15th December 1999

Murray Green
Victorian Manager ABC
GPO Box 9994
Melbourne 3001.

Dear Murray

Re: ABC move from Ripponlea

I write to you concerning the ABC's plan to move its Victorian television production and broadcasting facilities from its Ripponlea property to the ABC Centre at Southbank, and its plans to sell Ripponlea.

The movement of some ABC facilities from Ripponlea to Southbank was a matter on which you briefed representatives of FABC some time ago. A local newspaper reported that the ABC has purchased a property adjoining its present Southbank premises. FABC understands that there will be some advantages for the Victorian ABC to be able to operate in one area, particularly at a time when significant changes will be made to property and equipment as the result of the introduction of digital technology. However, we are concerned to know that this move, and the sale of the Ripponlea property is in the best interest of ABC audiences.

Would you please inform us of the difference in size between the newly purchased premises and Ripponlea? (We believe that the new digital equipment takes more space than current production and broadcasting equipment.) Will the move result in the loss of any staff, or a reduction in production facilities or production capacity? Can we be assured that the move will not lead to any decrease in the ABC's level of in-house production in Victoria? Has the decision to sell Ripponlea been influenced by financial pressures resulting from inadequate federal government funds, or a desire to appease the Federal Government?

e are aware that the ABC is under considerable pressure. The Minister for Communications having threatened to provide funds essential for the ABC's conversion to digital technology only if the ABC sells its property, and has made clear his position that the ABC should not be a producer, other than in the area of news and current affairs. At that time you informed FABC about the planned movement of some facilities and staff from Ripponlea, we understood it to be linked to the ABC management plan of 'One ABC', which would result in radio and television increasingly sharing resources.

FABC continues to be concerned that the sharing of resources does not compromise diversity. An important strength of the ABC is the different perspectives and approaches it presents on the same matter or topic. This diversity results not only from having different presenters deal with the same matter, but different producers and researchers, each with their different ideas and experience, and each of them with a myriad of different resources, sources and contacts. Diversity is an important factor in earning broad public support for, and in diffusing attacks upon, the ABC. We look forward to receiving your written response to this matter.

Thanking you in anticipation of your assistance.

Yours sincerely

Lecki Ord

President