Post-election we're gearing up to work with the re-elected Albanese government. Our first task is to discuss our platform with the new Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, after she has settled into her new role. See her bio in this newsletter.
Our election campaign reached more than one million individuals across Australia through on-the-ground activity and social media. Social media enabled us to target voters in selected electorates and connect with many more Australians than would otherwise have been possible. The task now is to expand our social media presence on new platforms and to new audiences.
As ABC Friends, we must also respond to the forces that will influence the media in coming years. Three stand out: the impact of AI on the media, the need to combat disinformation more effectively, and the future of terrestrial TV.
We're only at the beginning of an AI revolution but already we can see some impacts. Journalists are losing their jobs to AI just as their work is being purloined to train machines. It's becoming more difficult to distinguish between real and AI-generated content, and the task will get harder as AI becomes more sophisticated.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the ways in disinformation shapes public opinion and undermines trust in democratic institutions. In this environment we need a strong public broadcaster more than ever.
Free to air networks have closed in some regional centres and more closures can be expected. If all Australians are to have access to trustworthy news and Australian content, our public broadcasters will need to play a role in filling the gap.
There are no easy answers to these and other questions but it's essential that ABC Friends build a strong policy framework to address them. I hope you will support us in that undertaking.
We invite you to become more involved with ABC Friends, by joining your state group here.
That's a wrap! Election 2025
In mid 2024, ABC Friends began planning our federal election campaign. The election gave us a rare opportunity to demand that candidates and political parties pledge to secure a fully funded and truly independent ABC. Find out more about our campaign strategy, what we achieved and what comes next.
Across Australia, our volunteers worked hard to get our message across to voters. Thank you – you made a difference.
Unwatchable drivel?
What did you think of the ABC's election night coverage?
Tony Barry, a member of the ABC 's election night panel, described the ABC's coverage as "the only telecast of 6 hours (with) no data, analysis and insight … "just endless ‘what I reckon’ journalism. Unwatchable drivel."
Barry, a former Liberal Party strategist, participated in the telecast along with Kos Samaras, his partner (and former Labor strategist) at the consultancy firm Redbridge Group.
Was he right? Answer our poll and add your comment.
New Minister for Communications: Anika Wells
ABC Friends welcomes the announcement of Anika Wells as the Minister for Communications in the new cabinet. Wells has a track record of defending the ABC’s independence. We hope her commitment will be reflected in meaningful policy change to strengthen the ABC.
Laura Tingle appointed ABC Global Affairs Editor
Laura Tingle will be the ABC's new Global Affairs Editor commencing mid year, having served as the ABC’s Political Editor since 2018. ABC Friends welcomes her appointment.
Margaret Simons to deliver Andrew Bent Memorial Lecture
Intelligence, Democracy and Public Service Media – What does the future hold?
Award winning journalist Margaret Simons will deliver the 2025 Andrew Bent Memorial Lecture in Hobart. Her lecture will explore change in media, the nature of mediatised truth, the responsibilities of engaged citizens and the role of the public broadcaster in safeguarding and reforming our democracy.
Friday 6 June 2025
Ian Potter Recital Hall, The Hedberg, Collins Street Hobart
Podcast of the month: Australia vs the Internet
This month’s podcast recommendation is Australia vs the Internet—a series from the ABC’s If You’re Listening podcast series. Hosted by Matt Bevan, it dives into some of the big questions and challenges we’re facing in the world today - all delivered in bite size chunks.
News Corp’s waning influence
"Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation has, for some time now, been impotent when it comes to affecting the outcomes of elections," said Margaret Simons in a recent piece for The Guardian.
"News Corp no longer has the power to sway voters," she said.
In fact, the LNP's affiliation with News Corp is more likely to be hurting conservative parties.
We have socks and they're SO cute!
We have fun socks for the kids in your life! Colourful children’s socks displaying the ABC Friends logo are now available in two sizes — 5-8 years, and 8-12 years.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, these fun and quirky socks are sure to delight the little ones in your life.
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.