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4 July 1996

Save the ABC, says Law Institute

The Law Institute of Victoria today called upon the Federal Government to show some leadership and give up on its plans to prune the ABC budget and change the culture of the public broadcaster.
"It is clear from opinion polls that an overwhelming number of people want the ABC's money kept at present levels, while a significant number want it increased," said the President of the Institute, Mr James Syme.
Reports that Radio National, with its invaluable programs such as Late Night Live, Background Briefing, Life Matters, the Science Show and the Law Report, may be under threat should cause the most serious concern, he said.
Given the extremely limited range of significant media ownership in Australia, any reduction in ABC services would immediately curtail the public's access to a vital source of news and comment, Mr Syme said.
Talk of commercial sponsorships and a greater reliance on outside production could be a smokescreen to hide the damage about to be inflicted upon one of the nation's most vital organisations.
"While there may be merit in reducing the duplication of management and supervisory roles in each state, any cuts that impair what people hear and see would be regressive," he said. "With SBS TV news in Melbourne already slashed, we see no merit in crippling the national broadcaster to the extent that it cannot fulfil its charter, mirror the nation's life and culture and provide a sound alternative to commercials, cables and ratings-driven radio and TV."

Further enquiries: Kevin Childs, Media Adviser (03) 9607 9373