The first in a series of interviews with members, supporters and volunteers with ABC Friends, canvassing their views on the ABC and on ABC Friends itself.

John Scully is a retired communications expert and a rusted-on ABC fan. A longstanding volunteer with Australian Book Review and the Alfred Hospital. And for seven years from 2015 at 3MBS he gave media training to music students and established performers. He is also a longstanding and generous donor to ABC Friends.

In the beginning…..

As a teenager in Brisbane I used to listen to the BBC World Service on ABC radio for 10 minutes before school. It set up my day and I have listened to ABC radio ever since, at home, walking, cycling, all the time.

I’m hooked on…..

The Science Show, ABC News, Media Watch, Compass, any analysis by Norman Swan, Alan Kohler or Ian Verrender.

The ABC is really good for…..

A short cut to the truth. It is the best for facts first, as rational and complete a story as possible, and pretty consistent across TV, radio and digital. The Listen App and website are both really helpful.

I’d like to see more of……..

Analysis of Australian science, economics, and history – programs that get behind the news and offer in depth analysis and informed commentary.

I’d like to see less of……….

Excessive ads and internal promos about its own programs, aggressive rude interviews, second rate entertainment.

I joined ABC Friends because….

We need the government and the ABC to know they are being watched, to be held accountable. ABC Friends is a community organisation with a voice. I don’t have time to volunteer so I donate, annually and in response to specific requests.

ABC Friends is good for …..

A well organised sense of community, a small group with energy for lobbying. They are an effective physical presence, good grass roots non-partisan positive campaigners, particularly in federal elections. Their online communications are also good.

I’d like to see more of ……

Involvement of under 40s and under 30s, and more of a social media presence. It would be good to raise funds to develop a nest egg for future campaigning.

Final advice……

Stay grounded and community based, not too slick or too professional. The goal is impact for a better ABC, not to look pretty.