25th May 2007
Letters Editor
Dear Editor

Re: ABC Board Accused of Interference in Science Programming / Age & SMH 24.5.07

Allegations by respected ABC science journalist Robyn Williams, that ABC Board pressure resulted in the
ABC purchasing a documentary on global warming that is “demonstrably wrong”, are serious. (Age & SMH
24.5.07 on The Great Global Warming Swindle documentary)

Whether the Board is directly intervening, or ABC programming is being influenced by high-level
management second-guessing the Board’s wishes, it is not acceptable. The public must be able to depend on
the integrity and independence of ABC programming.
Balance should not negate fairness, accuracy or intellectual rigour. Nor is it acceptable that a politically
motivated Board should try to impose its world view on the Australian public.

It is not possible to have confidence that the broadcaster’s programs are not compromised while the ABC Board is stacked with government supporters.

The ABC is a key public institution. It deserves to be governed by, and the community is entitled to expect, a
board that respects the significance of its independence.
It’s time the Howard Coalition joined with all the other major political parties in supporting a new ‘hands
off’ selection process, where ABC Board members are appointed on merit, not for their political connections
or views.

Yours sincer
Professor Alan Knight
National Spokesperson
Friends of the ABC GS: media folder

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ABC Board Accused of Interference in Science Programming