Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. quarterly newsletter

December 2012 UPDATE Vol 20, No. 3 incorporating Background Briefi ng friends of the abc

BUSINESS JOURNALISM Nick McKenzie and Richard Baker, 7.30, ABC wins eight ABC TV and The Age, Fairfax, “RBA faces questions over bribery connections” INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM Matthew Carney and Thom Cookes, Four Walkley Awards Corners, ABC TV, “In their sights” BROADCAST AND ONLINE BC journalists and crew collected ABC Radio’s Nance Haxton won INTERVIEWING Aeight Walkley Awards for Excellence the Radio News and Current Affairs Leigh Sales, 7.30, ABC TV, “Interviews in Journalism at last night’s 57th Walkley Reporting award for “Justice system fails with Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison and ceremony in Canberra. disabled victims of sexual abuse”. Christine Milne”. Awards included Most Outstanding Claudia Taranto, Amanda Gearing and WALKLEY DOCUMENTARY AWARD Contribution to Journalism, won by Peter Louis Mitchell won in the Radio Feature, Celeste Geer, Rebel Films/ABC TV, “Then Cave, who retired from the ABC this year Documentary or Broadcast Special the Wind Changed” after a long and distinguished career as category for their 360documentaries TELEVISION CURRENT AFFAIRS, one of Australia’s most recognised and piece, “The day that changed FEATURE OR SPECIAL (MORE THAN respected foreign correspondents. Grantham”. 20 MINUTES) ABC TV’s “Then the Wind Changed”, Mary Ann Jolley, Geoff Thompson and by Strathewen resident and director Peter Mary Fallon, Four Corners, ABC TV, Celeste Geer about the devastating 2009 “Unholy silence” Cave fi res, won the Documentary Award. MOST OUTSTANDING ABC Managing Director Mark Scott, CONTRIBUTION TO JOURNALISM said “the depth and quality of ABC Peter Cave journalism was on show across all categories with the winners reporting on issues from international to political, business to social justice as well as in- ABC fl agship current affairs programs, Inside Update depth analysis from fl oods to fi res. Four Corners and 7.30 took home two From the President 2 Walkleys each. All our nominees and winners demonstrate why more than ever Geraldine Doogue 3 Mary Ann Jolly, Geoff Thompson and Australians are turning to the ABC for Statement from Quentin Dempster 4 Mary Fallon won for their Four Corners Matt Peacock 4 investigation into child sex abuse in the News and Current Affairs”. Senate to examine closely ABC TV 5 Catholic Church, “Unholy silence”, while Backlash for ABC on state closure 6 Matthew Carney and Thom Cookes won ABC Walkley Winners Somerville 6 the International Journalism award for their RADIO NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS ABC eroded: Moving to Radio Four Corners exclusive “In their sights”, REPORTING National Lite 7 which revealed Australia’s kill-capture Nance Haxton, ABC Radio, “Justice ABC’s foul kick to reconciliation 8 strategy in Afghanistan. system fails disabled victims of sexual Mark Colvin’s ‘incisive voice’ 7.30 host Leigh Sales won the Broadcast still guiding, 15 years on 9 abuse” and Online Interviewing category for Radio drama faces OFF switch 10 RADIO FEATURE, DOCUMENTARY her interviews with Tony Abbott, Scott 25 years of doing much more... 12 OR BROADCAST SPECIAL Morrison and Christine Milne. Reporter ABC will axe its radio plays... 12 Nick McKenzie took out the Business Claudia Taranto, Amanda Gearing and Branch News 13 Journalism award for his work with Louis Mitchell 360documentaries, ABC FABC (NSW) 2012 Biennial The Age’s Richard Baker, “RBA faces Radio National, “The day that changed Conference Papers 15 questions over bribery connections”. Grantham”

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FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM Update Publication Information From the President Update is published three times a year by Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. (FABC), PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. Printpost approved PP245059/00002 Walkley Awards with a particular focus on Aboriginal footballers and the communities To become a member phone As this edition of Update goes to print, from which they come. This (02) 9990 0600 or email to the 2012 Walkley Award winners [email protected] unique opportunity to celebrate have been announced. Once again or access our website the outstanding achievements of ABC staff have featured prominently www.fabcnsw.org.au. Aboriginal sportspeople and to present in all categories across radio and Extracts from newspapers and other a host of positive role models has been television, and we are reminded of publications appearing in Update do not sacrifi ced, apparently for budgetary necessarily reflect the views of the the great depth of talent on which reasons. It stating the obvious that members of FABC. the ABC draws to bring us news and commercial television would never Update is distributed to all members of information of depth and quality. We FABC, as part of the membership fee. run such a show – how much more should recognise especially the award Update is also supplied to journalists, important it is that the ABC be seen to politicians and libraries across Australia. of Most Outstanding Contribution to be providing a platform for indigenous It is edited and produced in Sydney but Journalism to Peter Cave, who retired people to express pride in achievement, contributions are welcome from NSW country this year after a long and distinguished and interstate branches. “contribute to national identity, and career as a foreign correspondent, Material may be quoted or reproduced refl ect cultural diversity.” (The Charter) from Update provided the source is bringing us news and analysis from acknowledged and reproduction is sent to many of the world’s most diffi cult and The Shrinking Radio National the President FABC. dangerous trouble spots. We record Would you like to receive Update that the outstanding record of ABC 12 months ago, major changes were magazine electronically? foreign correspondents in bringing announced to the Radio National Save the planet's trees and The Friends us the news often comes at great printing and postage costs and read Update schedule for 2012, with a defi nite magazine on your computer. personal cost. Mark Colvin, who has move away from the specialised Each quarter, when Update is published, you just completed his fi fteenth year as programs for which Radio National was will receive an email with a link to the latest presenter of PM, almost lost his life and so renowned. Further changes have issue (each magazine is around 0.5MB). is permanently disabled as a result of You can try this now by going to our been signalled for 2013, including the website at www.fabcnsw.org.au and a virus contracted whilst covering the total disappearance of radio drama, clicking on Update. massacres in Rwanda. On November and further reduction in credible Arts If you prefer this delivery option for future 2nd, Mark delivered the Andrew Olle coverage, along with a cut of $1m to Updates please send an email to the Media Lecture for 2012, entitled “How Membership Secretary. the RN budget. Friends understands the Media can survive at the moment that a person called the ABC Controller, Who to write… of extreme crisis.” Anyone seeking basic information about Brendan Dahill, has been given fi ve writing to persons of influence might find it Hobart Television Production years to change the RN demographic helpful to go to the FABC NSW website from over 65 to 18 – 40. We hope that www.fabc.org.au where there are some Axed menu items under "Be Active" leading to Mr. Dahill realises that even the 18 – 40 pages of information: Who can I write to? That moment of extreme crisis came age group will expect both depth and What can I say? to the sixteen ABC staff in Hobart quality from Radio National programs. recently when Mark Scott fl ew in to FABC (NSW) Executive Committee Any thoughts of Radio National in announce the closure of television Office Bearers 2012 must bring to mind the tragic loss production facilities in Hobart. This President - Mal Hewitt of Alan Saunders, a superb broadcaster, Phone: 02 9637 2900 follows the cessation of television an incisive mind and a wonderful radio Email: [email protected] production in Brisbane, Perth and presence. He is sorely missed by his Secretary & Treasurer - James Buchanan Adelaide. However, the announcement Phone: 02 9371 5621 was quickly followed by the ABC colleagues and his appreciative Email: [email protected] establishment of a Senate Committee audience. Membership Secretary - Angela Williamson to inquire into the disappearance of Phone: 02 4883 4048 The Staff-Elected Director Email: [email protected] television production in all capital cities but Sydney and Melbourne, Friends were delighted at the passage of Update Editor - Mal Hewitt PO Box 1391 N. Sydney NSW 2059 and whether the ABC can be seen to the long-awaited legislation in Federal Email: [email protected] be meeting its Charter obligations to Parliament to restore the position of Cartoonist - Phil Somerville represent “all Australians.” Staff-elected Director to the ABC Board, Editorial Cartoonist for The Sun Herald and supported strongly the candidacy (Sydney) Hard to Fathom [email protected] of Quentin Dempster for that position. Quentin has recently advised ABC Layout Artist - Paul Martens Also diffi cult to justify is the axing [email protected] of the Marngrook Football Show on staff that the legislation restricts an ABC 2, a program where indigenous appointee to two terms (of 5 years Membership Line: 02 9990 0600 presenters and panellists discussed the each). Quentin has already served two issues of Australian Football, terms (but of 2 years each), but the Page 2

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 2 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM bill does not allow for the difference platforms. As with all other media in length of terms, rendering him organizations, we are creating, out of GERALDINE DOOGUE, ineligible to stand for the new position. necessity, new forms of engagement recipient of the NSW This is a most disappointing outcome with newly empowered audiences for of a sloppy piece of legislation, but whom content creation has become a Friends of the ABC Quentin’s statement to staff is printed two-way fl ow. Broadcasting Excellence in this Update, along with information - Our entire 80 year history Award for 2012. supporting Matt Peacock’s candidacy has been based on ensuring that eraldine was for the position. the ABC cannot be subject to presented with her pressure, whether direct or indirect G Award at the Friends 2013 an ABC Budget Year and whether express or implied, end of year function from its sole shareholder. In large Next year will be vital for the ABC as at the ABC Ultimo measure this is a recognition of it goes to Canberra with its Budget headquarters on Friday the fundamental importance of requests for the next three years. 30th November. It is in this area that Friends of the independence in news and current Geraldine’s long and distinguished ABC can be very effective, simply affairs reporting. Insulation from career in journalism began in 1972 with by making contact with your local inappropriate pressure is also, to a a cadetship with The West Australian. In Federal Member (especially if he/ signifi cant degree, the basis for the her fi rst ten years Geraldine worked in she is Labor) and reminding them statutory prohibition on advertising. print, television and radio, including two of the importance to the national The entire, very revealing discourse years in London working for the Murdoch wellbeing of a strong and independent can be found on the website at www. group’s Australian papers. ABC. We do know that the ABC did fabcnsw.org.au We look forward to well in the last triennium because of the Chairman’s next foray into the Geraldine’s talent for television was the strong messages coming to the public arena. identifi ed by the ABC while she was Treasurer and Finance Minister from still working for Murdoch, and she was local members as a result of pressure Another Year of Support and offered the Perth compere’s position from constituents. Over the past Advocacy for the ABC for ABC TV’s new Nationwide program. 25 years ABC funding has not been She moved to Sydney to host the NSW I wrote earlier this year “Friends indexed to the infl ation rate, and edition of the program, but again left the of the ABC Branches scattered has at times been cut by both major ABC to work for 2UE, then to Channel 10 throughout the state are our real parties. A case should be made that to present the nightly news, returning to strength, with their local advocacy, the ABC in 1990. ABC capital funding should increase support, publicity and lobbying Her role in ABC TV’s coverage of each year, at least at the infl ation rate. for the ABC, and their unique the Gulf War earned her two Penguin Another strong argument to advance value as a voice to local political Awards and a United Nations Media is the importance of the ABC to representatives.” Thank you to the Peace Prize. In 1992, Geraldine began communication in local communities leaders of local branches and their presenting Life Matters, a new program at times of natural disasters. A paper committees who work so hard for on Radio National which covered all the produced by the Friends of the ABC “our” ABC. The future possibility of social issues of everyday life. In 1998, State Conference in August with a a less sympathetic government in she became host of ABC TV’s Compass detailed justifi cation for increasing Canberra, and the growing stridency program, which examined issues of the ABC budget is reproduced in this of attacks on the ABC’s very right to spirituality, philosophy and belief. Update. exist from the Murdoch press mean After 11 years presenting Life Matters, The Chairman Speaks on the that the ABC will always need strong defenders across the Australian Geraldine moved to Saturday mornings to ABC community. I also pay tribute to the host Saturday Extra, a program focussing on international politics, Australia’s role Recently appointed Chairman of the members of the NSW Committee, on the world stage, and business. Board, The Hon James Spigelman without whose commitment there AC QC, in a wide-ranging address would be no Friends, especially In 2000, Geraldine was awarded a on “The ABC and Australia’s New Secretary/Treasurer James Buchanan, Churchill Fellowship for social and Media Landscape,” proved to be an Webmaster Chris Cartledge (and cultural reporting, and in 2003 was outstanding advocate for the ABC. for his technical support in the recognised with an Offi cer in the Order Some excerpts: production of Update), Jason of Australia. Her citation stated: For Lowe and his hardworking Events service to the community, particularly - A commercial monoculture in Committee, Membership Secretary as a commentator for social change, the media will either not deliver Angela Williamson, Minutes and to the media through raising public the broad range of content that the Secretary Geoff Brann, Update awareness of issues involving ethics, public broadcasters have traditionally proofreader Susan Buchanan, Vice values, religion and spirituality. delivered, or will not deliver such President Nance Loney, and Margaret content to the whole community. We acknowledge Geraldine’s O’Connor, who maintains our outstanding career in journalism, and - In the current environment, the Facebook page. her passion for honesty, integrity and the challenge is for the ABC to ensure that search for the truth. it stays in the forefront of innovation Mal Hewitt in delivery to online and mobile President, NSW FABC Page 3

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 3 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM Statement from Quentin Dempster on ABC Staff-Elected Director Ballot

have been rendered ineligible to unintended consequence of legislative ‘hang in there’ in the six years since the nominate for the position of staff-elected drafting. SED position was abolished. I have kept Idirector of the ABC in the impending I am distressed by this turn of events but faith with staff and the ABC over those six Australian Electoral Commission ballot. have no choice now but to withdraw. years, making submissions to parliamentary My legal advice is that the recently I thank the Minister for Broadband, inquiries on ABC issues, supporting staff, passed National Broadcasting Legislation Communications and the Digital Economy, engaging with Friends of the ABC and Amendment Bill and associated Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, audiences, advising management on regulations about to be proclaimed will members and senators of the Australian editorial policies and contributing to the retrospectively and unfairly discriminate Labor Party, supportive independent debate about public broadcasting and the against ABC employees who served two MHRs and the Greens for the governance ABC’s future. successive terms as director before the reforms which establish an arms- I will remain an advocate for non- abolition of the position by the Howard length merit selection process for the commercial mainstream public broadcasting government in 2006. Myself and only one appointment of all ABC directors and the in Australia and will be supporting Matt other still serving employee, John Cleary, reinstatement of the SED position. This Peacock, an experienced, courageous and are affected. is a signifi cant legacy after 80 years of committed public broadcaster for the staff- I had been eligible to nominate (and in politicisation, infl uence peddling and the elected director position. Matt is planning fact won the position) in 2006 even though regular practice of stacking the board to visit Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, I had served two terms as SED from 1992 with partisans and ideologues by both the Adelaide, Perth and Darwin and as many to 1996. Labor and Liberal parties to the detriment regional centres as possible to engage with But the new legislation in establishing of the ABC and this institution’s trusted all staff on current issues in coming weeks fi ve year terms for staff elected directors role in our national life. and months. in future applies a retrospective I respectfully ask the Liberal and I am asking all ABC colleagues to give Matt prohibition to former offi ce holders in National parties to now review their policy your full support in the diffi cult and uncertain spite of the fact that the ABC Act’s former and support these more enlightened period ahead to help secure the ABC’s provisions set SED terms at just two governance arrangements. future. years. The Minister’s offi ce has indicated I apologise to staff and ABC supporters Quentin Dempster my ineligibility is an inadvertent and who have been encouraging me to [email protected]

Matt Peacock – Candidate for Staff-Elected Director

he ABC staff-elected director the ABC makes its formal submission. identity as a comprehensive national Tposition, along with merit selection At a time when other mainstream media broadcaster. There needs to be a of all board appointments for the organisations are shedding staff, it is thorough audit of the continuing policy ABC and SBS, has been achieved more important than ever to secure the to outsource programs to external because of the campaigning of many ABC’s role as an independent, creative production, which is eroding crucial committed people over the last six and stabilising institution. local skills and reducing diversity in ABC years. coverage The staff-elected director will provide an I hope in the campaign to galvanise important conduit to the ABC board on The ABC’s role as an innovator and a discussion about what a public our strategic direction. creative training ground is also critical. broadcasting system can cost- My primary concern at a time when None of these can be taken for granted. effectively deliver in the rapidly resources are limited and stretched They must be fought for at board level. developing digital environment. across multi-channel platforms and digital If the ABC is to be downsized in the The ABC faces uncertainty until we devices is the quality and distinctiveness next triennium the board must protect our see the result of the triennial funding of all our programs. Charter obligations and not compromise negotiations, soon to be underway as Regional audiences are crucial to our our efforts by commerciality.

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FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 4 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM NICK LEYSLEYS Senate to closely TheThe Australian 28 November, examine ABC TV 20201212

laims of creeping centralisation Ctowards Sydney by the ABC will be the subject of a Senate committee inquiry following the decision to axe television The closure production in Tasmania. follows similar moves recently in Perth The Senate yesterday voted to refer to and Brisbane and staff cuts in Adelaide the environment and communications that effectively mean the end of television references committee, chaired by production outside Sydney and South Australian Liberal senator Simon Melbourne. Birmingham, matters relating to the The Community and Public Sector Union ABC’s production model and its charter has lodged a claim against the ABC with was not in regional Australia’s requirement to refl ect regional diversity. Fair Work Australia on behalf of its 16 favour. The impact of centralised production Tasmanian members, arguing that the “The ABC continues to tell us that it is in Sydney and Melbourne on regional national broadcaster has breached its committed to regional TV production, but diversity will be central to that inquiry. enterprise agreement with staff. the facts tell a different story,” she said. Accusations the ABC is ignoring Senator Birmingham said he welcomed “The ABC has taken an ideological its regional responsibilities follow the the inquiry “into the ABC’s capacity to stand against internal production in favour announcement last week by managing meet its obligations to refl ect regional of outsourcing programs to the private director Mark Scott and head of television diversity across Australia”. sector. “It has been death by a thousand Kim Dalton of the closure of production CPSU offi cer Sinddy Ealy said the inquiry cuts and I think the public as well as our facilities in Hobart, making 16 staff would hopefully bring acknowledgment by members have a right to know where it is members redundant. the ABC that its mixed-model approach all going to end.”

att Peacock has worked for the ABC radio current affairs programs AM, Mfor more than thirty years across a TWT and PM, specialising in politics, wide range of ABC TV and radio programs. environment and science. He also He has been chief political correspondent worked for RN’s Background Briefi ng and bureau chief for current affairs radio in as compere and reporter. Canberra, foreign correspondent in London More recently he has worked in TV as (2001-2003), Washington (1990-1992) and a senior current affairs reporter at 7.30 New York (1993). and Foreign Correspondent. Matt began his career in 1973 as a trainee He is author of several books, with Australia’s fi rst TV current affairs including Asbestos: Work as a program, This Day Tonight, before joining Health Hazard (ABC Books, 1978), the ABC Radio National’s Science Unit, The Forgotten People- a History of presenting his own radio program, then Australia’s South Sea Islanders (ABC producing a pioneering radio series on the Books, 1978), and more recently asbestos industry for the multi-department a history of the former Australian radio program Broadband. asbestos manufacturer James Hardie, During the 1980s he was senior program Killer Company (ABC Books, 2009), offi cer in Darwin, reporting on rural and which inspired the ABC TV dramatic remote issues, producing and presenting mini-series Devil’s Dust. programs such as After Eight and Territory Matt is also an Adjunct Professor of Tracks. Journalism with Sydney’s University of For many years Matt worked for the Technology (UTS).

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FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 5 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM Sydney and Melbourne. The ABC should immediately reconsider its decision.” Closure of the Hobart TV production Backlash unit will mean the axing of Auction Room and end hopes of a resurrection of the once popular Collectors. More broadly, it threatens to become a for ABC on lightning rod for internal, community and political discontent at the “Sydneyfi cation” of the ABC. Internally, there is a belief that ABC state closure management set up the Hobart production unit to fail. While Collectors of its charter commitments to produce had been prime time, 8pm Friday, even Matthew Denholm regional programs. after the loss of presenter Andy Muirhead Tasmanian correspondent The claim, denied by the ABC, was on child pornography charges, Auction for The Australian seemingly endorsed by Communications Room was allocated a “graveyard slot” of 6pm on Sunday and insuffi ciently 21 November 2012 Minister Stephen Conroy, who refused to rule out government intervention if the promoted. Management then pegged the ABC board ignored his plea for a reversal future of the Hobart production team on he ABC is under growing pressure of the decision. the ratings for the show. to reverse its creeping centralisation T The Community and Public Sector of television production in Sydney, with “I call on the ABC board to ensure Union told The Australian it was taking the Gillard government demanding it that the broadcaster upholds its clear legal advice to fi nd whether management “immediately reconsider” plans to axe obligations in relation to cultural diversity had breached the ABC Charter and production in Tasmania. and local programming,” he said. “Cutting production facilities in Tasmania accused it of fl outing an industrial The Hobart closure, costing 17 skilled could result in a dramatic reduction in the agreement by failing to consult ahead of jobs, continues a trend towards ending all telling of Tasmanian stories, something the redundancies. in-house TV production outside Sydney that diminishes the ABC and short- and Melbourne, following the axing of local The CPSU said managing director Mark changes the people of Tasmania. production in Perth and Brisbane and cuts Scott fl ew into Hobart unexpectedly and in Adelaide. Staff yesterday referred to their “As the national broadcaster, it is gave an hour’s notice of a meeting at employer as the “Sydney Broadcasting concerning that the ABC continues to which he announced the decision. Corporation”, claiming it was in breach centralise its production processes in The cuts will mean the loss of at least 17 camera operators, editors, directors, producers and researchers. The ABC Charter commits to programs that ‘contribute to a sense of national identity and inform and entertain, and refl ect the cultural diversity of the Australian community’. Premier Lara Giddings said the ABC was in danger of forfeiting its claim to be a national broadcaster. “The ABC must not lose sight of the fact that it is a national broadcaster; it must commit as much to the regions as it does to Sydney and Melbourne.” Several federal Labor MPs and senators, and independent Andrew Wilkie, reacted with anger. ‘Mark Scott seems hell bent on centralising production . . . despite the ABC TV production strategy for 2011 to 2013 committing to a regional presence,’ said Labor senator Lisa Singh. Greens leader and Tasmanian senator Christine Milne said the decision was further evidence of a centralisation of TV production and said the move ‘will deny rural and regional Australia its stories’.

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FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 6 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM ABC ERODED: Moving to Radio National Lite

the delight of book reading, another Glenys Stradijot important art form. NEW! Campaign Manager Creative Instinct, the experimental Friends of the ABC (Vic) arts program The Night Air, and Lingua 99.9% Franca will be cut too. Movie Time will fi nish. RN’s book program whose Content The erosion of Radio National mandate was broadened this year to – renowned for its breadth of become Arts and Books will be further Free! programs of intellectual and cultural diluted to incorporate fi lm. integrity – continues. Other programs will have shortened hile RN still retains some preparation times. Hindsight, 360 What others say Woutstanding programs, recent Documentaries and Into the Music, Dr Siobhán McHugh, an award- years have seen RN shifting its feature programs which tell mostly winning oral historian, writer direction. Programming that offers non-fi ction stories, will be among and documentary-maker, says food for the imagination and programs programs to have their staff cut. “Underfunded as it is, RN is precious, of depth made by people with expertise FABC is concerned that new arts as are its best producers”. McHugh and experience are disappearing. programs for RN’s 2013 schedule fears the result of RN changes may be a For RN’s 2012 schedule, The National may include a large number of more superfi cial treatment of ideas, and Interest, which dealt with signifi cant international, mostly American buy- that “highly textured, well researched policy issues, was dropped. Artworks ins. If true, the impact on the many programs which are produced with was axed and the arts merged into RN’s and varied Australian artists and writers insight, authenticity, inventive sound dedicated book program. whose work presently features on RN design and general élan” will be lost. Generalist talk programs, programs will be signifi cant. Tom Morton, a former RN journalist traditionally a feature of local Some of the money RN saves from its and presenter, said the features unit radio, took the place of specialist cuts will be used to establish a Creative will be “losing people who represent programming in some time slots. The Audio Unit which will develop and a very large part of the intellectual length and consistent depth of RN’s draw from outside the ABC material for capital and experience at Radio current affairs documentary program RN, and also Online. The amount and National . . . potentially ripping Background Briefi ng declined. balance of resources which remains the guts out of the whole culture of features, documentary making and ‘Flow programming’, an anathema available for radio content will be drama”. to RN’s style of distinct programs, critical, as will be the maintenance of RN’s high standards. Increased was introduced to some time blocks, What FABC says resulting in audience confusion about opportunities the unit is intended to Radio National, the heart of the ABC’s the time they needed to tune-in to provide for public input may result in intellectual and cultural broadcasting, the programs of their choice. “Light wonderful, innovative contributions. is being eroded to save $1 million next weight“ are words commonly used by They might also result in uninspiring year. It is also being downgraded as the RN listeners to describe several of the content from aspiring contributors result of the ABC’s priority to resource programs new to RN in 2012. being accepted by the ABC as a cheap way to fi ll airtime and webspace. populist television programming. Now, some of RN’s distinguished program-makers will be forced to What the ABC says Act to save Radio National leave. Included in the 11 staff who are Despite the quality of programming . Let the ABC Board know that you expected to be made redundant are depending heavily on the number will not accept the ABC abandoning winners of prestigious radio awards and and experience of staff and the time its Charter responsibilities to inform, highly experienced program-makers to make programs, ABC management educate, promote the performing held in esteem locally and abroad. expects ABC audiences to believe that arts, refl ect Australian cultural Next year, ABC management will cutting the essential ingredients will diversity and contribute to a sense of axe Airplay. From Dickens to science have no impact at all. national identity. fi ction and political satire, plays have As was ever thus, management seeks . Let your local Member of Parliament been performed on ABC radio since the to present the cuts to Radio National know that in the forthcoming Federal 1930s. Gone will be the only outlet for as not cuts at all. Rather, they are Budget you expect the Government Australian radio drama and a tradition wonderful new, fresh changes, in to fund the national broadcaster which is as old as Aunty herself. which nothing will be lost, but instead, so that it can meet all of its charter The Book Reading will be dropped. No refl ected somewhere else or in a responsibilities. longer will radio audiences experience different way. More information at www.fabc.org.au Page 7

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 7 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM !! ABC’s ! foul kick to reconciliation

The presenters of Marngrook are to step back; have no programs, no John Hirst Aboriginal and have a particular targets, no measures of success. The Australian interest in Aboriginal players, present Instead use the funds in a highly and past. It has a recognisable fl exible way to assist those projects Aboriginal tone - the presenters call where Aborigines are in charge. If t is diffi cult to fi nd success in each other brother or bro - but it is Aboriginal women are running a Aboriginal affairs. The ABC has the in essence Aboriginal people talking I night patrol to protect children and notable achievement of encouraging about our common interest in a game remove drunks, don’t make them fi ll Aboriginal success, then stamping in which they excel. in forms; don’t leave them in doubt on it. The standard fare of the show as to whether funding will continue. The Marngrook football show on concerns the game, the teams, the Drop the programs run by outsiders ABC2 is to be axed. This is a panel players and of course predictions. and fund the women. show run by Aboriginal people When teams are listed, Aboriginal But what about accountability? discussing and celebrating Australian names are discreetly highlighted Even if such projects fail in their rules football. but not otherwise talked about. The outcomes, they will have succeeded in guest panellists are most often not It is based on the Channel 9 show encouraging responsibility; in creating Aboriginal. but is less blokey, less crude, more a society that cares and acts. wholesome. I have grandchildren who The show began on community Marngrook is a different case. It is are not allowed to watch the Channel 9 station Channel 31, migrated to the run by Aboriginal people who are version; they are encouraged to watch ABC and now the ABC, citing its cost Marngrook. It is a great moment in (which must be minuscule), has chosen far from remote communities, but our troubled history when Aboriginal to ditch it. If the ABC takes seriously they do have connections with the people are teaching whitey how to its obligations to indigenous people, it old missions and reserves in the behave! would do anything rather than kill this settled parts of the country. Their work is furthering that elusive goal The name, Marngrook, is one of the show. of reconciliation. Some people seem varieties of football played before, The ABC and the government should to assume that reconciliation will be and after, the European invasion. In adopt this fundamental principle: reached at a certain point in time. the 1840s, 10 years after Melbourne’s where there is Aboriginal initiative, foundation, Aboriginal people nurture it. Billions have been spent I think of it as a process that has were playing it on the edges of the on Aboriginal programs that have not been going on for some time and settlement. worked. It may be time to spend only will run for a long time yet. It will take many forms, many different There has been a long argument on projects that work. encounters and mergings. Marngrook over whether Aboriginal football Until Aborigines take charge of their is reconciliation in action: indigenous contributed to Australian rules. I think lives very little improvement will people talking about a game there may have been an infl uence, occur. But in remote communities evident in the high mark and the quick the situation is so dire that we indigenous to Australia in which open play. insist that governments intervene; millions of Australians are interested. If there was no infl uence, it is more yet intervention delays the time Don’t talk about ratings or cost; strange that Aboriginal people excel when Aborigines take charge. when something like this emerges, at the game. It seems that they were Having programs to encourage self- treasure it. made for it. Apart from in jails, this is determination is a contradiction in where Aboriginal people are most over- terms. Historian John Hirst’s book Looking represented. Ten per cent of the AFL We have lived with that dilemma for Australia discusses the Aboriginal players are Aboriginal. for along time now. The alternative is contribution to Australian football.

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FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 8 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM change at the national broadcaster. “The biggest change is we are now on every platform -- aggressively on Mark Colvin’s every platform,” Colvin said. “When I started at PM in 1997 there were no transcripts . . . that in itself is an enormous change. ‘incisive voice’ “I spent the fi rst half of my broadcasting life thinking everything I did was something that went out on the breeze. Now it is something that exists as a living resource.” still guiding, In three decades with the ABC, Colvin says, he is used to budget cuts and accepts them as part of the working life there. “Since 1974 the ABC has undergone 15 years on budget cuts on a regular basis -- you just learn to live with it. In radio we run on the smell of an oily rag, anyway. Nick Leys “The important thing is there are The Australian some fantastic reporters here. Tim Palmer, Matt Peacock, Peter Lloyd . . . and, while we have recently lost IVE years ago, Media spoke with Peter Cave (who retired this year), FABC Radio broadcaster Mark I’m looking over at where he used Colvin on the occasion of his 10th to sit and Sally Sara is there. A fair anniversary as host of nightly current exchange is no robbery.” affairs program PM. The other big change he has seen This week, the veteran journalist is the advent of social media and and former foreign correspondent the immediacy of interaction with celebrates another fi ve years in the his audience. Colvin is a habitual PM chair and has refl ected not only communicator on Twitter, with 28,000 on changes to journalism and the followers. ABC, but also on his own situation and the reality of life. In November he will deliver the In a complex and Andrew Olle Media Lecture and will “I didn’t know I would still be speak on “how the media can survive alive, to be honest,” he said of this busy world, the calm, at the moment of extreme crisis”. “The milestone. incisive voice of target keeps moving as more and “When they gave me this job in Mark Colvin helps more journalists face redundancy,” 1997 I really had no idea if I would Colvin said. last another fi ve years. Australians to cut “And I will also talk about the “The disease I have shortens life through and determine perennial battle between journalism considerably and I thought I had fi ve and public relations.” years, maybe 10, max. It’s all jam what is important ABC managing director Mark Scott from there.” described the PM and Friday Late The disease the velvet-voiced host as a “charming host and probing journalist talks of is an auto-immune anniversary of waiting for a kidney,” interviewer”. condition contracted in Africa in 1994 he said. while on assignment. It signalled an “In a complex and busy world, the end to a much-respected career Colvin, 60, is one of the ABC’s great calm, incisive voice of Mark Colvin on the road and instead led him assets and audiences are better and helps Australians to cut through and down the road of treatment, hip richer for his contribution. His career has determine what is important,” Scott and knee replacement surgery, been remarkable, even for the generation said. relapse, remission and -- when the that gave us Peter Cave, Andrew Olle and Colvin delivered the Andrew drugs ravaged his kidney -- dialysis Kerry O’Brien. Olle Media Lecture in Sydney on to stay alive. “It is also the second He readily agrees he has seen great November 2.

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FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 9 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM Radio drama facing the OFF switch

Radio drama on the national broadcaster The Moth have turned the impulse to goes back many years. Gwen Meredith’s yarn into successful radio. But Australian Mathew Westwood Blue Hills, which started in 1949, ran writer Vanessa Bates, who has had several The Australian for 5795 episodes and 27 years. The plays produced by Airplay, among them radio drama studio at the ABC’s Sydney Checklist for an Armed Robber, says headquarters is named after her. free-form storytelling is different from fi ctional drama that has been crafted by RADIO drama makes you listen But this history is likely to be disrupted a playwright. “What seems to me to be a differently. Without having actors when Airplay, the ABC’s only dedicated particular form of drama and literature is on a stage or screen to give the outlet for radio drama, is discontinued at the end of the year. The program is being in danger of disappearing from Australian visual cues, the listener has to axed -- along with book readings and cultural life,” Bates says. “People have do the imagining. programs Creative Instinct and The Night said that we will be able to bring in new Air -- as network management seeks to forms like The Moth. But The Moth is he experience is different from ordinary save money and give the schedule an a storytelling program; it kind of began Ttalk radio or an audio book: it’s more overhaul. among friends telling stories on a porch like listening to music. While listening to . . . The stories that come out of it are the words and comprehending them, you brilliant, but I don’t think (the storytellers) also have to interiorise the sound world are paid, and storytelling is different to to fully make sense of it. Voices take on writing drama.” characters on a virtual stage inside The radio medium Radio plays require a specifi c form of your head. allows for imaginative writing and production. Bates compares Rodney Fisher, a stage director who them to short stories, where the writer is producing his fi rst play for Radio sound design to be has a direct line of communication into National’s Airplay program, also uses a part of the listening the mind of the individual listener. It’s an musical analogy to describe his work with experience... intimate rather than communal experience. actors in the studio: “It becomes a bit like Actors say they love radio work because conducting an orchestra of voices,” they get to perform a new or classic play he says. and the production period is a matter For the past 15 years, Airplay has been of days rather than weeks. Costs are a an active producer of new Australian fraction of those for live theatre, television dramatic writing, commissioning writers “We understand that this is a break with or fi lm. The radio medium allows for such as Noelle Janaczewska, Jane a very longstanding tradition,” RN acting imaginative sound design to be part of the listening experience, combining music, Montgomery Griffi ths, Louis Nowra and manager Michael Mason writes in an email sonic effects and clever engineering to Paul Livingston. Fisher’s two-part drama, to staff. create, in effect, a sound stage. Wild in the Heart, is based on the writings Mason says he wants to free up and interviews of Dorothy Hewett. It will resources dedicated to drama and invest “As long as you say, ‘There’s an elephant be broadcast later this year. RN also them in other forms of narrative radio. in the room,’ there really is an elephant in broadcasts radiophonic compositions, Among other things, he wants RN to tap the room,” Bates says of radio’s conjuring book adaptations and made-for-radio into the “storytelling movement”, popular powers. versions of classic drama, such as in the US and growing here, where people And while Airplay’s weekly audience of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth and stand up in front of a crowd and tell their 45,000 to 60,000 listeners may be small, Strindberg’s Miss Julie. stories. US public radio programs such it is more people than would buy tickets

Page 10

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1100 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM to the entire run of some state theatre Another sign of neglect is the unused The new CAU will be charged company shows. The radio is free to listen drama studio in Perth. The studio was built with fi nding ways of presenting to and broadcast nationally, giving people as a production centre for radio drama “new writing, performance and access to drama wherever they live. but, according to one insider, it has never contemporary storytelling”. The In Britain, radio drama remains a been used for that purpose. Sunday afternoon program that will powerful medium. Last year BBC Radio Mason says up to fi ve staff may be replace Airplay will feature narrative- 4 broadcast a dramatisation of Vasily redeployed or made redundant by driven content, fi ction, real-life Grossman’s epic novel Life and Fate, the decommissioning of Airplay. The storytelling and creative features. in part about the siege of Stalingrad, production unit that will take its place, the Radio drama will be part of the mix with a cast including Kenneth Branagh, creative audio unit, will employ just 3.5 full- but will no longer have a dedicated David Tennant and Greta Scacchi. The time staff. Mason says the commissioning program. eight-hour series was broadcast during budget will be increased, however, Among the additions to RN’s a week, taking over most of the station’s allowing RN to collaborate with partners schedule next year is Melbourne- drama programs (apart from the BBC’s such as theatre companies on drama based podcaster Paper Radio. A long-running serial, The Archers). Critics programs. cross between little journals such as described it as a reminder of radio drama’s Kill Your Darlings and the narrative power, a peak of the dramatic form. This is documentary style of This American the kind of event programming that could Life, it presents two “stations” of fi ction give local radio drama a boost. But there and nonfi ction. are signs from the ABC that radio drama “The support of Australia’s national has been simply set adrift. The support of public broadcaster is a strong RN programs are highly popular Australia’s national recognition of the need to nurture as podcasts -- about two million are and broaden the fi eld of creative downloaded each month -- but radio public broadcaster is audio storytelling in this country’s own drama is not available in this format. a strong recognition voices,” say founders Jon Tjhia and Mason says that obtaining the rights of the need to Jessie Borrelle. to podcast drama programs has been Projects such as Paper Radio extremely diffi cult. “If you have rights and nurture and broaden and the imaginative narrative styles it could be podcast, we don’t know what the fi eld of creative emanating from the US all point to those (audience) fi gures would be,” he audio storytelling in an exciting future for the medium. says. “And would it make a difference? But loose-form storytelling should We’re not too sure that it would . . . Last this country’s own not replace the ABC’s obligation to year The Book Show was one of our most voices present high-quality plays by the successful podcasts, yet we still went nation’s writers, actors, directors and ahead and changed the direction of that production experts. Drama can be a program.” vital part of the radio renaissance.

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Page 11

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1111 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM 25 YEARS OF DOING MUCH MORE

The Hon James Spigelman AC QC WITH MUCH LESS

This is an extraordinary story, In 1987 there were 38 local radio text, audio and visual services both worth spreading far and wide stations and two national services nationwide, on ABC Online, and in – take it to your communities (Radio National and Classic FM) serving local regional radio services. Many ABC and your Federal Member of signifi cantly less than 90% of the radio and television services became Parliament to justify a dramatic population. triple j was accessible only available on mobile smart phones and increase in funding for the in Sydney. By 2012, there were 60 local tablet devices. National Broadcaster. It also radio stations, Radio National, ABC provides ample evidence with ABC radio and television services Classic FM and triple j were available which to answer the ABC’s extended their capacity for interaction nationwide, as was a new service, ABC critics, especially in the with their audiences by the use Murdoch media. News Radio. Furthermore, all four of social media. The expectations national stations were available on of Australian audiences has been Over the 25 years between 1987 digital radio in the 5 mainland capitals transformed – from passive recipients and 2012, the ABC signifi cantly and there were 5 digital only services, to real interaction with content expanded the services it provides to including a specialist jazz station, a creators. Earlier this year, triple j the Australian community, and did specialist country music station and a passed the landmark fi gure of 500,000 so with fewer staff and less funding. triple j station broadcasting the discs Facebook friends, an extraordinary In 1987, the funding available to the of amateur “garage” bands, which is number in a market the size of ABC, excluding the separately funded where our record companies look, Australia. transmission costs, was $967 million almost exclusively, for new talent. with a full time equivalent staffi ng These new services were largely funded The transformation was not only level of 6,400. By 2012, the ABC’s by internal effi ciencies, as well as quantitative, but qualitative. The infl ation adjusted funding had reduced reallocation of resources. No additional speed and radical nature of change in to $840 million and the full time funding was provided for the content the technology of broadcasting and equivalent staff to 4,600. (Both were costs of ABC 2, the delivery costs of communications has transformed even lower in some years.) However, online services, the content of digital audience expectations and capacities. the expansion of the broadcasting radio, nor for the creation of ABC The ABC has sought to meet those services offered to the public over this News 24. Television studios that only expectations and liberate those period was dramatic. a few years ago required 14 people capacities. to function now require only 4. The At the beginning there one analog In radio service delivery, podcasting search for new ways of operating in television channel. At the end, that became widely available. In television, the digital era continues, but it must channel, ABC 1, was both analog and the ABC pioneered vodcasting services be stressed that all additional services digital, and there were 3 additional and the online catchup service, iview. were developed with fewer staff and digital channels: ABC 2, ABC 3 and In 1995 the ABC began offering less funding. ABC News 24, providing an additional services on the world wide web. There general channel, a specialist children’s (With acknowledgement to the ABC Chairman, are hundreds of websites providing channel and a 24 hour news channel. The Hon James Spigelman AC QC)

THE ABC will axe he ABC will axe its radio plays, an 80- work as a movie reporter across the its radio plays, an Tyear tradition, as old as Aunty herself, network, management sources told in a major overhaul of Radio National The Australian. Rigg was told today 80-year tradition, as which will see 11 staff and seven programs her program won’t survive beyond old as Aunty herself, disappear to save $1 million. her retirement. Eleven staff including in a major overhaul of Radio National manager Michael Mason presenters, producers and back offi ce Radio National which told staff of the sweeping changes today, staff have been made redundant by the de-commissioning of Creative Instinct, will see 11 staff and which include the cancellation of the radio drama program - called Airplay - as well Lingua Franca and The Night Air. From seven programs as other programs MovieTime, The Book soap operas to science fi ction and disappear to save Reading and Sunday Story. MovieTime’s children’s stories, radio plays have been $1 million. veteran fi lm specialist Julie Rigg is retiring performed on the ABC since the 1930s. and her co-host Jason Di Rosso will Between 1936 and 1938 all 36 of

Page 12

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1122 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM Shakespeare’s plays were produced and broadcast. Branch News Before the advent of television they were the main source of entertainment and the plays have given employment to generations of Blue Mountains playwrights and actors. “Radio National will no longer BLUE MOUNTAINS BRANCH IS include radio plays or book readings ENDING 2012 AFTER A REASONABLY on its schedule in 2013,” Mr ACTIVE YEAR. Mason said in an email to staff this Five delegates enjoyed attending the afternoon. We understand that this State Conference at Wyong. is a break with a very long-standing In September several members of Blue tradition, and will directly affect a Barbara Barton - Publicity Offi cer for FABC Mountains Branch travelled by train to Armidale with Kerry O’Brien who delivered number of staff. Orange to meet a group of local Orange the local group’s Annual Talk in August. Radio National received seed and Bathurst members who may be funding from the global ABC coffers interested in reforming a local branch of broadcasting in the digital age with last year to launch a new schedule the FABC. particular reference to journalism. but it was left to fi nd savings in We met at the Highland Heritage Kerry outlined the challenging order to work within a budget. Winery Restaurant with Quentin transition not least of which was the “In the context of the broader RN Dempster as Guest Speaker. Enjoyed 24 hour news cycle which journalists offer, maintaining an innovative a nice lunch and spirited talk from faced in delivering well-resourced and creative output for our Quentin about the ABC. Quentin is news and current affairs with an ever audience, and considering fi nancial such a good friend of the FABC. decreasing number of qualifi ed and constraints, we believe that the The Branch had its AGM on 17 experienced practitioners. Kerry was time has come to move away from November and the new committee was an expected popular personality and this output. Radio plays and book elected. the 250 strong audience welcomed him readings have, for many years, with many probing questions. faced declining audience numbers, New Committee as follows: while remaining an expensive President: Margaret Foy To fi nish the year FABC Armidale held an end-of-year get together for activity for the network”. Vice President: Pam Fitzpatrick all members, now numbering more “We continue to believe very Secretary: Eunice Goodberg than 120, to celebrate Aunty’s 80th strongly that ratings are not the only Treasurer: Julia McGill birthday as well as welcoming in the measure for RN, but the decline in festive season. Our special guest was listenership does indicate a lack of Membership Secretary: Janelle Clark Mr Tony Windsor and his wife Lyn engagement in radio plays amongst Webmaster: Penny Tayler who has been a long term supporter our audience”. Mr Mason argued he Committee: Tony Tayler, Alison of FABC assisting in the lobbying for took the “tough decision” in order Burnard the successful re-instatement of a staff to free up funds to engage in other We are fi nishing 2012 with an End of member to the ABC board. types of creative radio, including Year Dinner at the Grand View Hotel, working with “young writers and We look forward to an equally Wentworth Falls on 11 December and artists looking for different ways of interesting 2013 and are in the throes recommencing Branch meetings on the working with sound and story”. With of inviting another high profi le ABC third Saturday in February with renewed a mission to “nurture the intellectual personality to talk along with our usual energy. and cultural life of this country”, lobbying activities to help support the Radio National has been shifting its Eunice Goodberg valuable work of the ABC and promote direction in recent years, moving its importance to the Australian from highly-produced specialist Armidale community. programming towards “fl ow” Barbara Barton programming found on ABC local 2012 PROVED A BUSY AND radio stations like Sydney’s 702 and SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR FABC Melbourne’s 774. ARMIDALE. To the established broadcasting Firstly was a fi lm evening premiering team of Fran Kelly, Geraldine “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” to a full Doogue, Robyn Williams, Norman house. The successful evening raised Swan, Julian Morrow and Phillip around $2,000 for our fi ghting fund as Adams, Radio National has recently well as to support the work of a local added non-broadcast personalities community group. Waleed Aly and Andrew West to the Then our annual feature event - this Tony Windsor MP and his wife Lyn at Aunty’s line-up. year Kerry O’Brien - delivered a well- 80th Birthday celebrations in Armidale received talk on the future of public

Page 13

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1133 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM pep talks and musical accompaniment Branch News as well. Treasurer James Buchanan kept a watchful eye on the expenses.

Our membership number increased Hunter somewhat during the year. The 28th of October was a day for It has risen to around 155 by the end technophiles (and wannabes) as of the year. The fi nancial health of the Newcastle ABC personality Anthony branch is secure with a bank balance Scully brought the Hunter FABC of around $5,000. Regular committee members up to date on the ABC’s new meeting and coffee afternoons were Melanie Tait. media platforms. It is encouraging that held throughout the year. An elaborate Auntie is looking to the future, and the Newsletter, in both hard copy and future of the ABC will be programmes eFormat, is prepared and distributed years including two on the West End. delivered on demand, anytime and by John and Margaret Hale. anywhere. A highlight of Mr Scully’s During her 5 years in London, she was The Branch gained a presence on presentation was learning about ABC also the Artistic Director of the Old Facebook, which should expand Open, with which only a few members Red Lion Theatre. and facilitate its communication had previous familiarity. It is good that Melanie is now based in Canberra opportunities, with the general public the ABC is promoting this offering but came to Wollongong on Sunday and media, other branches and its within the broader community as there 25 November 2012 for the Friends of own members. We started to use our are certainly many great local stories the ABC Illawarra’s 10th Christmas web page more actively during the out there waiting to be told. The day Party/Afternoon Tea. year. There is a growing realisation fi nished with the Hunter FABC AGM. that younger members urgently need Melanie told us how, on her return Allan Thomas, President to be attracted to the FABC. This is from London, she began her radio a high priority objective of the new career as producer for the John Laws Central Coast committee. All high schools are Morning Show at 2UE in Sydney regularly informed about functions. (she had to wear a skirt). However In 2012 the committee of volunteers While we have been successful in she knew to have a real career in included Klaas Woldring and attracting suffi ciently high profi le ABC broadcasting in Australia she had to Paula Murray (Co-convenors), Pat speakers, some invitations have gone get her leg in the door of the ABC. McDonnell (Treasurer), Ross McGowen unanswered or several declined. She applied and gained a traineeship (Membership), Des Moore (Minute as a rural reporter for the ABC Secretary), John and Margaret Hale At the State Conference the starting in Darwin. She has since (Newsletter; distribution), Audrey problems with poor ABC reception on worked in ABC Rural and ABC News McDonald, June Ashton and Alison the Central Coast were again raised. throughout NSW, South Australia and Brisbane. Pippa Preston returned later Approaches to MD Mark Scott and the ACT. As a rural reporter she had to the committee after a period of the local MP Deborah O’Neill have to record three stories for broadcast absence in Melbourne. Several non- been made again, also via Michael every day. This was no small ask committee members assisted actively Millett. Although responses have considering the travel required (she as well. been received from the ABC executive concerning several queries, the drove, no helicopters then) and We organised three guest speakers technical problems have not been the microphone-shy people of the for Central Coast branch functions resolved as yet. Suggestions have been Australian bush. this year and hosted the FABC made to our committee to organise a She currently has a roving brief NSW State Conference in Gosford/ Special Conference about this problem doing relief work in Canberra, Sydney, Wyoming during a weekend in August. during 2013 with input for all relevant Wollongong and Newcastle. She can Attendance numbers at these functions players in this fi eld. A decision will be heard in Sydney overnights and on vary from 65 to around 90. be made early next year. The branch ABC Local Radio throughout NSW. The three ABC journalists were Scott will hold its annual Xmas lunch at Last year Melanie created a series of Bevan, in June (ABC Ch. 24); Eric the Gosford Hotel on Saturday 8th storytelling nights (inspired by “The Campbell (Foreign correspondent) December. Moth” podcast) called “Now Hear in August, both functions in the Klaas Woldring, co-convenor. This”. Themes included “I learned Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford. the hard way”, “Love is a four letter Adam Spencer is scheduled for 18th word” and “Changes”. She hopes this December 2012, in the Anglican Illawarra project will continue in 2013. Church Hall, Wyong. We hosted the ROVING ABC PRESENTER Biennial NSW State Conference in the Melanie entertained Illawarra ENTERTAINS ILLAWARRA FRIENDS Quality Inn The Willows. This was Friends with her tales of being a well attended and enjoyed by NSW Melanie Tait is a radio broadcaster, producer and a presenter at 2UE as branches’ delegates. Key speakers were playwright and author. At 21 years of well as the ABC. Her experiences with Michael Millett, Quentin Dempster and age she wrote the comedy theatrical talk-back callers provided some very Linda Mottram. NSW President Mal production The Vegemite Tales, which humorous stories. Hewitt provided spirited commentary, has played in London over seven Chris Cartledge Page 14

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1144 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc 2012 Biennial Conference Papers

1. Primary reasons for an increase in the ABC budget Primary reasons for an increase in the ABC budget, after the most basic necessity of adjusting the budget for infl ation, are to provide funding for: 1.1. Capital Works. For additional staffi ng and capital works upgrade of stations to facilitate information gathering and dissemination during periods of emergency. ABC local radio plays an essential role in alerting people to the up to the minute situation during emergencies such as bush fi res and fl oods. 1.2. Education Role. To restore that ABC’s role as an educator as is outlined in the Charter. This role has diminished in recent years and should be restored. Also the ABC has obligations in the quality training of journalists and other media personnel. 1.3. Quality of Production. To ensure media balance, high quality journalism, high production values and comprehensive coverage in the light of media ownership concentration. Australia has the highest concentration of media ownership in the developed world and potential changes within Australian media organisations may exacerbate this situation. 1.4. Keeping up with Technology. To accommodate the changes in technology and to facilitate innovation. 1.5. Overseas Reporting. To maintain the number of overseas correspondents but at a reasonable work load. 1.6. Local Content. To provide adequate capacity for local content, including radio broadcasting of local events, and to boost the amount of local content available to Australians travelling and living overseas (e.g. through iView). 2. Additional reasons for providing funding 2.1. Online. To maintain on-line content 2.2. Values. To allow ABC production of uplifting, non-violent television shows which portray positive values instead of negative values. With high quality content produced by the ABC now able to be accessed throughout the world, such positive shows will advertise Australia’s values overseas. 2.3. The Arts. To provide additional television coverage of the Arts, the coverage of which has decreased in recent years. Also to support other specialised areas not covered by the commercial media. 2.4. Archives. To maintain archival material for the production of retrospective programs such as 50 years of 4 Corners as part of our cultural history. 2.5. Staffi ng. To better provide for in-house mentoring and training. 2.6. National Interest Focus. To broadcast parliament and public events such as Anzac Day. 2.7. In-House Production. To enhance the capacity for in-house production of drama, light entertainment, documentaries and children’s programs when outsourcing becomes prohibitive or when the national interest is not served by private suppliers. 2.8. Quality. To ensure that the Australia Network provides a high quality service to the region. Any justifi cation of the need for additional funding needs to be cognisant of the relative costs of ABC versus commercial media with regard to tax deductions available to commercial media issues including tax deductibility of advertising costs, and the impact these have on government revenue.

Page 15

FFRIRI 001818 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1155 77/12/12/12/12 11:1711:17 AMAM State and Regional Branches

National Web Portal links Central Coast Illawarra Queensland – FABC to all State Branches. Co-convenors: Jan Kent (Secretary) Professor Alan Knight Klaas Woldring Friends of the ABC Illawarra Creative Industries Faculty QUT Go to: Phone: 4341 5170 PO Box 336, Unanderra 2526 GPO Box 2434 www.friendsoftheabc.org.au [email protected] Phone/Fax: 4271 3531 Brisbane 4001 [email protected] [email protected] New South Wales Paula Murray [email protected] Mal Hewitt (President) FABC NSW Phone: 4385 3783 Mid North Coast PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 Mobile: 0428 578 535 Drusi Megget South Australia – FABC Phone: 9637 2900 [email protected] 24 Arncliffe Ave Anne Levy [email protected] Port Macquarie NSW 2444 PO Box 7158 Hutt St Cowper Phone: 6583 8798 Adelaide SA 5000 ACT and Region Joyce Gardner (Secretary) [email protected] Phone: 08 8232 5075 Margaret O’Connor 7 Royal Tar Crescent [email protected] Phone: 0422 975 848 Nambucca Heads NSW 2448 Northern Rivers Phone: 6568 7532 [email protected] Neville Jennings Western Australia – FABC [email protected] PO Box 1484 Kingscliff 2487 Harry Cohen Phone/Fax: 6672 4619 (H) Armidale Eastern Suburbs PO Box 534 Val Sherwell (Secretary) [email protected] Nizza Siano (Secretary) Subiaco WA 6904 167 Markham Street 16 Holland Rd Byron Bay Sub-branch convenor [email protected] Armidale NSW 2350 Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 Jill Keogh Phone: 6772 0342 Phone/Fax: 9327 3423 Phone: 6688 4558 Tasmania – FABC [email protected] [email protected] Melissa Sharpe Parramatta PO Box 301 Bruce Hansell (President) Great Lakes & Manning Valley Mal Hewitt North Hobart TAS 7002 Phone: 6775 1889 Margaret Gardner 31 Queen St Granville 2142 Phone: 0427 041 161 [email protected] PO Box 871 Forster NSW 2428 Phone: 9637 2900 [email protected] Ph: 6554 9181 (H) 6591 3704 (W) [email protected] Blue Mountains [email protected] FABC RESOURCE CENTRE Margaret Foy Victoria – FABC Darce Cassidy 10 / 19-21 Fitzroy Street Hunter Glenys Stradijot - Campaign Manager www.friendsoftheabc.org Leura NSW 2780 Allan Thomas Friends of the ABC (Vic) Phone: 4784 1139 c/o PO Box 265 GPO Box 4065 Mobile: 0425 233 450 Merewether NSW 2291 Melbourne VIC 3001 [email protected] Phone: 4930 7309 Phone: (03) 9682 0073 [email protected] [email protected]

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