7.2.00 to The Australian
Michelle Gilchrist article
Australian 31.3.00
Senator Alston's claim (Michelle
Gilchrist article in the Australian 31.3.00) that concentration of media
ownership does not mean concentration of views is ludicrous.
It is ludicrous for Senator
Alston to claim that a high concentration of ownership does not result
in limited diversity of views in the media or allow media proprietors
to exert undue influence (Age 29.3.00). The willingness of governments
to meet - dare I say, readiness to deal - with the two major owners
of Australian media is proof alone of the power large media proprietors
exert on the political process.
Interestingly, Senator Alston,
whose ministerial responsibilities include the ABC, omits to mention
that one major element in ensuring diversity of views, quality information
and an Australian voice is the healthy operation of Australia's national
public broadcaster. Perhaps he fails to refer to the important and distinct
role of the ABC as an independent broadcaster, free from commercial
and government influence, because he constantly seeks to undermine its
independence.
The Federal Government has
inflicted massive cuts to the ABC's budget. In the lead-up to the May
Budget which will set ABC funding for the next three years, Senator
Alston is attempting to force the ABC into a 'performance' agreement
as a means of government interfering in ABC services. There has been
no guarantee of the additional funds required for the ABC to operate
in the new digital environment. As well, starved of essential funds,
and now managed by a Board largely appointed by the present government,
the ABC is exploring ways to raise revenue from the commercial sector.
As an alternative, independent
information source, the ABC is a major player in the Australian media
landscape. What happens to our national broadcaster has implications
for our democracy and culture. The future of the ABC is at the cross-roads.
If the owners of the ABC - the Australian community - want to maintain
the ABC's independence from both government and commercial influence,
then they must speak up.
Yours sincerely
Alison Clifford
National Spokesperson