The ABC has just released its 2020-2021 annual report. The public broadcaster’s achievements during this period have been many, from outstanding emergency reporting on bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic to innovative programming that has been lauded both nationally and internationally. But, as Quentin Dempster reports, funding uncertainty continues to stymie the ABC’s future.  ABC faces uncertain funding future By Quentin Dempster / 21 October 2021 The ABC’s 2020-21 annual report just ...

Like any organisation, the ABC is not perfect. But, says academic and former ABC radio documentary producer Bill Bunbury, the national broadcaster doesn’t deserve the level of criticism emanating from hostile government and other media who seem to wilfully ignore the many quality services it provides to the Australian community.  Featured image: Bill Bunbury recording with Noongar Elder Jack Cox, at Kojonup WA.By Bill Bunbury / Tuesday 12 October 2021 In what most of us would agree are troubled...

Like any organisation, the ABC is not perfect. But, says academic and former ABC radio documentary producer Bill Bunbury, the national broadcaster doesn’t deserve the level of criticism emanating from hostile government and other media who seem to wilfully ignore the many quality services it provides to the Australian community.  Featured image: Bill Bunbury recording with Noongar Elder Jack Cox, at Kojonup WA.By Bill Bunbury / Tuesday 12 October 2021 In what most of us would agree are troubled...

There are rumours that the ABC is about to hold another review into its complaints system. The last one, in 2009, recommended the abolition of the Independent Complaints Review Panel, the ICRP, because it was an expensive and time-consuming duplication of the role of the regulator, the ACMA. One of that review’s authors was then ABC Chairman Maurice Newman – now a columnist at The Australian and one of the ABC’s most trenchant critics. Eleven years later, here we go again.  News Corp Australia ...

There are rumours that the ABC is about to hold another review into its complaints system. The last one, in 2009, recommended the abolition of the Independent Complaints Review Panel, the ICRP, because it was an expensive and time-consuming duplication of the role of the regulator, the ACMA. One of that review’s authors was then ABC Chairman Maurice Newman – now a columnist at The Australian and one of the ABC’s most trenchant critics. Eleven years later, here we go again.  News Corp Australia ...

The ABC has historically played a key role in shaping Australia’s international engagement, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. But today – despite the best efforts of ABC International staff – its impact is significantly diminished, partly due to government budget cuts but also, argues Geoff Heriot, because of a lack of strategic direction in the national interest from government and insufficient prioritisation of the International Service by successive ABC Boards.   FACING A WORLD IN DIS...

The ABC has historically played a key role in shaping Australia’s international engagement, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. But today – despite the best efforts of ABC International staff – its impact is significantly diminished, partly due to government budget cuts but also, argues Geoff Heriot, because of a lack of strategic direction in the national interest from government and insufficient prioritisation of the International Service by successive ABC Boards.   FACING A WORLD IN DIS...

The ABC’s international service has earned an enviable reputation as a regional media influencer, especially in the Pacific. But in the last seven years, it has been under-supported by the federal government, while money has been allocated to commercial interests for questionable benefit. With growing geopolitical tensions, the national broadcaster’s role as the ‘voice of Australia’ has never been more important. In this three-part series we examine ABC International’s ‘soft power’ contribution...

The ABC’s international service has earned an enviable reputation as a regional media influencer, especially in the Pacific. But in the last seven years, it has been under-supported by the federal government, while money has been allocated to commercial interests for questionable benefit. With growing geopolitical tensions, the national broadcaster’s role as the ‘voice of Australia’ has never been more important. In this three-part series we examine ABC International’s ‘soft power’ contribution...

It’s with great sadness that ABC Alumni reports the death of Allen Clark at the age of 75. Allen originally worked in the Organisation and Methods department in the old Broadcast House in Elizabeth Street in Sydney. He then became an accomplished broadcaster, finishing his ABC career in Wollongong. Allen played an important part in the industrial struggles of the ABC Staff Union as Vice President of the NSW Branch. He also played a significant role in assisting numerous union members with their...