A Letter to Members: Dr June Factor, President, FABC (Vic.)

Dear Members

This summer we will be especially active - the 1997 Federal budget will be set in stone by next March. While the ABC has recently announced expenditure reductions of $27 million (mainly in management), it cannot possibly run its current programmes, nor innovate, if it has to meet the Governments's proposed cut of $55 million.

Friends of the ABC must act vigorously now. We have appointed a campaign manager and are developing strategies (together with our colleagues in other states) for the whole of Australia. Local and regional groups are forming across the country. Marginal electorates and key politicians will be our special targets: it is essential that we make ALL POLITICAL PARTIES aware that the Australian people's opposition to the dismemberment of the ABC has political consequences.

We are encouraging all our members to CONTINUE to write to their local MP, to Senators and to the PM and the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Alston, expressing their unwavering opposition to the proposed ABC budget cuts and to any introduction of advertising or sponsorship on ABC radio and television. (Make it one of your New Year resolutions to [politely] pester politicians about the ABC!) It is also important for as many people as possible to maintain contact with the media - through letters to the newspapers, phone calls to talkback radio, etc. The more 'news' is read and heard reflecting our position, the more effective we are in influencing the public debate.

When the Mansfield Review is released on January 24, it will be essential for individuals as well as this organisation to respond promptly and publicly. No doubt the 11,500 people who made submissions to the inquiry will have a special interest - but everyone is urged to respond: even a short letter to senator Alston will have an effect.

Friends of the ABC continues to grow - because people recognise our active commitment to maintaining a strong, innovative, creative and comprehensive independent national broadcaster. Our members are our strength, and our major resource. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to join, as well as any organisations you belong to.
We cannot afford to lose this battle!

The committee of friends of the ABC sends you its greetings for the festive season. And if you have time to help us over the summer, we look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

[signed]

June Factor