A big thank you to our new members and supporters who have donated to our national fund-raising campaign or taken the opportunity to join ABC Friends in the last month, to enable us to continue to advocate for a fearless, independent ABC valued by all Australians and fully supported by government.
We appreciate Quentin Dempster’s strong support with last month’s fund-raising campaign.
After not receiving any extra funding in the recent Federal Budget, ABC Managing Director, David Anderson, revealed to the Senate Estimates Committee hearing on 30 May that the ABC and Government are discussing possible new emergency broadcast funding.
As you will see in our article, the number of emergencies the ABC has needed to cover has tripled in the past four years. And, of course, the number and severity of natural disasters is forecast to continue increasing.
ABC Friends will continue to campaign between now and the election for the ABC’s emergency service to be fully funded because, in times of crisis, we know how many Australians rely on the ABC. The ABC is the only network able to deliver this critical service. It must be properly funded to play this vital role.
Donate here so we can keep the pressure on the Government.
Next month, ABC management will also turn its attention to the report of the review it commissioned into support for staff impacted by racism. Scores of ABC staff have been interviewed by the review team led by Dr Terri Janke, a very experienced Indigenous lawyer, including Anderson and senior management. We will provide the report to you when it is made available.
And this month will see a lot of us shed a tear and hopefully share a final laugh when icon, Phillip Adams, steps away from his Late Night Live program on 27 June. We share the thoughts of some of his colleagues and a very passionate ABC Friends member with you.
Many of us are also passionate about our support for Laura Tingle, as an outstanding ABC journalist. Last month, Laura added the 2024 ABC Excellence award to her trophy cabinet, which also includes two Walkley Awards and numerous other acknowledgements. Attending the ABC Friends NSW & ACT event, Laura reminded us that her relationship with the ABC goes back to when her parents met in the ABC newsroom in Sydney in the 1950s! We share former colleague, Alan Sunderland’s celebration of his former colleague, along with news of her recent award.
Discussions underway for future ABC funding for emergency broadcasting
The ABC and Albanese Government are discussing new funding to ensure the broadcaster can maintain its vital emergency broadcasting services, with ABC Managing Director, David Anderson, reporting that the number of emergency broadcasting events has tripled since 2020/2021.
ABC racism report due soon
The outcome of the ABC commissioned review of racism is due by the end of July and MD David Anderson has reconfirmed it will be made public.
Laura Tingle adds award to her credentialed career
Since 2001, ABC Friends has recognised exceptionally talented ABC staff members and outstanding ABC programs through the annual presentation of ABC Excellence Awards. This year, Laura Tingle was recognised.
Phillip Adams retirement
Phillip Adams’ final Radio National broadcast on 27 June will be met with enormous sadness by listeners, colleagues and interview subjects across Australia and internationally.
BBC election coverage promise to voters
The BBC has promised British voters that it will “pull back the curtain” during the current election campaign so that voters can trust it is providing impartial and factual news and information.
ABC vision and innovation acknowledged
The ABC has recently celebrated winning several major national and international awards.
Podcast of the month: Not Stupid
ABC favourites, Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez, have joined forces to present a weekly podcast chat about the “stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter”.
Vic regional friends find out how to get the most from digital ABC
Former ABC radio operator and technology commentator, Peter Marks, recently gave a very interesting presentation to ABC Friends Victoria’s Ballarat group.
New SA/NT connections being formed
Members of ABC Friends SA/NT met Belinda MacQueen, University of Adelaide Alumni Relations Coordinator, to discuss connection opportunities.
ABC Friends WA makes the most of ABC celebratory open day
ABC Friends had a lively presence at the 100 years celebration of ABC Radio Perth.
WA President, Cathy Bardon and past President, Bobbie Mackley, handed out flyers to people arriving for sold-out tours of the ABC Radio Perth building and chatted to visitors and ABC staff.
The day was brightened considerably by the arrival of Costa Georgiadis, much-loved Gardening Australia presenter. Costa was happy to have his photo taken with Cathy.
ABC Friends TAS celebrates 200 years of free press
On 4 June 1824, Andrew Bent published the first independent newspaper in Australia – the Hobart Town Gazette.
To mark the 200th anniversary, ABC Friends Tasmania and the University of Tasmania jointly hosted a discussion about the challenges facing the media and public interest journalism.
ABC Friends Tasmania Secretary, Rowan Wylie reports on the event.
Market stall well received
ABC Friends WA held a stall at Bassendean Sunday morning market late last month.
Volunteers handed out flyers and sold t-shirts to market attendees.
Thanks for your ongoing support!
Warm regards,
Carol Stuart
Vice-President
ABC Friends