🚀 go-pugleaf

G'day Graham,

>The 500-million you speak of (even if accurate) should be taken in 
>context.
>
>That not only funds ABC-TV, but 7 radio networks, 6 symphony orchestras,
>and a myriad of other functions.

The newspapers in Melbourne have used the figure of $540,000,000 per
year.  In these difficult financial times, perhaps some of the ABC's
out-of-scope activities should be merged.

>I will concede that there is some wastage in the ABC .. but significantly
>less than is commonly believed.

To be honest, I'm not sure about this.  It's my understanding that the
production costs of ABC programs are significantly higher than their
commercial counterparts, because of rather old-fashioned work
practices.  And the management structure appears to contain quite a
bit of duplication.

>And that's without even mentioning the only news that can really say it
>operates without fear or favor. I know some don't like the ABC's alleged 
>bias .. but ask yourself .. what would Australia be like without the ABC?

I'm sorry, but I don't agree with your statement that ABC news
operates without fear or favour.  At least in Melbourne, the local ABC
news coverage has been rather shamelessly political at times.
Personally, I thought the lowlight was when an ABC camera crew
followed Jeff Kennett into a loo.

Another interesting aspect is that many of the ABC presenters used to
be on the staff of Labor politicians.  For example, it's my
understanding that Kerry O'Brien used to work for Whitlam and the
chief national political reporter used to work for Hawke.  Do you know
if this is true?

Regarding the alleged bias, I can quickly identify five progressive
national or regional ABC presenters, but I can't think of five
conservative ones.  Since you're more familiar with the ABC, can you
name five conservative presenters who we might hear in Melbourne?

>I worked in commercial radio/TV  for 15 years, and know how many stories I 
>was forced to pull because it may impact on the station's bottom line. 
>I do NOT want to see the same happen to the ABC.

I understand your beliefs on this point and agree with them.  However,
I think that the ABC has certain sacred cows and it's obvious that
stories have been pulled.  I don't recall any ABC stories on:

1. Investigation of fiscal incompetence by Aboriginal organisations

2. Sympathetic coverage of pro-gun or anti-immigration views (to
   balance the sympathetic coverage of their opponents).

3. Conflict between rival Aboriginal organisations

4. Commercial sponsorship of ABC programs (which I understand which
   was broken by the Sunday program)

And so on.

>Yes, I work for the ABC (and hence my views must be seen in that light)
>but I also spent a decade-and-a-half in the commercial radio/TV sector, as
>well as managing a community radio station.

I certainly respect your professional integrity, but I still think
you're wrong 8-).

>Believe me, the issue of the ABC's independence is vital to democracy in 
>this country.

Would you mind expanding on this view?  How is the ABC vital to
democracy?  If we take the extreme case and eliminate the ABC, how
would democracy be affected?

Doug

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Three more atletes have tested positive for illegal drugs at 
the Olympics and were immediately assigned to the White House

douglas.buckser@acslink.aone.net.au