Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. qu a rt e r ly news l e t t e r Sep t . - O c t . 2003 Vol 14, No. 6

in c o rp o ra ti n g ba ck g round briefing national magazine up d at e friends of the abc In Alston v the ABC, the Winner Must Be Journalistic Integrity What is fair reporting? The answer lies somewhere in the language that is used, writes Peter Ellingsen.

Behind the case made against the ABC for alleged left-wing bias is a skir- mish more bitter than the one surround- ing broadcasting standards. It is a war over what constitutes valid journalism, and it's being fought on the field of lan- guage.

At stake is not just the standing of a Crisis Edition: ABC Reels under particular ABC current affairs program, AM, but the shared understanding of ‘b i a s ’ bludgeon and Fights Funding Fiasco. what journalism is and how it is as s e s s e d . The Long March defending AM There are no exact standards here. Not since 15,000 people streamed release, insisting the Minister be While both sides agree fairness is a onto the steps of the Opera House in sa c k e d . goal, they differ on what it is. What April 2001 to defend the ABC has the With the Australian communica- Richard Alston brands as anti-American broadcaster been under such a con- tions industry at the crossroads due prejudice, the ABC sees as scene set- certed attack by Government. Brian to his failed digital television and ting. It comes down to interpretation. Davies maps the current conflict. broadband policies, Senator Al s t o n is continuing his reckless and petty Continued on Page 5 To soften up the target, the war against the AB C . Coalition, in May, laid down a bar- Inside: of Budget Cuts camouflaged as "I t ’ s clear it’s the Government ‘funding maintained in real terms’; that‘s been misrepresenting the facts The President's Report...... 3 two months later it sent the Old of the Iraqi conflict." What Balding Said...... 6 Guard Bias cavalry in, slashing and Central Cst. Calls for Protest Demo. 8 hacking mercilessly. The clash of In The Age - ‘S PARKS FLY I N US Audiences say ’No’ to arms rang across the continent, but B ATTLE OF THE A BC’ - An n a b e l Corporate Giantism...... 8 at the clang of the Minister’s charge Crabb wrote “Tension between the Goes Full Frontal....9 of anti-American bias, the next ABC and Government exploded yes- Great Lakes Friends Ask Questions....9 sound heard was the clunk of collec- terday as Richard Alston confirmed Where Did All the Money Go?...... 11 tive jaws dropping. plans to force a new independent Letters to Editors...... 12 watchdog on the national broadcast- Nailing the ‘ABC’ of Deception...... 13 ‘A L S TON LOSES THE PLOT’, er. How Aunty Handles Complaints...... 15 shouted a Lindsay Tanner media Continued on Page 4 Page 1 A public meeting to re-establish The Eastern Suburbs Branch of Friends of the ABC will be held at Waverley Library Theatrette Bondi Junction Corner Denison and Ebley Sts. Parking underneath. Entrance on Denison St.

FABC Bathurst President,Warwick Franks, with NSW Sunday, 28 September President,Gary Cook at Bathurst FABC’s “Irish Night” 1.30 pm. Speakers will be • • Cameron Murph y, NSW Council for Civil Liberties Louise Southalan, • Australian Fair Trade and, In vestment Network Chairperson - Tina Bursill

Jennifer Sexton, Kempsey regional radio reporter keeping FABC members in the picture at Port Macquarie.

asked how much Australians were Screenworks seminars. Mex’s with Mobiles’ prepared to lose when considering Northern Rivers Friends call for the “dubious benefits the industry But this raised a question: Wou l d A u s t r a l i a ’s media to be protected. might gain from a Free Trade National Party members hold firm on cultural objectives if a trade off Late August, Northern Rivers Agreement with the US.” The Democrats, he said, preferred a multi- offered concessions to the Australian Friends ran a film evening featuring farming and mining sectors? the work of local film makers lateral agreement to a bilateral one. Panel session participants signed (Michael Murray, David Bradbury, Standstill Situation and Cathy Henkel) at the Bay Dendy a petition asking the Trade Minister followed by a panel session at Media lecturer Fiona Martin to ensure the government held firm Northern Rivers Screenworks office described as a “convenient fiction” to its commitment to maintain control to examine the implications of the the idea that opening up new types of social and cultural objectives; that proposed US Free Trade Agreement of media provided more outlets for the Australian Film, TV and multi- for ’s film, television and local producers. Screenworks media industries were fully protect- multimedia industry. Director and Screen Directors ed; that the Government retain the Association Rep Tracey Mair noted right to provide financial support for On the panel, Michael Murray intense lobbying taking place in local media and its right to control spoke of the difficulties of getting Canberra over the Free Trade local content. local films produced in the era of the Agreement. She warned that the global market. Cathy Henkel noted Australian government might agree Coming Events for the Northern the declining number of feature films to a “standstill situation” leaving the Rivers Friends of the A B C : being produced in Australia and the 55% local content rules on TV S u n d a y, 12 October, 2 pm, need therefore for a protected mar- locked in time, but at the cost of the Byron Bay Community Centre. ket. David Bradbury, noting that “we freedom to adjust in the future. A u n t y ’s (totally unbiased) Arty Party - are already swamped with US prod- a Concert by local performers (includ- uct”, said Australians were often Panelists acknowledged that the ing Sharni Russell and David Hallett) viewed by Americans as “Mexicans Member for Richmond, Larry An t h o n y, to recognise the A B C ’s contribution to with Mobiles” - easily exploitable. was supportive of the local film the A r t s . industry and had attended Democrat Senator John Cherry President Neville Jennings

Page 2 complete exclusion from negotiations The President’s Report of public broadcasting issues, particu- larly the ABC and SBS. By the time you refusing to accept the AB C ’ s response receive this edition of to his allegations of anti-US bias. Th e You will notice in this edition an Up d a t e , Friends of AB C ’ s Complaints Review Process is advertisement on page 2 to re-launch the ABC, together more open, transparent and rigorous the Eastern Suburbs branch of the with an alliance of concerned organi- than other public broadcasters over- FABC on 28 September. I urge you to sations including the NSW Tea c h e r s ’ seas. Beyond this process, there are support this meeting if you live in the Federation, Association of Parents & two further external bodies to which a Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Citizens, and Combined Public Service complaint can be referred, one of Unions, will have staged a Rally and which, (The Australian Broadcasting Our Annual General Meeting will Family Picnic in the Sydney Domain. Authority) is appointed by the govern- be held this year on Saturday, 25 ment. This is not good enough for October at the YWCA, corner We organised the Rally because Senator Alston who wants to establish Liverpool Street and Wen t w o r t h you, the members, asked us what we his own self-appointed tribunal - no Avenue, Sydney. You will be receiving were doing in answer to the concerted doubt made up of the usual suspects. an official notification of the meeting campaign by the Federal Government, in due course. and, in particular, the Minister for The National Conference of Communications, Senator Alston, to Friends of the ABC was held in Perth It has again been a very active systematically attack and undermine over the weekend of 6 and 7 period culminating in the Rally at the the AB C . September and was opened by AB C Domain. In June, Bathurst Branch Managing Director, Russell Balding. held a very innovative and successful In early August, the ABC was Abrief report is provided below. ‘Irish Night in the Pub’. I also attended forced to shed programs, in particular Parramatta Branch AGM, a meeting of the AC T Branch, followed in July by a the popular educational program Co n c e r ns About the workshop on ‘Why Trade Matters’, ‘Behind the News’. Current affa i r s Free Trade Agre e m e n t programs will also suffer - all because enabling several FABC committee of inadequate funding provided by the The Australia-United States Free members to better understand this government. When the ABC made its Trade Agreement being negotiated serious issue. Triennial Funding submission to the this year should continue to give con- The ABC remains under attack government, it made it abundantly cern to all Australians. It has potential- from the Minister and the Government. clear that programs would suffer if the ly adverse outcomes for public broad- It needs our resolve to continue com- government failed to recognise that casting, the audio-visual industry, the bating this onslaught and to educate the ABC was grossly underfunded, arts, culture and education. A co m m i t- and recruit members of the public who particularly when benchmarked ment was given earlier this year to may not be as aware of the plight of against other national public broad- finalise negotiations before the end of the ABC as you are. ca s t e r s . 2003. It is appropriate to write to your local member or the Trade Minister, Gary Cook, President At the same time, Senator Al s t o n Mark Vaile, requesting that there be a attacked the AB C ’ s independence by

pendence and inadequate funding. He also emphasised FRIENDS OF THE ABC that the ABC Act provided that the role of the ABC is to be a comprehensive broadcaster rather than to appeal to NAT I O N A L CO N F E R E N C E a niche audience. ABC Managing Director, Russell Balding, opened the conference which was held at the Heathcote Cultural A very productive two days were spent discussing a Centre in Perth over the weekend of 6 and 7 September. wide range of issues and developing policies and strate- The principal themes of his address related to ABC inde- gies to carry us forward for the next year.

Northern Rivers Panel - “Mex’s With Mobiles” A full report on the conference will be available in the next edition of U p d a t e, however, in brief, the issues can- vassed were : • ABC commercial activities ranging from product promotion to licencing use of ABC property to commercial enterprises. • An independent and commercial free ABC • Cross-media ownership • The process of appointments to the ABC Board • ABC funding • The ABC Complaints Review Process Cathy Henkel,David Bradbury, Michael Murray, Neville Jennings (standing),Tracey Mair (partly obscured) Fiona Martin Gary Cook, President and Senator John Cherry.

Page 3 The Long March defending AM: How it came about. Continued from Page 1 On the same day ABC MD Russell to judge the kind of allegations Al s t o n The Letters to the Editor continued: Balding announced that he was unilat- levelled at the ABC over its Iraq “W h y , after all, were we involved Perceived bias can be some- erally asking the AB C ’ s own indepen- reportage. in Iraq if not to uphold the principles one else's idea of healthy probing." dent tribunal to re-examine the minis- of a democratic society against a te r ’s complaints. despot who would not tolerate free The A G E In Michelle Grattan, took me d i a ? ” The Minister gave interviews to the view that the Howard Government the media, but refused to speak to was bullying the ABC. “It is vital that “The ABC gave comprehensive AM. Lindsay Tanner described the the national broadcaster not be coverage to all aspects of the con- Prime Minister as “an ideological ter- cowed,” she wrote. flict and continues, quite rightly, to rorist” trying to destroy the ABC. Th e analyse the justification for war as first flurry of letters-to-the-editor “People who value diversity of reports continue over the content began: opinion can be thankful that Donald and value of intelligence used by McDonald - who was appointed by the US and echoed by Mr Howard.” “The balance demonstrated by John Howard as ABC chairman - Gerard Henderson (“Pig-headed AB C turned out very different from Coalition must expect a funds “W ith growing public cynicism expectations and that he won the bat- about the Government’s actions, it roasting”, Herald, July tle to get his preferred choice, Russell 2 9) must surely have is unbelievable Senator Al s t o n Balding, as managing director after should try to silence the national him favourite to head 's fall.” up any Al s t o n - broadcaster.” approved independent ABC review panel…” Muddled Messages In a column, confidently headed, G.Henderson “How the ABC Can Be Fixed’ one-time “Henderson suggests the ABC will “McDonald and Balding are highly AGE & SMH Editor, Greg Hywood, not receive a major funding increase credible figures in the struggle to hold ominously declared – “The pressure while it is “ideologically tainted”. Does the line against from this Government will not sub- he think it correct for the Government Al s t o n ’ s over-the- side. Nor will the accompanying bud- to determine the ABC budget on the top claims of bias getary dramas. John Howard has basis of a political dispute rather than and anti- decided the ABC has so narrowed its a dispassionate analysis of the poten- Americanism. But audience in terms of social and eco- tial benefits to society of improved they must wonder nomic attitudes that there is little ABC programming versus the cost?” after the minister’s political risk for a conservative gov- behaviour this ernment in taking on the national One recurring writer’s question we e k ” D. McDonald broadcaster.” was where in the AB C ’ s charter was the requirement to be pro-American? The tenor of Al s t o n ’ s attack is “Clearly the ABC needs some lead- seen in his exchange with PM’s ership,” thundered Hywood, “It’s high “Why Alston wants an indepen- Catherine McGrath over the first claim time it was shown.” dent complaints review panel when in his dossier: AM reporting that “inter- he ’ s already got one is one of life’s lit- national aid agencies are warning of a Hywood, long off the public media tle mysteries,” puzzled Mark Day humanitarian catastrophe as the war scene - where has he been? - has (Daily Te l e g r a p h ) unfolds. They fear hundreds of thou- re-emerged to join the Fairfax con- sands of Iraqis could soon be stream- servative stablemates - Paddy, In The A u s t r a l i a n , Errol Simper ing out of Iraq”. Miranda, Gerard, Hugh, Paul and said there were at least three distinct others…it’s as though nothing can problems with Al s t o n ’ s plan. The most The ABC defended itself by point- make up for Imre’s absence. But obvious was who would be on the ing to various agencies’ as s e s s m e n t s , what else changes? panel and who would appoint them. including UNHCR’s contingency plan- ning for a conflict had been based on As Phillip Adams once observed, “A second is one of perception. a preparedness figure of a possible “only the ABC’s weather forecasts You wouldn’t have to be ’s total of 600,000 refugees. have escaped criticism.” most cynical person to conclude it’s a reaction to having had 66 of his 68 But Alston told PM: “Contingency Can we even be certain of that? complaints rejected (when) reasonable planning is simply on the basis that readings of the (ABC’s) report would there might be a problem. That is not suggest his complaints were handled in any shape or form able to be con- courteously and fairly.” strued as the UN warning of a human- itarian crisis.” And the third problem? “…very few human beings are totally qualified

Page 4 In Alston v the ABC, the Winner Must Be Journalistic Integrity Continued from page 1 Is “grudgingly”, to describe not too much analysis, but not demanded by the charter of the AB C Tur k e y ’ s decision authorizing US mili- enough. Lewis said the research depends on its avoiding the commer- tary activities on its territory, spin or showed that by taking information cial links other media must pursue. an a l y s i s ? straight from military sources, with- out subjecting it to analysis, And here is the nub. Questions of Alston and the ABC cannot agree. reporters routinely got it wrong. bias are not only difficult to establish, What is surprising is that anyone they exist in a web of language and would think they could. We are not For example, the southern Iraq ideas that inevitably have their own dealing with transparent, one-sided town of Umm Qasr “fell” four times, values. Yes, the ABC has a culture reporting, the sort of thing you might there was an “uprising” in Basra that with inherent beliefs, but so does the have found in Pravda or the Voice of did not happen, and “Scud” missiles Government. The only way around or Am e r i c a . were fired that were not Scuds. through it is with language, and, as George Orwell warned, here we are Alston’s attack on the ABC, dealing with deliberate deception and The ABC is not accused of blatant echoed by at least three writers on errors of fact (but) loaded comment - spin doctors of all sorts (wanting) to this page (The A g e ), Gerald Stone, make lies sound truthful. that is, the words used to say what Gerard Henderson and Gregory the available audio cannot…but radio Hywood, questions not just the ‘Language needs to be clear for has neither vision nor time for long questioning, but the tone and values society to stay sane,’ (C o n f u c i u s ) . essays. So reporters doing their job of journalists filing the reports. Former Czech president Vac l a v need to say what they see or hear. Havel, put it more elegantly. “We have Alston does not dispute this. As he Stone, like Alston, detects sneer- fallen morally ill because we have told PM, context is OK for current ing in the AM coverage, and con- become used to saying what we do af fairs radio. demns any report that “begins with a not believe.’” value judgement before the fact”. The problem, he says, is to Leave aside the irony that, (he is) a This, sadly, is a new battleground remain balanced and impartial. Here former executive producer of 6 0 of the media. As Tony Hart, president we enter the realm of language. M i n u t e s . of the Marketing Institute of Au s t r a l i a Asked the difference between analy- in 1999, told me, the line between edi- sis and bias, Alston said: “Analysis is Henderson finds fault with the torial and advertising (is) blurred … doing your best to be balanced and ABC for having an insider, former This, he said, is the new reality. impartial.” Victorian manager Murray Green, as the one-man complaints review It is not one that Nate Th a y e r, who refused to accept the broadcast- (But) balance and impartiality are executive, to consider Alston’s com- ing world’s version of the Pulitzer a matter of judgement, not measure- plaints. But is this not the way the Prize for his scoop on Pol Pot, ment. They depend on perception, Government investigates charges embraces. “My main objection,” he which, like belief, is notoriously sub- against its own ministers? told The New Yo r k e r, “is that the jective. Where you sit, as the old say- Flint, for instance, who may be industry has taken control of journal- ing goes, depends on where you called on by Howard to review ists, and part of our job is to fight for stand. Alston’s dossier, has just published a the integrity of our profession.” book, Twilight of the Elites, which According to the The Age. 6 August, 2003 critiques parts of the ABC. Australian Broadcasting Authority Chair, Professor Hywood, a former editor-in-chief Flint, balance and impar- of The Age, argues the ABC needs A Weird Idea - tiality mean presenting a not just to crack down on gratuitous wide range of views and commentary, but (to) get more con- A Neat Response not favouring one over the servative commentators and pro- Prof. D. Flint ABC Double-Dipping other. It does not involve grams…to offset what is seen as a Dear Senator Alston, regarding being unquestioning. left-wing bias, or what he calls inter- your thoughts on an ABC sub- nal culture. scribers’ club (“Want a better ABC/ On this score, according to Let’s see the colour of your money, research being done by Cardiff He sees a conflict between what Herald Aug 29) I already subscribe University’s School of Journalism, journalists think is worth covering and to the ABC; it’s called the PAYE Tax public broadcasters, at least in the demands of the market, and Club. Why not focus on the real Britain, are in the clear. believes the ABC suffers from not issues like the appalling content on having such a battle going on. But the other free-to-air stations? The school’s Professor Justin does not the appeal of the ABC lie in Simon Ebbeling, Linden, Lewis found the BBC did not have an being free of market or commercial SMH Aug 29. 03 anti-war agenda. The problem was demands? In fact, the independence

Page 5 What Balding Said... If A l s t o n ’s bias accusations Australian community through appeared with all the charm of a the Parliament of Australia and GOING AWAY??? steel-shod storm-trooper’s tread, that individuals have a right to A reminder for members: the ABC counter-attacked on the complain and have that complaint going overseas 21st. of July with deceptively mild properly considered and respond- or interstate civility: ed to.” for a spell; or ABC Media Release “Overall, I believe our cover- taking a long 21 July 2003 age of the conflict holiday? The ABC Managing Director, was balanced and Please Russell Balding, has responded delivered in a pro- fessional manner remember to renew your to Senator Alston’s letter of 28 membership subscription May 2003 which cited 68 com- upholding the plaints about the ABC current standards of objective journal- before you go. Thanks! affairs program AM. The ism.” Mr Balding said. Minister’s letter complained par- C o n c l u s i o n s ticularly about ‘biased’ and ‘anti- An Extra Role for Update. American’ coverage by the ABC. In coming to its conclusions the CRE employed rigorous stan- Some advice from a Friend The complaints were referred dards of research and investiga- at Picton: Don’t simply file on the same day to the ABC’s tion of the complaints and the Update away or discard it after Complaints Review Executive coverage. All editions of AM were reading, give analysed over the period of the (CRE), an independent office it a wider cir- established recently under en- war from 20 March 2003 until 14 culation – update hanced complaints handling pro- April 2003, including full cedures. This is the appropriate tr a n s c r i p t s and audio pass it onto a practice for complaints of this recordings of the pro- friend or nature. grams and against tran- neighbour, scripts of official press put it in a let- The CRE has upheld two of briefings undertaken by ter box, or leave it, without litter- Senator Alston's com- the White House, the Pentagon ing of course, for someone else plaints and rejected and Centcom in Qatar. 66. The CRE also to pick up and take away to rejected the inference The ABC’s News and Current read. It expands our circulation contained in the Affairs division was required to and hopefully membership Minister's complaint provide responses to the CRE on that the ABC’s coverage was the coverage. Reportage of the biased. Iraq War was also tracked against other media. The Managing Director of the ABC, Russell Balding said: “I am As with any other com- satisfied with both the process plainant, if the Minister is dissat- and outcome of this investiga- isfied with the outcome of this tion. It vindicates the AM pro- appraisal then he may have the gram and its staff in relation to matter further considered by the the Minister’s complaint. The Independent Complaints Review ABC’s war coverage was second Panel and/or the Australian to none and I stand firmly behind Broadcasting Authority. the ABC's programs.” In view of the level of public “While noting that these alle- interest generated by the release gations are most serious and are of the Minister’s complaint, The fundamental to the ABC’s integri- ABC managing Director has ty, I also acknowledge that the taken the decision in this case to ABC is accountable to the make the CRE report publicly available. Cartoon courtesy Tandberg Why Not Start an FABC Group in Your Area? Friends of the ABC is happy to help you begin a arrange meetings - anything you want to know. group in your area. If you live in an area not covered Email us at: fa b c n s w @ f a b c n s w. o rg . a u by FABC, we are more than happy to assist you with or phone us on: (02) 9810 3358. written material, advice, politicians addresses, how to

Page 6 Hunter FABC Jazzes It Up Blue Mountains From Hunter President Hank Willems tion for all our members to pass B r a n c h around and gather signatures, but this At the Hunter Committee’s June is also something that could possibly High Tea at meeting the question was raised as to be better arranged on a statewide The Carrington how to apply further pressure on the basis, organised by the NSW branch. Government to support the ABC prop- ABC presenter, erly...and to keep our membership Membership Drive to Geraldine Doogue, involved. The Branch decided on a Double Membership entertained more letter writing campaign targeting all than 100 Blue local Federal members and the Because of increasing threats to Mountains branch Minister. the ABC, a membership drive was members and ABC Gary Cook urged us to combat proposed with each current member supporters in the charming public attacks on the ABC, particularly recruiting a new one so as to double ambience of the renovated when the Minister responsible for our membership; membership forms Carrington Hotel, Katoomba on maintaining the ABC’s independence are to go out with the next Hunter Saturday, 30 August. is busy creating the impression the Newsletter. Geraldine, who presents ABC should act as a mouthpiece for We also set up a membership stall the Government. “Life Matters” on radio and at a Jazz concert venue. We were “Compass” on television, But to avoid a stack of identical made extremely welcome (after all explained that, despite a lack form letters, Hunter District decided to most commercial television and radio of funding for the ABC, it tackle a number of topics per mail - no longer do jazz any more) with remains a stimulating and cre- censorship, funding, achieving real many enquiries and requests for our ative environment, providing independence on the ABC board and petition to sign. unparalleled “brain food” for its the hidden dangers of trade agree- With feelings running high, some audience. ments. members cc’d us their letters to Alston She suggested that a We also decided to arrange a peti- - these below for example, (extracts only.) method of counteracting critics of the ABC could be to be more inclusive and demon- Tallean Rd, Nelson Bay, 2315 strate to them the excellence Dear Minister, of the product the ABC pro- Your continuing attempts to discredit, indeed, vilify, the ABC with your fatu- duces. ous charges of bias are contemptible while depriving the corporation of adequate funding only exacerbates the damage you do If any of the ABC’s reporting of the Earlier, FABC President, Iraq war was biased against America, it had the fair-minded effect of off-setting Gary Cook addressed the biased information your government put out to justify its indefensible stand on the audience to refute the claims war and the lies that went with it. by the Minister, Senator Alston, It is obscene that excellent, high achieving programs (especially those benefit- that the ABC triennial funding ing children) have to be axed because you can’t find the funds needed to maintain had been maintained “in real the independence of our national broadcaster - - or don’t you want it to be inde- terms”. pendent ? Yours faithfully, Blue Mountains President, George D’Aran John Derum exhorted mem- .. bers to become involved in let- Turrama Street, Wangi Wangi NSW 2267 ter writing to the Minister and Dear Minister, their local member in support You have reduced the income of the ABC regularly until services are approach- of the ABC ing a level which is not consonant with performance expected of our national broadcaster, eg English and other language services which enhance our state in this region of the world. Next is the so-called bias the ABC has shown against the Have you United States in its reporting of the unprecedented and undeclared attack against Iraq. President Bush, Prime Minister Howard and Prime Minister Blair should at remembered this time be facing a war crimes tribunal at the Hague for their totally unaccept- to renew able waging of military action against Iraq. your membership? While the regime was vile and bestial, how can we support unilateral action of You can renew or this kind without protest, and if the ABC was not slavishly following the CNN line join on our secure then you should be backing the reporting up, not lambasting them (the National Broadcaster) for their accuracy. You can leave all the sycophantic boot-licking to web site: apostate Australians/pseudo Americans such as Rupert Murdoch. ww w. f a b c n s w. o rg . Yours faithfully, au / James R Everard Page 7 Central Coast US Media Audiences says “No” to Corporate Giantism Friends Call for How they do things in the USA: The New York Times’ William Buckling to public pressure, the Safire - a staunch conservative – Protest U.S. House of Representatives remarked: the general managers has overwhelmingly approved an of 75 stations owned and operat- Demonstration appropriations bill to block one of ed by the Big Four television net- the Federal Communications works swept into a meeting of the The last meeting of the Central Coast Commission’s proposed new House Appropriations Committee FABC was attended by more than 70 peo- rules …a Bush administration yesterday. Big Media’s lobbying ple, with fewer than 50 financial members, decision to allow big owners to purpose was to squelch the but 12 of the newcomers signed up immedi- grow bigger and own more. bipartisan movement in Congress ately. to nullify the FCC’s cave-in to the The bill prohibits expanding the networks' lust to gobble up more The meeting had been well publicised number of American TV viewers independent stations. with visitors invited to hear the guest one media company may reach speaker NSW ABC Local Radio manager, to 45%. It holds the cap at 35%. “But to everyone’s amazement, Roger Summerill, who described his career “This is great news, but it’s not the networks’ power play was in public and private broadcasting, and, nat- over,” said US activists. foiled. Representative Frank Wolf urally, his commitment to ABC local radio. urged his GOP colleagues to vote The TV cap is the least sub- their consciences, and an amend- Roger also forecast the opening of the stantive rule change. The rules ment to hold the cap on a huge Central Coast transmitter and studio on the relaxing bans on newspaper/ conglomerate's ownership to 35 Central Coast broadcasting on 92.5 FM. broadcast cross ownership and percent of the national TV audi- local TV consolidation (duopolies) ence was passed by a vote of 40 The meeting was very strongly critical are what really hurt media diver- to 25. of the Federal Government’s complaints of sity and independence. bias and lack of adequate funding to main- How it Happened The White House and the tain existing services and ,without any dis- Safire continued: “Take the sent, carried a motion that NSW FABC be Republican majority in Congress oppose repealing these rules and force of right-wingers upholding asked to consider the organisation of a community standards who are demonstration to protest on these issues. the Republicans tried to derail support by calling a surprise vote determined to defend local con- trol of the public airwaves; com- The meeting later enjoyed afternoon bine that with the force of lefties People Action tea, and was entertained by the Jazz eager to maintain diversity of League group. “But, thanks to you, phones opinion in local media; add in the rang ‘off the hook’ independent voters’ mistrust of At our Christmas meeting on Sunday according to House media manipulation; then let all November 30 we are planning to have the staffers. In the hours have access to their representa- veteran Australian actor, John Bluthal, as before the critical vote, tives by e-mail and fax, and voilà! guest speaker. voices from the public Congress awakens to slap down John Hale, Convenor changed minds in the Congress. the power grab.” Although the amendment lost, it received a remarkable 174 votes, “Unfortunately, the any-merger- including 34 Republicans --- goes F.C.C. chairman, Michael Getting a strong vote was the Powell, has derided objections as mission, and we accomplished it.” “garbage,” and the White House strategist Karl Rove dismisses The complex Congressional the depth of voter resentment process and the House battle will resume in September. “But public opinion is on the After years in which media march. Some in-house pollster companies have rolled their should awaken President Bush to agenda over Congress with few a bipartisan sleeper issue that objections, Congressman Inslee could blindside him next year. “ said a “tsunami” of public pres- sure was starting to change the (Update will keep you posted on course of Congress. “Growing this fascinating American struggle.) numbers of Americans are realiz- ing that democracy demands democratic media, and Congress is listening,” the activists said.. Page 8 Behind the News Goes Full Frontal When Fat is Fat

Mick O’Regan summed it up on T h e children, is going to be axed. …or is it? For want of Donald McDonald or Media Report: “The decision by ABC We’ve already informed students Russell Balding re the demise of management to axe ‘Behind the at our school today that it’s going Behind The News, The Media Report’s News’ met an angry response from to be terminated, and they are Mick O’Regan turned to a former A B C students, teachers and parents. genuinely distressed about it.” Chairman Mark A r m s t r o n g . When educators argue media litera- cy is of fundamental importance, • “To be able to at age 10 and 11 Mick O’Regan: In cutting winding up BTN is viewed as a dis- to process and understand con- Behind the News, has the ABC aster.” Teachers responded - temporary issues, it’s absolutely played for maximum public outcry? Is crucial.” the Minister correctly telling the pub- • “The ABC has produced BTN lic that it’s the ABC’s priorities that for over 30 years…the only news • (Alan Parker, Deputy Head, St have led to this cut? program this country has for chil- John’s School, ) “I under- dren. Many European countries stand that budget cuts are neces- Mark Armstrong: I don’t think have a half an hour news time for sary in any organisation, but surely it’s for the government and the children presented in a way someone has to do a rational Minister to be making detailed com- appropriate for children to under- inquiry into which programs are ments about ABC programming. I’d stand…put in a way that doesn’t the most valued. Over the years, really like to know which are the scare the living daylights out of the ABC has continually axed areas of programs that nobody cares them. BTN is the only program educational programs; this is one about. Can I give you an example, that does that in Australia, and that’s just got to stay, and we as a when I was Chair, mostly under now we’re wiping it out.” school for a start, will be organis- Hawke and Keating and then the ing letters and so forth to the Howard government, we received a • “I couldn’t believe that a pro- ABC, because we won’t rest until lot of hostility for expandingTriple-J. gram that’s been going for over we feel we’ve done our bit to try There was enormous demand for 30 years, targeted specifically for and get it restored.” Triple-J, every bit of analysis showed that people in that teenage to 20 age group, were being seriously neglected, Great Lakes Friends per year for 4 years runs out this tri- and yet there were howls of unhappi- ennium. ness when we fulfilled what we Meet a Local Member: thought was our social responsibility. Other questions were just as per- Every member of the community’s Questions - but not tinent and just as well-backed. many answers got different priorities. Great Lakes Friends headed off •The ABC is an independent Mick O’Regan: What happens to meet local member, Bob Baldwin, national broadcaster accountable in a Board Room discussion when a (MP - Paterson) after first forwarding under law to parliament, not to the proposal is mooted, to axe a particu- him written questions - “Questions government lar program? submitted for Answers and Senator Alston has accused the Consideration”, each reinforced • It’s a matter with unchallengeable background; ABC of a “strong anti-US military Mark Armstrong: of looking at what’s the least worse for example: bias” re the recent Iraq war. cut to make. I have to add something • Why does the government • News Radio is still confined to here. This is against the disgraceful believe this country’s most signifi- the larger population centres. Why situation where politicians are saying, cant provider of information and cul- does the rest of Australia have to and the occasional editorial, ‘the ture, the ABC, can continue to pro- remain second-class citizens? ABC has too much fat and it should vide an effective service with insuffi- cut from its administration’. Now that cient funds? • In negotiating an Free Trade is one point which makes my blood Agreement with the US, what is the boil. It’s obscene to think that politi- • Triennial funding not restored government doing to protect cians, with extravagant superannua- since the Coalition Government cut Australia’s cultural heritage and tion schemes and perks, have got it by $66m annually in 1997. diversity? the ignorance and effrontery year after year to say that the ABC has • Federal Budget 2003 failed to Why does the government • too much fat and it should be cut. provide sufficient funds to operate have the view that the ABC should two digital television programs. have covered the recent Iraq war in The ABC has been cutting fat for a manner acceptable to its cause? ten years, and that goes back to when • Failure in the budget to commit I arrived, and I’m pretty sure it’s been funds to continue the ABC’s regional So what sort of answers did our cutting fat since long before that, how production and programming Great Lakes Friends get? much fat can you cut off any organism scheme. One-off funding of $17.8m Continued on Page 10 before it dies altogether?

Page 9 How Aunty Handles Complaints Age Staff writer, Ross Wa r n e c k e , But the ABC's own review system reviewed A l s t o n ’s angst and put it into works so well that in 2001-2002, only the context of the tens of thousands of 17 complaints about bias, lack of contacts the public makes with the A B C balance or factual inaccuracy were every year. Warnecke asked: Is the criti- referred to the ABA. Of those, only cism fair? Here’s an extract: six were upheld. And in each case the ABA was satisfied with While the fury of Senator Alston, the action that the ABC had focuses on the ABC’s handling of his already taken. allegations of an anti-American skew in news coverage of the Iraq war, the So, What Is All vast majority of submissions the Fuss About? received by Aunty are positive or requests for information. Of the The ABC already has 35,000 or so complaints received in its high-powered inde- a year, most are about programming p e n d e n t w a t c h d o g. - fewer than 2000 are about bias. The Independent So What Is Complaints Review All the Fuss About? Panel is headed by •Ted Thomas, a for- The ABC already has a compre- mer chief executive of hensive complaints handling system the in in place. If complainants are not sat- Sydney and includes: isfied with the response to their • a member of the claims of bias or factual inaccuracy, Australian Press Council, Margaret Jones; they - and Senator Alston - can ask • a former Channel that the matter be re-evaluated by executive, the ABC’s Independent Complaints Bob Johnson; Review Panel, a committee of five outsiders with experience in the law • the dean of the law and the media. faculty at the University of NSW, Professor Flashback: In 2001-2002, only 14 of 1971 Michael Chesterman; ABC Publicity 'snap' circa 1960: such complaints made it as far as and brand new film editors - Hans the Review Panel and only two were • St e p a n Pomeranz (l) and David Leonard. Hans accepted for review. Ke r k y a s h a r i a n , set the pace for editing at Weekend Chairman, Magazine and ABC documentaries, went Alternatively, those dissastified with Ethnic Affairs freelance and eventually set up the ABC's response to their com- Commission of Spectrum Films, one of Australia's plaints can take the matters out of New South major feature film post facilities; the broadcaster’s hands and refer Wales.and former head David Leonard flourished from them to the Australian Broadcasting of SBS Radio. Newsreel/Newsroom days to become an Authority

Con tinued from Page 9 merit when compared with the value provided to Questions - but not many answers the people of Australia by the ABC. Might we now direct your attention to the statement issued (4 This is an extract from the letter Great Lakes August) by the ABC MD, Russell Balding, branch sent Mr. Baldwin after the meeting: announcing cuts to programs and non-program Dear Mr Baldwin, functions amounting to $26.1 million per year. Thank you for meeting us (etc) and giving us Axing programs such as Behind the News (pro- your answers to the prepared questions…all (your) vide) examples of quality television this country answers followed the party line with no obvious cannot afford to be without. But as Balding said: “If individual view…the hackneyed quote, “Would you funding difficulty is the price of editorial indepen- like us to take additional ABC funding from health dence, the ABC must be prepared to pay it.” or education?” (was) an obvious smokescreen (to) Yours etc dodge the issue of funding. Grahame Burns, Many items in the 2003 Budget (are) of dubious Great Lakes FABC

Page 10 Where Did All the Money Go? Why it is so The ABC’s Funding Myth important to be a The BTN drama led to yet another Glenn Withers: The higher scrutiny of the cost of running the the level of education, the more the member of the national broadcaster and comparisons average Australian, as it were, lis- Friends of the ABC. with others. On The Media Report, tens to the ABC. But study after Mick O’Regan was joined by Professor study, seems to show that most • To help defend the indepen- Glenn Withers Executive Director of the Australians get something out of the dence of the ABC, Graduate Public Policy Programt at the AN U . ABC, some time each week or month. To keep good programs on the There’s something there for every- • air with funds to support them. Mick O’Regan: body, for people who don’t fit that How does the ABC middle-class image, particularly in • Attend social activites with like compare with the com- rural and regional Australia. minded people mercial free-to-air Receive special invitations to broadcasters? Mick O’Regan: So how would • you compare the Federal govern- functions, interesting tours, etc ment’s thinking about funding the Glenn Withers: • To find out ways to make your Well it’s actually very ABC, and what your study suggests opinion felt. efficient. People think the public feels about ABC funding? Receive a 10% discount at that’s a strange finding, • Glenn Withers: Well the fact is ABC Shops. but indeed, the ABC for that the government, or at least those instance spends about $140,000 per who are taking the running on this, • Receive regular issues of employee, whereas commercial tele- Mr Alston, the Prime Minister I guess, U p d a t e which give “Friends” the vision spends about $313,000 per primarily, they’re way out of touch real story. Update collates and employee. The cost of the ABC net- with the public view… I think people presents important items from work is less than half that of the feel that the squeeze on the ABC’s various sources. These include average commercial network. What gone far enough, and it’s a big articles from Australia and the people don’t realise is how much majority in favour of this, and if they rest of the world. those commercial networks have to have to pick out one or two or three spend on gathering, running, main- areas, along with health and educa- What if there were not strong taining, operating their marketing tion, that they’d like to see some ‘Friends’ in Australia? What and advertising and commercial improvement in spending, they actu- would life be like in Australia operations on top of regular pro- ally nominate the ABC. I think Mr without the ABC, even as it is gramming. Alston and Mr Howard are a bit out today? And a starting point to of touch here, or they’re more inter- that is the determination and Mick O’Regan: Now when you ested in the minor political games energy of its “Friends” to fight to undertook to look at the funding of a they want to play with the ABC, in preserve and protect it from public broadcaster like the ABC, the belief that overall people are not government and commerical what were you specifically setting going to change their votes on that. interference or any decisions to out to establish? But it’s reaching a point where it may its detriment. actually start influencing some votes. Glenn Withers: I was wanting How to get a friend to to look at how the ABC compared Mick O’Regan: Do you think become a “Friend”. with BBC, the Canadian Broad- that what we’re seeing here is a casting Corporation, European decision by the ABC to really focus It’s simple! the community’s attention on this equivalents and so on, so we could Just have them fill out the benchmark the ABC, particularly funding debate by actually deciding to when this was back in the times of cut those programs which the public Membership form on the back of Jonathan Shier…What I found was are most likely to complain about? this Update and send it in to the that the ABC was actually very cheap address on the form. And don’t Glenn Withers: There’s a pos- compared to its international coun- forget to tick the ‘give my details’ sibility. I have no inside knowledge. terparts. It receives much less fund- box so your name can be sent In public policy there’s a thing called ing per viewer and listener than the Washington Monument Gambit: onto your local Friends’ Branch. organisations like the BBC and the whenever the U.S. Department of CBC. the Interior was threatened with cuts, Or phone 9990 0600 or visit it always closed the Washington I want to ask our web site at: Mick O’Regan: Monument, which outraged you about the criticisms that the Americans because it was so unpa- ww w. fa bc n sw. o rg. a u / ABC, is a form of middle-class triotic. The result was the cuts were and fill out the on-line member- welfare, that only a small audience always removed. I think the ABC ship form. watches the ABC and everyone could be playing that game. must pay for it.

Page 11 No Tears For Aunty The little digressions of the AB C Letters to Editors that he is so upset about pale into I do not feel sorry in the least insignificance when compared to the Senator Alston about the ABC's budget being vitriol dished out by US commentators Does a U-turn trimmed. As an American-Australian, of all colours. The hardline right- I am acutely aware of the ABC’s anti- On Tuesday (5/8), The A g e report- wingers bag George Bush and his American bias. It makes me sick ed the minister’s praise for the “pru- mates for not getting the economy every time that I listen to both ABC dence” of recent program cuts by the right, while the pinko lefties bag him radio and television to hear anti- ABC. They will “have minimal impact for going to war. American and anti-Israeli tirades. As on the ABC's core programming”, he a taxpayer I object to the use of my No, Senator, the ABC is by no said. Yesterday (6/8), The Ag e re p o r t e d tax contribution going to such despi- means anywhere near as anti- he attacked the ABC for producing cable propaganda. American as many Americans are. I Media Wa t c h and what he describes think your biases are showing far as “frothy” lifestyle programs, at the Thinking people will not be fooled more than AM ’s . expense of programs like Behind the in the least about the ABC cutting N e w s. Senator Alston clearly had not children’s programming and keeping Shane Elson, anticipated the public reaction to the one-sided propaganda programs. Mo r w e l l program cuts forced onto the AB C . Ho w e v e r , he was silent on the real Warren A. Sapir, cause: the decision of the Howard East Bentleigh Government to run down funding for the public broadcaster. ABC Not A Propaganda Tool Dear Fellow Friends Ian Hundley, The time has never been so North Balwyn The ABC is not a propaganda tool. appropriate as now to encour- Senator Al s t o n ’ s charges against the age you to spread the word Death Squeeze ABC of anti-American and biased or about the Friends of the ABC. one-sided reporting are astonishing, The ABC board is unsuccessfully and it’s not at all surprising that they Funding cuts, the false asser- juggling $26.1 million of cuts to ABC have been dismissed (The Age, 22/7). tions of biased reporting, pro- programs and services. But it is the The Australian media coverage of the grammes needing to be axed Federal Government, and not the war in Iraq was outrageously skewed, because of the unwillingness of ABC, to which public protest should biased and one-sided - in favour of the the Howard government to ade- be directed. US . quately fund the ABC, are a dis- The Government has failed to ade- The ABC dared to explore issues grace. quately fund the ABC. By seriously and offer alternative points of view. It undermining its capacity to be a dared to be more than the propaganda Send letters and emails to comprehensive broadcaster catering machine of the Howard regime. An d the politicians, speak to your for a diversity of interests in the com- now the ABC is being attacked for not friends, recruit new members. munity, the Government saying what the Howard Government is pushing the ABC along wanted people to hear. Senator The main task for the a path that will ultimately Al s t o n ’ s determination to condemn the Friends is to save the ABC from lead to its demise. ABC ABC only confirms this. any further cutbacks and to restore the funding we have lost The existing strong and broad Clearly the expectation from the due to the actions of the community support for the national Howard Government is that the AB C , Howard government. broadcaster will drop away as the as a government-owned broadcasting quality, depth and the breadth of service, will act as its propaganda tool. ABC programming is lost. Is this the famous free speech that US The Australian population -led conflicts such as the war in Iraq need to realise that the targets Even politicians who misrepresent are supposed to protect and uphold? for their anger should be the scrutiny of government as bias Senator Alston and Prime should consider carefully what is Julietta Cerin, Minister Howard not the ABC happening. Australia is in danger of Thebarton, SA Board. Howard and Alston losing a great cultural institution that should be shown that a democ- enriches our lives with quality infor- US Home Tru t h s racy is based on fearless inde- mation and entertainment, and pendent reporting. If Senator Alston read a little more enhances our democracy. Imagine widely and took notice of what is really life without it. happening, he would find that the most 21st August 2003 Terry Laidler, anti-American sentiments Era Wellsmore President, he can find anywhere Carey Bay Friends of the ABC come from within the US (Victoria) it s e l f .

Page 12 Nailing the ‘ABC’ of Deception Having failed to intimidate the A B C weapons of mass destructi o n . brings me back to the question of into describing good, inquiring journalism bias. I and others have been as something other than good, inquiring Howard has got used to getting accused of misrepresenting journalism, John Howard and Richard away with it. Babies in the water didn’t Rumsfeld’s deputy, Paul Wolfowitz, Alston want to enlist an “independent” dent his image, and, although a by repeating, in elided form, a quote review panel to haul the broadcaster into Newspoll indicated that two out of attributed to him in Vanity Fair maga- line. A panel, that is, whose independence three Australians believed the zine, that WMDs were chosen as the would consist in its having been appointed Government misled the nation this casus belli for “bureaucratic” rea- by them, rather than by the A B C . belief does not appear to be changing sons:…“(they were) the one issue Ray Cassin, Senior Editorial Wr i t e r an y o n e ’ s vote. We have low expecta- everyone could agree on.” In the full with The A g e . w r i t e s: tions of public officeholders in this quote, Rumsfeld enumerated the co u n t r y , and they do not disappoint us. other reasons invoked: the regime’s Here is the Prime Minister, indicat- oppression of its people, support for ing his disappointment in the response Expectations are different in the US and Britain, the countries where terrorism, and the possible link of the ABC to Senator Alston's com- between the latter and WMDs. plaints about its reporting of the Iraq the assault on truth began and from war: “I guess it’s inevitable: if you which it was directed. And, in case anyone has forgotten how emphatic (But) those who say that homing have an internal review assessment, in on Wolfowitz's term “bureaucratic” there's always a tendency to declare the claims about Iraq’s elusive weapons were, here’s a sample. was unfair have a problem, because yourself ‘not guilty’.” the “one reason that everyone (that “There is no doubt is, senior members of the US admin- I leave readers to discover for Saddam Hussein now has istration) could agree on turns out to themselves the falsity of this insinua- weapons of mass destruc- have been largely spin-driven specu- tion about the integrity of the AB C ' s tion.” - US Vic e - P r e s i d e n t lation. They must have known that complaints review executive. Its 130- Dick Cheney, Au g u s t as they were agreeing to it.” page response to the Communications 2002. Note: he didn't talk about Mi n i s t e r ’s dossier of complaints, avail- weapons programs. He said It is hard to avoid the conclusion able on the AB C ’ s website, is not “w e a p o n s ” . that the US administration decided to marked by a tendency towards any- go to war first, and then went looking thing except a fair assessment of In January this year, as the coali- for justifications. Wolfowitz’s use of each of the 68 complaints. tion was poised to the term “bureaucratic” is notewor- strike, here is the thy: it is the sly rhetoric of those who The Prime Minister’s remark is then White House cloak strategic gambits with moral revealing, however, in a way that he spokesman, Ari imperatives. presumably did not intend. Fleischer: “We know for a fact that Allowing the examination of com- there are weapons there...” US plaints to become a process of auto- Defence Secretary, Donald AC Nielsen research found matic self-exoneration is not in fact Rumsfeld, told an interviewer on the (US) ABC network in late March: that 70 per cent of typical of Au s t r a l i a ’ s major news Australians believe ABC media organisations. They are keenly “We know where they are. They’re in aware that doing so would quickly the area around Tikrit coverage of news and cur- erode the credibility with audiences and Baghdad, and east, rent affairs is more bal- west, south and north ? and readers on which they depend. anced than that provided somewhat.” (Again, sceptics on this by the commercial network s. point should read the Somewhat, Mr Secretary?…it is AB C ’ s response to the now evident that the strong factual Alston dossier). claims coalition govern- I think John Howard has implicitly ments used to portray Iraq admitted a great deal about how as a threat were not justified allegations of distortion and decep- by the intelligence they had tion are typically dealt with by gov- at the time. ernments. If he had added, “and So why did they want to subordinates should always be pre- hear it? What was the real pared to take a fall rather than impli- reason for invading Iraq? It cate the boss”, he would have given is also beyond belief that a pretty good description of how his this was chiefly a desire to minders handled the babies-and- liberate the people of Iraq. truth overboard scandal, and how We are not at war with lots they are now handling the collapsing of other monsters. casus belli for the invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein’s supposed Motive (however)

Page 13 TIPS FOR WRITING GOOD LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: 1) Be quick. Respond while the issue is still fresh. ing why you have allowed such a biased article to appear Ideally, try to send your letter within 24 hours of publica- in your fine publication.” tion of the article. 8) Stick to the facts. Preserve your integrity by keeping 2) Be clear. If you cannot summarise your message in comments clean and respectful. Hostile or overly-emo- one or two sentences, it's not clear enough in your mind. tional language is counter-productive. This is not the Pinpoint in stark, unambiguous terms what you want to place to vent your frustration. communicate. 9) Write as a concerned individual. Mentioning that 3) Be specific . Why was the article unfair? Did it show you are part of an organized campaign may lessen the lack of context, unbalanced reporting, or omission of key impact of your letter. facts? 10) Use the CC button. Maximize your efforts by send- 4) Be concise. Most publications will not print a letter to ing a copy of your letter not just to the editor, but also to the editor longer than 250 words. And editors tend to publish letters they don't have to spend time shortening. the reporter, foreign editor, publisher, advertisers and Members of Parliament. 5) Be focused. While an article may contain numerous 11) Include contact information. instances of bias, focus your critique on just one or two. Before publishing a It's better to fully explain one point than to inadequately letter, most papers will call to verify that you wrote it. cover five. Remember to include your full name, title (if applicable), address and phone number where you can be reached. 6) Know the goal. You want your letter to inspire the 12) Follow up. media to change. When possible, ask the media to issue When possible, follow up with a phone a correction based on your points. call to the comments Editor to ask if your letter will be published. If the Editor doesn’t remember your letter, 7) Request a reply. Let the media know there is a con- offer to immediately email it or fax it urgently.claiming sequence to biased reporting - even if the consequence some priority for it since the Editor seems to have is having to answer hundreds of e-mails! You could end missed it. your letter with: “I would appreciate a response explain- From: HonestReporting.com Just a sec! Become a Friend of the ABC - Join Now Thinking foreign trade deals? Talking Have you asked your friends, neighbours, level playing fields? Racing off to sign a relatives and business contacts to join the US Free Trade Agreement? Clearing the decks for an exciting new wave of US Friends of the ABC? entertainment and infotainment?

A US federal rule limits indirect for- eign ownership of U.S. broadcasters to 25%.

FABC (NSW) Inc. Executive Committee President - Gary Cook Phone: 9810 3358 Fax 9144 1351 VP & Secretary- Liliane Leroy Phone 9969 5159 Treasurer - Peter Burke Phone 9144 2668 email [email protected] Membership Secretary - Carolyn Green Phone 9144 1351 or 0417 650 443 [email protected] Update Editor: Brian Davies Phone 9977 7130 [email protected]

Cartoon courtesy Phil Somerville Page 14 Missing Hugh Broadcasting Hugh MacKay wrote a guest uncertainty there’s almost an column for the Update that eagerness to disconnect from Authority Clears marked the ABC’s 70th anniver- serious discussion about serious sary. The piece issues. Without the ABC it’s easy the ABC also appeared to imagine an acceleration of In the six months to June 2003 the in Hugh’s regu- that process. We tend to opt for Australian Broadcasting Authority investi- lar column in ever simpler, more easily digest- gated complaints against radio and televi- the Sydney ed, bite-sized chunks in media sion broadcasters - in all three sectors, Morning Herald programming, audiences commercial, public service and community. - a column demand ’relevance’ - but that It found nine occasions in which commer- that’s been a salutary reminder usually amounts to little more cial stations were in breach of a relevant or a comfort for regular readers than a plea to be left safely code. of the . tucked up in their comfort zone: Ironically, the question posed we like to hear things that con- No complaints against the ABC were was ’What sort of a place would firm our prejudices and reassure upheld. Australia be without the ABC.’ us that the status quo is just fine. There were nine findings against com- The question now being asked is munity radio stations, and one against a what sort of a Saturday paper A challenge to think differently commercial station. will it be without Hugh MacKay - unceremoniously dropped by the The ABC is prepared to resist There were no findings against A B C the siren call of populism in Fairfax group, without warning. r a d i o . Why? favour of doing things that are unashamedly elitist, appeal to In the period October-December 2002 Update wants to wish Hugh special-interest groups, tell us three complaints were made against the MacKay well. For nearly a things we didn’t ABC: decade in the Herald he was a already know or chal- voice of reason, of social con- lenge us to think dif- 1. New Dimensions, ABC TV. false infor- cerns, of thoughtfulness and per- ferently about the mation - that genetically modified foods ceptive insights into Australia’s things we thought we did know. were labelled. psyche. We’re hard-pressed to 2. , ABC TV. inaccurate fact - the understand the Fairfax decision, Radio National is a paradigm: by presenting thoughtful innova- number of people marching across the except that the Fairfax papers, Harbour Bridge in 2000. particularly the Herald, are bol- tive programs that challenge our stering their conservative world complacency. It adds unique 3. News Bulletin (Radio National). view. The paper overflows with dimensions to the Australian Palestinian report omitted key facts and columnists like Miranda Devine, media landscape creating pro- was inaccurate, racist and anti-Semitic. Paddy McGuiness and Paul grams of uncompromising quality Sheehan, to mention only three. and breadth. Yes, they appeal to The ABA dismissed all three complaints. We’ll miss Hugh MacKay. minority audiences (but so does No breaches of the code of practice were Alan Jones: 80 percent of found. It’s worth looking back to his Sydney’s radio audiences don’t column on the ABC’s 70th birth- listen to him). Yet the accumula- day in which, among others tion of all those minorities means points, he said this: that Radio National in any given week, reaches about one million “In the present climate of Australians. “

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