Helen from SA says:
A free and objective press is one of the most important cornerstones of a healthy democracy.
The ABC has been shown time after time to be the most trusted media organisation voted by Australian people.
In order that the ABC is able to continue to play such a vital role in keeping a healthy democracy as well as keeping Australians well informed of fires, floods, and pandemics, among other things, it needs to be FUNDED ADEQUATELY! PLEASE FUND OUR ABC MR MORRISON.
Kristy from SA says:
I listen to podcasts and ABC Radio National all day. It is the only station that produces thoughtful, meaningful content about real people and places. I love hearing about other people’s stories, struggles and joys - the ABC is a place of connection. Local ABC radio explores the issues affecting my state and provides an essential service during emergencies, including recent bushfires. The ABC needs reliable ongoing funding so that these services and connections can keep taking place. Australia needs the ABC.
Jillian from SA says:
We listen to ABC radio and watch ABC TV every day and through out the day. We regard its news and current affairs programs as vital to keeping us up to date and the most reliable source of information we can access. Our grandchildren watch ABC children's programs and we and their parents regard ti as the most suitable viewing for them. ABC is part of our family!
Francesca from SA says:
The news is independent (unlike e.g. Packer who have their own ideology), they have brilliant dramas, and they provide a service to the country and everyone in times of crisis - e.g. recent bushfires.
Alycia from QLD says:
I think you should check the number of programs after which there have been RC's and changes as a result. Quite frankly the ABC does a great deal of work on behalf of the governments. I refuse to watch any other channel including SBS unless it's taped so we can skip through the palaver. I think Monday's Media Watch and Wednesday's National Press Club show you what the ABC is up against.
Syvina from QLD says:
I have moved to Queensland from NSW and my car stickers say who I am!! I only listen to Radio National during the day. ABC Sunshine Coast when I can’t sleep. ABC SBS NITV on the Tele. My ABC is changing but there is nothing else for me.
Wilhemina from QLD says:
The ABC is my lifeline to the world. I live in the bush. I turn on the ABC when i get out of bed and basically watch ABC TV and listen to the radio, and read the ABC news feed over the day.
Bill from QLD says:
The ABC is important to me because it is the most comprehensive news coverage and the outlet I trust the most.
Nicholas from QLD says:
The ABC is important as it brings the Australian community together and is inclusive.
The ABC provides informed, thoughtful analysis based on facts rather than the opinions of commentators or celebrities. It is held accountable for its content and balance unlike most other media services. The quality of the reporting by the ABC is tangibly superior to any other new and current affairs service in Australia.
The ABC provides excellent to regional and remote areas and is rightly the most trusted media service in Australia.
Elizabeth from QLD says:
ABC is important to me, my children and my grandchildren - we all learn so much and know we can trust the ABC. It is a vitally important part of our culture as Australians, part of our history and incredibly important in helping us shape the kind of future we want for our country, our communities and ourselves.
Cheryl from QLD says:
Because it is the only news and current affairs service that I trust and the presenters are all fantastic, genuine, dedicated, non sensational and so personable, like my family and friends. Other productions are also of such exceptional quality and community driven. They truly represent all Australians with their programs and true science rather than spin and misinformation with regard to current issues. Thank you ABC, you keep me sane in such a confronting world.
Angus from WA says:
Most important is to provide a source of fact based news and journalism on a range of topics that are dominated by misinformation and lies. The most important at present is, of course, global warming / climate change. It seems that the opinion of the loudest is taken as truth while true scientific opinion is pilloried. This has problem has become worse due to (1) the dominance of traditional media by greedy powerful players, (2) the growing dominance of ideology over fact or consensus in the political arena, and (3) the power of social media "channels" where the loudest (i.e. the most money) voice has the greatest influence.
Secondly, is the support for the arts. The ABC provides a source for funding for a broad range of the arts. I strongly believe that the arts is a key measure of civilisation.
And of course there is a need for a public broadcaster to provide information.
(I'll stop now as these will give the jist of my support)
Clim from WA says:
Needs more funding. Does great job in emergency i.e. bush fires and coronavirus.
Also in my mind has an factual spread of news.
Eric from WA says:
The ABC is a reliable source of independant unbiased news. The quality and depth of their programs both on TV and radio is unsurpassed. There is rare and getting rarer in Australia
It needs more funding to support the work they do in quality investigative journalism, in current affairs, the arts and culture and the vital service they provide in emergency situations such as bushfires. Australia without a quality ABC is unthinkable.
Jane from WA says:
The ABC provides a crucial source of independent news and content that keeps me connected to intellectual debate, research, and considered social analysis. I live in an isolated regional community and I depend on the ABC for information about what is happening in the rest of the world. Australia desperately needs the diverse and inclusive voices of the ABC - telling our stories without commercial influence. The ABC is a national treasure. I would like to see much greater government investment and security for our National Broadcaster. I love the ABC and I vote.
Carol from WA says:
Our public broadcaster is essential for balanced perspectives in a heavily slanted and myopic commercial media landscape. In my experience ABC gives us the best coverage in the world of science, politics, economics, the arts and popular culture on RN, and an incredible range of music on FM. It rivals public broadcasting systems (including the BBC, by the way) anywhere on earth. I have had the good fortune to travel a great deal in my work, and I miss ABC greatly when away from home. That said, in recent years, the expansion of ABC's online services has meant it isn't quite the same degree of separation any longer!
The ABC is in my view, one of Australia's most important institutions and I truly hope our government recognises its essential role in keeping Australia together and well informed. We couldn't have had a better lesson on its importance in crisis than the information role it has played during the recent bushfires and corona virus outbreak. Give it the resources it needs to keep playing its role as the national treasure it has always been!
Keren from WA says:
Now more than ever we need reliable independent information relevant to Australians. We need the ABC in order to preserve the Australian way of life.
Kenneth from WA says:
ABC is the only trusted source of news and information, and has the independence and integrity to hold those in positions of power and influence to account.
Robert from WA says:
In Words I listen, watch and read the ABC today. 65 years ago it was purely by listening. The ABC charter and funding is from the public not from any government of the day or their parties.
Commercial media moguls are trying to hog tie the ABC so they can invade us with their twaddle financed by the now ever diminishing Advertising revenue stream. Turning news into some kind entertainment and subjecting the public to giggle parades of a small coterie of snake oil sales people.
These moguls need the power of the press to subject the government of the day into fearing their ability of directing public opinion. IE throw this mob out got rid of Rudd for the second time. Buy toilet rolls just to name a couple.
Port and starboard are the catch cries I have heard for thirty years. Farmers have always been avid listeners to the ABC and to a man vote to the right of the political spectrum.
I read your news programs from my computer and have only 1 radio station ABC FM classic.
Val from NSW says:
We need the ABC because it is a voice of sanity in a crazy world. And it’s got class which one cannot say about the commercial channels. I trust it’s news reporting and investigative journalism and like the serials (especially the BBC serials).
Ann from NSW says:
The ABC has educated me and my family on local, national and international matters for my entire life. The variety of topics I have learnt about is huge. The entertainment often has an important Australian cultural bent. This keeps us in touch with our diverse and unique culture and tells our stories. News and current affairs are independent and trustworthy.
Linda from NSW says:
No other organisation kept us up-to-date with the fires that were so close to us. No other organisation keeps me up-to-date with what is happening in rural and regional Australia. I can't believe the National Party doesn't support this.
Julian from NSW says:
An independent public broadcaster is fundamental to a properly functioning democracy. We are all proud to say we live in a democracy, but I think we can forget what that really means. So we need a properly funded independent broadcaster to ensure that it is what it says it is.
There's too much secrecy now, and it has been getting worse. So we need good investigative journalists to do these jobs. That usually only goes with public broadcasting like the ABC and the BBC.
We also need to tell our story. It's what makes us Australian. Only a public broadcaster can do this. Again it has to be properly funded, like it was decades ago. There's a lot to catch up on.
Jon from NSW says:
We listen to ABC every morning from 0400 to 0900. It is essential that it continues in its present form. We watch ABC News each evening from 1900 to 2000.
Caroline from NSW says:
ABC Radio National (RN) and Classical are fundamental to my life. I view RN as my University, The Drum every evening puts the current news into a clear and honest perspective. I see the ABC balancing the dangerous far right, who threaten out democracy with untruths and racism.
Four Corners has been exposing the deeper truths about our society with impeccable research, for so many years - how they do so on their ever-shrinking budget I can't imagine.
The coverage of the bushfires was extraordinary, someone was there through all those terrible, dangerous times reporting empathically and calmly.
I would love to see our next government having the bravery and honesty to pour much more money into the ABC, and dare I say, less into Sport.
Susan from NSW says:
The ABC has always been the television station I turn to for high quality drama, diverse and interesting documentaries (history, archaeology, wildlife, geopolitics, travel etc), programs discussing religion & social issues such as Insight & Compass, and of course for informative and unbiased news and current affair programs.
In recent years, these services have suffered from ongoing budgetary cuts, and I feel the lack of these services greatly.
For many rural people the ABC is a window on the world, and of critical importance.
Julie from NSW says:
ABC News and Comment are the only ones we trust. Quite apart from growing up with The Children's Hour, Tom the Naturalist, the Muddle Headed Wombat, the Argonauts (all us old Argonauts know our ship and number, Messana 6) But now it's the News and Comment that are important to us, and that must not lose funding but should have it increased.
Trevor from NSW says:
The ABC is the only trustworthy, reliable and non-biased source of news in this nation.
Paul from NSW says:
Because it provides a fact based coverage of important events. Because the professionalism of its staff is double that of the commercial tv networks. Because it produces Australian stories. Because its IVIEW service is way better than the commercial networks. Because it has integrity. Because it is trustworthy and trusted. Because its coverage of recent bushfires was exemplary. Because it is advertising free.
Because it deserves proper funding, unlike "sports rorts".
Lesley from NSW says:
The ABC is the most reliable source of information that I have. It is the only undisturbed (by advertising) form of entertainment. It is Australia's only unbiased reporting medium. I have long been a listener and viewer of ABC and use it, in some way, every day. I do not know what I could possibly do without it.
Of course during the recent bushfires and floods in my area I relied on the ABC, but the ABC is so much more than that. Their programs are excellent. The commercial stations and channels certainly do not match the quality of the content both produced and acquired by the ABC.
The ABC provides the HIGHEST COMMON FACTOR of entertainment and quality journalism. The other broadcasting media seem to seek the Lowest Common Denominator instead. Please enable the ABC to continue its high standard of broadcasting. Please re-instate its funding that has been cut in the past few years and, as well, please raise that funding to its correct value.
Carole from NSW says:
I have lived all my life with the ABC. I cannot imagine life without it. It was on in my nana’s kitchen, before school, and at school. It’s in the car, while I get through the housework and when I can’t sleep. It is my solace, my guide, my education. If we don’t have the ABC highlighting, evaluating, reflecting - I hate to think what we will be left with. After their broadcasts during the fires I am even more certain this is an organisation of passionate, professional people of integrity who really care. No matter who is in government we all need the ABC. Protect it! Fund it!
Gavin from NSW says:
So many reasons! These include: good reliable and balanced news, the best source of information in crisis situations, coverage you can trust, stories that have been well researched and presented, and a real alternative to the clearly commercial interests of privately owned media outlets.
Roger from NSW says:
It is THE most trusted news source.
Tina from NSW says:
The ABC is crucial to my life as I listen to RN most of the day and it keeps me updated with reliable information. The ABC in general keeps the community updated in times of crisis such as the recent bushfires and floods and makes sure that they cover all necessary stories. ABC television has documentaries and Australian stories and the Drum keeps us abreast of the issues of the day. I am in my 70's and rely on the ABC daily.
Genny from NSW says:
Because I expect and get from the ABC unbiased non influenced news reporting and also employment of actors and production teams to make great Australian shows.
Lesley from NSW says:
The ABC is the only reliable source of current information on disasters. During the recent fires, it was the most reliable and informative source for the area where some of my family were holidaying. The phones were cut, so ABC it was. Can you imagine a commercial operator providing up-to-date non-stop coverage that is not sensationalised and without constant ads?
The ABC is my main source of news for the same same reason, as well as the absence of bias. The best news and current affairs shows.
The ABC gives a good start to comedians and actors. It is so important that our culture is supported. With an increase in funding more quality drama could be produced that tells our stories, and maybe musicians could agin get a break on a show like countdown.
Carey from NSW says:
I am passionate about having a reliable source of news and information (both radio and television) available that is not commercialised or influenced by vested interests.
ABC emergency broadcasts have proved vital to many. I find the ABC meets my needs for news and entertainment and has done for many years.
ABC radio is a constant companion, offering a choice of talk, news, laughter, classical music and much more.
It can only offer such variety with reliable, ongoing funding to enable it to meet the needs of its wide audience. Please stop cutting funding and instead, restore it to a sustainable level on an ongoing basis.
Will from NSW says:
The ABC needs to continue to operate without the bias of raising revenue through advertising as a community service. I appreciate the current affairs programs with tough questioning. Could be tougher with politicians of all persuasions, The broad range of content, Local and National content. The professionalism of reporters and presenters is by far the best. Emergency programming such as bushfires, floods, COVID - 19 etc is exceptional.
Amanda from NSW says:
Because it’s where I get all my important information about local national and international happenings... where else would I get it ? It’s a backbone to my daily needs.
Wendy from NSW says:
The ABC is the only news source I trust. And my life enriched by programs such as Foreign Correspondent, One plus One (sadly missed), Media Watch (God bless Paul Barry), Q&A etc. etc. etc. In fact I DREAD going out on Monday nights!! As the news we receive is more and more influenced by algorithms which SO divide society, we NEED, NEED, NEED a strong, healthy ABC.
John from NSW says:
A publicly funded independent broadcaster is the model most likely to deliver information truthfully and accurately, so avoiding the corruptions which infect commercial models. This is the standard to which our universities aspire. The ABC's aspirations should be no less.
Ollie from NSW says:
We live on the South Coast of NSW. For 74 days fires threatened us. For 74 days the ABC and only the ABC was a reliable source of information. They saved lives. In our one bedroom house we had 11 evacuees and were looking after 7 houses on our street. One person was stationed at the dinning table listening and writing down anything the ABC Illawarra said - meant as we raced inside for a drink or a breather we could scan the notes and stay updated. We need desperately an independent, fully funded, locally based ABC. Next summer is around the corner and so are the next fires. Please this is so important to our community.
Glenda from NSW says:
On the day the world became midnight at 3pm and the RFS Fires Near Me map seemed to show all south-east NSW consumed by fire, Radio ABC South-east was with us all the way, every second, 24/7. It was the reliable source of information on what was happening on the firegrounds – those huge areas of wildfire roaring up the coast from the south and from the west. As things changed by the minute Radio 2BA broadcast immediately so the whole shire knew what was happening and where. People were told when to put fire-plan into action; when to evacuate and the safest route; when it was too late to do that and take shelter. Without this service more lives would have been lost on that inferno-day.
I love our ABC.
Bill from NSW says:
The ABC is essential to the Australian public, as a reliable source of information, entertainment and education for adults and children in the country and the cities. Programs employing our own people ie, jobs for Australians.
Barbara from NSW says:
I very much agree that the ABC needs more funding. Having listened and looked at the ABC for the last 80 years it would be terrible if we can’t have more funding. Living in the Country we so much rely on the ABC. IN the recent fires I was very proud of all the journalists who gave up their time to report from all the areas of the state. How amazing that was. I hope the government realises the need for more funding for the ABC especially in the country areas. I really appreciate how the inclusion of Aboriginal people in the Drum regularly gives them a voice and find the programme Stateless incredibly sad.
Heather from NSW says:
I have spent three and a half years with severe visual problems, unable to move about without my white cane and unsteady even in my own home. Although I have always been an avid Radio National listener, during this time reliable audio news and current affairs, weather reports, cultural and general information was vital to keep me aware of what was happening in the world around me and further afield. The ABC proved itself a lifeboat throughout this intensely difficult time. Familiar voices from the radio were my very well informed companions, bringing comfort in their tonal familiarity. The ready availability of interesting radio twenty-four hours a day was an immense support to me, emotionally and intellectually. However, both prior to my vision impairment and since it’s restoration, ABC RN has supported me in these ways.
Sadly, the cuts to the ABC budget mean the frequent repetition of programs, the loss of European links and programs, the reduction of Australian programs, the tragic closure of Radio Australia, all of which impact on our nation’s cultural capital and international relations, as well as on individuals such as me.
We desperately need to maintain and restore our only non-commercial, thoroughly dependable National voice. The cuts must stop before even more damage is done. We need an educated and well informed community if we are to remain a vibrant democracy. ABC is available to all. It is an essential service to our nation. So any cuts to this vital service are more than short sighted, they are dangerous to our very nationhood.
Margaret from TAS says:
The ABC is the only television and radio broadcaster that consistently offers important news and current affairs programs. These programs are balanced and relevant to the concerns of the Australian community. They are highly interesting and well presented. Personally I would not be as in tune and aware of Australian and overseas issues without the ABC which would be a great loss to me. Fund the ABC to the point that it's able to thrive.
Sue from ACT says:
For many years I lived overseas and pined for the ABC. I learnt from that experience that I relished Australia’s national broadcaster for its depth of information, for covering the issues that I cared about and for its valiant attempts at impartiality. Overseas, and here, the sheer self interest of commercial radio and TV appalled me. The banality of Fox v CNN should never be allowed to happen here - and it doesn’t as there is a great alternate information source.
I am grateful for the exposes which Four Corners and 7.30 have made over the years- there should be many more. I am so glad my children grew up with Playschool and now my grandchildren with Playschool and Bluey. I am stimulated by the splendid dramas which reflect our issues and are never bettered by Streaming Services. I have been delighted by the humour of 702 particularly Richard Glover and co. I am forever in the ABC’s debt for emergency coverage during this summer from hell. I love the ideas presented in areas that I would never hear otherwise. I am comforted by the joy of NLL most nights as I go to sleep !
More state funding is needed now in these days of untrustworthy alternate news, especially with the death of AAP. More money is essential to increase emergency coverage with stronger Broadcasting infrastructure. More funding is needed as we need to battle many adversities with a stronger sense of Australian identity
Jim from ACT says:
I love the ABC, both radio and TV for the factual reporting especially during emergencies such as the recent major fires where the ABC radio 666 was vital in keeping uptodate in the situation at Batemans Bay where our daughter and 6 children were living when they were evacuated three times as the threat of advancing fire fronts closed in.
I watch ABC TV almost exclusively for the fact that many of the films and documentaries are very well produced, lack sensationalism and are frequently locally produced in marked contrast to the commercial stations which import much of their content from the US. Programmes such as Q&A and the 7:30 Report present balanced, measured and informed debate and questioning again in marked contrast to the commercial channels and often to the discomfort of the Government.
Dorte from ACT says:
I have not the words to fully describe how important the ABC is in my life. I listen to RN every day and when I watch television it is mainly the ABC.
One thing I am sure of is this: I would be less well informed/educated and less well rounded without the ABC!
Funding the ABC needs to be reliably generous in order to retain a high standard.
Glen from ACT says:
I support increased funding for the ABC.
As a permanent traveller in remote Australia, the ABC is often the only link I have with the wider world. I don’t require a lot of links but, if I am to choose one, then it is most definitely the news and informative programs of the ABC.
Marion from VIC says:
We just couldn't manage without it!
We absolutely rely on it for accurate news reporting, information on current affairs, science, health, entertainment, investigative journalism, on both TV and radio. The coverage of the disastrous bushfires this summer was incredible. The reporters and their teams involved should be nationally esteemed and thanked.
We love the regular programs like Norman Swan's health report, Background briefing , Four corners, Landline, Gardening Aus., Q+A, Media watch, Insiders, news and 7.30 to name a few. Radio national and 774 keep us company and informed while doing household chores. And during sleepless nights (Thanks Amanda, Phillip, and Richard Fidler!) And James Carlton's GodForbid is going from strength to strength and is very much enjoyed!
We just love local drama and the Bbc connection with DrWho, Endeavour, Upstart Crow, Would I lie to you, etc etc.
We are saddened when old friends, like Barry and Red, retire and when favourite programs like Catalyst have reduced airtime, or disappear, like The Chasers.
More reliable funding is so important to enable all these programs we enjoy and people whom we trust and rely on to keep going , and to allow the ABC to continue its vital work, and allow it to continue innovating. In its own premises!
There's nothing to compare with the ABC!
Marie from VIC says:
The ABC is where I go to be informed and entertained. I feel that the information is honest, diverse and reliable. The entertainment is intelligent, cutting edge and willing to take chances.
An Australian icon that must live on by being reliably funded to keep it at its peak for all Australians.
Mary from VIC says:
The ABC is just the only channel I watch apart from SBS for the great films! I cant cope with the trash on the commercial channels or the endless interruptions from ads. Where would we be without the news when there is a disaster....where would we be without all the journos who live for us and make sure we know what is happening around the world. Funding ensures unbiased reporting and reporters to be stationed around the world. FUND FUND FUND