23rd October 2000 -
Mr Donald McDonald
ABC Restructure
Advertising online
Thank you for letter of
5 October. You mention in that letter the Board is yet to consider the
issue of advertising on ABC Online.
Does this mean the Board
plans to reconsider its position? You will recall the ABC's then acting
head of Corporate Planning and Communications, Dr Julianne Schulz, in
evidence before the Senate inquiry into ABC online said: "The (ABC)
Board has consistently taken the view that ABC Online should be treated
as every other network - that is, that it has not allowed advertising
to appear on the online service."
FABC supports the Board's
policy on advertising which was enunciated by Dr Schulz. In our view
a reversal of this policy would serious undermine the independence of
the ABC.
In your reply, you expressed
concern that FABC's previous letter was reported in the media. I am
sorry that the substance of it was published in the press before you
received it, but FABC believes its operations should be transparent.
Much of its significant correspondence is published on our website,
and on occasion drawn to the attention of journalists.
We agree with your comment
that our reaction to the restructure of the ABC has been based largely
on information reported in the media. This was a matter which we raised
in our earlier letter and the reason we seek information from you.
FABC appreciated the opportunity
to meet with Mr Shier in June. We look forward to Mr Shier's address
to the Friends of the ABC in Melbourne.
Current Affairs
In a previous letter FABC
sought your assurance that ABC current affairs will not be downgraded.
Since our letter, there have been further worrying media reports that
there will be severe cuts to the ABC's news and current affairs budget.
As, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no recent cuts to
the overall budget, we would like to know the reason cuts to this critical
area are being considered. Will the board prevent a reduction in current
affairs broadcast hours, current affairs being rescheduled to less accessed
time-slots, and its content and style being changed in a way which results
in it being less probing on important political and social issues?
Public concern is reflected
in the growing number of phone calls and letters FABC receives. The
community wants to know where the Board wants to take the ABC. While
there have been some positive assurances in general terms, we would
appreciate further information on the matters raised in our letter of
19 September. FABC would like to know how the Board's commitment to
an independent and quality ABC will be demonstrated in practice.
We reiterate our strong belief
that the nature of Australia's independent national broadcaster should
not be changed without extensive community consultation. We strongly
urge the Board to prohibit the depletion of current affairs.
Yours sincerely
Darce Cassidy
National Spokesperson