On 1 March our friends at ABC Alumni released a disturbing report that confirmed what we already suspected: there’s been a shocking decline in the production of original non-news and current affairs screen content by the ABC since 2013.

Whether we watch the ABC on our TV screens in real time or catch up on iView on our devices, we rely on the ABC to produce quality Australian stories.

We agree with the Alumni that our precious national broadcaster is no longer able to do the job the Parliament has asked it to do – and only the Parliament can fix the problem.

If, like me, you're sick of watching repeats and imports, and if you’d like to see more original Australian content, please join me in calling on the government to fully fund the ABC. 

You can follow the link in our next item to sign the petition. And for more background read the article in this newsletter titled Dramatic drop in ABC original content.

Thank you for supporting ABC Friends. We’d love to have you as a member! I encourage you to join us.

If you can, please consider making a donation to support our work.

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Tell the government: fund more original content on the ABC!

The ABC has lost a cumulative $1 billion in funding since 2013. That’s had a terrible impact on the creation of original screen content.

We need more original Australian drama. 

We need more TV programs for Australian children, more arts and science programs, more history and other factual programs.

The ABC is part of our cultural heartland. It must be fully funded to tell our stories.

Please sign our petition calling on the Albanese government to fully fund the ABC and support Australian culture. 

 

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Meta pulls the plug

Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) will no longer pay Australian publishers for news. Zuckerberg plans to withdraw from Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code when agreements with news publishers come up for renewal in the second half of 2024.

The decision has major implications for the ABC and other media organisations.

 

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Dramatic drop in ABC original content

New research shows that the ABC now presents 40% less Australian content than it did a decade ago. This impacts its ability to retain and attract viewers and uphold its Charter obligations.

ABC Alumni looks at this troubling situation.

 

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Farewell Karen Tighe

The ABC has farewelled another popular female presenter, Karen Tighe, who has left as a result of illness. We look back at this pioneering sports journalist’s impact.

 

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Don’t forget our survey

There’s still time to complete our survey and help us plan our activities for 2024.

It will take no more than 7 minutes of your time - we know because we timed it!

 

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Podcast of the month: Double Take

Each month we recommend a podcast.

This month, we suggest you catch up with Double Take and its latest podcast in a monthly series on the big news in media.

Long-time ABC foreign correspondent, Monica Attard, talks to new ABC Chair, Kim Williams about media objectivity, impartiality and his new role.

 

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ABC RMIT fact checking partnership ends. Will the new service fare better?

The ABC has ended its seven year Fact Check collaboration with RMIT University, despite the service being the most trusted of Australian fact checking services. It will be replaced by an internal unit, News Verify.

Cost was a factor. Intense criticisms by conservative politicians and commentators may also have played a part.

 

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ABC Friends certainly made its presence felt at Adelaide Writers’ Week

While thousands of people enjoyed wandering around Adelaide Writers’ Week, listening to talks and purchasing books, ABC Friends were making sure they were highly visible.

 

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VIC: Your ABC: An Endangered Species? - April 18

A talk by former ABC presenter Jon Faine and former MD of The Age Ranald Macdonald, moderated by Libbi Gorr. Presented by Sorrento Writers Festival.

 

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NSW: ABC Excellence in Broadcasting Awards - May 4