7:30 is one of the ABC's flagship news and current affairs program. Audiences rely on it to present truthful, unvarnished reports of the main events of the day.
That’s why I was dismayed when Media Watch reported that the ABC is facing serious claims about its reporting of former commando Heston Russell, with the discovery that extra gunshots were added to helmet cam footage published by 7.30.
Such claims, if true, could damage trust in 7.30 and the ABC.
I welcome David Anderson’s appointment of Alan Sunderland to conduct an independent review into the allegations and I look forward to reading the public report and its recommendations.
It is essential that the ABC share the outcomes of the review, because transparency is one way in which confidence can be regained.
With trust in the media at an all-time low we need a strong public broadcaster more than ever. We must do all we can to protect the integrity of the ABC and invest in its capacity to do its job.
Because, as we have said many times, Australian democracy depends on a fearless, independent public broadcaster.
Thank you for supporting ABC Friends. We’d love to have you as a member! I encourage you to join us.
I look forward to your support as we campaign this year and next to restore quality programming on the ABC.
Trust the ABC News? You said yes … but
In July ABC Friends conducted a mini-survey on trust in the ABC news, which was completed by 3609 individuals. More than 70% of you said yes, you trust the ABC news; 19.04 % said no; and 10.22 % were unsure.
The responses were consistent with Ipsos polling which in March this year found that 79% of Australians trust the ABC in 2023, while 76% of people believe the ABC does a good job of keeping them informed during emergencies.
But many of you expressed concerns about the content of ABC news coverage.
Floods, fires and disasters. In times of crisis the ABC is there for all Australians. But funding cuts have made it more and more difficult for the ABC to provide this essential service. Make sure it’s there when you need it.
Please support our pre-election campaign and sign the petition calling on all politicians and candidates to support a fully-funded ABC.
David Anderson to depart the ABC
On 22 August the Managing Director of the ABC, David Anderson, announced his intention to leave the ABC early in 2025.
David came to the job at a turbulent time for the public broadcaster. After more than 30 years of service, he knew the ABC well and his appointment was welcomed by staff. He was able to calm the organisation and he’s continued to provide steady leadership ever since.
ABC Friends thanks David for his outstanding contribution to the ABC.
The question now is, who should the next Managing Director be?
Truth in political advertising – webinar
Join Geoffrey Watson, Zali Steggall and other distinguished speakers to hear about why we need truth in political advertising and what is standing in our way.
Unlike commercial advertising, truth in political advertising has no legal protections outside South Australia and the ACT. The importance of truth, and the absence of disinformation, cannot be underestimated as a key factor in protecting our democracy.
Member and supporter survey – what you told us
Why are you a member or supporter of ABC Friends? What do you think our priorities as an organisation should be? How would you like to hear from us?
These are some of the questions we asked in our recent survey of members and supporters.
1285 people replied and your answers have helped us develop an understanding of you, our supporters, and how best we can address your priorities.
New state-based investigative team for the ABC
Justin Stevens, the Director of ABC News, has announced that the ABC is forming an investigative reporting team within its state-based reporting teams.
This team’s remit is to break, value-add and elevate stories about state governance, probity and accountability at a state and local level.
This is good news.
New cups, tea towels and pens
We have some great new products for sale in our ABC Friends shop.
Our reusable cups are a handy alternative to single-use takeaway paper coffee cups (now banned in some states). Priced at only $29.95, they have an insulated steel body that keeps drinks hot (or cold) for hours. Limited edition so be quick.
There’s also a 100% cotton tea towel with the ever-popular Leunig design and a choice of two stylish pens in royal blue or burgundy.
Heather Ewart to retire
ABC journalist, Heather Ewart, has announced that she will retire from the ABC next year after an incredible 50 years at the public broadcaster.
In recent years we’ve joined Heather on her journeys around Australia in Back Roads. It’s been fun to learn about new people and places and, from time to time, visit some of our own favourite places with her.
State News
Podcast of the month: If you’re listening
Here at ABC friends we love If You’re Listening. Each week, Matt Bevan explains the biggest story in world news while hiding in his basement from assassins and authoritarian regimes. Our only question is - how does he choose between so many big stories?
Informative, no spin, and not too long. Just what a good podcast should be.
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.