Friends of the ABC* (Vic) Inc.
*AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION

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NATIONAL COMMITTEE - FRIENDS OF THE ABC

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BUDGET MEANS THREE STEPS BACKWARDS FOR THE ABC

'For Australians who want an independent, comprehensive and innovative ABC, the third Costello Budget is a matter of three steps backwards, two steps sideways and one small and timid step forward,' said Mr Chas Savage, spokesperson for the National Committee of Friends of the ABC.

'It is three steps backwards because for the third year in a row, the budget will continue to squeeze ABC services and programs. This means that Australians living in regional and country areas, who have not the broadcasting and information options of those living in urban areas, will be the big losers.

'Already, the majority of programs shown on ABC television are repeats. Funding cuts have meant a loss of regional and local content and have reduced Radio Australia almost to irrelevance in our region. This budget has done nothing to reverse these trends. As a result there will be reductions in the levels of Australian drama, a reduced coverage of sporting events, cuts to science and other specialist disciplines, and a diminished news and current affairs service.'

Mr Savage said that it was two steps sideways because the Government has not cut the ABC's Budget another ten, or twenty or fifty million dollars.

'However, the existing budget is not enough. It means that the ABC will continue to struggle to broadcast the programs demanded by listeners and viewers. Australian content will continue to suffer. And, of course, so will the specialist radio networks, Radio National, Classic FM and Triple J.

'It is a small step forward that some monies have been given for digitisation. But the $20.8 million over five years allocated by Mr Costello does not even go quarter way to addressing the capital needs of the ABC for conversion to digital technology (around $84 million is needed from Government, which will go to supplement savings made by the ABC).

'Without additional funding from the Government the ABC will be forced to eat its young. Program-makers and producers, researchers, specialist services and specialist expertise will suffer cuts to pay for digits and electronic widgets.

'The debate on the future of the ABC should be owned by the Australian public, the proprietors of the ABC. Because the obligations of ownership can only be sensibly discharged when the facts are clear, Friends of the ABC believe it is incumbent on the Board to make a full and unambiguous statement on the implications of the 1998 Budget for future ABC programs and services. Now is not the time for another year of silence from the ABC Board,' said Mr savage.

12 May 1998
Further Information
Chas Savage, (Acting) National Spokesperson: (02) 6257 4810