A well funded, independent ABC is critical to our democracy

I need to declare a conflict of interest. I am addicted to the ABC, and it is the ABC that is responsible for my becoming more aware, politically speaking.

It would be almost impossible for anyone to listen to ABC radio, either local or national, and not become more passionate about our national and state conditions, our world reputation, and our culture and society in general.

Sometimes it is just impossible to resist calling in and putting in my two bob’s worth. With presenters like John Cleary, who is brilliant as a facilitator and interviewer, with a bounty of knowledge and empathy, and James Valentine with his brand of tongue-in-cheek satire and cheeky intellect, the ABC offers a variety of choices for all tastes.

The ABC is one of the most respected institutions in Australia and has set an example for responsible journalism and innovative entertainment. A well funded, independent ABC is critical to our democracy.


The ABC could be considered to be a member of our families, as about 73% of Australians access an ABC service each week. This, sadly, has actually decreased from 86% in 1990.

There are now 5 million downloads a month including radio and television programs, of which the most popular is The Chasers’ War on Everything. Last week’s record ratings for the show was testimony to its appeal across a broad spectrum of viewers. It’s shows such as these which bring new viewers, who become attached, to the folds of the ABC, and have done through the decades.

The Greens policy requires that both ABC and SBS be governed by independent boards, with members being appointed on their merit and independence, through a transparent process, subject to approval by the Parliament, and including the re-instatement of the staff-appointed position on the Board.

The Greens believe that public ownership of essential communications infrastructure is in the best interests of society, and so that public broadcasting is accessible to all Australians, this should not be compromised. Network neutrality is important for an open internet, so that the ABC continues to be accessible.

Australia must have an independent regulatory framework for media and communications, ensuring diversity of opinion and ownership of media across Australia. ABC local and regional radio fills an invaluable role in this area since the loss of diversity as a result of cross-media legislation passed by the current government.

The Greens intend the ABC and SBS to be public broadcasters which are leaders in independent news, analysis and innovative programming and delivery, including high quality Australian content, with Australian film, television and new media sectors which are dynamic and innovative.

Media Watch provides a valuable input, not only for non-public media, but for the ABC as well, demonstrating its endeavour to maintain the integrity of the ABC Charter.

Among the changes in the latest edition of the ABC Editorial Policies is the board’s decision to state fundamentals in the preamble:

‘…The board is clear that the requirement of impartiality… does not oblige the ABC to be resolutely neutral on every issue. As an Australian public broadcaster, the ABC is committed to fundamental democratic principles including the rule of law, freedom of speech and religion, parliamentary democracy and equal opportunity. The ABC is not – nor can it be – detached from these fundamental democratic principles… It is through the prism of these values that the ABC regards the world.’

For the ABC to be a part of this ground-breaking movement ahead, continuing to lead the way in professionalism and responsible journalism, adequate funding must be forthcoming. The Greens will make funding to SBS and the ABC comparable to current per capita funding models for public broadcasting in the United Kingdom, which is currently three times the Australian per capita funding.

Although the funding to the ABC has increased, to around $850 million, in real terms, it has actually only increased by 3.28%, since 1990, when adjusted for inflation, according to The Friends Bulletin. This is the second lowest funding for public broadcasters throughout the world, and is only at a rate of 10.2 cents per day (per head). That’s minimal growth on the 8 cents a day of 1988 when you consider the increase of services and broadcast media.

ABC TV costs 36% of Australian commercial TV and 40% of Australian commercial radio. With limited funds and resources, the ABC provides an amazing service.

The recent dismantling of the Natural History Unit of production, almost under cover of night, is of concern. The $30 million of funding in the May 2007 budget ($10 million over three years) has been flagged to go to outsourced commercial production, (with Kim Dalton, Director of ABC TV endorsing this policy direction). This would be the first stage of annihilation, for internal production, and a sad outcome based on the ABC’s history of achievement.

The Greens would increase funding for research into the opportunities for Australian content and utilisation of new digital media, reflecting geographical and cultural diversity. Equitable access for all Australians is, once again, essential.

The Greens do not endorse advertising for SBS or the ABC. To maintain independence, diversity in content and format, and self-analysis without interference, advertising would have to be kept out of the equation. It almost goes without saying that pecuniary interest would lead to threats to loss of funding if public broadcasting is dependent on corporate finance. The expectation of the taxpayers, on the other hand, leads to greater transparency and integral devotion to the task.

In the words of Quentin Dempster, “Public broadcasters view their audiences as citizens in a democracy, to be informed, engaged and challenged through innovative, high quality and comprehensive programming, not as consumers to be delivered up to advertisers.”

One big idea is that a national public broadcaster is a necessary part of Australian culture, democracy and civil society. The ABC has evolved over several generations. The ABC is an aspect of the personality of this country. The proof of this is not just that it is beloved, but also that it is at times beleaguered. I feel like a trustee, with a temporary share of the responsibility for something bigger than any person, or group, or era. It is a feeling that daunts, but also nourishes.

Another big idea is that, in a democracy, public power that is not accountable is not legitimate. Media wield public power. Unless accountable, unless legitimate, media will not be trusted. If media are not trusted, a participatory democracy weakens.

Speech to the Friends of the ABC, 22 September