Article
ABC: why change it?
Jason Lovell
I agree with David (#4) – since when did ABC talkback become ABC-determined-talkback? I know ABC suffers from an ongoing and well-organised avalanche of complaints from one certain industry sector (okay, forestry) and its ALP mates. But despite these complaints (from people whose main interest is reducing public knowledge and voice), the one-hour, free-for-all Talkback segment used to work just fine. So why change it if it ain’t broke?
ABC thinking: An ABC managerial memo from last year: From the desk of (deleted) Network Development for ABC Local Radio:
Guestbooks on our Local Radio pages are to facilitate discussion about content and issues on our stations. They are not there for personal comments about presenter performance or other comments about ABC staff.
As a general rule of thumb, when it gets to a personal critique of a presenter or guest (be that high praise or negative comment) this should be
referred up to your LRM for an appropriate response. (Local Radio Manager)
(edited for clarity – full version below)
Subject: FW: LR guestbook moderation statement
—–Original Message—–
From: (deleted)
Sent: Friday, 7 April 2006 10:05 AM
To: (deleted)
Cc: (deleted)
Subject: LR guestbook moderation statement
Hi all,
We are about to introduce the new Local Radio “Online Style Guide”. This covers every aspect of how our pages should look, and will become a comprehensive guide as to content as well.
As part of the Style Guide preparation we’ve been reviewing our online policies and have decided to adjust the Guestbook moderation statement.
(This is the wording that appears on the front page when accessing the Guestbook section of your local site).
Guestbooks on our Local Radio pages play an important role in giving listeners the ability to comment and discuss what they hear on our programs.
The reason they are there is to facilitate genuine discussion about the content and issues raised on our stations. They are not there for personal comments about, or the review of, presenter performance or other comments about ABC staff. This sort of comment should be directed to the Local Radio Manager. Moderators will need to exercise judgement as to what is fair comment about the content of our programs, and what is overtly personal comment about ABC staff or guests. As a general rule of thumb, when it gets to a personal critique of a presenter or guest (be that high praise or negative comment) this should be referred up to your LRM for an appropriate response.
With this in mind we have reviewed the wording of the Guestbook moderation statement. Could you please update your pages with the following wording for
all guest books:
“This is the [Station name here] Guestbook where we invite you to make your comments about your local ABC. We expect and welcome contributions that stimulate debate and discussion. While encouraging vigorous debate, we expect all participants to make contributions with respect and courtesy.
Comments of a personal nature regarding ABC staff or program guests should be made to the station manager. Your posts will be edited or refused based on this moderation statement and our conditions of use. Please keep your posts under 150 words”.
The new Style Guide will be available electronically shortly. In the meantime can you make sure that all your Radio and Online people update the wording at the front of your Guestbook, and that those responsible for moderating are aware of the changes.
Thanks,
(deleted)