For a public media organisation, independence is paramount. Democracy requires that citizens have access to accurate information about what is happening. It cannot function properly if citizens are ignorant or misinformed or if they mistrust the information they receive.
An independent public media organisation, free from political, commercial or other interests, is essential for effective public interest journalism.
“Editorial and institutional independence from political and economic powers is crucial in maintaining audience trust, and structural independence is an essential pre-requisite for achieving that.” European Broadcasting Union
In recent years, perceived and actual political influence over appointments to the ABC board and Chair have created doubt about the ABC’s independence.
We must restore confidence in the integrity of the appointments processes to the ABC board.
Now is the time to amend the ABC Act to guarantee a rigorous, transparent process for making appointments to the ABC board and its chair.
It’s time to rebuild the ABC.