Michael Henry
We now know that Ita Buttrose, ABC Chair, will not be reappointed, and that David Anderson, ABC Managing Director, has already been reappointed.
They are the two most important roles at the ABC, and Ita and David were a formidable team in protecting the ABC from the attacks and attempted interference of the Morrison government. We thank Ita for a job very well done in difficult circumstances, and we welcome the continuation of David’s steady leadership of the national broadcaster.
Meanwhile, two appointments are pending to the ABC Board, and numerous applications are being considered. And the search has commenced for the next Chair of the ABC.
These appointments will significantly shape the future of the ABC, and will test the Albanese government’s commitment to merit based appointments. Watch this space.
We may not be able to directly influence who is appointed to the ABC Board, but we can – and should – influence what the government does about ABC finances and sustainability. The current Inquiry into the ABC’s sustainability has called for submissions by the end of August i.e. in two days. ABC Friends will be making a submission, which will emphasise: the need for five year secure core funding, flexible additional funding, and a funding model which equitably shares the costs of the national broadcaster across the population. Individual submissions are also welcome.
As we look forward to Spring, the Victorian ABC Friends Groups are back out in force with events and stalls to engage the community and enlist support for our campaigning on behalf of the ABC. Last week, ABC Friends Southern Bayside held a very successful Q&A with Zoe Daniel, Jon Faine and Gael Jennings. The hall was full and our supporters were delighted by the panellists' discussion of "The ABC, Past, Present and Future". Please note the coming events which are promoted at the end of this newsletter, at which you would be most welcome.
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