UpdateApril 2016 Vol 24, No. 1 Thrice Yearly Newsletter

Since the election of the Abbott/Turnbull Government, the ABC has LOST: STOP THE • Almost $500m in funding, and almost 500 jobs, including many senior staff • The Australia Network (ABC Television broadcasts into Asia and Pacific), & 72 jobs CHOP! • Much of the reach and diversity of Radio Australia • TV production facilities in Adelaide and Hobart (Brisbane and Perth had already gone) • ABC Shops CUTBACKS have included: • Televised sports broadcasts • Classic FM Live Broadcasts (50%) • Foreign Correspondent • Regional news bulletins and state news rooms • Regional radio (12 studios closed) • Specialist programming units (50%) ALSO AXED • State 7.30 Programs • At the Movies • RN Specialist Programs – Bush Telegraph, Hindsight, Encounter, Poetica, First Bite, • Into the Music, 360 Documentaries, YOUR ABC IS By Design, The Media Report. As a Footnote, the Rudd/Gillard Labor Government increased ABC Funding BEING GUTTED by $130m

From the President 2 Mark Scott says goodbye 8 Snapshot of the ABC 12 Inside ABC Friends National Mark Scott to PM: Don’t break State News 12 Delegation to Canberra 4 your word on ABC funding 9 NSW Branch News 16 Update ABC braces for budget cuts National Campaign Battered broadcaster’s as Mark Scott exits 9 is set to go 5 Bolt delusion 18 Quentin Dempster on a The anti-ABC phobia of Merger of ABC and SBS 6 Gerard Henderson 10 Update From the Editor Publication Information (and NSW President) Update is published three times a year by Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. elcome to this special pre- THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN election issue of Update. All Print Post approved: PP245059/00002. The National Fighting Fund of almost ABC Friends branches are Extracts from newspapers and other W $150,000, contributed by many concerned preparing to raise public awareness of the publications appearing in Update do Australians, will be brought into play not necessarily reflect the views of the desperate situation in which the Abbott/ immediately, with the employment of a members of ABC Friends. Turnbull Government has placed the ABC, National Campaign Co-Ordinator, the Update is distributed to all members of as it has starved our national broadcaster production and distribution of badges, ABC Friends as part of the membership of sufficient funds to fulfil the most basic banners, stickers and T-shirts, and the fee. Update is also supplied to requirements of its Charter, particularly journalists, politicians and libraries launch of a song and publicity material on in relation to the provision of services to across Australia. both mainstream and social media. Ranald ALL Australians, wherever they may be. Update is edited and produced in Macdonald, Convenor of the Friends Action Our focus in the election campaign will Sydney and contributions are welcome Committee, reports in this Update on the from state and regional branches. Email be upon what has been lost, as we seek campaign, and we are grateful to the many your contribution (in Microsoft Word) to undertakings from candidates from every Friends volunteers who are working so [email protected] or post to above party that they will support the restoration address. hard to make this campaign as effective of the funding which has been taken Material may be quoted or reproduced and far-reaching as possible. Please note away. It is interesting to note that, as a from Update provided the source is that you can still contribute to the Fighting acknowledged and reproduction is sent result of the cuts, the ABC now costs Fund through the national website on www. to the Editor at the above email or postal every Australian LESS THAN 10c per abcfriends.org.au address. day. There is concern within the ABC that funding for the next triennium will see Would you like to receive FRIENDS GO TO CANBERRA further cuts – we await the May budget Update newsletter with little confidence that the government On 1st March, all Friends State Presidents electronically? will be sympathetic! descended on Canberra in order to spend Save the planet’s trees and ABC Friends’ printing and postage costs and read Update on your tablet or computer. When Update is published, you will receive an email with a link to the latest issue (each newsletter is a 2-3MB PDF). You can try this now by going to www.fabcnsw.org.au and clicking on “Newsletter”. If you prefer this delivery option for future Updates please contact your local state branch (see back page).

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Update Editor - Mal Hewitt PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 [email protected] Assistant Editor - Chris. Cartledge [email protected] Cartoonist - Phil Somerville Editorial Cartoonist for The Sun-Herald (Sydney) [email protected] Layout Artist - Paul Martens [email protected]

Page 2 a day talking to as many members and for Friends to strengthen links with The has appreciated greatly Mark Scott’s senators as possible, and to attend the Australia Institute. The full report may be openness and willingness to engage launch of a report on the ABC by The found on the Friends website. with Friends on many ABC issues, and Australia Institute. National Spokesperson to attend our conferences and meetings, Margaret Reynolds reports on the visit SUBMISSION TO the SENATE in marked contrast to some previous in this Update, and whilst it is extremely INQUIRY MDs. We feel that he has led the ABC difficult to have meetings with our well throughout a period of rapid change ABC Friends has made a submission, representatives on a very busy sitting and enormous challenge, especially in prepared by Margaret Reynolds and day, our presence at Parliament House, establishing the ABC’s pre-eminence Ranald Macdonald, to the Senate and the invitations issued, ensured that over its commercial rivals in the digital Inquiry into the ABC Amendment (Rural our advocacy for the ABC was noted by era. His advocacy for and defence of and Regional Advocacy) Bill, 2015, many. the ABC in the regular Senate Estimates which would, in effect, force the ABC hearings in Canberra has been a hallmark to reallocate additional resources and THE AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE of his time as Managing Director, and services to regional Australia. The ABC REPORT whilst Friends has not always agreed with points out that it already spends one third Management’s priorities in the allocation This body, headed by Ben Oquist, is a of its budget in rural and regional areas, of diminishing resources, and has non-political research institute which has and is resistant to any proposal to legislate expressed concern at the management already produced some useful papers specific amounts of spending. The full of staff redundancies, we recognise the on a range of issues. On 2nd March, Friends Submission is also on the Friends importance and value of Mark’s leadership Parliament House was the venue for the website. in one of the most public and difficult of launch of “No Politics at Aunty’s Table jobs in Australia. Our best wishes go with – Depoliticising the Governance of the THE MARK SCOTT ERA him as he leaves. ABC.” Hosted by Andrew Wilkie (Tas. DRAWS TO A CLOSE Independent MHR) and attended by Friends will be seeking a very early The ABC’s Managing Director, Mark several politicians, the paper, written by meeting with Michelle Guthrie, the new Scott, is soon to leave the position he has Fergus Pitt, discusses the depoliticising Managing Director. occupied for the last 10 rather turbulent of the ABC Charter, the ABC Board, the years, under 5 Prime Ministers (Howard, And now, we have an election campaign appointment process and ABC funding, Rudd, Gillard, Abbott and Turnbull) to fight, with your help. along with the implications for regional and some challenging Ministers, from Mal Hewitt Australia. It was a valuable opportunity Richard Alston to Mitch Fifield. Friends President, NSW & ACT Friends

Page 3 ABC Friends National Delegation to Parliament House Canberra MARCH 2ND 2016

Margaret Reynolds ABC Friends National Spokesperson

The ABC FRIENDS National Delegation met in Canberra on March 1st and 2nd to launch the year’s election campaign for parliamentary recognition of public broadcasting as essential to Australian democracy. In the months leading up to the Federal Election, ABC FRIENDS will be campaigning to ensure that all candidates and recontesting parliamentarians commit to the ABC as the independent voice of Australia. Ranald Macdonald (Vic), Margaret Reynolds (Tas), Mark Hayes (Qld), Jessica Knight (SA), Mal Hewitt (NSW), Ross McDowell (Qld) In recent years there has been significant reduction in funding resulting in the loss vast majority of the public finds value and Representatives also focused on specific of senior professional broadcasters a wide range of stakeholders rely on its state concerns, with state presidents and program makers as well as political continued charter fulfilment. The increased giving details of their local experience of interference which has threatened the politicisation of its charter, funding and staffing retrenchments, and the end of ABC’s independence. governance in recent years is an affront to local television production and reduced public support. The key to lifting the ABC local news services. Western Australia Therefore it is important that ABC above ideological battles is to manifest demonstrated the serious impact at State FRIENDS rally to conduct a national its public and stakeholder support into level with images of the new Perth ABC campaign which highlights the value of the formal processes of wide engagement, office which now stands virtually empty. national broadcaster to all Australians. particularly around funding and board Such wastage and loss of professionalism In Canberra, State Presidents from appointments.” within the public broadcaster is replicated all States met to discuss the National around Australia with increasing The Forum, hosted by Member Campaign and meet with a number of concentration on a Sydney-centric ABC. for Denison and ABC Friend (TAS) parliamentarians to communicate our key Andrew Wilkie, attracted a number of Ranald Macdonald and Margaret Reynolds concerns: parliamentarians and staff. met with Deputy Prime Minister and - Triennial Funding which enables the ABC National Party Leader, Barnaby Joyce, Throughout the day the ABC FRIENDS to meet its commitments under its Charter. and established important new contacts national delegation met individually with in ministerial offices. Graeme Connolly and - Guaranteed Regional Funding to ensure Members and Senators from all States Mal Hewitt met with ALP Shadow Minister that all Australians can access services and the ACT. Copies of the Submission for Communications, Jason Clare, and and programs. to the Senate Standing Committee on Bobbie Mackley with Greens Shadow - Greater commitment to Australian Environment and Communications on Minister for Communications, Senator content in television programming. the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Scott Ludlam. These meetings are an Amendment (Rural and Regional Agency) The main event for the National Delegation essential component of our 2016 National Bill 2015 were presented. in Parliament House was a Forum with the Campaign. Australia Institute, “What Do Australians Traditionally, in order to build trust between It is also essential that as ABC Friends Expect from their ABC?” where The ABC Friends and our parliamentary nationwide we promote the importance Australia Institute launched their latest representatives, such meetings are of the Parliamentary ABC Friends group. report - “No Politics at Aunty’sTable” - not reported in detail. However, state While we were impressed by the level of Depoliticising the Governance of the ABC presidents will of course be reporting the support for the ABC within the Parliament, by Fergus Pitt. general themes of their discussions to this needs to be actively demonstrated on members. This report concluded that: “Support for a regular basis to guarantee government the ABC is remarkably widespread. The Discussions with Members and commitment.

Page 4 MEMBERS OF Bobbie Mackley (WA) Ross Mc Dowell (QLD) THE ABC FRIENDS Jessica Knight (SA) Mark Hayes (QLD) NATIONAL Graeme Connelly (VIC) Ken Hall (QLD) DELEGATION TO Catherine Henderson (ACT) Ranald Macdonald (VIC) PARLIAMENT National Campaign Manager Mal Hewitt (NSW) HOUSE CANBERRA Margaret Reynolds (TAS) March 2016 Phil Greenidge (NSW) National Spokesperson)

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN IS SET TO GO and we need all Friends to be part of this

We anticipate continued lack of needed ability to embrace new technology and Ranald Macdonald funding in the Federal Budget and the to compete with commercial interests Convenor, Friends Triennial Funding commitments - though exceedingly difficult. Action Committee perhaps there will be a clever little sop to • We applaud what the ABC leadership regional coverage needs. and Management have done with The fact is that we have been cut $500 reduced funding to ‘paper over the BC Friends has been working million, lost approaching 500 jobs and the cracks’, but are opposed to the to try to get the politicians to international reporting of the ABC, Radio increasingly Sydney-centralism of our realise that the ABC needs more A Australia and the Australian voice to our National Broadcaster. It has been the funding, political independence and Northern neighbours have been destroyed. result of Government funding cuts, support for its role as a vital part of the BUT it has had a detrimental effect on Australian media landscape. We - ABC Friends - will be: the ABC’s connection with us all. A trustworthy, courageous and authentic • Appointing a National Campaign voice in a commercial media world Coordinator this month where profits and ratings rule, and • Providing to all ABC Friends and Please check in Australians are left unrepresented. Supporters information they can use to on our National Friends website seek answers and demand support from Meeting with politicians, sending www.abcfriends.com.au and local political candidates about the future out press releases and speaking at encourage your friends to do resourcing of the ABC meetings (as we have been doing) can so and to donate - or become achieve a little - but the REAL impact on • Launching a National campaign members. Governmental decision-making depends through social media and with paid This is a fight for the future of on you, the wonderful and committed advertisements to promote the need the ABC as an independent and pool of dedicated ABC supporters. for proper funding of the ABC, so it can effective national broadcaster - meet its Charter obligations to serve all Each State and Territory organisation and alternative Australian voice Australians of ABC Friends is calling on YOU - our to its commercial and critical Members and Supporters - to lobby, • Funding has fallen in real terms by 25% competitors. to protest, to fight for the future of a over the last 30 years and almost 500 YOU’LL BE HEARING strong, well-funded and independent jobs lost as political considerations and FROM US ABC. broken promises have made the ABC’s

Page 5 like a fully commercial TV network), that would be a great benefit. SBS could then concentrate on its clear Charter purpose: multi-cultural and multi-lingual broadcasting in television, radio and online. At the moment the current SBS Board and management have a strategy to fully commercialise the broadcaster with a separate advertorial ‘food’ channel to enhance advertising revenues. This might be a little better than a home shopping channel but the hunt for revenue over time will distort SBS’ real purpose. With the population of Australia expected to grow to 40 million by 2055 on current projections, an adequately funded multi-cultural QUENTIN DEMPSTER broadcaster is a justified taxpayer investment in national cohesion. Newcomers need to feel included on a Merger of by seeing and hearing news, current affairs, sport, entertainment and general programming in the languages of their ABC and SBS country of origin including programs specially made for them. We don’t need a fully commercial SBS competing with the free-to-air TV networks for ad revenue the networks now desperately need for their Quentin Dempster, A ‘merger’ of ABC, SBS and NITV is financial survival as over-the-top global former ABC fraught with risk and danger for the smaller video streaming services (Netflix, Stan, broadcaster and public broadcasters. Presto etc) aggressively dislodge and divert public broadcasting If a merger were to result in the liberation their eyeballs. The domestic TV networks advocate, of SBS from its current dependence on contribute significantly to local content told ABC Friends: advertising (which breaks into programs creation but they need all the ad revenue

We do not want to do anything which puts at risk these valuable public broadcasters.

they can get without having a taxpayer subsidised SBS worming in. NITV is now a quality service for indigenous (and all) Australians developing its own distinctive creative culture and programming. I think most people would share my fear that with an ABC management operating with its sometimes haughty indifference, a merged ABC/SBS/NITV entity could quickly degrade the independent creative spark we’re all looking for, particularly for SBS and NITV.

Page 6 If there was to be a ‘merger’ for any potential for abuse of power. Alternatively to ensure separate and operational savings to be derived from SBS must be liberated from independent creative cultures are secured, rationalising current multi channel output, 2. its disastrous dependence on the government of the day could simply legislated protections would be needed: advertising revenue leading SBS to treat legislate to prohibit advertising on SBS (as the current ABC Act does) and adequately SBS, ABC and NITV would require its audience as consumers to be delivered fund each broadcaster to meet its existing structural separation with separate up to advertisers and not multi-cultural 1. Charter obligations. governance arrangements supervising communities and citizens in a now polyglot separate creative cultures for creative Australia. We do not want to do anything which puts staff and commissioning of content. One To be certain about the futures of all three at risk these valuable public broadcasters. commissioning and staffing structure public broadcasters any ‘merger’ or joint They must be sustained through the for all three public broadcasters would operational arrangement (transmission, now disruptive digital revolution because concentrate power in too few hands. production resources, payroll, IT etc) would of their distinctive creativity and nation- A recipe for creative insularity and the have to legislate for this separation. building value.

Your Customised ABC Television Remote Control

Page 7 Fired with enthusiasm from beginning to end: Mark Scott says goodbye

an uncertain, unstable Brian McNair media world. It is the The Conversation - Feb 24, 2016 way of ensuring that the Australian conversations, BC managing director Mark Scott’s culture and stories recent speech to the National that shape our sense A Press Club today had the quietly of Australian identity, confident tone of a CEO who knows are present in the mix. he’s leaving his organisation in broadly Available free-of-charge better shape than he found it; or that at in every Australian home. least he is leaving it in one, reasonably That this mix includes healthy piece. These are turbulent times every sector and niche for all media organisations, and all media of the internet should go executives. without saying, but Scott has Not that the ABC has in recent times repeatedly said it anyway, been a “problem” in the sense that its to those who argue that the opponents often assert. It was always online market should be left to a lean, mean, public service machine, the Murdochs and Berlusconis receiving much less per capita than the of this world, while public service media be The passing of time demonstrates the BBC, while expected to do the same, allowed to sink into stately decline – rather fundamental correctness of his digital rather amazing, kind of thing. In simple like vinyl records in the era of Spotify. strategy. However, it will be up to his terms, its remit is to provide content successor to manage the ABC’s digital and culture that is deemed important consolidation and long-term sustainability and valuable to the Australian nation as in the face of hostility from the private a whole, including but not restricted to His record gives him sector. content that the commercial market will a legitimate platform from not deliver. Scott’s remarks ended with the suggestion which to talk about the that the ABC and SBS should merge, The ABC is not a market-failure utilising the niche-targeting capabilities of organisation – and Scott has often future of public service digital platforms to satisfy the needs and emphasised that point – but a publicly media in Australia, and to demands of what have until now been owned and managed cultural resource in distinctive – if often overlapping – user an increasingly fragmented and chaotic remind those who support groups. media environment where billionaire its values not to take the barons cannot simply be left to their own This reminds me of the Channel 4/ devices. ABC for granted. BBC relationship in the UK, and the issue it raised. In Australian terms, In 30 years the ABC’s share of Australia’s do we really need two public service GDP has fallen by two-thirds, yet it Scott has done his bit to keep the ABC media organisations in a country of regularly attracts public approval ratings both financially viable and culturally just 20 million-plus, when there are in excess of 80% (Newspoll). Scott leaves valuable as one of the world’s most now – because of digital and internet an ABC not in crisis, or decline, but effective and efficient public service media technologies – hundreds if not thousands on the cusp of a digital future in which organisations, leading major digitally of channels available for any language, public service values will be more not less driven reforms which have, as one would ethnic, religious, professional or lifestyle- important. As he put it: expect, been controversial but absolutely oriented niche group we might decide A well-funded ABC is one sure bet in necessary. wants it? Page 8 The taxpayers and media audiences of harm by placing the issue so prominently in Australia, and to remind those who Australia will ultimately determine if the on the agenda. His record gives him a support its values not to take the political will exists to support both the ABC legitimate platform from which to talk ABC for granted. and SBS into the future. But Scott does no about the future of public service media

Sid Maher Mr Scott, in a farewell speech at the broadcasters, particularly those in The Australian - Febr 25, 2016 National Press Club, also revealed that regional areas, faced an onslaught from the ABC and SBS had held secret merger digital competitors and this would lead to talks, and warned that, irrespective of lower levels of Australian content. media law reform, pressure would remain He advocated a merger of the ABC and Mark Scott on commercial operations in the bush. SBS, saying SBS’s distinctiveness could He said both parties had promised at the be preserved and $40m a year saved if to PM: last election to maintain ABC funding. back-office functions were combined. But Tony Abbott’s government had cut He said he had merger talks “some $350 million from ABC spending over five years ago’’ with then SBS managing Don’t break years. director Shaun Brown but the SBS board In comments offering the Prime Minister rejected the idea. your word a chance to redeem the Coalition, Mr It would not be unreasonable to Scott said: “We will see what the Turnbull anticipate, in the next three years, the on ABC government’s commitment to the ABC demise of weekday print editions of and to clear election promises is.’’ some of the nation’s most important funding The ABC is pushing for a $20m-a- newspapers and the closure of many year program initiated by the Gillard regional newspapers, he said. utgoing ABC managing government for enhanced news He said commercial TV networks would director Mark Scott has put services to be continued, warning that also face pressure to reduce their local- O Malcolm Turnbull on notice it represented 10 per cent of the ABC’s content requirements. that cuts to the broadcaster’s funding in news budget. Mr Scott said the greatest challenge to the May budget would be a breach of a Mr Scott, who has led the ABC for the future of the ABC came from the Coalition election promise. 10 years, argued that commercial government.

ABC braces for budget cuts as Mark Scott exits

briefed on possible budget cuts and major, Amanda Meade asked to start making contingency plans award-winning, The Guardian - February 25, 2016 should their budgets be trimmed again. in-depth prime-time (The word from Canberra was that the documentary series like The Killing Turnbull government would not be as Season and George Megalogenis’s ark Scott wasn’t kidding forthcoming as the Gillard government had TV series Making Australia Great – when he told the National been in topping up the ABC’s news coffers compelling award-winning work, unlike MPress Club on Wednesday three years ago.) At risk is an additional anything else on Australian television,” that losing 10% of the ABC’s $200m $20m in tied funding allocated to the ABC Scott told the press club. If the additional news allocation in the May budget each year for three years to create the $60m is not part of the triennial funding would mean “significant cuts to jobs national reporting team, establish the fact package the ABC may see even more and programming” . On Tuesday ABC check unit and boost resources for the reporters walk out the door or News’s executive producers were regions and digital content. “It also funded more programs disappear.

Page 9 of Media Watch presided over by its first By presenter, the acerbic Stuart Littlemore from Tim Bowden 1989-97, in the days before Google when even self-plagiarism was more difficult to pick up. Stuart caught Gerard by going through back issues of his columns, and highlighting in yellow where he had recycled his own invective against the ABC. Again, Henderson denies this ever happened, but it did because I saw it and have a very clear memory, as its impact was both telling and very funny. But then Gerard Henderson doesn’t have much of a sense of humour. Ask Phillip Adams, who has endured long bouts of email polemics with Henderson (who publishes his tedious long-winded email exchanges relentlessly in THE ANTI-ABC his on-line blog). Which reminds me, the right-wing ABC haters are always banging on about ‘Where is the right-wing Phillip Adams’? PHOBIA OF Well they’ve got one, actually, in Phillip. He is fascinated by large C conservatives, and loves to have them on his program. GERARD David Brooks is a regular from the US, Jeffrey Archer, Geoffrey Blainey, Charles Krauthammer, Christopher Hitchens - even Gerard himself. HENDERSON And there have been and continue to be many other conservatives, local and overseas on LNL. WHAT IS IT ABOUT GERARD (NOTE: Perhaps the Sydney Morning I was motivated to contribute this article to HENDERSON AND THE ABC? Herald’s commentator Paul Sheehan might the ABC Friends National Update magazine, also think of joining Henderson at the Oz, by yet another tedious and predictable Did Gerard have an unfortunate experience as his unrelenting lambasting of the ABC is outbreak of bile from Henderson’s spinal with the ABC as a child, and carries the equally irrational, choleric, intolerant – and chord. (I acknowledge the mixed metaphor.) scars for life? Perhaps he never got to be worse, predictable.) The headline in the Inquirer section of The Weekend Australian of 9 January 2016 was: an Argonaut? After all, it IS ‘Our ABC’, or so believe at least 85 per cent of Australians across Whatever it is, he has devoted a great ASHBOLT’S GHOST STILL deal of his working life to bagging the the length and breadth of our wide brown ABC for its frightful lefty bias, the workers land, regularly surveyed by established and HAUNTS AUNTY’S HQ collective running the joint, the lunatics reputable pollsters. Some pollsters boost For heavens sake Gerard, Allan Ashbolt who have taken over the asylum, the lack the national approval rating for the ABC and ‘The Ashbolt Kindergarten’? The of conservative presenters – on and on he into the 90 per cent range. Special Projects Department was invented goes as he has done for the last 40-odd So what on earth is Henderson on about? by a pusillanimous ABC management in years. It seems longer. Where is the clarion call from the general 1972 to neuter this fine broadcaster after Until recently he shot his salvos against public for someone to ‘do’ something his fearless tackling of verboten subjects his favourite aunty (I mean Aunt Sally, the about the ABC? Can you imagine an of the day – the Four Corners program national broadcaster) from the Fairfax Australia without it, left to the commercial exposing a flawed RSL was one, and going group, but in recent times has shifted to networks alone? Yet some of Henderson’s further back to 1962, resisting Government The Australian to join the stable of rabid ilk have actually called for the ABC to be sponsored efforts to get ABC management anti-ABC critics like former Liberal Party abolished! Seriously. to remove the respected Dr Peter Russo flack Chris Kenny and others reflecting I have in the past said that Gerard from the ABC’s list of outside speakers to the uber-right barking-mad policies of the Henderson (who is no fool) somehow give a radio commentary, after he criticised Institute of Public Affairs in Melbourne manages to access his views on the both the Russians AND the Americans for which also hates the ABC with a passion ABC from his spinal cord rather than his lying about the Cuban missile crisis. Indeed that passeth all understanding. One might brain. He dismisses this as simple abuse, at one point, the courageous Ashbolt was have thought that Henderson would be but I think I’m on to something. He has said to be the most censored man in the happier in this collegiate environment, but certainly, over the years, recycled much of ABC. alas, it seems to have made him more his antipathy to the ABC. He was caught As to the infamous ‘kindergarten’, irritable and trenchant about ‘Our ABC’. out in this beautifully in the early years most of its lively souls are now mostly

Page 10 superannuated. They include ABC Friends’ political interviewer for The 7.30 Report a long-held interest in oral history-based Jon Cassidy, Malcolm Long – once head at one stage. Like the rest of the ABC’s programs, and started Radio National’s of ABC Radio and SBS – Peter Fry, Marius comperes from then till now, she was Social History Unit in 1985. In 1987 I was Webb, Liz Fell, Paul Brennan and indeed perceived as left-wing, for the simple asked to front ABC TV’s viewer reaction Mark Aarons, all of whom can hardly be reason she asked hard questions program Backchat for the next eight years, considered menaces to a democratic to every politician appearing on the so I was certainly well positioned to assess society, and who have all made brilliant program. I was compering Backchat what our listeners and viewers (Backchat thought-provoking programs in their time. at the time and recalling a raft of letters did deal with radio as well as television) complaining about Pru’s left wing thought about Aunty. Of course there was The writer Sandra Hall described Allan bias – ‘Our little acid drop’, I recall one criticism of many ABC programs, but I was Ashbolt as ‘the ABC’s conscience in contributor writing .Yet as we know hard pressed to balance the positive letters residence’. David Bowman, a former now, Pru’s own political leadings are with the critical, but ‘Outraged’ of Bexley editor-in-chief of the Sydney Morning well to the right of the left. She is now a was more likely to make it to air against Herald wrote an obituary when Ashbolt sitting member and a Minister in Premier the more anodyne (but appreciated) died in 2005: ‘His survival owed something Mike Baird’s NSW Liberal Government, expressions of love for Aunty ABC and its to the integrity of some ABC chiefs, but and in 1997, with her husband David output. more to his moral courage, his talent for Barnett, wrote a glowing hagiographical broadcasting and skill in the bureaucratic I have wearied you with this summary of biography of their great friend, former infighting.’ ‘the rake’s progress’ through the ABC to Prime Minister John Howard. This, of demonstrate that I got to know the place But in 2016, Henderson actually still has course, is entirely her own business. I pretty well, and cannot imagine a better or the gall to write about the legacy of ‘The mention this, because in my experience, more interesting way to earn a living – even Ashbolt Kindergarten’: though the money was not all that flash. ‘It is this culture that has led to the reality Which was fairly typical of my colleagues in that the ABC is a conservative-free zone, radio and television, who Gerard preferred without a conservative presenter, producer I find it a scary to believe, were plotting the subversion of or editor for any of its prominent TV, radio the civilised world. We were actually flat or on line products’. thought to live in an out making programs over long hours, This is total balderdash Gerard, and you Australia without without claiming overtime. There wasn’t must know it. But it gets worse. He goes a lively, tax-payer any in any case! on, in this petulant blathering waste of I find it a scary thought to live in an newsprint to bag our current managing funded ABC with Australia without a lively, tax-payer funded director Mark Scott – surely one of the ABC with its comprehensive charter to most successful and even-handed chief its comprehensive inform and entertain – yet getting rid of the executives of the ABC in recent times charter to inform ABC is seriously considered by the baying – saying that, ‘It doesn’t matter who hounds of the right who would wish that succeeds Mark Scott. The truth is that no- and entertain upon us. one runs the ABC.’ I forget who it was said this – possibly a Then a week later, in the Inquirer again, colleague – that the mantra of the public he is at it again, attacking Kerry O’Brien broadcaster should be: ‘Thou shalt not for going easy on Labor’s role on offshore the even-handedness of the ABC’s alleged bore’. Some mistakes may be made, but detention of refugees in his book on Paul ‘leftie’ interviewers is simply professional. for Chrissake let’s live a bit dangerously Keating, based on his series of television Pru Goward is a good example. Just rather than succumb to total political interviews with the former PM. And how remember that Gerard, before you correctness. does Henderson introduce O’Brien? As yet again tediously remind us of Kerry And Gerard, (former Howard staffer) – a ‘…a one time press secretary to former O’Brien’s short stint as Gough Whitlam’s final word. Loosen up a bit. You might also Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam…’. press secretary as though that were some consider changing your medication. Stop Oh for God’s sake Gerard, that is a regular dark leftie secret in his past, tainting his recycling all that tediously predictable crap mantra of yours that has absolutely judgments for all time. about the ABC running out of control. nothing to do with O’Brien’s distinguished I have worked at the ABC for more than In many ways it is a very conservative record as a political interviewer who 30 years, first as a radio current affairs organisation, fortunately not quite as challenges the leading lights of all political freelance in Hobart in 1958, then joining straight-jacketed as it was in the days parties without fear or favour. Yet you the staff as a Talks Officer in Tasmania of Sir Talbot Duckmanton, our general range back in history nearly half a century in 1963, going overseas as a foreign manager for 17 years! Those days we do to repeat again and again ‘Kerry O’Brien correspondent in South-East Asia and not want to see again. I don’t think the old (former Whitlam staffer)’ almost every North America from 1965 to 1968, when boy would have thought much of Twitter. time you mention him. Kerry O’Brien is a I was asked to start the radio current But then again, neither do I. journalist – who is far from alone – who affairs program PM in Sydney in 1969. has had a brief stint working in the front A year later, I was moved to the fledgling *Tim Bowden is a modestly superannuated line of politics. This repetition is pathetic. (and yes, Gerard, deliberately irreverent) journalist, author and broadcaster and As to left-wing bias, I always like to quote television current affairs program This Day sometimes kicker against the pricks. the case of Pru Goward, who took over Tonight. By 1974 I moved to the Radio And by God, what pricks there are from Richard Carleton in Canberra as Drama & Features Department to pursue to kick against…

Page 11 SNAPSHOT State News OF THE ABC sitting, I got to go behind the scenes, IN 2014-15 Western Australia walking the ‘corridors of power’, escorted between appointments by parliamentary Visit to Canberra staff for what seemed, and indeed were, considerable distances. Works of art are 84% - Australians I was part of the delegation of 11 ABC everywhere on the walls and in the open Friends who went to Parliament House believe the ABC provides spaces linking the corridors; through the in Canberra on Wednesday, 2nd March. windows can be seen discreet green and a valuable service to the You can read a report about the day shady courtyards. We were one group elsewhere in this newsletter. This was my community (page 26) of many visiting a busy and bustling second visit to the House. The first time, Parliament on that day, a day when the as a visiting member of the public when 71% - Estimated reach division bells seemed to ring frequently. Parliament was in recess, I saw many of ABC services via impressive spaces and interesting displays Catherine Henderson, from Friends ACT, radio, television and (I was also a lot more relaxed!). This time, accompanied me on pre-arranged visits to online (page 26) as an official visitor while Parliament was four WA parliamentarians: Senator Linda 98.49% - Percentage of Australians who can access ABC’s digital television services (page 76) 9.4 million - ABC Television’s average five- city weekly metropolitan reach (page 39) 4.4 million - ABC TV’s total weekly regional reach (page 39) 4.8 million - ABC Radio’s average five-city weekly

metropolitan reach Above: Former WA TV Prod Unit now empty Below: Perth Writers Festival, UWA. (page 49) $1.55M - Net profit generated by ABC Commercial which was returned to programming (page 134)

Source: ABC’s Annual Report 2015 - http://about. abc.net.au/wp-content/ uploads/2015/10/2014-15_ Annual_Report.pdf

Page 12 Reynolds (LIB), Senator Dio Wang (PUP), emphasised how important the ABC is My relaxed meeting with Mark was Senator Scott Ludlam (Greens) and Rick to regional listeners. A number said how assisted by his clear support for the Wilson (LIB), member for O’Connor. I much they wished for more Australian ABC, which included his explanation that presented each with a folder of information drama and fewer BBC repeats, but they his father, the music composer George about the ABC Perth Centre, including understood funding cuts were responsible. Dreyfus, had a very close and enduring photos of the empty TV Production Unit One young man said how unhappy he relationship with the ABC. It was also very – ‘Can We Help?’ was the last in-house had been that Poetica had been axed, evident that Mark Dreyfus was himself a TV program produced in that space. as he had been supposed to be featured keen supporter of ABCF, and provided Senator Reynolds has recently been shortly. This is the second year that unsolicited but very useful information appointed Chair of Communications volunteers from Friends have handed out regarding our Canberra quest and our committees; Senator Ludlam is the Greens leaflets at the Festival; all in all, it was felt response to the Senate Committee, Communications spokesperson (some to be a worthwhile exercise with the added instigated by Brigid Mackenzie, which of you will remember when he was guest bonus of a delightful outdoor venue in the sought to require specific representation speaker at our AGM in 2014). We thank university grounds. and funding for ABC coverage of Rural them all for their time and interest in the and Regional Australia through a change Cathy Bardon, Secretary, ABC. to the ABC charter. Mark offered the view ABC Friends (WA) Inc. that tied funding could be a mixed bag in Bobbie Mackley, President, terms of outcomes. ABC Friends (WA) Inc. Tasmania He mentioned that the ALP had introduced May Day Volunteers tied funding as additional funding, not Tasmanian Friends are gearing up for this unlike the Nationals’ proposal, but had ABC Friends has run a stall at the annual year’s National Campaign with plans for experienced very different outcomes. In May Day Festival on Fremantle Esplanade pre-election debates between candidates the case of additional but tied funding for many years. We would like to continue in two electorates – Denison and Bass. offered and accepted by the ABC for the the tradition – and especially in this In addition we will continue to promote creation of new Australian Drama, the election year following the series of cuts the national agenda in support of the outcome had been successful, with new to the ABC’s budget allocation (when ABC with regular market stalls in both and popular series having been created. we were told there would be “No cuts to Launceston and Hobart. This year we plan the ABC or SBS”), and when its Triennial to ask each candidate to give a written In the case of additional tied funding being funding is up for renewal. The Festival will commitment to joining the Friends of the offered and accepted by the ABC for the start at 10am this year with the sausage ABC Parliamentary Group if elected. We creation of additional Australian content sizzle and speeches first, so we need to be will give this publicity in local media in the in Childrens’ TV, the outcome had been set up and ready in good time. The march week prior to the election. disappointing, with very little if any new itself will be at 12 noon as usual and the content being produced. We discussed Margaret Reynolds, President, event will wrap up earlier in the afternoon. the thought bubble proffered by Mark ABC Friends Tasmania We expect to have a new range of stickers Scott at his farewell Press Club address, and badges for the public. If you are able where he had floated the idea of a merger to help with setting up, bumping out, or Victoria between the ABC and SBS. looking after the stall for any length of Mark Dreyfus took the view that this time, please let me know by email Canberra Diary: Meetings with proposal might create more problems than ([email protected]) or leave a Politicians it solved from the ensuing likely power message with your name and phone struggles between rival management On March 1st and 2nd a group of ABCF number on 0468 560 993. teams. from all the states descended on Canberra Perth Writers’ Festival to make our voices heard in the National Meeting with Gavin Marshall, ALP Capital. It was an event largely organised Senator and Deputy President of the Members of ABC Friends (WA) volunteered by Margaret Reynolds, the President Senate to hand out leaflets urging action to of ABCF Tasmania, but also included support the ABC at the Perth Writers’ The meeting with Gavin Marshall was Ranald Macdonald, the joint National Festival, which was held at the University conducted amicably, despite the Senator Spokesperson, and the various State of Western Australia over three days, admitting that the Media was not his Presidents. It was a whirlwind affair and 19-21 February. The ABC is a sponsor primary concern. He appeared to share included attendance for me at question concerns, more often expressed in the of the event, and some well-known ABC time, courtesy of the Shadow Minister for Coalition, that the ABC was perceived to personalities were involved. Michael Communication, Jason Clare. Cathcart and Patricia Karvelas hosted have a left wing bias despite reports, such sessions. Marc Fennell spoke about his The following is a brief account of my as the Mansfield, clearing the ABC of this new book, and later complimented one various appointments. I hasten to add that, charge. Senator Marshall also was not in in the interests of balance and the possible of our volunteers on her “Save Our ABC favour of the proposed merger between perception of bias, nobody from the Now” badge when he was signing a the ABC and SBS, mainly because SBS Liberal Party agreed to meet me, despite copy for her. Many of those attending had a clear mandate for multiculturalism, strenuous efforts to gain their ear via an the Festival are ABC viewers or listeners, which the ABC does not. The Senator appointment. and the response to the leaflets and was concerned that the ethnic vote no consequent discussions was very positive. Meeting with Mark Dreyfus Shadow longer found its natural home within the An enthusiastic couple from Toodyay Attorney General and Minister for Arts ALP, and discussion turned to what were

Page 13 State News

the possible causes of this drift away electorate office is based in Ballarat. dynamic meeting, not least since Senator from the ALP. While sympathetic to the Forum on the Expectations of Mackenzie was the instigator of the role of the ABC and also ABCF, I gained Australians from their ABC proposed bill seeking to change the the impression that Senator Marshall was ABC charter to ensure rural and regional not our biggest fan, and that he possibly I attended the Forum immediately after my representation on the ABC Board, as even shared some of the reservations of meeting with Senator Madigan, and felt well as tied funding to ensure adequate our critics. Another sensed underlying an immediate lift in energy and spirits as regional and rural provision of services assumption was that strong support a result of the excellent contributions from by the ABC. Senator Mackenzie proved for the ABC from the ALP was likely to ABCF and The Australia Institute. to be a young and dynamic Senator who be used by the ABC’s right wing critics This was Parliamentary Democracy immediately perceived the issues we could as proof of the left bias in the National at its best, with interested politicians agree on and the important differences in Broadcaster. listening to the views of the grass roots our positions. The thought occurred to me during our and community organisations. Each She is very keen to speak at any ABCF discussion that the well known antipathy state President had the opportunity to meeting we can organise and will be to the ABC on Bob Hawke’s part was present their local concerns, but the big happy to publicly debate and defend her a useful counter to the perception that picture was also represented by Margaret position as put forward in her speech in the ALP and ABC were harmonious Reynolds and Ranald MacDonald. support of the Bill. “bedfellows”. Perhaps we could persuade Meeting with Jason Clare Shadow I note here in conclusion that Senator Hawkie to come out with another anti ABC Minister for Communication ALP Mackenzie received short shrift from the spray to establish Auntie’s credentials for The meeting with Jason Clare was, after ABC’s own submission to the Senate impartiality. a brief introduction by Margaret Reynolds, Committee , where the ABC considered Meeting With Independent Senator attended by myself, Mal Hewitt (President as inappropriate the request to require John Madigan of FABC NSW) and Ranald Macdonald two members of the ABC Board to be themselves based in the regions or I held great hopes regarding my meeting (National Campaign Convenor) rural Australia when the Senator, whose with Senator Madigan, but, as his assistant This was a positive meeting, especially as electoral office is in Bendigo, resides in a explained, the realisation that the Turnbull Jason had been on air on RN that very Melbourne suburb. ministry was serious about calling a July morning defending and speaking very 2nd Double Dissolution had finally sunk positively about the ABC. He assured Conclusion in, and the Senator appeared somewhat us that Bill Shorten would very soon be preoccupied with the implication of this making a definitive statement on the The ABCF needs to be highly geared up latest development for his immediate Opposition’s support for the ABC to ensure that all candidates are made aware of the breadth and depth of feeling future. Senator Madigan explained using Though he provided almost all the in the community that not only does the a phrase that I heard frequently during my assurances we sought, he was apprised ABC continue to survive, but that our visit to the effect that he wanted to assure of the very active plans that ABCF was community is fully behind restoring funding me that he was not “ideologically opposed making for action in the upcoming Federal to the ABC to at least the levels before to the ABC”. I interpreted this to mean Election, especially in marginal seats where the recent cuts by the Abbott/Turnbull that, whilst not a strong supporter, he was ABCF would support whichever party Government. not implacably opposed to the ABC. The provided the most support for the ABC. impression grew slowly during the day Jason Clare opined that there was little Graeme Connelly that some politicians are, in fact, afraid support in the ALP for the Scott proposal ABCF President Victoria to express outright support for the ABC, to merge the ABC and SBS. possibly because they have been cowered Ranald explicitly requested a commitment by the right wing, anti - ABC ideologues from the ALP to reinstate The Australia South Australia into being secretive about their support for Network, which had been disbanded the ABC, owing to the dominance of anti As members are aware, following the as one of the first acts of the Abbott ABC rhetoric to be found in Parliament. State presidents’ meeting in Adelaide last Government. Ranald closely interrogated year, a National Campaign was initiated to This may well have serious implications Jason Clare to establish the depth of ALP stop further cuts to funding of the ABC. for the hopes of revitalising the ABCF support for the ABC, and also regarding This resulted in fortnightly SKYPE hook Parliamentary group. The fear of being the Fifield Reach proposed amendments ups between Presidents/ representatives seen as an ABC supporter may also announced the day before. All in all, the from all states. It was decided that explain why it is so easy for cuts to the meeting with Jason Clare concluded on an a submission would be written and ABC to be passed in Parliament, in stark amicable and harmonious note. We were presented to all politicians. Ranald contrast to the attitude to cuts in Defence impressed by the displayed understanding Macdonald from Melbourne and Margaret spending, which not even the left faction of the issues and their importance to Reynolds from Tasmania generously of the ALP would dare to contemplate in ABCF by the Shadow Minister. agreed to take on this task. public. Even an Independent like Senator John Madigan appeared to be reluctant Meeting with Brigid Mackenzie, In order to explain to members the to support the importance of the ABC to Nationals Senator rationale behind the National Campaign, the Bush and Regions, even though his In many ways this was a critical and the committee agreed to ask Ranald if

Page 14 Ranald Macdonald addresses members at the SA Branch meeting. he would come as guest speaker at the The next event on the calendar, is the lots of new ones is one of the highlights End of Year function in November 2015. ABC Gardeners’ market on Saturday, April of the market. In case you have not He graciously accepted the invitation 9. Those of you who are regular visitors received your copy of Update, or would and, at his own expense, flew in on the know what a wonderful event this is. If you like another one for a friend, we hope to Sunday. Members were duly impressed haven’t been before, I urge you to put the have copies to hand out. by all the work that had been done date in your diary now and come along. Please come and see us, we are usually by the National Campaign committee, There are amazing plants and produce and in a prominent place by the coffee cart particularly Margaret and Ranald who the standard is extremely high. We will and the front gate. spent considerable time writing the have our usual stand with ABC material to submission. Many pertinent questions give away or to purchase. Chatting with See you there – Best wishes, were asked. The submission is now on our friends of long standing and hopefully Jessica Knight - President the ABC website and I urge you to take time to read the document. It was agreed that the submission would hold greater sway if it was presented personally to all politicians, particularly with an early election mooted. So on 2 March, I and 6 other president of ABC Friends, descended on Canberra. We held a forum chaired by Senator Andrew Wilkie from Tasmania. In the main body of Update, there is also a detailed report of this visit to Canberra. I was able to secure an appointment with Kate Ellis, who is the Member of Parliament for Adelaide. As well as offering any help we might need, as a Labor member she signified her commitment to ongoing funding and no further cuts to the ABC. Help is what we may need from ABC Friends as the date for the election draws ever nearer, as we hope to hold at least one forum of politicians. As a non-political party, we do not support any side of politics; however, we will need to do some rallying of the troops to make sure that our voice of concern is heard and there are NO MORE CUTS TO THE ABC!!! Page 15 NSW Branch News Now into the 2016 year, our pre-election also runs presentations for the Stroke activities are dominating our time. Our Foundation, and we appreciate his Armidale “Stop The Chop” campaign is stepping willingness to have taken on yet another The Armidale group is gearing up for up to the next level in the Macquarie voluntary roll assisting the Blue Mountains action as Update goes to press. Many Electorate. Our first campaign event was community. members are delighted that the Deputy the running of what turned out to be a Our Branch membership has increased Prime Minister, Mr Barnaby Joyce, will very effective stall at the Blue Mountains and our members are giving generously have some real opposition in the Federal ‘Australia Day Event’ held at Glenbrook. of their time. Proactive public exposure at election in the person of Independent This is the first time for many years Community Events and Weekend Markets candidate for New England, Mr Tony ABCFBM have organized a stall there. seems a successful way of putting OUR Windsor. He was an enthusiastic, active This was followed by our first ‘Stop ABC and its perilous existence into the supporter of the ABC and of its Friends the Chop’ Community Awareness lime light and we recommend it to other when the member for this region. So the Presentation. This was conducted by group is looking forward to its lobbying branches as a way of reaching the public Campaign Coordinator, Phil Greenidge, activities in the months ahead and to a Our Branch acknowledges the who had been invited as guest speaker to lively contest. contribution made by the retiring Managing address a local community group. Phil ran Director Mark Scott and welcomes the The first activity for the year has been a Power Point presentation, followed by a appointment of Michelle Guthrie as the its presence and advocacy during the Q&A. Members of the group were definite February monthly Mall market. It is ABC supporters but as with the stalls, we New Managing Director of OUR ABC. planned to continue this effort and to also were once again amazed at the lack of Only hard work will result in a fruitful and attend at least one per month of each of knowledge about the ongoing decimation successful future for OUR ABC. We pledge the regular Farmers’ markets. These are of the ABC. ABCFBM is extremely lucky our support for the National Campaign. all lively events well-patronised by citizens to have Phil’s presentation expertise, he Barry Redshaw, President from all sectors of the population. A fundraising film evening was held at the local cinema on March 17th. The movie Trumbo, which deals with freedom of speech in the USA’s McCarthy era, was an appropriate choice. A film night is useful in reminding people of the Friends’ aims and activities; it also leads to some increase in membership. This year monetary proceeds will support an FABC prize to a media student at the local University of New England. Priscilla Connor - Secretary

Blue Mountains Our End of Year dinner in December was the close of 2015 for our branch. Members enjoyed each others’ company, food and wine with obviously much discussion surrounding the ongoing damage to the ABC and the upcoming 2016 election year.

Phil Greenidge addresses the meeting. Above, Blue Mountains Friends meet, and below, man the stall.

Page 16 value of the ABC and to protest about Hunter Northern Rivers past and future budget cuts. There is the fear of a split between the rural and city The members of the new Committee Following our AGM in early 2016, the divisions of the ABC, and local members for 2015-16 have met twice since their following were elected to the Committee must be urged to fight for the rural election at the AGM last October and are for 2016: communities. keenly preparing to host the forthcoming Peter Dickson: President, Jill Keogh : • Events are to be held in Lismore (April), ABC Friends’ state conference in Vice President, Jennie Hicks: Secretary, Tweed(July) and Byron (Nov), involving Newcastle in June. They have also Tony Betts: Treasurer arranged to receive the new advertising visits/talks from leading ABC reporters. merchandise to distribute to our Subconvenors were elected as follows: A youth oriented event with the aim of members in raising the profile and budget Tweed Branch - Sandy Copley; Byron/ involving younger people is currently requirements for a viable ABC during the Brunswick Branch - Jill Keogh; Lismore being organised in relation to a local 2016 federal election campaign. Branch - Therese Crollick high school. Margaret Conners – Publicity Officer, At the General Meeting following the AGM • A questionnaire is being developed to ABC Friends Hunter Branch an action plan for 2016 was developed give to all local politicians to establish which includes: their level of support for continuing to • Meetings with local MPs are being fund and maintain the ABC. arranged in order to advocate for the Jennie Hicks - Secretary

Above: A local Bandy Bandy snake forms the ABC logo. Right: Members at the Northern Rivers AGM.

ABC Friends Central Coast Branch Friday 15th April 2016 present from 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM. Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford. Sabra Lane A Finger Food Buffet will be served afterwards.

Sabra Lane has been Tickets are $15 p.p. to be pre-paid. the Chief Political Room open at 5.30 PM. Correspondent of the ABC Intending attendees are requested to since October 2013 and pre-pay via the Greater Building Society: before that of ABC Radio BSB 637-000, FABC account number Current Affairs. She has 781348279, either by direct deposit at a become part of an historic Greater Branch or via Internet. all female team including Please pay by l0th April. 7.30 presenter Leigh Sales. Before that Sabra If this is difficult please send a cheque to was Executive Producer of Treasurer John Lund: 127 Taylor Street, Seven Network’s Sunday Woy Woy Bay, 2256, Ph. 4341 0918, Sunrise program. Her Email: [email protected]. Media contact: broadcasting experience Klaas Woldring, [email protected]. extends over 20 years. au. Ph. 4341 5170

Page 17 Battered broadcaster’s Bolt delusion A fair amount of incredulity greeted centralised public broadcaster the announcement that the ABC was which has become a protection making a documentary on Indigenous racket for the left ideology’. He constitutional recognition with Andrew called upon her to ‘address the Bolt and Linda Burney. Not only is real concerns that have been Bolt one of the ABC’s most vitriolic expressed by the Australian and trenchant critics, his writings on people about the direction of Indigenous issues have landed him in the ABC’. a great deal of legal hot water. Why Now, the notion that the on earth would the ABC make such a Australian people harbour grave strange choice? concerns about the direction of the ABC is simply not true. Jeff Sparrow, writing Every year, Newspoll conducts in Eureka Street, offers a survey about public attitudes some thoughtful and to the national broadcaster. thought-provoking As Crikey notes, the results comments on the demonstrate that the vast ABC’s dilemma. majority (close to 80 per cent) of Australians think the ABC does a good job of olt was in the midst of travelling presenting balanced and the country ‘filming an ABC even-handed content. B documentary on Indigenous About 70 per cent trust constitutional recognition’. the national broadcaster Josh Bornstein recently compared Bolt might seem a strange choice for such — far more than the numbers who trust the ABC to the victim in an abusive a program. Yes, he opines regularly about politicians, the church or other institutions. relationship, desperately trying to ward off Indigenous issues. Yet, in the famous The hostility to the ABC comes not from the next blow by anticipating the criticism Eatock v Bolt case, Justice Bromberg the population but from governments — of its enemies. He argues: found Bolt’s writings on that subject to and not merely conservatives. As Margaret contain ‘errors of fact, distortions of the Simons notes in her book The Content Journalists and producers at the ABC truth and inflammatory and provocative Makers, ABC funding fell 29 per cent language’. often deploy a distinct methodology from the first term of the Hawke Labor in seeking out an interviewee. ‘Are Not much of a recommendation, one government, while the broadcaster was you available for an interview? Great. might think — particularly since the ABC the only major cultural institution not to get Can you recommend someone else is ushering Bolt back into its fold just as a boost in 1994 from the Creative Nation to interview who will disagree with the Bolt Report (the show for which Bolt cultural policy. you?’ abandoned his regular segment on ABC’s When Tony Abbott broke his promise to own Insiders) collapses for want of viewers. For an enthusiast of wind power, that maintain ABC funding, he was following in might mean nominating an advocate To put Bolt’s new gig in perspective, the tradition of his mentor. John Howard of wind turbine syndrome. Or coal. consider Liberal Senator Eric Abetz’s had done precisely the same thing in 1996: When a suitable contradictor proves press release on 21 December last year first, pledging support and then, after elusive, there is always a default- about the appointment of the ABC’s new winning power, slashing $65 million over recourse to the Institute of Public managing director. two years. Affairs which can usually be relied on Michelle Guthrie, Abetz said, would be These ongoing attacks have to fill the void. inheriting ‘an unbalanced and largely consequences. Page 18 The show in which Bolt will appear is called A few weeks later, Maurice Newman (still I Can Change Your Mind About Recognition Monckton received saturation coverage the ABC chairman) delivered an address (in which he will feature alongside NSW ... on ABC media, and was always to staff. It contained a stinging rebuke deputy Labor leader Linda Burney). It’s a treated as an authoritative source until about the broadcaster’s climate coverage, reprise of the formula previously employed the Media Watch report near the end accusing journalists of ‘group-think’ on the on I Can Change Your Mind About Climate, of his tour. Only on television were issue and alleging they regularly mocked which starred former Liberal senator Nick his appearances on each occasion and ridiculed sceptics. Minchin (a climate denialist) alongside Anna balanced by opposing sources, and The fact is, many of the ABC’s critics Rose, the founder of the Australian Youth even then he was usually the primary oppose the broadcaster as a matter of Climate Coalition. source whose opinions were the occasion for the report; on radio and principle: not because it’s a failure but That program was a good illustration of the in online media, he was often the sole because it’s a success and, as such, methodology Bornstein describes, a format interviewee or supported by sources violates sacred free market principles. allowing you to cover a controversial topic who agreed with him. For groups like the IPA, a publicly-funded with the impartiality of an auditor — one on broadcaster is an abomination by definition. this side, another on that side. The demands for ‘balance’ aren’t about Indeed, the ABC’s broader coverage Hansen, on the other hand, ‘achieved improving the service; they’re intended to of climate change shows everything no appearances on ABC television. He wear down the staff and demoralise the that’s wrong with its response enjoyed two interviews on Radio National audience. to critics. In July 2007, the – one of them on Late Night Live, which From Bolt’s perspective, the new gig is a broadcaster declared it would goes to air at 10pm and generally features clear winner. Not only does he get more screen The Great Global left-of-centre commentary. His only other airtime to push his take on Indigenous Warming Swindle, directed significant appearance was on Radio by Martin Durkin. Swindle National’s Breakfast with Fran Kelly on 3 politics, he’s able to do so on the claimed that climate March 2010.’ taxpayers’ dime. change resulted from In other words, the ABC gave publicity to a What’s more, he knows that the more the solar activity, an argument man that most reputable scientists regard ABC reflects the cultural preoccupations overwhelmingly rejected by as a crank, even as it largely ignored one of that dominate commercial media (much of most scientists. the more influential scientists of our time. which is owned by his employer), the less passion audiences will be able to muster to At the time, the ABC was It was a depressingly typical response. under intense pressure from protest against the latest round of funding ‘Under attack,’ writes Simons, ‘the ABC the Right about Bastard Boys not only jumps willingly through the many, cuts to the broadcaster. No doubt he sees (a dramatisation of the MUA many accountability hoops already there, it as a way of hollowing out the ABC from dispute). The ABC board had but adds a few new ones just to show what within — using ABC resources to do so. recently been augmented with a good dog it can be, even if it occasionally It’s another depressing piece of three prominent culture warriors bites the hand that feeds it.’ ABC self-sabotage. (Keith Windschuttle, Janet Albrechtsen and Ron Brunton); Maurice Newman, the vocal climate skeptic, had just become chairman. In a concession to viewer outrage, Tony Jones introduced Swindle with the announcement: ‘I am bound to say The Great Global Warming Swindle does not represent the views of the ABC.’ After the screening came a special presentation during which Jones interviewed Durkin, and conducted a Q&A style discussion with carefully-selected pundits and a studio audience. The debate descended into farce, with the questions dominated by disciples of the oddball climate denialist Lyndon Larouche. Skipping ahead three years, in early 2010, two major figures in the climate debate came to Australia. One was Christopher Monckton, a popular climate denier. The other was Dr James Hansen, the director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The academics Philip Chubb and Chris Nash would later publish a paper [paywalled] analysing the ABC’s relative treatment of the two:

Page 19 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 JESSICA KNIGHT ABC Friends TASMANIA President MARGARET REYNOLDS ABC Friends VICTORIA President GRAEME CONNELLY ABC Friends WESTERN AUSTRALIA President BOBBIE MACKLEY

State Branches

Victoria/National Office – ABC Friends Queensland – Friends of the ABC 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 Belinda Wright (Secretary) Mal Hewitt South Australia & Northern Territory 41 Sheppard Avenue Hillwood TAS 7252 FABC NSW PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 – ABC Friends Phone: 03 6394 8291 Phone: 02 4751 6227 Jessica Knight [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 7158 Hutt St Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 0412 139 485 [email protected]

Regional Branches

ACT and Region Cowper Publicity Officers Northern Rivers Catherine Henderson Martin Miller (Secretary) Margaret and Robert Conners Jennie Hicks (Secretary) PO Box 3984 Bundilla Farm, 4 Wattle Street Phone 0431 958 911 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

Mobile: 0409 989 550 Phone: 02 6654 5259 [email protected] Byron sub branch Jill Keogh [email protected] [email protected] Illawarra Phone: 02 6688 4558 Jan Kent (Secretary) [email protected]

Armidale Eastern Suburbs PO Box 336, Priscilla Connor (Secretary) Nizza Siano (Secretary) Tweed sub branch Unanderra 2526 41 Judith Street 16 Holland Rd Sandy Copley Phone/Fax: 02 4271 3531 Armidale NSW 2350 Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 Phone: 02 6677 1570 [email protected] Phone: 02 6772 2217 Phone/Fax: 02 9327 3423 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mid North Coast Lismore sub branch Drusi Megget Therese Crollick Blue Mountains Great Lakes and 24 Arncliffe Ave Manning Valley Phone: 02 6624 2289 Barry Redshaw Port Macquarie NSW 2444 [email protected] 37 View Street Margaret Gardner Phone: 02 6583 8798 Lawson NSW 2783 49 Carmona Drive [email protected] Riverina / Murray Phone: 02 4759 2168 Forster NSW 2428 Drew Porter Harry Creamer [email protected] Phone: 02 6554 9181 (H) PO Box 5659 PO Box 1888 02 6591 3704 (W) Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Port Macquarie 2444 Central Coast [email protected] Phone: 02 6922 3813 Phone: 02 6582 6187 Klaas Woldring Mobile: 0409 369 253 Hunter Mobile: 0431 158 252 6 Tourmaline Ave Allan Thomas [email protected] Pearl Beach NSW 2256 7 Cantwell Road Phone: 02 4341 5170 Lochinvar NSW 2321 Shoalhaven [email protected] Phone: 02 4930 7309 Carmel McCallum [email protected] PO 89 Cambewarra NSW 2540 Phone: 0414 392 660 [email protected]