Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. quarterly newsletter November 2009 Vol 17, No.3 update friends of the abc TONY DELROY and NIGHTLIFE receive BROADCASTING EXCELLENCE AWARD for 2009

ony Delroy openly admits to mix of news and current affairs, being a bit eccentric. After all, lifestyle and entertainment. Regular The does preside over the features include the incredibly witching hour, broadcasting Tony popular Challenge. Money matters, Delroy's NightLife across midnight science and technology, spiritual throughout Australia on ABC Local questions, human and family issues Radio. are discussed with experts, and Tony's career in radio began while he listeners are given many opportunities was studying for his HSC. As he tells for interaction and talkback. it; 'I got a job in the 2SM newsroom. NSW Friends of the ABC is delighted They always say start a the bottom, to be able to recognise the work of and the newsroom was in the another ABC broadcaster who is basement.' After finishing his exams, passionate about his craft and Tony joined the ABC newsroom while committed to Excellence in waiting for University to begin. He Broadcasting. then worked as a late night DJ at Bathurst, while studying journalism. Tony joined 702 ABC Sydney in 1987, inside filling in on everything from breakfast The President writes – to afternoons, Grandstand to news A Report on 2009 2 bulletins, before becoming the host of the late night program. Within two Missing in Action on 'Your ABC' 4 years, the program went national. A tale of three lectures 6 Tony admits that his wide range of The Murdoch dynasty’s war on interests is carried into the program public broadcasting 7 and he spends his spare time reading Branch News 8 books, magazines and newspapers. Governemnt acts on Board Tony had an ulterior motive behind Appointment Process 9 wanting the late night shift. 'My previous job as News Director of 2UE The Fall of Rome: Media after Empire 10 meant rising at 3.30 every morning, and I vowed that I was going to find a LETTERS to the EDITOR 13 job where I could sleep in'. He loves Reviving the Radio National his hours and adores his late night Imbroglio 14 family of listeners, who range from 9 Going up: public approval for year olds to 90 year olds. ABC's content - and the chief Tony Delroy's NightLife is a diverse executive's salary 15

Page 1 Update Publication Information The President writes –

Update is published four times a year by Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. (FABC), A Report on 2009 PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. Printpost approved PP245059/00002 operates on $107 per person per year in To become a member phone wrote last year expressing (02) 9990 0600 or email to disappointment that the first year the UK – the ABC receives a little more [email protected] of the Rudd Labor Government that $40 per person to do the same job. or access our website I had produced no positive benefits for www.fabcnsw.org.au. the ABC. It is pleasing to be able to THE RADIO NATIONAL Extracts from newspapers and other report that, in a very difficult budget PROBLEM publications appearing in Update do not climate, the ABC was successful in necessarily reflect the views of the Lack of funds to adequately fulfil its gaining an increase in funding of members of FABC. charter underlies the battle with ABC Update is distributed to all members of $160 million over the next three management over programming on FABC, as part of the membership fee. years - $67 million for the new digital Radio National, a battle in which Update is also supplied to journalists, children’s channel (aiming for 50% politicians and libraries across Australia. Friends of the ABC was much less Australian content in three years), $70 It is edited and produced in Sydney but successful than the one with politicians contributions are welcome from NSW country million for new Australian television over funding. The sweeping changes to and interstate branches. drama (most of which will go to the RN program lineup which Material may be quoted or reproduced independent studios in co- from Update provided the source is produced such an extraordinary and productions), and $15 million for 50 acknowledged and reproduction is sent to negative response from listeners are the President FABC. new regional broadband “hubs,” now a fact of life, and the RN audience interactive local “town squares” Would you like to receive Update is the poorer as a result of the changes. magazine electronically? where individuals and organizations We have lost the breadth and detailed Save the planet's trees and The Friends will be able to contribute content analysis of programs like the Religion printing and postage costs and read Update and react to material being broadcast. magazine on your computer. Report, the Media Report, The Ark, In The ABC has consolidated its Each quarter, when Update is published, you Conversation, The Sports Factor, and will receive an email with a link to the latest leadership in new styles and none of the exciting new and issue (each magazine is around 0.5MB). techniques of communication, innovative programs promised by You can try this now by going to our highlighting the importance of the website at www.fabcnsw.org.au and management seem to have ABC as a source of news, information clicking on Update. materialized. Stephen Crittenden, in If you prefer this delivery option for future and entertainment, particularly in the opinion of many the most Updates please send an email to the rural and regional Australia. Membership Secretary. knowledgeable and experienced broadcaster anywhere in the world, Who to write… IS THERE STILL A ROLE Anyone seeking basic information about was, after a period in the “sin bin,” writing to persons of influence might find it FOR FRIENDS? reassigned to Background Briefing, helpful to go to the FABC NSW website For those who question the relevance where his specialist knowledge is of www.fabc.org.au where there are some little use. The combined weight of menu items under "Be Active" leading to or necessity for Friends of the ABC, it pages of information: Who can I write to? is worth noting that one Federal MP, Heads of Churches, Catholic bishops, What can I say? when asked why the ABC did so well, distinguished former ABC staff, and indicated that in pre-budget thousands of letters from listeners was FABC (NSW) Executive Committee Office Bearers discussions in Canberra the ABC was not enough to save the Religion Report President - Mal Hewitt a recurrent theme amongst our – an interesting example of ABC Phone: 9637 2900 political representatives, which management completely ignoring the Email: [email protected] suggests that our concerted campaign wishes of its audience. Paul Collins, Secretary & Treasurer - James Buchanan throughout the months of the budget former Editor-Religion for the ABC, Phone: 9371 5621 reports in this Update on the gaping Email: [email protected] preparation was successful, and the holes in the ABC’s coverage of religious Membership Secretary - Angela Williamson intense lobbying and letter-writing by Phone: 9416 4463 branches, individual members and affairs since the demise of The Religion Email: [email protected] state organizations paid off. Members Report. Update Editor - Mal Hewitt must be reminded, though, that the PO Box 1391 N. Sydney NSW 2059 DEPTH and QUALITY vs additional funds are tied to specific Email: [email protected] programs. Funds for the daily BUDGET SHORTFALLS Cartoonist - Phil Somerville Editorial Cartoonist for The Sun Herald operation of the ABC remain The Radio National problem reflects a (Sydney) desperately short (about half what widening gap between creative people [email protected] they were in 1986 in real terms), who make programs and management Layout Artist - Paul Martens particularly in news, current affairs people who determine the budgets on [email protected] and radio, so the battle for adequate which those programs depend. Membership Line: 9990 0600 funding must go on. The BBC Program makers of long standing are

Page 2 finding the relentless pressure from recognizes that he has been a very activities, particularly in drives for managers to compromise on quality strong advocate for the ABC in membership. There should also be an and depth very debilitating. discussions with government, and has examination of ways in which NSW Traditional ABC values of been passionate and effective in his ABC can support the other states programming based on merit are leadership of the ABC into the new where, apart from Victoria, Friends of disappearing, and the assets of time, digital technologies. In two recent the ABC is not a strong presence. experience and dedicated staff public lectures, delivered in London (essential for good programming) are and in Melbourne, Mark Scott mounts MEMBERSHIP in DECLINE being steadily stripped. Long-term a passionate defence of public Membership must be a concern – our staff speak of a loss of diversity, and broadcasting in response to the recent Membership Secretary reports a moves towards presenter-led “flow- attacks from the Murdoch empire. steady decline in membership programming” (the style adopted by Part of his A.N.Smith Memorial numbers over the past two years, and 702 and ABC local radio),the very Lecture in Journalism is reproduced in it may well be that there is a antithesis of broadcasting of depth, this Update, and Darce Cassidy perception that the ABC is no longer insight and quality, because it is provides an analysis. under threat from a seemingly cheaper to produce. benign and sympathetic Labor BOARD VACANCIES government. However, the reality is RECOGNIZING The Federal Government has been that, as the ABC responds to EXCELLENCE slow to act in filling the vacancies on technological change, it faces even Friends of the ABC acknowledged this the ABC Board, but the appointment greater challenges in maintaining a of Michael Lynch and Julianne tradition of excellence in broadcasting quality service to all Australians in Schultz were the result of a new “arms and commitment to quality by traditional broadcasting as well as in length” method of board recognizing the extraordinary the new technologies. We must appointment, with nominations from contribution of Play School over 42 ensure that the ABC remains totally the public and an independent years to the education and independent of both commercial and selection process. We still await the political influence, whilst development of our children, and long-promised reinstatement of the saluted the achievements of Chris maintaining the culture of quality staff-elected director. We also await that we value so much in our public Masters, who retired after 42 years the report on the Federal Government broadcaster. with the ABC, much of that time review into the ABC and SBS, to producing ground-breaking which FABC made a submission The work of NSW Friends of the investigative reports, one of which which emphasized the ABC charter, ABC remains dependent on the brought down a corrupt government. funding needs, the ABC’s role in commitment of loyal, dedicated It was a concern, though, to hear him education, creative Australian people who give many hours to the say that “Moonlight State” could not content, and the needs of Radio cause. I pay tribute to the members be produced by today’s ABC – there is National. of the NSW Committee for their simply not the budget to provide the support, but particularly James resources of time and staff that were OUR BRANCHES Buchanan, our Secretary/ Treasurer/ Public Officer, Angela Williamson, available in 1987 for such The strength of local branches, a our Membership Secretary, and Chris investigative reporting. The 2009 structure unique to NSW, is crucial to Cartledge, Webmaster and Excellence in Broadcasting Award will the effectiveness of FABC in its technology consultant, without be received by Tony Delroy, presenter contact with politicians and advocacy whom we would not be able to of the NightLife program on ABC and education of the public. Whilst function. Their value to our Local Radio, at the NSWFABC some branches are in hibernation, we organization is inestimable. I also Christmas Party on 27th November applaud the energy and commitment salute the work of Jason Lowe and (see elsewhere in Update) of branch leadership and members in his Events Committee. organizing a variety of activities at the ABC MANAGEMENT local level, typified by another Our recent annual dinner, with Kerry Whilst not agreeing with all of the outstanding forum organized by the O’Brien as guest speaker, was an decisions made by ABC management, Blue Mountains branch in July, outstanding example of their it is pleasing to report that Friends of attended by over 250 people and organizational talents, where a the ABC maintains excellent dialogue addressed by Mark Scott, Quentin capacity audience was treated to a with Mark Scott, Managing Director, Dempster and Annabel Crabb. ABC fascinating journey through Kerry’s and other senior managers – Mark is presenters and personalities remain life in journalism and with the ABC readily available to attend FABC very willing to attend branch - his generosity in sharing his time functions, and is willing to meet and activities, always expressing and experiences with us was typical talk about issues of concern. He appreciation for the support provided of those at the ABC who have acknowledges the support of FABC in by the Friends. High on the agenda become part of the lives of families the constant battle for funding and for NSW FABC in 2010, and a right across the country – we trust resources for the ABC, whilst agreeing discussion point at the 2010 state them as we trust “OUR ABC”. to differ on some management conference, will be strategies for Mal Hewitt decisions. Friends of the ABC also supporting the branches in their FABC NSW President

Page 3 Missing in Action on

'YourBy Paul Collins ABC' riends of the ABC will probably 'commitment' of the ABC to specialist (son of US Secretary of State John remember the very public fracas broadcasting, but he felt that, Foster Dulles and important Catholic Fwhen The Religion Report was nevertheless, the kind of thing The theologian), and Richard John taken off air late last year by ABC Religion Report did could be done better Neuhaus (Catholic convert and radio management. What is less well- in 'general mainstream reporting'. That leading neo-conservative theologian known is that the leaders of all the is, News and Current Affairs could who often attended the Bush White mainstream religious faiths in cover religion adequately. The group House). It seemed like the entire US Australia quickly got together to write came away feeling that while they had religious right died and 'mainstream' a protest letter to the Managing made their point, there was no ABC reporting missed it completely. Director, Mark Scott, asking him for commitment from Scott beyond Then there was the election of US an opportunity to discuss this issue generalities. President Barak Obama. Religion was before the program was taken off-air an integral element in this. Firstly, at the end of last year. A despite the fact that a very noisy representative group was organized to group of pro-Republican Catholic meet him. Talking about presidents: bishops attacked Obama on abortion The letter was sent in early- French President Sarkozy and other social issues, 65 % of US December asking for a meeting before has said that the burqa Catholics voted for him, a startling Christmas. They received no reply and is 'not welcome' in switch from their support for Bush in the previous election when Catholic eventually, under the pressure of France following a several telephone calls, an executive John Kerry was running. The US assistant of Scott informed the contentious discussion Catholic bishops have been in disarray convener of the group, the Rev Gregor about Islamic dress. since his election as shown by the Henderson, the then President of the shrill episcopal opposition to Obama Uniting Church of Australia, that the speaking at a Catholic university, and MD would not see them until early the bishops' attack on his health care February, well after the program was So now might be a good time to policy when the Vatican supports him. taken off-air. have a look at how successfully Where has this been covered in the The group comprised representatives religion has been covered in 'general 'mainstream' ABC? of the President of the Australian mainstream reporting' across the Secondly, Obama cut his teeth as a Catholic Bishops Conference, the networks as promised by Scott. When community organizer working out of a Primate of the Anglican Church of you do this you start to see the Catholic parish on the poor south side Australia, the President of the Uniting number of important religious stories of Chicago bringing all the churches Church, the President of the Executive that have been missed. of the area together to address social Council of Australian Jewry and Taking deaths first: there has been issues. It was here that he first came in leaders of the Islamic community and nothing on the deaths of Thomas contact with the writings of the great other major faiths. It was a remarkable Berry (world famous Catholic American Lutheran theologian and achievement to get leaders of different cosmologist with an influence far social thinker Reinhold Niebuhr beliefs together, and indicated that the beyond Catholicism - yes, there is a whom Obama describes as 'one of my religious communities took the piece on the religion webpage, but favorite philosophers'. There was commitment of the ABC to specialist then, that's 'specialist reporting'). prominent discussion of Niebuhr's religious broadcasting seriously. While Other deaths included Samuel influence on Obama in the US media the conventional wisdom is that Huntington (famous 'clash of cultures' (e.g. The New York Times, National religion is in retreat nowadays, these historian involving Christianity and Public Radio and The New Republic), leaders still represent 75% of the Islam), Irving Kristol (Jewish-American but no analysis at all on the Australian population. godfather of neo-conservatism), Paul 'mainstream' ABC. The group that met Scott found it Weyrich (who coined the term 'moral Thirdly, when he visited Cairo hard to get a word in edgeways. He majority' and chief organizer of the US University on 4 June this year Obama had much to say about the religious right), Cardinal Avery Dulles gave a truly significant speech on the

Page 4 relationship of the West to Islam. He Calvin (1509-64), the great Protestant Just as the ABC employs specialists to said 'I am a Christian, but my father theologian, although given the cover finance, business, current affairs came from a Kenyan family that influence of Calvinism on the and sport, so they need professionally includes generations of Muslims. As a development of capitalism you might trained broadcasters to cover other boy, I spent several years in Indonesia have expected something, especially specialist areas, such as religion and and heard the call of the azaan at the News-Current Affairs' infatuation with science. A media degree from some break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As the minutiae of financial affairs. Then university doesn't make you a a young man, I worked in Chicago there was the loss of $165 million by specialist. communities where many found the Sydney Anglican Diocese in the At a deeper level the ABC is failing in dignity and peace in their Muslim last twelve months (sure, Compass cultural leadership. This needs people faith.' He also added that tension mentioned it, but that's all). who know what they're talking about, between the West and Islam is rooted PM did get it right when it reported in other words, specialization. But in in historical forces that 'go beyond that the Uniting Church general the current ABC specialization is any current policy debate … More assembly recognized Aboriginal clearly seen as 'too expensive', while a recently tension has been fed by spiritual heritage in Australia. But fortune is thrown at so-called 'new colonialism that denied rights and again analysis was needed because this media platforms' and editors are opportunities to many Muslims, and involved an important theological heading further and further down- a Cold War in which Muslim- concession about the nature of market. majority countries were too often Christian revelation. It meant the The fact is that ABC management treated as proxies without regard to Uniting Church acknowledged that under Kevin Rudd will end up their own aspirations. Moreover, the Christian teaching was not confined delivering John Howard's vision of the sweeping change brought by to the bible and that revelation could national broadcaster. Now that's ironic. modernity and globalization led occur through other religious Writer and broadcaster Paul Collins is a many Muslims to view the West as traditions such as the Aboriginal. This former specialist editor- religion for hostile to … Islam.' It was an is something the Catholic Church the ABC. important speech, but the explicitly recognized at the Second 'mainstream' ABC missed it Vatican Council in the 1960s. completely. The 'mainstream' ABC never seems to Talking about presidents: French miss a sexual abuse case when it President Sarkozy has said that the involves a clergyman. While it burqa is 'not welcome' in France mentioned the report on sexual abuse following a contentious discussion in Ireland, it actually missed the about Islamic dress. And staying with biggest and most scandalous case of Islam: there was clear division among all: that of the Mexican priest and influential Iranian ayatollahs during friend of John Paul II, Marcial Maciel. the recent election with some He was the founder of a religious religious leaders supporting those order, the Legionaries of Christ and of Check who favored democratic reform. a large lay movement. Maciel, who While these issues were certainly died last year, had fathered four and mentioned on the ABC there was possibly more children by different out our little serious analysis of them. Then women, and is reliably accused of there is the pressure on Christian abusing one hundred or more young communities in the Middle East Website! recruits to his religious order. This leading to the decline of the made headlines overseas, but was Christian population as many missed entirely by the ABC. • Want information on the emigrate: for instance Christians in These are just a few of the examples I latest issues? Lebanon have gone from 50% of the and a couple of others have noted, population to 35% in the last twenty • Need a printable and remember this only covers a six years. It's been so bad that Benedict membership application? month period. The Religion Report XVI has called a special meeting on would not have missed any of these • Current and past issues of the issue for early next year. issues, but they are understandably Update? And talking about Benedict XVI: too specialist for most editors to spot, • Who to write to? his recent encyclical letter 'Charity in let alone cover adequately. I don't Truth' was covered by Sunday Night blame news/current affairs for this with John Cleary, but was missed in failure. I blame the ABC managers Go to: the mainstream with no analysis of who took The Religion Report off-air. www.fabcnsw.org.au the pope's discussion of the global In the end this is not just about economic crisis and the Or check out the National Portal religion. It is about specialist environment. I suppose it would be (links to all states): broadcasting. Areas like science and too much to ask that the religion simply can't be covered www.friendsoftheabc.org.au 'mainstream' note the 500th adequately by generalist journalists. anniversary of the birth of John

Page 5 Referring to Murdoch’s plans to charge for online news, when previously if had been available free, Scott said: It strikes me as a classic play of old empire, of empire in decline. Believing A tale of that because you once controlled the world you can continue to do so, because you once sent the rules, you can do so again. Acting on the three lectures assumption that you still have the power that befits the Emperor. It started in August when James Murdoch And while it is always dangerous to underestimate Murdoch, the delivered the McTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh assumptions that underpin the Murdoch plan seem wistful, and perhaps, wishful. International Television Festival. Some mastheads, like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, will by Darce Cassidy have pricing power. They have distinctive content. That content, appropriately used, is more than hile Murdoch focused on the broadcasting, dating back to Sir Keith entertaining and informative, it can be BBC his vitriolic attack went Murdoch’s successful efforts to cut ABC financially valuable……. Wbeyond a critique of the BBC to funding because of competition to his an attack on the legitimacy of all public newspaper and commercial radio But what about the rest of what is on broadcasting. He went beyond the interests. offer online? Major events have never been reported more widely. From news Murdoch dynasty’s familiar claim that the Speaking of the ABC’s commitment to BBC and other public broadcasters were reports to commentary, analysis, regional audiences Scott said “we must chatrooms. Photos and video become unfair competition to the private sector. deliver for audiences where they are, He described the BBC as ubiquitous. When a newspaper breaks a not just where the profitable markets story it becomes news – and everyone “unaccountable” and accused it of a are. We have a Charter to fulfil and “land grab” that was “chilling”. reports it. Unless everyone, everywhere must deliver service of integrity and decides they will charge – then so much Murdoch took particular aim at the quality.” content will be available free. BBC’s mission to provide something for Scott’s most robust response came Mark Scott is right to say that it is everyone. Based on the fact that nearly on 14 October when he delivered the everyone pays for the BBC (and the dangerous to underestimate the A.N. Smith Memorial Lecture in Murdoch dynasty. We should beware ABC) public service broadcasters have Journalism at Melbourne University. always understood that to serve the of technological determinism. Empires public they were obliged to provide Murdoch had sought to portray the have survived major technological something for everyone, and not simply supporters of public broadcasting as changes in the past. cater to a middle class elite. faith-blinded creationists hanging on to He is also probably right in the doddering dinosaurs of public suggesting that James Murdoch’s Murdoch took issue with this view and broadcasting in a doomed attempt to argued that the BBC had become too outburst in Edinburgh was a sign of resist the ruthlessly efficient forces of the dynasty’s insecurity. successful – too dominant, and that it evolutionary capitalism. needed to be cut down to size. This While Murdoch may well be statement came from the mouth of one In response Scott titled his lecture The insecure, a sign of his continuing generally regarded the heir to one of the fall of Rome: media after empire. He power and influence was the world’s largest media empires, arguably quoted W.H. Auden’s “The Fall of Rome” announcement that the Conservative the dominant media force in the English- and spoke of “A mosaic of decline. opposition in the U.K. was considering speaking world, at least until recently. Greatness disappearing piece by piece “ripping up the BBC Charter”. Given as a new world emerges.” The corollary of Murdoch’s argument the poor standing of the Labour was that if public service broadcasters This suggested that the Murdoch government in the U.K. a conservative were to exist at all they should be dynasty’s attack on public broadcasting victory seems highly likely at the next banished to the sidelines, filling in the was related to its declining fortunes in election. gaps that weren’t profitable to private the new media world. The full text of the Scott lectures is enterprise. While Murdoch’s holdings are diverse, available at www.abc.net.au/corp/ Mark Scott was quick to respond. Two newspapers and television make up a pubs/media/s2681848.htm and weeks later he delivered the significant part of the empire. www.abc.net.au/corp/pubs/media/s 2714080.htm Commonwealth Broadcasting Scott went on to talk about modern Association Lecture at Australia House in media empires that had been “giants in The Murdoch lecture is at London. our lives”, but suggested that they might www.broadcastnow.co.uk/comment He outlined the Murdoch dynasty’s become “helpless witnesses to the /james-murdochs-mactaggart- historical antagonism to public unravelling of all they once stood for.” speech/5004990.article

Page 6 The Murdoch dynasty’s war on public broadcasting

Darce Cassidy elivering the James Murdoch’s grandfather, Sir Knowing that the mainstream press McTaggart Keith Murdoch, had interests in would not report the speech Brooks Dlecture in eleven of the sixty-five commercial and the ABC’s then General Manager, Edinburgh last radio stations operating in the late Charles Moses, arranged for a August James 1930s, in addition to his extensive recording of the speech to be broadcast Murdoch made an newspaper interests. He took a tough to the nation the next evening. extravagant attack line against the ABC at every Smith’s Weekly reported the response on public service opportunity. under the heading “ABC TAKES THE broadcasting, and In the first volume of his history of GLOVES OFF” the BBC in particular. He said that the the ABC Ken Inglis writes that by But the Murdoch empire was able to BBC was unaccountable, that it 1937 Murdoch, through his strike back. In 1940 the Menzies threatened independent news and newspaper interests, was calling for a government cut the ABC’s share of the professional journalism, and would reduction in the ABC’s income from broadcasting licence fee from twelve restrict innovation and the growth of licence fees. shillings to ten – a sudden reduction of creative industries. Herbert Brooks, on behalf of the 16%. Around that same time Murdoch While it was unusually forthright, ABC delivered a feisty response. In a took up the wartime position of Director Mark Scott’s response to James speech at the opening of a new ABC of Information and succeeded, but only Murdoch’s attack on public radio station Brooks criticized the temporarily, in taking responsibility for broadcasting should not be a surprise. press “especially in Victoria” where the main evening news bulletin away The Murdoch dynasty has had it in for Murdoch was based, for its efforts to from the ABC and having it produced the ABC for more than seventy years. cripple the ABC’s news service. in his own department.

In Conversation with Mark Colvin 11a.m. Saturday November 21 Grandview Hotel Wentworth Falls Mark Colvin is the presenter of ABC Radio's current affairs program PM.

Blue Mountains branch of the Friends of the ABC is issuing an open invitation to the community to interact at no cost with an outstanding journalist and broadcaster. Mark's credits include Four Corners, Nationwide, The World Today, 7.30 report, Foreign Correspondent and Lateline. His film on famine in Ethiopia won a Gold medal at the New York Film Festival. Mark will follow our brief AGM. Lunch in the Grandview Hotel Bistro after the meeting will enable further discussion. For more information, contact Bob on 47 541620

Page 7 Arts Theatre for the evening for which we were very grateful. Anton's talk was most inspiring and he spoke very positively about the integrity and professionalism of SBS and its Branch News contribution to Australian multiculturalism and public home I have come to realize what broadcasting in general. About 100 Northern Rivers gems we have in our two public people attended. broadcasting networks. I don’t think He also read bits from his as yet there is anything to match the unpublished memoir, which was full The Northern Rivers branch has been integrated offerings of the ABC that of humour, and will prove an relatively inactive over the past few are available commercial free. There interesting insight into his life. months with members of the appears to be nothing to compare executive engaged in travel overseas The President of the Friends with Radio National – a service and within Australia. The following is contacted UNE to see if they would be providing food for thought in so set of observations on public interested in doing something with many Australian homes and many broadcasting from Branch President Anton after he had spoken to the overseas homes. Programs like Neville Jennings who recently visited Armidalian public. They were indeed Australian Story, Q and A, Message North America. interested, and arranged for Anton to Stick and Insight provide valuable run a seminar the next day at the insights into our Australian way of university, for students of journalism life. What seem to be lacking however and English, which tied in with Open are the quality Australian drama Day for the second semester. This programs that were once a feature of was well attended. Many useful our public broadcasting system. We questions were raised and I am sure should continue to lobby for those strudents who attended came increased public funding for the ABC away inspired! and SBS. We have something quite We all went out to dinner unique in public broadcasting, a point afterwards to the Green Papaya, (this increasingly recognized by thinking restaurant subsequently got an award people throughout the world.” and mention in the Sydney Morning Neville Jennings Herald Good Food Guide for 2009). This reinforced the relationship with the Arts faculty as Prof Jennie Shaw Armidale and her husband Adam, Prof Dugald Williamson and Helen Davies and her Neville Jennings The Armidale branch of the Friends husband attended. We hope this will were lucky enough to have SBS's lead to further cooperation between “During September and the first Anton Enus visit us in September this FABC and UNE. week of October I travelled to year to talk about public broadcasting, This event was our major fund Washington State near Seattle, took a SBS and his life with the South raiser for 2009. African Broadcasting Corporation cruise to Alaska and then travelled Val Sherwell east across Canada to Ontario. It was (SABC) where he started his career fascinating to see what was on offer over 20 years ago. He has been in terms of commercial and public presenting World News Australia TV Mid North Coast broadcasting. Thank God for PBS bulletins from Sydney since 1999. because the rest of media landscape The University of New England Dust Storm Desolates Port was a smorgasbord of inanity. There (UNE) kindly allowed us to use the Macquarie members of FABC was nothing of the quality of our ABC or SBS. The hosts that we visited were Well actually Port Macquarie had far very interested in the ABC web site less dust than Sydney – just a pale and the access that it provided to ABC grey imitation of Sydney’s pollution programs through iView and on 23rd September. But the point podcasts. One of my retired teacher was that planes could not get out of friends spent many hours enjoying Sydney to deliver visitors to Port. episodes of Summer Heights High, And the visitors in question were the Foreign Correspondent and Four ABC Board, coming to Port for their Corners. annual regional meeting. There seemed to be nothing to Myself and Harry Creamer, Publicity officer, were invited to the Board’s match the broad coverage and quality Val Sherwell with Anton Enus. of the ABC and SBS. Upon returning drinkies session along with other

Page 8 members of the community. I expect other guests to have included Gary Payne, administrator of Port Macquarie GOVERNMENT ACTS ON Hastings Council and Grant Heaton, Head Teacher at Hastings Public BOARD APPOINTMENT Primary school and Einstein Factor competitor. The ABC is planning to try again with the regional meeting PROCESS early in the new year. n Thursday 29th October, the This long-awaited legislation was part In other news – OGovernment introduced the of Labor policy prior to the last • we have plans in April 2010 to National Broadcasting Legislation election – it has been a long wait! Amendment Bill, which will ensure that travel by train to Sydney to stay for a However, the Coalition opposes the appointments to the Board of the ABC couple of nights and visit the ABC appointment of a staff-elected director, and SBS are at arms length from but is supported by the Greens and Ultimo studios. government, are merit-based and are Senator Xenophon. So it’s time to transparent. It will also restore the • We’re successfully trying a new write to Senator Fielding (Family First) staff-elected director position to the meeting venue at a local coffee bar. urging him to support the bill. People seem more interested in a dry ABC Board. meeting if they can drink coffee at the same time. Drusi Megget

Cowper

Not a great deal to report this quarter. The committee has been busy discussing our end of year get together and preliminary planning for major events for 2010. We have approached Dr Richard Hil, who has accepted, and he in turn is going to ask his friend George Negus to also speak on the subject “The Demise of the Public Intellectual”. A few months back FABC Cowper participated in “Breakfast by the River”. This event is held annually and is a big draw card for people around the Mid North Coast and especially people from around Nambucca Heads. With a backdrop like the photo….why would you not ‘have brekky by the river’. During the morning our President, Tony Waugh, noticed the station manager for ABC Mid North Coast, Cameron Marshal. Tony took the opportunity to introduce himself and to acquaint Cameron to what the FABC are doing and to make him aware of the many things that we do in this area and nationally. It is good to see how much management has changed in their attitude and relations with FABC. This seemed to happen after our concerns were expressed to Mark Scott at our regional conference in 08. Martin Miller Vice President, FABC Cowper.

Page 9 THE FALL OF ROME: MEDIA AFTER EMPIRE

A.N. Smith Memorial Lecture in And standing up to critics who, in with others, respond to it – positively Journalism 2009 by MARK SCOTT the face of their own competitive or negatively? Engage with it? And Managing Director Australian pressure, will turn against the public can they experience that content Broadcasting Corporation . broadcaster. Attacking our content, where they are? our funding, our right to exist. At the ABC, it doesn’t really matter Wednesday 14 October 2009 The Murdoch speech in the UK to us how people experience the 6.30 pm, University of Melbourne attacking the BBC in recent weeks sets content we create or curate. What This is an edited version of Mark up arguments we can expect to matters is that we are putting content Scott’s address. He opened with an emerge here, rolled out by the usual into the media mix that people find analysis of the media empires of the suspects. engaging and compelling, unique, past, and why their time has come, The ABC faces the challenge all distinctive – and that we make sure largely as a result of the internet publishers and broadcasters face to there are no barriers to their seeing it. revolution. He continues: not just be an oracle, espousing the Part of this transformation Much of the content, most of it, facts and analysis as we see it, but to internally is a view about our online nearly all of it when you look at the create space for our audiences to content. Unlike other media totality of the web – will be free. speak to share their knowledge and organisations, we don’t need to bring It will certainly be free online at the insights, their creativity and audiences back to our home page so ABC. We run the most comprehensive ingenuity. To embed a user-generated we can sell traffic to advertisers, to get news operation in the country, with the clicks to monetise. More than 8 more reporters locally, nationally and million Australians are now spending internationally than anyone else. increasing time each month on Facebook. We report the news, break news and The only media provide space for analysis and organisations that will And at the ABC, we are now commentary. The public pays for the survive will be those creating widgets so people can take ABC to deliver distinctive, quality ABC content they like – content they content to them – and if it is content who know and accept helped pay for – and allow them to we are creating and packaging for that all the rules have share it through their own social them now, they are entitled to view changed. networks. They become our that content free of charge. distributors. We are restructuring our entire At the ABC, at times, we are gripped operations around our ability to by a fear that we will not have done deliver on that commitment: content experience at the same time enough, we will not have been redesigning the way our newsrooms as holding on to our brand, our nimble, we will have been too operate, creating new services like our values, our integrity. protective and defensive, that we will continuous news online and our We recognise that younger not have been fast enough or bold internet television service, iView. audiences, with so much more media enough to meet the challenges of the And as our content is paid for by choice than their parents or times. the public and the public also grandparents, lack brand loyalty. They So we are reengineering our currently pays for the distribution of will simply pursue the information newsrooms to deliver quality news our content through terrestrial and entertainment they want, from when our audience wants it, not just broadcasts, we will be fighting for wherever they can get it, whenever when we schedule it. Turning our that content to continued to be they can get it. And further to user- local radio stations into media hubs – accessed free, including through the generated content, many younger full of content generated for national broadband network. 8 people every day are creating and broadband, user-generated content, Today at the ABC we face plenty of sharing media, simply through social- being a community town square. challenges. In a way we are a media media and sharing videos, through to Declaring war on silos and insulated giant of our own and face very real far more elaborate and complex thinking. Being audience, not demands in this new environment. creations. organisationally-centred. It affects the Like how a public broadcaster created The key to all this is content, of way we organise ourselves, the way in an era of media scarcity survives in course. Do you have what people we work together and cooperate, the an era of media plenty – how to be want to see, read, hear? And then will way we partner with others, the way heard amidst the clutter? they want to talk about it, share it we need to cede some space, some

Page 10 control to our audiences to remain solutions will be found through not five delivered into your living compelling and relevant. If we are to legacy thinking. So let me now make room. And what that means for survive as anything more than a shell a number of hesitant suggestions: television. And what tonight’s – a legacy broadcaster, an empire in #1: The only media organisations television schedule means when - at decline – this is what we must do. that will survive will be those who the touch of your remote or on your Certainly we see ourselves at the know and accept that all the rules mobile phone – you can watch any ABC playing an important role in have changed. That the media program aired in the last two weeks. meeting some of these needs. But we business has gone from one of the But more than that, we are asking: all know for sure, there is a greater most simple to one of the most what is television? What is radio? In thirst for knowledge, for insight, for complex. Only those who can see doing so, we are questioning entertainment, for engagement, for now what many generals only see nothing less than the very viewing and sharing media today after devastating loss – that the tactics foundations upon which the ABC than at any other time in history. that won them the last battle might has been built over the course of 77 Never has the audience been bigger. just be the ones that deliver them years. You have to be ready to be Never has news travelled faster, or defeat in the next. truly bold. been more accessible in more places Survivors will be those who face up We were successful in persuading more quickly. Never has a big news to how the world is, not as they Government to get behind our story reached larger audiences in might want it to be. And who are efforts to create more Australian more ways. Ways of telling stories, determined to secure a future in that drama, yet we are at the same time making them immediate and new media world, not just squeeze looking at future forms of narrative, compelling and alive, have never out a few more years’ profits, not just with initiatives in games, whose been more vibrant.The opportunities milk the business till the CEO’s stories appeal so powerfully to the to connect and engage have never retirement and the Board moves on. generations coming through. been more exciting. Even if you are not able to do so Why? Because we want a future You have a right to be asking by today, it will get you thinking about ABC to be a part of their lives, just as now – am I offering any solutions? being ready to move into that space it is for their parents and There are few certainties, but one in future. At the ABC, we are thinking grandparents now. thing that is certain is that no of a world of ten thousand channels, #2: Successful organisations will be

Page 11 endlessly inquisitive about the new, within the ABC with content from would testify that despite all the understanding that no-one knows without, the pro–am model we end revolution in the media world the old where the next breakthrough idea or up with the most powerful content line is true “we have seen the enemy technology will come from. You don’t possible. and it is us”. That in our just need to find creative partners – We are still working on getting the organisations, if we could only agree you need to let them do what they do balance right. on a strategy that was widely –not purchase them and crush them, understood and stick with it and we Yet it’s only by maintaining a as many leading media organisations worked together – putting all the old strong editorial role that we’ll do, but give them space in a strategic internal battles and turf wars behind reinforce, not undermine, the ABC alliance to inform you, to build your us – we would give ourselves a far brand. Even Wikipedia’s Jimmy understanding and help you find new better chance. Wales acknowledges that the secret is audiences in new ways. in the edit – which might explain The fate of our media organisations, This can mean a different approach why an aggregating site which has our industry, our future – will be to innovation, that I admit is easier at acquired such a huge community of determined by us. a public broadcaster. Being willing to users - The Huffington Post – lists 62 At the ABC we are constantly at innovate and take risks so that we can editors and just 4 reporters. We’d work on this. Thinking through what produce a social benefit through the shoot for a slightly different ratio it means to be a public broadcaster in ABC is a responsibility that comes ourselves! a digital age. Working out what it with not having to produce a means to reach more Australians in financial profit. more ways more often. To enrich We invest - not because a profit will I suspect historians every Australian’s life. To be the town be there - but because an audience will look back on the square. might be there, someday. That is why closing years of this We are committed to learning how unapologetically we have embraced to work with each other, to respect Twitter – uncertain if it is a revolution decade and say this was each other, to learn from each other. or a fad, particularly since the gap the time when the It has generated some comment, between the hype and the has-been media world shook some cynicism, but finally I think has never been so narrow. Yet it is just that the establishment of key where our future audiences and where business models organisational values at the ABC - communities may choose to spend failed, where technology Integrity, Respect, Collegiality, their media time. And we need to be Innovation - has helped us think there – with those audiences. empowered, and when about how we need to work to deliver #3: Successful organisations will be opportunities erupted. our future. willing to empower their audiences to The ABC is currently 77 years old. I contribute, to create and to share expect we will see 100. And when we media. Will cede power to audiences And we have to come to terms with are 100, I suspect historians will look to gain engagement and respect. They the undeniable fact that for the scoop back on the closing years of this will be willing to let other voices to on many news events, we cannot hope decade and say this was the time be heard. They will learn how to to compete with the “audience”. We when the media world shook where protect brand integrity whilst need to team up with them. business models failed where entrusting their brand to others. They have time, opportunity – technology empowered and when particularly with that powerful, instant To a degree everyone is doing this, opportunities erupted. Where new but the greatest success will come publishing double act, Twitter and Twitpic – and they have the numbers. futures emerged through all the when an audience, long treated with despair, loss and uncertainty. an oligipolist’s disdain, is treated with #4: Part of the protection of media real respect and the contribution is assets will come through I fear I have ended up taking longer seen as a valued contribution. The diversification, as has been the case than Gibbon. So let me conclude here simple fact is that young audiences – with News and The Washington Post. with a line I use often at the ABC – the future of every media Commercial media have found the words of John Schaar who said organisation, including the ABC – themselves long in assets greatly the future is not the place we are have the tools and now the threatened by this revolution, like going, it is a place we are making. The experience and the expectation to newsprint and free-to-air television, paths to the future are made not create and share media. with no other growth story, will found, and the process of making them changes both us and our final They do it with their friends, they remain greatly challenged. destination. want to do it with us. It is how they And finally #5: The great challenge connect and belong. And the media on all this is to start within, on areas Despite all that has happened to organisation that doesn’t make of culture and behaviours. Recognising them and is happening now, the fate audience contribution a central part your old internal fiefdoms came from of our organisations lies with us: our of their strategy, fades to black. We another world. I am constantly struck strategic insight, how we can work recognised immediately that by by conversations with people across a together. Our courage, our boldness, mixing content that comes from range of media organisations who our imagination.

Page 12 a long time been tolerant of tied funding. It is a position FABCs should perhaps reconsider, notwithstanding LETTERS to the risks to ABC funding. Distortion of output and of structure are an increasingly obvious result, due to the need to have a commercial outlet for outsourced drama and documentaries, the EDITOR and due to governments funding only what gives an electoral dividend. Another consequence is to ease any ABC falls far short academic delivery of suitable duration decision to flog it off. If anything, such and format, presented by carefully distortions increase the pressure for My concern is the lack of serious selected commentators, with input from discussion by the ABC of problems with commercialisation. So while Labor has practitioners, MPs, staffers, etc. Such a so far been considerably more the Australian Constitution, the country's program is something quite different political system and its electoral systems. generous to the ABC than I’d thought from make-belief programs whereby likely, it has only been so in two areas As an educator of the community the actors play the roles of MPs and ABC falls far short on enlightening the both likely to provide a political staffers, like "Party animals" or similar, dividend by the next election. electorate about (a) how the existing which have been aired in recent years. I systems work (b) what the problems are think this can be done and that it would Newman's and Scott's vindictiveness with these systems, and (c) what be much appreciated by viewers and over the Chaser issue were not strategies are advocated by critics to listeners provided that the sessions are evidence of good or enlightened move in a different direction. Critical informative, objective, non-party leadership. Indeed, it is difficult to political education in Australia is woefully political and not typically academic. have confidence in the integrity of inadequate altogether but an either, for reasons discussed on the independent broadcaster could take on Yours sincerely, List. However the focus on exploiting the role of providing information. A Dr. Klaas Woldring, new technologies by both they and special program could be run called Associate Professor, Political Science Balding/McDonald was and is crucial. "Australia's political system - how can it and Management, They appear to be continuing the be improved?" and/or "What kind of Southern Cross University (ret) Howard approach to the intellectual Republic?" Sessions should take on a Pearl Beach, NSW, 2256 section of the ABC, specifically Radio comparative character and not just be Thank you, Klaas, for your thought- National. Radio National's entire comparative in an Anglo fashion, limited provoking contribution to what should network annual promotional budget is to the English-speaking world. The ABC negligible, precisely because the over- undoubtedly be a debate throughout the could play a major role in taking the lead 50s to whom it appeals will stay for as country. (Ed.) in this process thereby stimulating wider long as the quality is there. debate in the media. The public needs to Podcasting/vodcasting is directed more be encouraged asking themselves A different approach to a new, younger audience. Re- questions about the system, e.g. the signing The Chaser on ABC TV for just adversarial two-party system (why do I felt that I should delay no longer in one year cost the ABC $6 million after a we have that, what are the problems with recognising Mal's generosity in printing bidding war with the commercial it?); the functional amateurism of an article of mine in the last Update. stations - a third of RN's entire budget, Ministers (what is it so and how can it be While open differences of opinion can be and nearly a third of the expected done differently?); the inflexibility of the destructive, they can also expose annual cost of ABC3. matters that are being neglected or badly Australian Constitution as a result of It would also seem best to be honest handled, or perhaps simply in need of a which we have an archaic document that about the divide between NSW, ACT is out of touch with the society it is different approach. It should never ever and SA on one hand, and Vic FABC meant to serve; why should we battle on be a requirement of such debate that it and its (politically and operationally with a federal system that is no longer conforms to the convenience of invisible) satellites on the other. appropriate? There are at least five or six particular groups within the organisation, No staff-elected director position is at major subsidiary systemic issues that whether those of the board or committee all likely to be created in the seem far removed from the public's or management or anyone else. In this foreseeable future without a continuing knowledge and are not tackled by the case, the exchanges between I and campaign. It is now very obvious that major parties. others would seem to have led to a rapprochement that appears to be the Government has no intention of It is very important for the ABC to universally beneficial to the organisation creating a position to which the ABC's tackle this as it would move the and all involved. It can only assist NSW Chairman M. Newman is clearly deeply organisation in the direction of objective FABC in handling important ABC issues. hostile. It is fascinating that all these political education, NOT indoctrination. senior and affluent people trumpet the The nation has to be politically educated Notwithstanding the criticisms of the virtues of democracy, yet ensure that in the most comprehensive, and ABC, that someone like John Howard their deliberations are not polluted by impartial manner. The ignorance of the (who worked so hard to destroy an any democratic worker-representative general public in this respect is independent ABC) should have been presence. Indeed, the regular disputes absolutely staggering. We are talking willing to appear on The Howard Years, between the staff-elected directors and here about political science for the and encourage others to appear, the Board demonstrates the lack of general public, "Why is it so?" type indicates how the ABC has become an regard successive Boards have had programs, both on radio and TV, based institution. towards the employees and their on appropriate topics, appropriate non- FABCs, like the ABC Board, have for knowledge and experience.

Page 13 Also, the point made by Darce about the excessive cost of the Macquarie broadcasting arrangements would seem Reviving the Radio eminently worthy of investigation. We will all have heard of how while the “Macquarie model” is broken, the Macquarie Group is even at the end National Imbroglio gouging as much as possible from its satellites before sending them back towards Earth at great cost to the Peter Pockley * Across in TV, the most dramatic shareholders. execution was of the entire Natural ore than 12 months since History Unit which had developed Finally, I can't emphasise too strongly major changes to specialist world-renowned and locally popular that achieving any worthwhile result will programs on Radio National require self-confidence and M expertise with wildlife programs were revealed in dramatic assertiveness. But, as with climate which were solidly based on scientific circumstances, ABC management, change, there are also consequences research. Last year, too, management from top to middle ranks, have yet to for doing nothing. While Zaphod approved the sacking (euphemistically Beeblebrox's sunglasses spared the produce any evidence or significant “surplus to requirements”) of Dr wearer any feelings of anxiety or arguments for making changes which Richard Smith, one of Australia’s most distress by going dark in the presence caused such a hue and cry from the outstanding producers of science- of danger, the question does arise as to listening public. Management gave based documentaries; e.g. his widely whether such a feature was always the the impression then and, by acclaimed Crude. Many other in-house best option. continuing silence, now that the producers were also shown the door My thanks to the NSW Friends for consequential issues were trivial and as ABC discarded its own dedicated your willingness to hear my views. worthy of only being swept under the band of professionals in favour of carpet of responsibility to an audience Roger Raven “outsourcing”, a move that enshrines Former President, which is broadly supportive of public lack of continuity in core WA Friends of the ABC broadcasting. programming. The sole remaining in- Managing Director Mark Scott house science program on TV, seems to give every impression of Catalyst, keeps its end up well but has considering this a marginal matter its “seasons” limited, having been while he played bigger games with pushed into “summer recess” this year CALLING government for increased funding. before the start of November. Having had some welcome success in Dedicated, long-term specialisation ALL this campaign he would do well to provides the heartbeat and circulation mend fences with his critics over the of a network like Radio National and ARGONAUTS RN imbroglio. the battering its value has taken in First, let us recall what was at stake the past two years is nothing short of Friends of the National Film and when an internal decision was made national tragedy in the making. Sound Archive, Canberra, is to drop several programs from the While Scott adds resources to the creating a register of former 2009 line-up. The axing of internet, the medium he best Argonauts, the famous ABC Radio Wednesday morning’s The Religion understands, RN is forced to “make Club for children in the 1950s and Report was uncovered internally with do” with static or relatively shrinking 1960s, which at its peak had an abrupt memorandum to staff support. 100,000 members. which was leaked by affected, The RN issue showed that Scott, in The objective of the project is to outraged staffers and dramatised by a kind of Napoleonic gesture, had find former Argonauts, their club Stephen Crittenden’s explosive over-reached when he appointed names, and some details of the revelation “live” on air. himself Editor-in-Chief of ABC programs. This record of But RR was not the only casualty as programs. He has far too many other information will enhance an two other morning programs with responsibilities as head honcho to be important piece of Australia’s specialist focus, The Media Report and able to comprehend the depth of a history and is a wonderful The Sports Factor, were also summarily flagship like RN. When his middle opportunity for Argonauts to canned. The Science Unit suffered yet managers had made a mess of reconnect with some terrific selecting programs for the chop and memories of their youth. another blow with the silencing of In Conversation on Thursday evenings, a of implementing the changes he beat If you, or family and friends, were fine long-form interview program a retreat into silence. He eventually Argonauts, please pass on this with Robyn Williams which came to realise the seriousness for his opportunity to register. The status and almost certainly exercised website address is: personalised scientists. Management pressure leading to the sudden www.archivefriends.org.au/ had form in reducing the science index.php/argonauts- output with their previous closure of departure of Sue Howard as Director registration-form Earthbeat, the weekly environment of Radio (as a whole, not only of RN). report, and The Buzz, also a weekly, I got close to this action as a result this time on technology. of my letters to the editors of The

Page 14 Sydney Morning Herald and The middle managers had failed so to be sufficiently well qualified to Australian Financial Review, conspicuously to do when crafting earn the respect of specialist broadcast summarising my lengthier their plan for axing some specialist staff and the wider community. correspondence, addressed to Scott programs. While he may have Secondly, the composition of the personally, but marked as “Open thought this put paid to the matter, ABC Board needs amendment to Letters” in an ultimately failed his letter did not advance any make it manifestly expert in attempt to get ABC management to evidence or argument for the changes broadcasting, not merely in engage in genuinely public debate. beyond Howard’s flaccid reply. supervising management. The Act When Howard eventually responded Sure enough, the head of steam should require a majority of members for Scott, her letter failed totally to over the RN closures did dissipate in to have significant broadcasting answer any specific point in my the public arena but at the expense of experience. The government’s long- letters and ignored a long list I a weakened RN coverage. Former delayed, recent decision to re-instate a provided of criticism from other specialist editor, ABC Religion, Dr staff-elected Board member is a useful sources in the print media. Howard’s Paul Collins gave vent to this in a start but that appointee will require letter appears to have been her final well-documented survey of major backing from others with similar act before walking out the ABC’s door developments in religion since the RR experience. Together, they should for good a week before Christmas. was closed which have been ignored ensure the pre-eminence of broadcast My response was addressed again to in ABC programs. (See Paul’s article in programs over ancillary services like Scott and he eventually replied by this issue of Update) the web. mail but placed a ban on the letter What can be done as remedy? First, being copied or circulated. By this act Scott should doff his Editor-in-Chief Scott revealed unambiguously that he hat and anoint in his stead a highly * Dr Peter Pockley became the ABC’s first would not engage the critics and experienced and respected specialist science broadcaster and confirmed that he was in no mood to broadcaster/editor to exert oversight founding head of the Science Unit. Forty consult with bodies in the and catalytic insertion of fresh ideas five years on, the Unit survives, though community who were erstwhile in content and not merely be a substantially shrunken. He remains an strong backers of specialist programs disciplinarian chasing errors of fact or active science correspondent, now like religion and science, just as his judgement. This senior officer needs mainly in print media.

public approval for ABC's Going content - and the chief up: executive's salary

Ari Sharp Mr Scott, a former Fairfax Media and those who agreed quality Communications Correspondent senior executive, caused controversy programming was delivered by ABC earlier this month when he declared the radio was up 4 per cent to 69 per cent. Sydney Morning Herald public broadcaster would aggressively October 28, 2009 But critics of Mr Scott's internet plans expand its online presence despite get some support for their case by the The ABC chief, Mark Scott, was given a objections from commercial media fact that the only indicator to decline pay rise of at least $30,000 last year but figures that it would hurt their ability to was the percentage of people who his chairman, Maurice Newman, has make money on the internet. thought ABC online was providing taken a pay cut, the broadcaster's annual The annual report also revealed that quality content. That figure was down 2 report has revealed. Australians are more satisfied with the per cent, to 89 per cent. In his third year as managing director, ABC's performance than they were a Complaints to the national Mr Scott's pay reached between year ago, according to a survey that will broadcaster fell more than 20 per cent $645,000 and $659,999, up from the embolden the national broadcaster in its to 32,130 last financial year, with the $600,000 to $614,999 he was paid a expansion plans for TV, radio and online. most complained about program being year earlier. Figures gathered for the ABC by The Chaser's War on Everything, which But pay to the next best rewarded Newspoll found 89 per cent of people caused 4995 complaints, putting it at director, presumed to be Mr Newman, a value the broadcaster and its services to the top of the list for a second year former investment banker and stock the community, up 1 per cent. running. exchange chairman, fell from between Those who believe quality The reason for the shifts in pay were $150,000 and $164,999 to between programming was provided by ABC not explained in the broadcaster's $135,000 and $149,999. television was steady at 82 per cent, annual report.

Page 15 State and Regional Branches

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