Welcome to the first edition of our new newsletter, the NSW & ACT Bulletin.
We are very fortunate that Rory Sutton, ABC Alumnus and ABC Friend agreed to assume editorial responsibility for this newsletter, assisted by Sue Zeckendorf, Associate Editor. I would also like to take this opportunity to once again offer my sincere thanks to Mal Hewitt, OAM, editor of Update for a remarkable 17 years, supported by Dr Diana Wyndham, Assistant Editor, and enthusiastic editorial and production team.
Results from our 2024 member and supporter survey revealed a preference for digital communications as well as information on branch activities and events, findings that were incorporated into the design of the NSW/ACT Bulletin. We were also mindful that this new digital/print newsletter must be aligned with the 2023 ABCF National Communication Strategy and compatible with the monthly National digital/print newsletters and an annual publication (1st edition is in the final stages of production). Hopefully we have navigated a successful compromise!
Our ABC remains under significant political, commercial and financial pressure. It must facilitate a transition to an integrated digital operation and satisfy the communication preferences of loyal ABC audiences without compromising broadcasting quality. There are many competing tensions in these national responsibilities that are difficult to reconcile. Advocating for an increase in ABC investment and highlighting the vital role the ABC plays as a free-to-air public broadcaster, public asset and pillar of our democracy, will be key messages in our federal election campaign and addressed in the Friends of the ABC (NSW & ACT) Strategic Plan 2024-2026 released earlier this month.
I know we are all disappointed that the political and financial vulnerability of the ABC in 2024-2025 is only marginally better than it was in 2022. Friends frequently contact me to express concerns about programming and journalistic quality, the lack of Australian stories and content, falling audience numbers, disappointing ratings and constant unsubstantiated, politically-motivated attacks by hostile anti-ABC commentators.
However, this is not the time to give up on Aunty! As Friends of the ABC we should make it clear to supporters that the current challenges are direct consequences of decreased government investment in an era when content, transmission, production and digital transformation costs are rising rapidly.
We could also remind people struggling with the rising cost of living that the ABC is a free-to-air TV, radio and streaming video-on-demand service provider (SVOD) in an environment dominated by user-pay streaming services provided by multinational corporations owned by billionaires. If we are able to successfully advocate for an increase in ABC investment and stronger protections from political interference, our ABC will be able to continue to deliver an extraordinary broadcasting and free SVOD experience (iView for example) for 21st Century Australians.
Dr Tess Howes
President
ABC Friends NSW & ACT