13.12.99 to Brian
Johns
ABC News and Current Affairs
I write to you concerning
ABC news and current affairs, and in particular, state-based news and
current affairs.
In Queensland, opposition
has been recently expressed to any loss of state-based news and current
affairs. First there was much public disquiet, including the unanimous
motion of condemnation carried by the Queensland Parliament, about the
ABC's plan to move Carolyn Tucker from the 8.30am current affairs time
slot on Brisbane radio station 4QR. Later, there were media reports
which followed the absence of Queensland news during some weekend bulletins,
that Queensland's peak local government body is concerned to see that
ABC Radio does not reduce the amount of state news in bulletins.
FABC does not seek to interfere
in specific programming matters, and we have read the ABC's official
responses to these matters, as they were reported in the print media.
We do, however, wish to inform you of the strong concern of FABCs in
all states and territories that there be no further loss in the areas
of news and current affairs and in state-based news and current affairs.
Indeed, many in the community express to FABC a keen desire for increased
state-based news and current affairs, both on radio and television.
We are aware that, in comparison
to television, there are differences in the style and presentation of
information on radio, and that radio operation and program production
costs are considerably lower, thereby enabling the ABC to provide state
and regional radio stations. Even so, the ABC has recognised the importance
of local content in the medium of radio to a far greater extent than
it has on television. If ABC television is to be relevant, it must do
more to cater for local interests. The ABC's role of informing Australians
on national issues and letting them know what is happening to people
in other parts of the country will always be important. However, to
build and maintain both the following and the personal loyalty which
ABC Radio generates, and which has resulted in strong public support
for the ABC, television must also be able to relate more closely to
people's lives.
You will be aware that there
is still widespread public dissatisfaction with the ABC's decision several
years ago to axe the local editions of the 7.30 Report. FABC seeks assurance
that the ABC will not implement programming changes which result in
further diminution of local news and current affairs, by reducing the
amount, depth or quality of their coverage, or by relegating them to
less significant time-slots. Hopefully, when funding allows, and without
loss to national news and current affairs, the ABC will again increase
state-based coverage. Thanking you in anticipation of your assistance.
We look forward to receiving your comments.
Yours sincerely
Alison Clifford
National
Spokesperson