FABC Friends of the ABC

How to: Join/Renew/Donate

Budget increase for ABC

May 2013
The Labor Government’s Federal Budget has delivered a $89.4 million funding increase to the ABC over 3 years to expand its news and current affairs services and for ABC digital program delivery.

The funding is welcome. However, it is not sufficient to address the decline in ABC services that is resulting from cuts and the erosion of funds under former governments. And FABC is concerned at the dangerous trend of governments to target funding to specific areas of the public broadcaster’s operations.
FABC media release

Matt Peacock elected to ABC Board

Matt Peacock_web

Aprill 2013
Delivering on its promise, the Labor Government has restored the staff-elected position to the ABC Board.

Friends worked hard to restore the position after it was abolished by 2013the Howard government. A staff director on the ABC Board ensures there is at least one member with first-hand public broadcasting experience. It is especially important if any government should again stack the ABC Board.

Friends is pleased that ABC staff have elected someone of Matt Peacock’s integrity and understanding of important matters that confront the ABC.
About Matt Peacock

Inquiry into ABC interest outside Sydney

Updated March 2013

Smaller states are particularly disadvantaged by the ABC shutting down its TV production facilities in favour of outsourcing to the private sector. The closure of Tasmania’s television production unit last year resulted in a Senate inquiry into the ABC’s commitment to regional diversity.
FABC News+Views report
FABC submissions to the Senate Inquiry

Senate inquiry report