potential investigative reporters “to BE PREPARED TO working on and off Four Corners for 20 prepare for the blowback”: that the nine years, nominates Besser’s State of Fear week cycle of three weeks research, three MAKE ENEMIES” as one of the standout programs this year, weeks shooting and three weeks post- continued from page 1. along with The Forgotten Children about production and editing is only the start of refugees kids on Nauru, Australia’s Shame the assignment. he reporter behind both these and Callous Disregard. “If you’re going to rattle a cage you need to stories is Caro Meldrum-Hanna, 35, Producing Four Corners is a costly and be prepared to make enemies,” Meldrum- who has won five Walkley awards T time-consuming business but when Hanna told Guardian Australia. since she joined the ABC in 2000 including a program hits the mark the impact is the Gold Walkley in 2015 for another “There was a point in the year where my immense. In the month after the July scoop, Making a Killing, which revealed phone was running hot almost 24 hours broadcast of Australia’s Shame, a total the extent of live baiting in greyhound a day – when the greyhound ban was of 23,173 news reports discussed the racing. That led to an inquiry in New South reversed around the time of the NT story. treatment of the children at Don Dale. The Wales and Mike Baird, the NSW premier I would pick up the phone, it would be a day after the broadcast alone, there were went on to announce a ban, which he later private number and it would be just a tirade 5,453 reports. reversed. of abuse, ‘you are going to get what’s Australia’s Shame also of course prompted coming to you. You C.U.N.T. You bitch’. I Meldrum-Hanna spent 2016 churning the federal government to launch a royal think that was expected but you can’t take out more stories that grabbed national commission into youth detention in the it on. Four Corners didn’t get the sport attention, not all of it welcome. She’s NT, Gillian Triggs to call for an independent banned. The sport got itself banned. At the been attacked by everyone from News inquiry into the treatment of the detained same time too we were getting criticism for Corp columnist Andrew Bolt to Northern children and the UN high commissioner the children in detention story. You know Territory politicians to the Australian, for human rights, Prince Zeid bin Ra’ad, the pictures don’t lie. The videos don’t lie. which published a letter she had written to say the footage aired by the ABC The NT government’s election was coming requesting an interview for Australia’s and it was desperate measures.” Shame. Meldrum-Hanna is not a typical Four It’s not only Meldrum-Hanna who has dug Corners reporter, who generally come up the compelling yarns. Colleagues to the program as a seasoned foreign Linton Besser, Deb Whitmont, Marian correspondent with decades of reporting Wilkinson, Quentin McDermott and behind her. She started as a researcher Geoff Thompson, led by executive at the ABC straight out of a media law producer Sally Neighbour, have degree at the University of Technology, produced one of the strongest years in Sydney and moved through the ranks in the program’s 54-year history. At a time record time, moving between reporting when the ABC is trimming its specialist, and researching in ABC news always with highly-resourced programming such as her eye on investigative journalism. Radio National and the magazine-style Catalyst, Four Corners remains as a “I’ve always been a person to come in bastion of powerful journalism where it a different way,” she says. “I did have takes nine weeks to produce a single superiors early on telling me I had to be a 45-minute program. If there is someone foreign correspondent first, that I couldn’t just go back to 4C and I would say I Neighbour says the nips and tucks don’t want to do that. I am very much may be continual across the ABC but without a voice, an investigative reporter and a domestic Four Corners as an institution is safe. if there is someone reporter. There are so many great stories “The ABC has been doing a lot of soul at home. There’s so much to uncover searching recently about its purpose who is vulnerable, here.” and its function and the role of news then it is up to us division in the digital era,” Neighbour told So how does an outsider like Meldrum- Guardian Australia. “And in all that soul to shine a light Hanna uncover stories many reporters searching it has always identified unique, into a dark place. covering a beat miss? original and investigative journalism as “Because of my background in the central element of what the ABC researching I know how to infiltrate a delivers. In all the internal discussions new beat; how to go in cold. Journalists Four Corners is held up as the exemplar could be evidence of a violation of the would say it’s a disadvantage if you’re of the type of journalism we should be not known in a round but I think that doing. convention on the rights of the child and the convention against torture. disadvantage is your greatest strength. If “Recently ABC news lost a tranche of you don’t have these relationships you have funding that had been delivered under But the program also unleashed a torrent loyalty to no one. You can report without a previous government and it does get of criticism against Four Corners and fear or favour. That is how I can do the job tougher and tougher but we are fortunate Meldrum-Hanna herself, forcing the ABC that I do. Because I am not in bed, I don’t that we are well resourced to do proper into weeks of defending itself. show favouritism and I don’t prejudge investigative journalism. So rough was that patch, Meldrum-Hanna stories.

Page 4 “I’ve had sports reporters say to me Hanna: “It was an exhausting shoot they come across these stories but and a highly stressful pressure-cooker they don’t break them because they’ll environment.” get nudged on Meldrum-Hanna won the shoulder a Walkley this year for and contacts Jackson and Lawler – will say, ‘you in the category of best can’t do that to Never, ever, broadcast interviewer. me’. They’ll burn Surprisingly, however, bridges they can has a royal Australia’s Shame never rebuild.” commission was ignored by the Meldrum-Hanna Walkley judges, Andy Burns and Louise Milligan says the most been called leaving Neighbour accepting their awards on the night. rewarding story immediately gob-smacked on the of 2016 for night and still angry her is Callous after a Four weeks later. ABC TAKES Disregard Corners story. “It was a very bizarre because it goes outcome,” she told TOP AWARDS to the heart Guardian Australia. CONGRATULATIONS of what good “The Walkleys are TO THESE ABC WINNERS journalism should a strange and unpredictable do: “If there is someone without a beast and I love them – except when 20 March, 2017 voice, if there is someone who is we don’t get them. It was a glaring vulnerable, then it is up to us to shine a omission that that story did not win an On behalf of the entire ABC Friends light into a dark place.” award. It was the biggest story of the organisation, I would like to congratulate The story of Lynette Daley sprang out year. the three women journalists who have been awarded two of the most coveted of the page for Meldrum-Hanna when “I did bail up a couple of judges on the journalism prizes in Australia. she read in a newspaper that her night. The Walkleys make no sense family was suffering terribly from the when the biggest stories, the most Caro Meldrum-Hanna has been named the trauma and the lack of justice. important stories, miss out. 2016 Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year for her reporting on Don Dale “I thought ‘what’s this all about?’ so I “Australia’s Shame was an extraordinary Youth Detention Centre for Four Corners. went to the coroner’s court and I saw story and we had talked for a long time Lynette Daley’s face and her photo about Indigenous incarceration and a Also acknowledged for their extraordinary was so arresting. The documents compelling way to tell that story that work are Louise Milligan and Andy Burns, were just sitting there in the coroner’s would make people care. That story of ABC 7.30, who were awarded the Gold court and all it took was someone was about more than its footage and Quill for their reporting on George Pell and to get them and ask the family for the impact of that story speaks for itself. sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. permission. I don’t know how it wasn’t Never, ever, has a royal commission Both awards are illustrations of how picked up earlier. been called immediately after a Four important an independent and financially “The most rewarding thing is that Corners story.” robust ABC is to Australia. Also recognized Lynette’s parents, Gordon and Thelma, But there was some comfort because were: stay in touch with me and Gordon the story that won in the best long-form Bridget Judd (ABC Warrnambool) – Young asked me to escort Thelma to the category was another from the Four Journalist of the Year arraignment. Corners stable: Besser’s Malaysia story. Adele Ferguson, Klaus Toft and “Often people say Indigenous stories “That was absolutely fantastic and Mario Christodoulou (Four Corners) – don’t rate but we don’t say that at incredibly impactful and it absolutely Comminsure Scandal Four Corners. It’s not about ratings, deserved to win,” Neighbour said. Nick McKenzie, Gus Goswell (ABC 7.30) which is the wonderful thing about Meldrum-Hanna is looking forward to Foreign Bribery Allegations Exposed Four Corners. It’s what I was meant to 2017 and says she has some good do and I give everything to it.” projects on the boil already. “My strike Which other organisation can we turn to Meldrum-Hanna was nominated rate is very good because I am so for such fearless journalism? for a Walkley for Callous Disregard, selective at the very beginning,” she Which other is guaranteed to be free of Australia’s Shame and Jackson and says with characteristic bulletproof commercial or political influence? Lawler, the extraordinary program that confidence. “I won’t proceed unless I Congratulations again to all winners. took viewers inside Kathy Jackson and am pretty confident or very confident Michael Lawler’s home and picked I am going to get my hands on some Our tens of thousands of members and up the former Fair Work Commission amazing material or that killer interview supporters are proud of you. official doing a “bizarre yoga move” – whether it be a psychological Margaret Reynolds with his phone and uttering the very interview or an emotional interview – I President, ABC Friends National un-ABC word “cunt-struck”. Meldrum- won’t proceed without it.”

Page 5 there touting for the ABC with full vigor. It’s not a good look to be delivering the Travails message to the public that you will not be asking for more porridge for an increasingly anorexic ABC and that you are just going to accept your 3 with My year financial lot and do the best you can with the darning needle and programming britches with Aunt the backside out of them. A ‘rollover’ strategy to keep out of trouble with the boss saps public confidence. Assoc. Professor We’ve known for a long Dr. Richard Gates time now that the current former President, Northern Rivers ABCFriends government is out to control and eventually sell off the ABC a bit at a time, the death-by-a- t’s coming up a year in May since thousand-cuts approach to killing Auntie. Michelle Guthrie was appointed The four person Nomination Panel for IManaging Director of ‘Our’ ABC, appointments to the ABC Board has although for how much longer the word such ABC stalwarts as Neil Brown QC, “Our” will relate to ABC remains to be seen. former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, The further $50 million cut to budget, who has publicly stated that the ABC continuing chopping of staff and programs, should be sold, and the now retired complete loss of the Short Wave facility for Janet Albrechsten whose acid views both the Northern Territory and the Pacific about the ABC are known to almost with little warning to users, and content everyone. Surely their perspectives ‘shrinkage’ of programs such as Classic wouldn’t colour decision-making FM inevitably fertilise speculation about about who gets onto the Board of Auntie’s future as ‘Our’ public broadcaster, the ABC! and the role for the ABC assigned to the By the way the Nomination MD by the ABC Board. Panel is appointed by the In the absence of the MD’s contract it’s Secretary of the Department of not possible to know what she has been Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Panel asked to do. No doubt the Minister or the we operate within the funding envelope is initiated to action by the Minister for new Chairman of the ABC are not about that we have been provided.” Good old Propaganda, sorry, Communication who to insist that her contract be made public broken record! provides secretarial support for the Panel although for the life of me I cannot see why and its processes. Then when they’ve Very recent indications are that seeking it shouldn’t be public, after all, she’s on the made up a list of recommendations the extra funding may now be on her agenda, public purse. Minister for Prop….Communication then particularly for international coverage and takes the list to the Cabinet for approval. That we should have concern about what broadcasting. Why the change of heart is Guthrie’s been asked to do is highlighted not clear but the public beating the ABC Interestingly there are some who are by the fact that she did not go to bat for Board and management and government not recommended, and we are not sure more funding from her political masters at have received over recent uninformed cuts if they have even been considered by Senate Estimates. may have forced a political sop to shut the Nomination Panel, who make it to the ABC Board. How so? Isn’t there a Under sustained questioning from Senator down criticism and divert attention from the real game. process through the Nomination Panel Chisolm [27 February 2017] “Do you see it to be followed? Well it would seem it’s as your role to seek more funding if budget I’ve heard it said we should ease up on not always so. The Minister can put up cuts risk servicing the Charter” she said criticism of the MD as, after all, she’s been his own nominees. So much for process! inter alia “My view is that we operate within at the helm for less than a year and it takes There are at least two. the funding envelope that we are provided time to get your head around a job before and we will make decisions based on that you can assert yourself and put in place a Board Member Donny Walford was as an independent broadcaster”. robust defence of the ABC. appointed by the government and was not on the recommendation list of the When pressed : “So you are not seeking We shouldn’t accept that kind of limp Panel as far as we can tell. And then any additional funding from the government excuse. The MD is very well paid and there’s Dr Vanessa Guthrie, no relation at the moment in terms of special with her background and experience she to the MD. She was not recommended projects?” She replied: “None……. should hit the ground running and be out by the Nomination Panel. We are not

Page 6 sure if she was not recommended or the Advanced Management Directive, but was not on the list at all. The Minister for we can’t see these important documents 1984, err….Communication, admitted at We learned as they are ‘Cabinet-in-Confidence’ so we’ll Senate Estimates in February it was his never know what they have in mind and idea to appoint her. Dr Guthrie is a WA from that we certainly shouldn’t entertain the John- mining and energy industry executive mistake Howard-stripping-of-public-assets-for- and chair of the WA Minerals Council. private-ownership-agenda! Nope. Not on. She’s also involved in WA Cricket and the didn’t we! We learned from that mistake didn’t we! Murlpirrmurra Connection. The Minister Besides it’s not in Auntie’s Charter. was very keen that there was someone Oh, and was mention made of the fact that exchange, and digital ‘know from WA on the Board, a clear criterion for most of the Board Members have very little how’, a great cluster of skills and selection. by way of public broadcasting experience? connections to help Auntie decide which A careful look across the current Board nursing home she’s going to go to to So, is the one year old MD of the ABC part of the ABC including the new Chairman comfort all the older ABC ‘customers’, of the carve-up of the ABC or not? Hard [ the old one wanted another term but it and to assist in selling off all her better to tell but the nature of the new Board, didn’t happen] shows, among other things, accumulated assets to the private sector obedience to the government’s budgetary a highly qualified group of individuals before she’s dead. strictures and interference in appointment from law, mining, farming, management process by the minister does not augur Apparently the Minister for 1984 holds advice, commercial broadcasting, well for poor old Auntie. Perhaps the new the Enduring Power of Attorney [used to corporate governance, finance and global digital medium and not the ABC Charter be called the ABC Charter] for her affairs investment and banking, corporate boards is the message even if it is devoid and his ‘big brother’, Malcolm Trumble, and corporate safety, sport, the stock of content!

Michelle Guthrie, the ABC and the turning of a once-shining jewel into mainstream sludge

Richard Ackland The Guardian

All public broadcasters are The Australian In the case of Australia that was in engaged in a constant Broadcasting Corporation 1932, in Britain 1927, Canada 1936 process of chopping, is going through one of its and New Zealand 1975. periodic meltdowns, brought slicing and reinventing, All the major public broadcasters about because a new managing and every boss are engaged in a constant process director has come down from the of creating, squeezing, chopping, spreads his or her moon and set about doing things her slicing and reinventing. Nor is the own brand of way. tireless criticism from commercial unhappiness. Michelle Guthrie has arrived at the public interests and governments – and broadcaster via Google and the House from within – anything new. of Murdoch, with a mission to trim the Having said that, each managing budget and to keep pace with technology director spreads his or her own and its impact on viewing patterns. brand of unhappiness in his or her This is not a new mission, because own way. Guthrie’s appearance squeezing services into ever tighter at the end-of-year Four Corners financial constraints and adapting to new postmortem is a case in point. realities has been going on ever since According to Guardian Australia’s public broadcasting got under way. Amanda Meade she told the ace

Page 7 reporters, researchers and producers It’s not hard to sense that quite early in The one thing Guthrie has not mentioned who put together Australia’s premier her reign Guthrie is on a slippery slope. as part of her reform agenda is ABC investigative current affairs TV show Heartwarming support from Emma Alberici “news”, and here criticism by the former that she would like to see in the lineup and Patricia Karvelas doesn’t amount to a PM Paul Keating is spot on, with his more stories about successful business hill of beans if a sizeable proportion of staff complaint about stories that go nowhere. people. are offside. We’ve seen it before with the “In the case of the ABC news, if you want Jonathan Shier experiment. When it came to the program about to watch a good news service, watch SBS children on Nauru speaking about their There are dark mutterings that ultimately, news, which tells you what’s happening in dire existence as captives of Australia’s and quite soon, the RN network will Iraq, what’s happening in the US election, offshore refugee policy, the managing transmogrify into a bunch of podcasts what’s happening with Donald Trump. director thought Four Corners should “What you get on the ABC is: ‘A truck have found some happy children to has just overturned on the Pacific interview. Highway.’ It’s like in the 1970s. The ABC In one breath she showed us she is letting Australia down in terms of news hadn’t a clue about journalism – yet presentation.” journalism is a large chunk of the ABC’s It’s baffling why an organisation stuffed core business. At least previous notable to the brim with journalists should have managing directors have had to varying such a dimwitted view of news. Maybe it’s degrees a foot in the journalist camp the fault of managers many of who, in my – Mark Scott, David Hill, Brian Johns former experience as an ABC presenter – and consequently they had a grasp (Late Night Live, Radio National Breakfast on how and what the news apparatus Never mind and Media Watch), only have a slender should be doing. grasp of what they are doing. There are other dispiriting signs the quality, These serried ranks of bureaucrats on fat including the dismemberment of feel the salaries with undistinguished achievements Catalyst, an appalling decision to strip have floated into positions where they from the schedule a weekly science width. It’s could tirelessly tinker and interfere with program, and the ritualistic plunder of talented people trying to make programs. Radio National. not hard to This is not a universal complaint, but there RN has been under assault for so long sense that are enough managers who would be that it is constantly on a war footing. better suited as footpath spruikers outside With an annual budget of $23m, the quite early strip clubs than running important parts of network costs peanuts while audience in her reign a public broadcaster. surveys show that its specialist programs are one of the factors that Guthrie is on None of this is unique to Australia. generate audience loyalty for the ABC. The BBC and Canadian Broadcasting Radio National is where you find much a slippery Corporation have been pressured of the creative brains of the ABC, so to slope. by funding cuts and accusations by tinker and mess with the formula shows conservatives of liberal bias, while the management is not without skill when it NZBC is a shell of what it is supposed to comes to shooting itself in the neck. be. Guthrie goes into defensive mode when In the end Guthrie and her agents may pressed about the RN cuts, asking staff have made an unfortunate contribution at a meeting in Perth, with raised voice, to the dumbing down process but the how they “justify their massive budget structural changes are being driven by when their reach is so low”. forces outside their control. available online and on mobile devices. A Along with much of her management, While the noble mission for the great old website that ate a radio station. it’s evident she doesn’t “get” Radio public broadcasters was to provide a National, where the mission is for more If Guthrie’s Google genes get the better service that commercial operators didn’t light and fluffy “flow” programming, while of her she might entirely ditch the or couldn’t, today they are expected to resources for documentaries, features broadcasting frequencies and airwaves be sufficiently “popular” to justify their and specialist broadcasts are diluted. and turn the ABC holos-bolus into a taxpayer funding. website where customers can click away At this rate what was once a bright Technology is making the future case for merrily for their radio or TV entertainment, shining jewel in an ocean of mediocrity stand alone public broadcasters more sprinkled with advertisements for cars and will look and sound more and more difficult, but when you consider what else credit cards. like the mainstream sludge available on is on offer and the quality of the people much of the ABC’s metropolitan radio The BBC saved £30m by moving BBC3 making the complaints, then it’s clear stations, not to mention the drivel on the online, so imagine the savings if all the we’d be a lot poorer without this crucial commercials. public broadcasting system was streamed, Australian institution, even with its Never mind the quality, feel the width. courtesy of one great thumping iView. repeats of the repeats.

Page 8 3 MARCH 2017 An Open Letter to ABC MD Michelle Guthrie

Dear Ms Guthrie, 4. A former Manager, Remote Area Broadcasting, responsible for the ABC’s input to the development of ABC FRIENDS NATIONAL expresses its grave concern Indigenous broadcasting, has reported to us that: “Over about some of the misinformation presented at the Senate a period of eight years I was in constant contact through Estimates Hearing on Tuesday, 28th. February. personal visits to many remote Indigenous communities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Northern Territory, Torres Strait. It was Many of our members urge you to consider the following as clear that these communities would NEVER raise a complaint a FACT CHECK which suggests that your advisers need to about threats such as the loss of the HF Shower. In the first be much more rigorous in their research. place they would not understand that it would be possible to 1. The ABC is an emergency broadcaster and is constantly raise a complaint and then, given that English is their second, promoted as such by ABC Radio. Over many years ABC third or even fourth language, they would not know how to staff throughout the country have worked beyond their go about it. The need to consult with these communities schedules to maintain the broadcast of vital information should be obvious and the manner of consultation is during cyclones, floods and bush fires. complex”. 2. It is the ABC’s responsibility to provide services to all ABC Friends believes that the decision to end the Shortwave Australians. The Shortwave Service was set up at the time Service has seriously undermined the ABC’s credibility in when transmission was moving towards satellite-delivered terms of its commitment to reach out to all Australians. services. There was an argument that it would be surpassed Therefore we urge you to reconsider your itinerary next week by satellite, but this argument was proven to be false ….. to include attendance at the Senate Committee Hearing in the Shortwave Service was still essential to the provision Darwin where evidence will be received about the impact of communication services to communities that did not of the ending of the Shortwave Service and how effective qualify for satellite reception facilities, and ESPECIALLY to the ABC’s suggested alternatives really are. Your personal those who were transient, be they peripatetic Indigenous attendance would send a strong message that the ABC is, in communities, truckies, fishers, grey nomads and others. fact, an organisation prepared to communicate directly with These communities have a RIGHT to demand a service from all Australians. the national public broadcaster, especially in times of trauma, ABC Friends wants to work with you to ensure Australia but also for entertainment and information local, national and maintains its high standard of public broadcasting. We international, and to feel a part of a broader Australia. understand the challenges of a rapidly changing media 3. You stated at the Senate hearing that only 15 people climate and the significant financial cuts to the ABC’s raised concerns with the ABC about the withdrawal of the Budget. We are advocates for more funding, better sharing Shortwave service, when in fact 20 of the 52 submissions of transmission costs and independence in programming received by the Parliamentary Inquiry into the ABC decisions. Amendment (Rural & Regional Advocacy) Bill 2015 focussed But as ABC shareholders we also expect to see an ABC that on the Shortwave Service. Furthermore, NT parliamentarians is transparent and in touch with its communities in all regions who have indicated their concern are representative of a of the country. We also expect that, in your role as Managing large constituency. According to professional audience Director, you will match our advocacy and not be constrained research, these figures are actually quite revealing in that by government priorities. responses from the NT would typically be fewer than from other areas due to the very fact of their remoteness. Clearly You may recall that in a letter to you in November we this is further evidence that ABC Head Office is unable to requested details of your Vision for the ABC in this, its 85th translate remote experience from within their own urban Year, and how you plan to increase the ABC’s community framework. Furthermore, we note the release of the decision engagement around Australia. We look forward to receiving to end the Shortwave Service was made in December and this so that we can better inform our members about your scheduled for the end of the January holiday period. Despite plans for their independent national public broadcaster into obvious community concern, there was no preparedness to the future. delay or seek assistance from government. Yours sincerely,

Margaret Reynolds President ABC Friends National Inc Page 9 Gayle Davies Membership Secretary, 2016, in which Dr Guthrie spoke of the ABC Friends NSW Minerals Council’s plans to use Twitter to and ACT counter the online campaigns of anti- ¬mining “avocado-smashing activists” with the “facts”. (“avocado-smashing” is a phrase taken from a fatuous article in The Australian, which suggested that if young people spent less time in inner-city Sydney The other cafes consuming smashed avocado on toast at $22 a pop, they might be able to save up for a deposit on a house to apply such a description to anti-mining activists Guthrie... is ludicrous). It will be interesting to see what “facts” can be expressed in 150 characters that will counter the massive body of evidence that burning fossil fuels, (coal and oil) has led to global warming and climate change: s the ABC becoming the first coal- are usually based on the recommendations a threat of such magnitude to national fired, nuclear powered broadcaster of an independent Nomination Panel and global security that the ABC has a Iin the world, with the appointment to (see Australian Broadcasting Corporation responsibility to report on it (as it did on the Board of Vanessa Guthrie, former Act 1983, Part 111A, Merit-based Four Corners on Monday 20th March). Appointments of Non-Executive Directors) Managing Director of Toro Uranium, and Dr Guthrie’s offsider at the Australian to the Minister for Communications. The current CEO of the Australian Minerals Minerals Council, Brendan Pearson, is Minister may also appoint someone not Council, a lobby group for the mining no fan of the ABC. On March 13 in the recommended by the Nomination Panel. (mainly coal and uranium) industries? Australian Financial Review, “Wind and Dr Guthrie although a candidate, was not On the ABC web-site, Dr Guthrie is solar can only win on a tilted playing recommended by the panel. Nevertheless, described as: field” (a complaint about the outrageously she was appointed by the Minister. high government subsidies enjoyed by … a Western Australia based mining and According to s. 24X (4) of the ABC Act, in the renewable energy sector – as distinct energy industry executive who is currently the case of an appointment such as this, from the $1 billion subsidized loan the Chair of the Minerals Council of Australia. the Minister must table in both Houses of Government is offering to the Indian She is Deputy Chair of the Western Parliament, a statement giving reasons for company Adani to dig the proposed Australia Cricket Association and an the appointment, no later than 15 sitting Carmichael coal mine in Queensland) , independent director of the Murlpirrmurra days of each House, after the appointment he commented “The ABC has entered Connection. is made. The appointment was announced anti-coal campaign mode, while the on 27th February. According to the The criteria for selection as a non-Executive Greens and the skivvies at The Guardian Parliamentary calendar, the last day for Director of the ABC Board are listed have at times seemed frightfully close to the Minister’s statement in the House of under s. 12 of the Australian Broadcasting spontaneous combustion”…..As if to prove Representatives is 22nd May, and in the Corporation Act 1983: his point, the ABC broadcast the news the Senate, the 19th June. (c) having had experience in same day, that up to $3 billion of Adani’s connection with the provision In the meantime, the Minister, Senator profits from the proposed mine may be of broadcasting services or in Fifield, questioned at the Senate Estimates shifted to a shell company in the Cayman communications or management; Committee on 28th February, by Senators Islands. Yet another reason for Australian or Dastyari (ALP, NSW), and Ludlam (Greens, taxpayers and investors to thank the ABC (d) having expertise in financial or WA), gave only the reasons that Ms for its investigative journalism. Guthrie is from WA, she is female, and technical matters; or In addition to its responsibilities with regard is president of the Western Australian to editorial policy, the ABC’s statement (e) having cultural or other interests Cricket Association. (are there no Western relevant to the oversight of a of corporate responsibility identifies the Australian women with a combination public organisation engaged in the environment and, as a high energy of corporate expertise, media or arts provision of broadcasting services. user, the reduction of greenhouse gas administration experience or cultural emissions, as a top priority. In view of Dr Guthrie’s lack of broadcasting, interests?) media or cultural interests and Installing a Minerals Council mole on the Perhaps a clue can be found in the fulsome experience, there are questions around Board of the ABC, while possibly a back- praise for the mining industry lavished by the circumstances of her appointment, handed compliment to the imagined power the Prime Minister in his address to the especially at a time of tension over of the ABC to brainwash its audiences, at Australian Minerals Industry Parliamentary Australia’s energy security, and in view of the same time insults those audiences, and Dinner, hosted by Dr Guthrie on 12th the Federal Government’s manifest lack of demeans the ABC. October, 2016; or In an interview with confidence in renewable energy resources the Australian Financial Review: “Lunch We await with interest the Minister’s to keep the nation’s screens alight. with Vanessa Guthrie: Coal, tweeting and explanation to Parliament of the Appointments of non-Executive Directors post¬-truth activism” on 18th November reasons for Dr Guthrie’s appointment.

Page 10 Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Rural and Regional Advocacy)

Senate Committee Public Hearing of Amaroo Station, north of Alice. There was a satphone call from the Darwin, 9th March 2017 skipper of a fishing boat in the Gulf of Carpentaria, who claimed that hundreds A Report by David Hewitt questions that were very much to the point. of fishermen listened to shortwave, and They received a clear message from all said he was “tired of the lies, lies, lies from his Senate Committee has held the participants that everyone really valued the ABC”, something that I think a lot of public meetings in Melbourne shortwave. us felt but were not prepared to say. He Tand Darwin to hear submissions The NT Government representatives said that when in Cairns he could tune in from Government Representatives and appeared first, and in answer to a to shortwave to get weather reports for members of the public on the ABC’s Rural question they said the government was sailing back to the NT - so much for the and Regional services. ABC Friends was not consulted either before or after the ABCs claim that it was only good for up to represented in Melbourne by National announcement of the closure. Other 200km! Media Adviser Ranald Macdonald and speakers were asked the same question Phil Brennan provided some excellent South Australia Friends President Sue and all gave the same answer, contrary technical information and had produced a Pinnock. Friends representatives at the to Michelle Guthrie’s claim in Senate map that he showed the committee with Darwin hearing were Philip Brennan and Estimates. Kathlene Robinson and Doug the areas covered by AM and FM stations, David Hewitt, where the focus was on the Cooke from NT Department of Corporate which left about 85% of the Territory with ABC’s shutting down of the short wave and Information Services estimated that no coverage except for shortwave. service to Northern Australia and the there are 55 000 residents of NT who Another witness phoned in from a station Pacific on 1st February. Below is a report cannot receive either AM or FM radio from David Hewitt on the Darwin hearing. near Borroloola, Senator Malarndirri and who would be potential listeners McCarthy’s home town, who told us The Senate committee Hearing certainly to shortwave radio. Then there are the that when Cyclone Blanche was off the provided a lot of valuable information that truckies, grey nomads and other travellers coast 2 weeks ago, warnings were given the ABC management needs to take note passing through the Territory. in English and Kriol (a language spoken of. It was a travesty that nobody from Tracey Hayes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s in Arnhem Land) for the benefit of small management bothered to attend. There Association and president Tom Stockwell communities along the coast, and pointed were many comments they would not gave an excellent presentation. Tom out that without shortwave most of these have wanted to hear and also they would was speaking by phone from his station people would not have heard the warnings. have faced some quite embarrassing near Daly Waters. They referred to the When I was working at La Grange on the questions. emotional value of keeping in touch with Kimberley coast, two cyclones passed There were seven people speaking the outside world. (I had said the same in close by the community. We were in person and another seven by my written submission.) The new patrol reassured that someone was thinking of us teleconference. The three members minister for Frontier Services of the Uniting by the warnings that were given every three on the panel, Senators McDonald Church who visits cattle stations and hours by ABC Country Hour staff, manning (chairperson) Urquhart and McCarthy had remote communities in Central Australia the radio from Perth 24 hours a day till the obviously done a lot of research and asked also referred to this and quoted the owner cyclone threat was over.

Page 11 A submission was made by a shortwave. Apart from the fact that it representative from 4 wheel drive clubs requires a dish and computer in a fixed in NT and one of their members member location, several witnesses indicated that phoned in, both saying how they it is ineffective when there is heavy cloud depended on shortwave when travelling (such as when a cyclone is approaching.) out bush. Gary Williams, a truckie who Benjamin Quilliam from Frontier Services, was featured in a story in the Australian who formerly worked for Codan Radios with Nick Xenophon on 30th January said in Adelaide, indicated that it was unlikely the company he worked for in Adelaide to work in smoke haze either. With such had shortwave radios in all their vehicles. a good season there are likely to be big He was leaving on a trip to Darwin next grass fires later in the year. Shortwave week and would miss not being able to radio will work whatever the weather listen to the radio as he headed up the conditions, despite the ABC’s claim that Stuart Highway in his truck. it is “outdated technology, with a range I showed a small Sangean shortwave of only 200k.” I have had no problem radio that we used with a 20 metre wire receiving a clear short wave signal from just thrown over a tree when we were Alice Springs in Wagga Wagga, NSW. stationary in a community (we have the Territory residents and users of short wave Codan transceiver in the Land Rover). I radio are grateful to the Senate Committee also had a photo of the emergency radio for the opportunity to make submissions, 783AM sign south of Alice reminding and appreciated the sympathetic hearing drivers that the ABC IS the emergency from the Senators who travelled to Darwin. broadcaster (Michelle Guthrie please note) Had ABC management been present, and the email from Col Blobel, pointing they would have realized that there are out that the Bureau of Meteorology thousands of Territorians and travellers forecasts only apply to offshore waters, who depend on short wave rather than not the mainland. The ABC is promoting the 500 that they quote. Michelle Guthrie B of M as an alternative source of weather claims the ABC must be accessible to ALL information. Australians. If that claim means anything at Phil Brennan and David Hewitt at The ABC has been heavily promoting all, the short wave service must the hearing. the VAST satellite as an alternative to be restored.

SENATOR NICK XENOPHON FIGHTING TO SAVE SHORT WAVE TRANSMISSION

outh Australian Senator Xenophon is suggesting are: After b. broadcasts the Corporation’s Xenophon is in the process Section 27 of the Act insert 27(a) international service; and Sof submitting the following 1. The Corporation must maintain c. broadcasts programs in languages Bill. It is almost certain to pass the 3 domestic shortwave radio appropriate for the countries to Senate. Please contact your local transmission services for the Northern which they are broadcast. Federal Member, and request that Territory which: The Bill was introduced and read a first it be supported in the House of time on 13 Feb 2017. A second reading Representatives. a. cover the same areas of the Northern Territory as the was moved on 13 Feb. On 16 February In summary the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s shortwave radio 2017, the Senate referred the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment Corporation Amendment (Restoring transmission services covered on (Restoring Shortwave Radio) Bill Shortwave Radio) Bill 2017 amends the 30 January 2017; and Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2017 to the Senate Environment and Act 1983 to require the ABC to maintain b. broadcast the proximate local Communications Legislation Committee three domestic shortwave transmission radio service. for inquiry and report by 10 May 2017. services for the Northern Territory that 2. The Corporation must maintain Currently the Senate Environment and were operating up until 31 January 2017 an international shortwave radio Communications Committee is receiving and maintain an international shortwave transmission service for Papua New submissions re the bill. radio transmission service for Papua Guinea and parts of the Pacific ABC Friends National is in total support New Guinea and parts of the Pacific. which: of the Bill and has made a The particular amendments that Nick a. uses at least 3 transmitters; and submission.

Page 12 ABC to cut 200 jobs as Michelle Guthrie restructure revealed

In her presentation to ABC staff Ms Matthew Knott Guthrie said the ABC was at risk of becoming irrelevant to many SMH - 7 March 2017 Australians without change. “We lack the flexibility to quickly adjust to the fast-changing ne in five ABC audience trends,” she said. managers – Ototalling up to “Our reach on television and 200 staff – will lose their radio is declining and digital is jobs under a sweeping struggling to bridge the divide. restructure announced by “We have significant ABC managing director audience gaps: Michelle Guthrie. socially, culturally and Ms Guthrie acknowledged geographically. the “painful” cuts would be “This means we’re falling a blow for staff who lose short of properly and effectively their jobs, but said “swift and representing, in our employees, content decisive action” was needed and audience impact, the modern for the ABC to remain relevant to Australia in which we live.” audiences. Ms Guthrie said the new content fund Managing director Michelle Guthrie – which will start at $20 million and build announces up to 200 jobs will go in a to $50 million a year – will be open to all corporate restructure. Vision courtesy: employees who have ideas for innovative ABC News 24. and Regional divisions will remain while programming. other departments will be rolled into As revealed by Fairfax Media last month, She said she expected a “fierce” new divisions for Finance, Technology, the savings generated by the job cuts will competition for funds. Engagement and Audiences. free up $50 million a year to invest in TV, “We need big ideas, fresh thinking and a ABC International will be abolished as a radio and online content. willingness to take risks,” she said. separate division and have its functions Up to 80 new content roles will also be integrated into the broader ABC. “We need to expand digital storytelling in created in regional Australia over the next News and take a fresh look at bolstering The aim of the restructure is to reduce 18 months. key genres like the arts, science, business management levels by 20 per cent across Although Ms Guthrie focused on the and sport.” the ABC, with support services to take the cuts to middle management, up to 70 biggest hit. ABC section secretary for the Community production staff on television shows such and Public Sector Union Sinddy Ealy said: Between 150 to 200 employees will leave as 7.30 and Foreign Correspondent will “These cuts will affect people directly the broadcaster by June this year. lose their jobs. involved in program making. “These initiatives recognise that Staff members likely to be made redundant “This is not just about management.” were called in for private meetings with incremental reform isn’t the answer and managers on Tuesday afternoon. that transformational change over the next The Turnbull government welcomed the year is essential if the ABC is to realise its news that up to $15 million a year will be There will be 30 redundancies from TV full potential,” Ms Guthrie said. invested in the regions, including hiring operations and 42 from news operations – more journalists and producers. including camera operators, vision mixers “These changes are essential to the and lighting producers. long-term health of the corporation, but I “I applaud the ABC’s initial move and acknowledge that this is little comfort to look forward to more like it,” Regional The restructure, revealed to staff in a those whose roles are impacted.” Communications Minister Fiona Nash televised briefing on Tuesday, is Ms said. Guthrie’s most significant move since Ms Guthrie has made it clear since replacing Mark Scott last May. she arrived at the broadcaster that she Ms Guthrie also announced that David believes the broadcaster’s management Anderson, currently Director of Corporate The overhaul will see the number of ABC levels were bloated and that more of Strategy and Planning, will be the new divisions slashed from 14 to eight. the ABC’s budget should be devoted to Director of ABC Television, The existing Television, Radio, News programming. replacing Richard Finlayson.

Page 13 FRIENDS RALLY in ULTIMO while the BOARD BUNKERS DOWN

On Thursday 23rd February, with the Board meeting inside to sign off on another 200 job cuts, several hundred Friends Mal Hewitt gathered with SAVE RN MUSIC and CPSU representatives Editor and NSW President outside ABC HQ in Ultimo, protesting against the loss of Catalyst, the Religious Department, Music on RN and Short Wave, and in support of ABC staff inside the building.

Here is the text of my address to the prospectors: Workers on oil rigs off the All of these people can receive a strong rally on short wave: NW Coast: Tradesmen on the road, short wave signal on a radio which fits I have been asked by several Friends for usually between remote communities: in the hand, costing between $80 and more detail on the impact of the cuts to Thousands of aboriginal families in 150 $140. ABC Management claimed that short wave broadcasts. I am very happy to remote communities numbering from short wave had a range of 200k - one of do so, as I think it is an appalling decision 20 to 200 people, who get their beloved their many lies! Short wave is a reliable which will impact many thousands of AFL footy and Country Music on short signal in all weathers, with a range of up voiceless people, especially in remote wave, and their emergency information: to 2,000 km. Management claim that aboriginal communities and on hundreds Countless thousands in villages across short wave is “old technology.” That of islands throughout the Pacific. PNG, Solomons, Vanuatu, Fiji Islands, may be, but it still works better than for whom Radio Australia on short wave anything else, even whilst the cyclone Here is a list, by no means exclusive, is their link with the world, and their rages. of people spread across the northern source of cyclone warnings and weather ABC Management directs people to their half of Australia who depend on short information. wave, and for whom there is really no existing AM and FM transmitters in Alice, workable alternative: Tour operators and Katherine and Darwin - AM range from passengers: Aboriginal sea rangers (from the transmitter is about 80k, FM about Cape York to the Kimberley): Fishermen, 20k. Around 90% of the land mass of both commercial and indigenous: Stock Northern Australia is not covered by an camps, generally moving from place to AM or FM signal. Management directed place: Cattle stations, many with very people to the Royal Flying Doctor radio poor internet service: Truckies, especially service for weather and emergency road train drivers on the run from Adelaide information - that service was turned off to Darwin, and all across the Top End: 10 years ago. Grey nomads through Qld., NT and WA: ABC Management promotes its Road construction workers: Miners and alternatives - the VAST (Viewer Access

Page 14 Satellite TV) and Sky Muster satellite systems, for which you need a satellite dish, a computer and sound equipment, at a cost of up to $4,000! Just ideal for most of the people on my list above! The decision was made in the comfort of Ultimo offices, without any consultation - nobody from management or the board went to NT to talk to users. ABC staff in Alice and Darwin were not consulted. Since the announcement on 6th December, ABC management and Michelle Guthrie were advised of the adverse impact, of the misinformation coming from the ABC, and requested to defer the closure, but these requests were ignored, and not even responded to. All for a saving of $1.2m in the ABC’s annual budget. Less than the cost of one hour of drama on TV. Also a strange interpretation of the ABC’s Charter, requiring the ABC to provide a service to ALL Australians, and Michelle Guthrie’s stated aim that the ABC reach 100% of Australians.

Media union cries foul over ABC’s ‘back office’ cuts

tapped for redundancy. In her staff address avoid having an impact on the delivery Amanda Meade Guthrie said by the end of June between of quality news and current affairs to the the Guardian 150 and 200 positions would be eliminated Australian public.” 10 March 2017 and management would be reduced by by In her only interview on the restructure, 20%. If it’s at the lower end of 150, more Guthrie told RN Drive’s Patricia Karvelas than half of those positions come from that all programs are up for review just BC staff, many of them the people who make television programs like Catalyst, including the flagship 7pm seasoned journalists trained in such as 7.30, Landline, Gardening news bulletin. She also addressed wild Adeciphering messages, were Australia and Foreign Correspondent. accusations she was brought in by blindsided by the revelation that dozens While they’re not journalist roles, most of Rupert Murdoch to destroy the ABC, a of the job losses outlined by Michelle these 85 roles are for skilled craftsmen and rumour Karvelas says is regularly put to Guthrie on Tuesday were not middle women and production co-ordinators who her by listeners. management at all. Guthrie talked a lot organise the crews as well as camera- “I left News Corporation in 2007 so, if about reducing red tape and eliminating people. They are not management roles or I was a Murdoch stooge, then I’m far over- management, about bottlenecks so called “back office staff”. removed from that. I left the organisation and about “reducing the number of The Media, Entertainment and Arts a long time ago,” Guthrie said. “The management roles across the ABC” in Alliance’s media director, Katelin important thing in terms of my role at order to create a $50m content fund McInerney, said: “These cuts to cameras, the ABC is to really try to take all of and 80 new jobs in regional and rural editing and other production support my experience from the past, whether content. areas fly in the face of assurances made it’s from Google or my TV and pay TV But not long after the MD gave the to staff that the redundancies would be experience from across the world, and impression that the ranks of the concentrated in back office management. figure out ways in which we can be more so-called carpet strollers were to be While management say no editorial adaptable and deliver for audiences thinned to make way for spending on positions will be affected, these cuts to as their behaviour changes very content, television staff were being production and operations staff cannot substantially.”

Page 15 Questions for the new Chairman of the ABC Board

Ranald Macdonald

ABC Friends National Media Adviser

he Sydney Morning Herald listed This is why ABC Friends is so committed How efficiently and most cost editorially 9 “key” questions it posed to the fight for a healthy, properly funded 4. effectively to transmit the range of T for the new Chairman of the ABC, and politically independent ABC. programs around Australia and in using Justin Milne. I, however, think the simple questions for new media options such as podcasts, With the greatest respect, I found them the new Chairman are : apps, iView etc. crass and mostly lacking relevance. What is his philosophy over the How to ensure the ABC Charter In fact, it seems the SMH sees the ABC as 1. range of programming options to 5. is properly satisfied, with one area simply a purveyor of news and comment. be provided by ABC through its various in particular where the ABC has real Obviously everyone who has a real interest platforms? difficulty following the capricious breaking in the need for informed public debate in of the Australia Network contract - its this country which prides itself on being How to ensure diversity of commitment to international reporting and a robust democracy, recognises the 2. programming to satisfy the wants broadcasting. screaming need for a strong, independent of current and potential ABC consumers - With all this goes the need for the and informed source of news and and of providing high quality broadcasting Chairman and his Board to make a strong information to compete with the other i.e. satisfying current listeners and viewers public commitment to ensuring the political “news” on offer. while attracting others. independence for the ABC, to be open and transparent about its plans and I won’t comment on what I see as the With the current reduced financial to press governments for the often unethical presentation of opinion resources available to the ABC, how 3. required financial resources. and selected information by our National best to ensure value and “bang for the newspaper, The Australian, or the often buck” in its range of radio and television irrelevant contribution of the shock jocks, offerings. the IPA and others whose only role they seek to play is to force their views on the public - however unfair, biased or self- interested.

Page 16 National President and Media Adviser visit Canberra

Ranald Macdonald, Margaret Reynolds and Quentin Dempster at the event.

Margaret Reynolds and It is well known the Managing Director Dempster detailed the challenges to the Ranald Macdonald in wants the ABC to be more international ABC in the new media environment. in both its capacity to cover the news ABC Friends National President Canberra, 21 - 23 March. and its ability for its voice to be heard Margaret Reynolds reminded the he ABC has strong political to our north. Clearly ABC Friends need audience that it is up to all Australians support in Canberra and also the to continue their campaign for better as “shareholders” in the ABC to chart continuing backing of many from funding for the ABC to enable it to fulfil T its future direction. the local community. its national responsibilities under the Charter. ABC Friends National Media Adviser This is the conclusion reached by our ABC Friends National President Ranald discussed the impact of budget Politics in the Pub Margaret Reynolds following a three cuts and loss of the Australia Network day visit to our National Capital. At an event hosted by the Australia on the ability of the ABC to meet its Charter obligations. Over 50 Parliamentary Friends of the Institute “What is the Future of The ABC ABC (thought to be a new high) held ?” more than 300 supporters hear from During the two day Canberra visit their first meeting of the new Parliament panellists Quentin Dempster , Ranald Margaret and Ranald met with a and listened to Managing Director Macdonald and Margaret Reynolds, who number of parliamentarians and Michelle Guthrie outline her plans for outlined the threats to Australian public advisers to reinforce the importance our public broadcaster. The cross party broadcasting under a government which of Australian public broadcasting group is led by Co Convenors Craig includes critics prepared to privatise this and to focus on the need for greater Laundy, Dr Mike Freelander, Senator most trusted institution. ABC transparency and Scott Ludlam and Andrew Willkie Well known broadcaster Quentin community engagement.

Page 17 And we are all looking forward to seeing familiar faces when we get there. Watch out Northern Group! Here we State News come! Kate Durkin the “dark hours” of the 2014 Budget Cuts, Secretary Victoria the Q&A Abbott-inspired furore, and in explicitly articulating a vision for the ABC. ABC Friends Victoria is proud of our We would welcome an articulated vision South Australia / contribution to the increasingly National from the new ABC Chair, Justin Milne. ABC Friends activities and policies and Northern Territory Peter Monie our role in running the Office in South Life Memberships Melbourne. This includes managing our President, ABC Friends Victoria In November last year at our annual End Victorian and the National accounting and of Year Luncheon at Jane’s Kitchen we reporting. Tasmania acknowledged the outstanding service of At our January Planning Day for 2017, we members Diane Hart and Sharon Perry by agreed on the following main objectives: Gearing up Down South awarding them Life Memberships. 1. Focus on creating action Groups in Anyone who has the slightest familiarity Sharon Perry joined the ABC in the early marginal seat areas, commencing with with the island State knows of the rivalry 90’s and worked as an administration Geelong/Corangamite and Eastern between North and South. The division of officer for Classic FM at Collinswood. Part Suburbs, and backed up with a market Van Diemens Land into two jurisdictions of her job involved rostering the Classic stall presence. ended in 1813, with the colony then united FM SA workforce of broadcasters and under one governor. But that didn’t stop 2. Build our membership and supporter audio engineers and being responsible us! base, currently standing at well over for studio bookings making sure that a 4500, and communicate regularly with For far too long, the Northern Friends studio was the “best fit” for the program our supporters about Victorian and Group has put the Southern Group in the being made. In effect, Sharon was what national issues. shade. They have a consistent public is known in the industry as a production presence in the North and are active letter- manager. She also held a position in the 3. Improve our volunteer involvement and writers and networkers. Enough! national union group and worked hard on provide briefings with volunteers. Recently, a few Southern Friends got behalf of union members who looked to 4. Enhance the efficiency of the Office together and nutted out a plan. We her for industrial advice. Sharon joined operation, including review the relevance agreed that the greatest barrier to getting the Friends whilst working for the ABC, of our promotional material. out there and being active was that so taking a big role in the late 90’s organizing 5. Organise events to involve our many of us didn’t know each other. It is pre-election rallies as a member of the membership and provide exposure for always a bit daunting to turn up to help out Friends Action Committee. When Sharon those with ideas for the future of the ABC. with something if you don’t know anyone retired from the ABC in 2012 the Executive else who might be there. committee was delighted to have her We are very pleased with the results of on board; she had great insight into the In late March we kicked off with a coffee the 2017 ABC Friends Calendar, a project day to day operation of the ABC and the morning in North Hobart and we are now initiated by the Southern Bayside Group issues that concerned staff. Her heart poised to launch. We have a keen group which resulted in the profitable sale of 800 has always been with the ABC and she calendars nationwide. of members who have signed up to help out with market stalls and a public forum was always at the forefront of actions in We are engaged with the national plans to over coming months. support of the broadcaster. instigate a special ABC defenders project on our national website. This will involve well-known Australians promoting the value of our National Broadcaster as a major component of our Democracy, our heritage and our values. Further, we will be seeking to tap into ideas from supporters of the ABC Australia- wide to assess what they – what you – particularly value and want more of from the ABC under its new leadership. And we will continue to seek improved funding to allow the ABC to meet its Charter commitments. Victoria expresses thanks to retiring ABC Board Chair, James Spigelman, but regrets that he was not more public in support of A resurgent group of Southern Tasmanian Friends. the National Broadcaster during some of

Page 18 Above left: Aussie Kanck and Sue Pinnock with Senator Hanson-Young. Above right: Diane Hart receiving her Life Membership. Left: Aussie Kanck and Sue Pinnock with Senator Griff of the Xenophon team.

year. Aussie Kanck and Sue Pinnock are the shortwave closure to the attention SA representatives on the committee of of ABC Friends National in December 12. Margaret Reynolds (Tas) is President, when contacted by a concerned NT Mal Hewitt (NSW) Vice President and Peter resident who is a shortwave enthusiast; Monie (Vic) is Treasurer. Already taking he has travelled widely seeing firsthand a national approach is paying dividends the benefits of shortwave radio as a cost Even before retiring in 2010 from a long as evidenced by our response to the NT effective means of communication for career working in the telecommunications shortwave issue over the last 3 months. rural and remote people. ABCF NSW also area, and throwing herself into On 6 Dec last year the ABC announced had a contact who is an informed and volunteering, Diane Hart was a passionate it would end its NT shortwave radio experienced user of shortwave and he supporter of the ABC. Around 1997 service on 31 January 2017. Shortwave added significantly to the discussion of the Friends Executive wanted to set transmissions from Alice Springs, Tennant this issue. up subgroups in the suburbs to raise Creek and Katherine were turned off. Working in concert with the national awareness about funding cuts to the These transmissions have been referred to committee Friends SA/NT facilitated ABC and increase membership (things as the “HF Shower” because they bounce information exchange and contributed haven’t changed much!). Di became a off the ionosphere and shower back to to submission writing to the ABC very active member of the subcommittee Earth covering a huge area. The “HF Amendment (Rural and Regional covering Blackwood, Aberfoyle Park and shower” was received from the mid 1980’s Advocacy) Bill 2015. In her Bill, Senator Coromandel Valley. When the subgroups throughout the Kimberley, in northern SA McKenzie (National Party’s only Victorian folded, Di was invited on to the Executive as well as throughout the Territory and into Senator) has called for quite specific in recognition of her skills, chairing western Queensland. changes to both the Act and Charter re meetings and taking minutes. Three years ABC responsibilities to rural and regional ago, at a particularly vulnerable time when Many people living and working in mobile, communities. On 6 March in Melbourne, the Friends Executive looked like it might remote situations have been affected by Ranald Macdonald (ABCF National Media collapse, Di Hart was one of a small team the closure of the “HF Shower”. They no Adviser) and Sue Pinnock spoke to who managed to keep the ship afloat and longer get, via ABC radio: news, weather submissions (including shortwave) from rejuvenate the Executive. information, emergency warnings or content for entertainment from a radio ABC F National at the Senate Inquiry At the luncheon, members were delighted that could fit in the hand, costing between Committee meeting considering this Bill. to meet Sophie Thomson from Gardening $80 and $140. These people (as per the In January, Aussie Kanck and Sue Australia. She spoke about the importance Charter) have a right to demand a service Pinnock visited the offices of Senators of gardens and gardening in peoples’ lives from the national public broadcaster, Hanson-Young and Xenophon to tell locally and internationally. Bobbie Mackley, especially in times of trauma, but also for them about the closure of the shortwave President of ABC WA and long-time friend pure entertainment and communication. radio service and seek their help. In of Sharon Perry also attended. It was The South Pacific shortwave (HF) service response, Senator Xenophon introduced good to have SA Senator Don Farrell, too was closed down. It was broadcast the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the from Shepparton in Victoria and it was a Amendment (Restoring Shortwave Radio) Senate, with us as an invited guest. He too significant lifeline to Pacific nations. The Bill 2017. ABC F National has written loves the ABC! ABC is not meeting its charter obligations a submission in support of the bill. A ABCF National and the N.T. Shortwave on both accounts by closure of these national association has facilitated action Service services. that is fast, informed and coordinated Our National Association “kicked off” this Friends of the ABC (SA/NT) brought across the states.

Page 19 News Left: Sharon Perry and Bobbie State Mackley.

Plans for 2017. Below: Cathy Bardon and friend at the Writers’ Festival, UWA. In its 85th year, these are unsure times with the ABC undergoing considerable change under the control of Managing Director Michelle Guthrie and a Board readjusting after several new appointments, including that of the Chair. It is clear that our State bodies have a huge part to play representing all Australians to the ABC and yet advocating on behalf of the ABC to ensure that it is funded appropriately by the Federal Government so it can meet its charter obligations. To this end we are expecting more than ever this year to engage with both our State and Federal politicians. Members have appreciated the regular communication we have put in place over the last 9 months and we are thankful of offers of help by members. We are also conscious that times to May Day socialise are important. We are holding a On Sunday 7th May we will have a stall Café Quiz on Saturday 22 April and the Vale Lyla Elliott (1934-2017) Gardeners’ Market in the ABC car park is at the May Day Festival on Fremantle on Saturday 8 April. Look out for us there Esplanade as in previous years. The Lyla Elliott passed away on 18th February. and say hello! event runs from 10am to 2pm, there’s Lyla was the MLC for the North-East a band and children’s rides and Metropolitan Province from 1971 to 1986 Sue Pinnock activities, food stalls and of course the and was only the second woman elected Friends of the ABC (SA/NT). march around the streets of Fremantle to the Legislative Council and the fifth at 12noon. Speeches are kept to a woman to serve in the WA Parliament. minimum. I do hope you will come, and She was particularly concerned about Western Australia if you can help us in the stall, even for a indigenous disadvantage; her first speech Greetings to all WA members and readers short time, that would also be great. to Parliament, in July 1971, included a of Update. most moving and perceptive outline of Perth Writers’ Festival aboriginal history before and after white You can read about our new, national A number of members (thanks Marie and settlement. Friends organisation on other pages; its Meg!) of ABC Friends (WA) volunteered to establishment has involved much time, Another of her concerns was domestic hand out leaflets publicising ABC Friends, effort and decision making over the past violence. Both issues have no easy and urging action to support the ABC, at few months which have kept me and solution and both, sadly, remain topical the Perth Writers’ Festival, held largely at WA Secretary Cathy Bardon, as the WA today. Lyla recognised the importance of the University of Western Australia over representatives, very busy. Together with the ABC and was a long-time member of three days, 24-26 February. The ABC the WA state election, in which some of ABC Friends WA, serving a term on the records some of the sessions for Radio us were actively involved (while wearing committee in 2006-7. ABC Friends WA National’s Books and Arts program. ‘other hats’), there has been little time to sends condolences to Lyla’s husband Many of those attending are ABC viewers devote to planning Friends’ activities in Jack and her family and friends. and listeners, and the response to the WA apart from the Perth Writers’ Festival leaflets and consequent discussions (see below – and my thanks to those who was very positive. One of our leaflets helped). detailed cuts to the ABC, in dollar and We are planning visits to our federal staff terms, and the other mentioned two members of Parliament in their electorate ABC management decisions that ABC offices. We would love to hear from Friends have criticised – the cuts to Radio anyone willing to make such a visit National and the axing of the shortwave themselves on behalf of ABC Friends, radio service. This is the third year that especially in places outside Perth. If you volunteers from Friends have had a can help, please email fabcwa1@hotmail. presence leafletting at the Festival; all in com. We would be happy to provide you all, it was felt to be a worthwhile exercise with materials and background. despite the extreme heat on the Saturday. Bobbie Mackley, President WA Cathy Bardon, Secretary WA Lyla Elliott

Page 20 NSW Branch News

vital weather and emergency information. Hunter Since the closure of the shortwave service, people cannot obtain emergency warnings The ABC’s Shortwave Service in once they are outside the towns serviced the Northern Territory – a Personal by satellite transmission. Experience Like all ABC Friends, Grahame maintains Newcastle resident Grahame Steel is that every community has a right to a member of the Hunter branch and demand a service from the national probably more than any other member in public broadcaster for information and the ABC Friends organisation understands entertainment but especially in times the serious implications of the ABC’s of danger. Contrary to the Managing recent closure of the shortwave service in Director’s assertion in the recent Senate the Northern Territory. Estimates hearing that the ABC is not After commencing his professional life the official emergency broadcaster in the as a high school language teacher in the Northern Territory, Grahame considers Grahame Steel Newcastle district, Grahame followed it should fulfil this role, as it is the only his love of classical music by joining the broadcaster that has (or rather had) ABC and spent the next twenty-five years kilometres from the centre. Given the vast the capacity to cover the whole of the working as a talks journalist and then distances in outback Australia, this leaves Territory. He is ashamed that the ABC has manager of regional stations from as most of the country with no service. On abrogated its responsibility in this respect. far afield as Townsville in Queensland to the other hand, the HF Shower is easy We are grateful for Grahame’s advocacy Launceston and Hobart in Tasmania, with to receive through the use of a small, for regional Australians in the past and for a number of challenging appointments portable radio receiver which costs no expressing his concern and dismay now in between. He fought hard during his more than $80. They are readily available about the loss of the ABC’s shortwave tenure to ensure that the ABC always in Alice Springs. service in the Northern Territory because, provided the same high quality programs as he told us, “I spent too much time trying for its regional listeners as it did for its city In essence, the HF Shower covers to achieve a fair deal for people in the listeners. a radius of 500-800 kms from the transmitter, not a mere 200 kms as the bush, where services are so few, to remain In the 1980’s Grahame was appointed as ABC likes to claim. The transmitters in silent.” Manager, Remote Area Broadcasting, and the Northern Territory are situated in Alice Margaret Conners with our sincere as part of this role he was responsible for Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine. gratitude to our member Grahame Steel. the ABC’s input into the development of They can be heard well into the Kimberley Publicity Officer Indigenous broadcasting in the Northern and Pilbara in Western Australia and well Hunter Branch ABC Friends Territory, the Kimberley, Pilbara, Torres into Queensland. Furthermore, the ABC Strait, North Queensland and South claims the HF Shower is old technology. Australia. That may or may not be so, but it is the In preparation for this role he undertook only technology we have available to Armidale a study tour of Canada to observe the fulfil such a vital role. In any case, the The ABC Friends Armidale started this Canadian experience in broadcasting to technology is no older than the medium year with one of our regular committee the Inuit people in the remote areas of that wave transmission the Corporation meetings. Issues discussed included country. The other part of his role was the uses to service cities like Sydney and attempts to attract a speaker for our management of programming for the HF Melbourne. Would the ABC use such an annual ABC Friends speaking event, Shower (short wave)system, which was argument to close down services to the normally held in November of each year. then in its infancy. Over a period of eight major cities in Australia? We approached a number of current and years he was in constant contact through The HF Shower enables valuable safety ex-ABC journalists and comperes, but to personal visits to many communities, information to be received by remote date have had no success in recruiting a including Indigenous communities in the communities that do not qualify for speaker for Armidale. Given our success remote parts of the country. satellite retransmission. It can also be in the past at attracting speakers, it is not clear why this lack of success should be In some bureaucratic circles it was received by transient groups such as the case now. believed that the HF Shower would be peripatetic Indigenous people, truck superseded by satellite transmission, drivers, grey nomads and itinerant We are mindful of the need to attract but this was quickly proven to be untrue. workers, all of whom need the service younger members to ABC Friends, and in Radio programs delivered by satellite need for their own safety. Satellite reception this pursuit some of the invitations referred to be received by a fairly expensive earth facilities are not portable and in any to above were to comperes at Triple J. We station and then retransmitted, usually on case are relatively expensive, whereas hope to get a positive response. A more the FM band. Each retransmission station an $80 radio receiver is within reach for successful venture addressing the issue of might cover an area as little as 10 or 20 most people and it provides access to younger members follows.

Page 21 NSW Branch News Central Coast National ABC Friends Campaign Manager A stall was held at a student orientation Jeff Waters will be our guest speaker on day (University of New England). Over Northern Rivers Wednesday 12th April at the Central Coast a 3 hour period we spoke to a range Leagues Club, Gosford. Jeff became the Our Branch held its AGM for 2016 in of students enrolling at UNE, with 58 National Campaign Manager for the ABC January this year. The following members students joining our group under a Friends early in 2016. The 2016 campaign were elected to the Executive Committee: special (Armidale) membership which was the start of a major national campaign gave them the first year for free. These President: Peter Dickson that set the tone for the next three years if students will be contacted via email as Vice President: Therese Crollick the Turnbull Government continues with its activities occur throughout the year. death by thousands cuts philosophy. Secretary: Jennie Hicks The first year of our ABC Friends Jeff was the first Australian video journalist (Armidale) media prize, $1000 to Treasurer: Tony Betts to work in Europe, providing footage for the strongest applicant in their final Committee members to convene Sub all Australian television networks. He has year of UNE’s Bachelor of Media and Branch meetings worked in remote regions of Australia for Communications, was 2016. No eligible Tweed Valley: Sandy Copley & Neville the ABC’s Landline and 7:30 programs. applicants applied in this first year (two Jennings From 2006 to 2014, he was a senior were not in the final year of their studies), journalist with ABC News, based in but with better advertising of this new Byron/Brunswick: Jill Keogh & Jenny Melbourne. He is the author of two books: prize we are hopeful of eligible applicants Coman Gone for a Song: A Death in Custody on in 2017. Lismore /Alstonville: Therese Crollick & Palm Island; and Every Beat of my Heart: The Armidale group attends the Felicity Holmes An ABC Journalist’s Journey from Death. Armidale markets 4 to 5 times a year. Prior to our AGM, at a general meeting The branch has also been able to book At the February market we included a ,speaker Russell Eldridge addressed Ms. Emma McBride as a guest speaker in petition which is intended for the federal members on the topic of Using the early June. She is ALP MP for Dobell one parliament. This petition consists of three Media to Advantage. Russell is a former of the federal seats on the Central Coast. points; (i) respect for journalists, (ii) the newspaper reporter & editor, a published Emma recently drew national attention to parliament request ABC management author and media trainer. Russell`s advice the often poor reception of ABC programs to reconsider the removal of five highly was comprehensive and included how on the Central Coast, a complaint that has regarded music programs on Radio to develop a media strategy, effective been made many times by this branch to National, and (iii) and a request for ABC letter and media release writing for both the appropriate authorities. While there management to reconsider the removal of conventional and electronic media. He has have been some improvements in recent shortwave broadcasting (at this moment also provided us with his “tips” for dealing years new problems have been reported we are noting cyclones in Northern with the media, a most useful guide for our and Ms Mc Bride has drawn attention Queensland). So far this petition has ongoing work. Utilising his advice, a letter to them at the highest possible level, the attracted 206 signatures, and is to be has been sent to the Federal Member Federal Parliament. Given her function as submitted at the end of March. for Page, again seeking a meeting with an ALP MP we intend to also invite Ms We also participated in March Armidale him to discuss his commitment to the Lucy Wicks, Liberal MP for Robertson to (part of the national March in March independence and funding of the ABC explain the Turnbull Government policies movement), with our president providing and the reforms proposed by Michelle in respect of the ABC. Very likely Geraldine a speech to those gathered in Armidale’s Guthrie. Doogue will be our fourth speaker later in the year, tbc. Central Park on the importance of public Peter Dickson, broadcasting for democratic societies, President, ABC Friends Northern Rivers Our branch was represented by four and a stall providing ABC Friends information. We have a number of ideas concerning further activities for the rest of the year. One of these is a quiz night on the topic of public broadcasting. At this point we would like to ask if any of Update’s readers have quiz-type questions of relevance to public broadcasting in general, or the ABC and SBS in particular. If so, or know of a cache of such questions out there somewhere (ABC archives?), would you be able to forward those or relevant information on to [email protected]. Thankyou in advance. Media talk by Russell Eldridge to ABC Friends Bangalow Jan 2017. All the best from Armidale.

Page 22 incomes, but above all people, rich newsletter appears directly in the email and poor, who seek quality programs. with short summaries of the stories and As an Independent public broadcaster image thumbnails, users can click on links they’ll value programs questioning to read further if interested. This format appalling government policies , top class will also provide some general statistics investigative programs, classical music, to measure reader interest. A printed resumption of the overseas network and newsletter in a simpler format will still be short wave radio. All for 10 cents a day per posted to those members without internet Pippa Preston, Klaas Woldring, citizen! access. Margaret and John Lund at the rally. We have been trialling ‘Snippets’, an occasional news update of current issues committee members at the recent Friends Blue Mountains relevant to the ABC and emailed in a demonstration at ABC Ultimo where The Blue Mountains Branch is busy as similar format to the newsletter. particularly the severe cuts to music usual. programs and ABC Short Wave services We are continually looking at ways to were discussed at length. We began our year with a new President better inform our members and Blue who, due to other commitments, Mountains residents of matters relating to We reflect on the foreshadowed unfortunately had to resign. We wish him our ABC and how to express concerns to appointment as ABC Chair of Mr. Justin good luck in his many worthwhile ventures. ABC management. Milne, who seems to think that the ABC will soon be the typical province of the February 23 saw a healthy representation Several members will be attending the Lumpen Proletariat. In a recent article in from our branch travel down the mountain upcoming ABC Friends presentation in the Sydney Morning Herald he argued for the rally outside the ABC Ultimo Sydney on the use of social media in the that public broadcasters would be “cash Studios which was held while the ABC Campaign with ideas to put forward. poor and time rich people”. That’s quite Board met. This was organised by Later in the year, we plan to participate in a difference from his friend the Prime members of the CPSU together with Community Festivals and hope to hold a Minister who has earlier referred to the ABC Friends and Hands off RN Music. Political Forum on ABC issues. ABC supporters and viewers as “the elite”. The Protest concentrated on the deletion of the Australian musical component This year we are working with a diminished One must question both views really. Executive and would like to correct that Yes, the new pay media are becoming from RN, abolishing Short Wave Radio and more funding cuts which will mean ASAP. We are looking for a President and the province of the “cash rich and time Secretary if anyone would like to put up poor” but what they get for their money more job losses and further diminished programming. their hand. We have good a Committee, may at times well be far below the ABC’s so soldier on we will – for the time being. standards that Milne is expected to This year, we introduced a new email defend. As to the viewers and listeners format for our newsletter. Previously Margaret Foy of the ABC, there are many with good attached to an email as a PDF, now the Vice President

Blue Mountains members attending the rally at Ultimo on 23rd February.

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 & NT President SUE PINNOCK ABC Friends TASMANIA President MARGARET REYNOLDS ABC Friends VICTORIA President PETER MONIE ABC Friends WESTERN AUSTRALIA President BOBBIE MACKLEY

State Branches

Victoria/National Office – ABC Friends Queensland – Friends of the ABC Western Australia – ABC Friends GPO Box 4065 Melbourne VIC 3001 Ross McDowell Ms Bobbie Mackley Phone: 03 9682 0073 5 Dunn Ct Bunya Qld 4055 PO Box 534 Subiaco WA 6904 [email protected] Phone: 07 3870 7718 [email protected] [email protected] NSW & ACT – ABC Friends Tasmania – ABC Friends South Australia & Northern Territory Kate Durkin (Secretary) Mal Hewitt 55 Feltham St North Hobart Tas 7000 FABC NSW PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 – ABC Friends Phone: 0447 645 345 Phone: 02 4751 6227 Sue Pinnock [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 7158 Hutt St Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 0407 035 701 [email protected]

Regional Branches

ACT and Region Cowper Publicity Officers Byron sub branch Catherine Henderson Martin Miller (Secretary) Margaret and Robert Conners Jill Keogh PO Box 3984 Bundilla Farm, 4 Wattle Street Phone: 02 6688 4558 Weston Creek ACT 2611 1516 Eastern Dorrigo Way Bolton Point NSW 2283 [email protected] Phone: 02 6288 0237 Ulong NSW 2450 Phone: 02 4959 8464 Tweed sub branch Mobile: 0409 989 550 Phone: 02 6654 5259 [email protected] Sandy Copley [email protected] [email protected] Illawarra Phone: 02 6677 1570 Jan Kent (Secretary) [email protected]

Armidale Eastern Suburbs PO Box 8 Priscilla Connor (Secretary) Nizza Siano (Secretary) Lismore sub branch Keiraville 2500 41 Judith Street 16 Holland Rd Therese Crollick Phone/Fax: 02 4271 3531 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] Mid North Coast Riverina / Murray Drusi Megget Drew Porter Blue Mountains Great Lakes and 24 Arncliffe Ave PO Box 5659 Margaret Foy (Vice-president) Manning Valley Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Phone; 4784 1139 Margaret Gardner Phone: 02 6583 8798 Phone: 02 6922 3813 Mobile: 0425 233 450 49 Carmona Drive [email protected] [email protected] Forster NSW 2428 Mobile: 0409 369 253 Phone: 02 6554 9181 Harry Creamer [email protected] Central Coast [email protected] PO Box 1888 Port Macquarie 2444 Shoalhaven Klaas Woldring Hunter Carmel McCallum 6 Tourmaline Ave Phone: 02 6582 6187 Allan Thomas Mobile: 0431 158 252 PO 89 Cambewarra Pearl Beach NSW 2256 7 Cantwell Road NSW 2540 Phone: 02 4341 5170 Lochinvar NSW 2321 Phone: 0414 392 660 [email protected] Northern Rivers Phone: 02 4930 7309 Jennie Hicks (Secretary) [email protected] [email protected] Phone 0431 958 911 [email protected]