Tasmanian ABC Board Member Urged to protect local services. Protest at ABC Board meeting

Tasmanian ABC Board Member Jane Bennett must speak out to protect local news and current affairs television.

At an executive meeting of Friends of the ABC today it was revealed that ABC management will ask Board members meeting in Sydney on Wednesday to agree to cut back on local television news and current affairs programs including Stateline.

President of the FABC Tas Margaret Reynolds said there was no mandate for the Board to accept such a recommendation which was contrary to the ABC Charter

She said the ABC had already abandoned local television production but it was essential that local news and current affairs remain viable.

It is most regrettable that the ABC is under government pressure to reduce spending ,but management can better prioritise their expenditure rather than attack the fundamental services of a national broadcaster.

• Protest at ABC Board Meeting:

THIS Wed 1 Oct at ABC Ultimo rear entrance 9.30–10.30am

The ABC Board is coming under intense pressure from ABC supporters not to cut crucial ABC current affairs programs. ABC Friends and supporters will rally outside the ABC Board meeting in Sydney tomorrow, at which it is widely expected the future of Lateline and Friday night’s state-based 7.30 will be on the agenda.

The protest will take place at 9.30am and be addressed by longtime ABC journalist, Quentin Dempster. It has been organised by ABC Friends and is supported by ABC staff unions.

“The ABC is under heavy pressure from the Government to make cuts,” said Glenys Stradijot, ABC Friends National spokesperson. “However, the community will not accept ABC current affairs being cut.

“News and current affairs are the lifeblood of our democracy. They are a core responsibility of the national broadcaster. Lateline provides a crucial service to the nation. State-based 7.30 is relied upon around the country for insight and scrutiny of important state and local affairs. Radio National’s specialist programs are an invaluable resource.

“ABC Friends already has 10,664 ‘likes’ on its Facebook page opposing cuts to ABC current affairs. An online petition launched on GetUp yesterday has reached 37,600 signatures on last check.

“The ABC Board has the strong support of the community to fight funding cuts. The Board has a responsibility to ensure the ABC is not gagged”, said Glenys Stradijot.
President of the FABC Tas Margaret Reynolds. Glenys Stradijot, ABC Friends National spokesperson