It’s on!
The starter’s gun has fired and we’re into the real election campaign.
The federal budget and the opposition’s reply set the framework for the messages we’ll hear over the next six weeks. There was nothing in the budget for the ABC. And no party has indicated – yet – that they’ll support our campaign platform.
It is up to us to change that.
We must remind our political representatives that people across Australia care about the ABC’s future. You, our 77,000 members and supporters are a powerful group who can tell them that the ABC must be properly funded. That it must remain free to access, with no ads and no subscriptions. And that we vehemently oppose any attempt to sell it off.
Across Australia groups have started campaigning. They are letter-boxing, handing out flyers at market stalls and public places, and will attend polling booths to talk to voters. Events are planned in some states and we encourage you to attend candidate forums in your electorates where possible.
Along with our friends at ABC Alumni, we’ve designed corflutes, flyers, and a suite of videos and social media posts. Our online advertising campaign will start on 31 March. Campaign news will be updated regularly on our campaign website.
We’re asking political parties and candidates in target electorates to answer six questions based on our campaign platform. We’ll use their responses to inform voters where the candidates stand on the ABC.
Together, we must remind Australians and our political representatives why the ABC matters.
I urge you to join me in supporting our campaign. If you haven’t already done so please sign our petition calling on all members of Parliament and candidates for office to support a fully funded and independent ABC
Check out our new campaign website
Here you’ll find our statements about the values that drive our campaign along with our campaign platform.
We’ll add news stories throughout the campaign, and advice on where the candidates and political parties stand on the ABC.
The rise of news influencers - harmful for democracy?
Labor's move to invite 13 social media influencers to cover the budget sparked controversy this week.
As their reach grows, news influencers compete with traditional media—including the ABC. What does this shift mean for Australian democracy?
Don’t forget! ABC Friends Campaign Rally
11am-1pm, 13 April 2025. In person in Sydney, and online.
Hear from five impressive speakers and engage with fellow ABC supporters as we fight to achieve our campaign goals.
Please show your public support for our ABC - bring your friends and family and fill the auditorium!
We look forward to seeing you at the rally – your participation is vital.
ABC commercialisation risk?
The coming election could determine whether the ABC remains a vital safeguard for Australian democracy or is weakened by further cuts and commercialisation.
The situation unfolding in the United States shows how quickly a public institution can be privatised or stripped back by a government that doesn't support public media.
Content comes first: ABC’s new managing director tells staff
In his first week as the ABC’s new managing director, Hugh Marks wrote to all staff setting the agenda for his term at the ABC, radioinfo reported.
He emphasised the need for the ABC to create journalism, video, and audio with real and meaningful impact, that is distinctive and engaging, and strives for excellence.
He called for an innovative and courageous mindset, one that doesn’t fear failure – but does fear mediocrity.
The ABC is STILL under-funded
Don't believe News Corp propaganda. The ABC has not recovered from a decade of brutal funding cuts.
Recent funding commitments are a step in the right direction - but they fall short of the funding restoration Australia needs.
Read below to better understand the ABC's funding challenges.
Voice of America goes dark
In his latest attack on public media, Donald Trump signed an order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the five broadcast agencies it supports, including Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
This is a grim time for US media, and previously unthinkable in a country that champions free speech in its constitution. Could it happen in Australia?
ABC Friends Tasmania update
ABC Friends Tasmania is gearing up for the federal election campaign and has a committee opportunity up for grabs.
The federal government will exempt YouTube from its social media ban for young people
Meta, TikTok and Snapchat aren’t happy
They have labelled the decision "illogical" and "preferential treatment". The government is proposing a specific exemption for YouTube because it's an "important source of education" for children, teachers, and parents.
The rules, including exemptions to the teen social media ban, will be decided in a private consultation process before the law comes into force in December.
Thank you again for all your support.
Warm regards
Cassandra Parkinson
President
ABC Friends
P.S. If you can, please consider making a donation to support our work.