The second in a series of interviews with supporters of ABC Friends to explore their experiences and views of the ABC and ABC Friends.

Prue Gill is a retired classroom teacher both secondary and tertiary, and a long-time supporter, member, and donor to ABC Friends. She is a regular attender at Friends events and dinners, and has been active in letter writing and in our federal election campaigns.

In the beginning …

I grew up with ABC radio : Blue Hills with my grandfather, the top ten with brothers and sister, the Argonauts and of course the cricket. The ABC was our trusted source of news and world events. We were addicted to radio, latecomers to television but watched series and films as a family with relish.

I’m hooked on …

Radio still. So many fine programs and people – I love Late Night Live, Global Roaming, Speaking Out, Awaye, the Health Report, Science programs, even the Economy and Working life, Book and film programs. I particularly like the long deep conversations that one can tune into. I enjoy so many presenters - Nick Bryant, Fran Kelly, Larissa Behrendt, Laura Tingle, John Lyons as a start. Many more. I like the listen app, I podcast, I like that listeners can text in and have their say. I listen to the Boyer lectures. I have Classic FM on all day in one room and whether I’m home or not.

The ABC is really good for …

Its range of programs and its promotion of discussion about ideas, diverse views. Its world reporting is generally good.  iView is a fantastic resource. I like that the homegrown ABC coverage often offers an antidote to difficult news – Australia Wide, Backroads, The Changemakers, Australian Story. The ABC remains a trusted source of reportage, and is indispensable in fire and flood.

I’d like to see more of …

Programs like the Drum and Q&A, which involve experts and audience together responding to current issues. I’d like more fearless calling out of lies, more pushing back against powerful lobby groups.  Adopting their own definition of antisemitism was brave and should be applauded. Radio Australia is great, but I’d like to hear more of our Pacific neighbours

I’d like to see less of …

The internal promotion, repeats of irritating ads, even on radio, where marketing to the converted is a waste.  I’m not interested in many programs on TV, but others are and that’s about choice and diversity. Less cutting of fine journalists, which compromises depth.

I joined ABC Friends because ….

I support the view that was, for a long time a bi-partisan position  – that democracy depends on a strong, independently funded  media that does not bow to or promote particular interests. Complacency has already lead to a compromised democracy, and the concentration of media ownership contributes to that. Social Media can make a positive contribution to democracy, but on the other hand it also increases confusion between fact and fiction. I think we need to educate and advocate for independent media sources.

ABC Friends is good for …

Invigorating a community of supporters, for campaigning together, for the sharing of ideas. It is a hard job, and the movement needs to grow, to draw in a diverse demographic of people.  ABC Friends events  I’ve been to are important for their stimulating content and the meeting of like minds.

I’d like to see more of …

Praise of the ABC and promotion of its role, particularly to protect its diversity and fearlessness. More focus on the positive contribution the ABC makes. More building of the Friends’ profile with simple, clear campaign messages.

Final advice …

Don’t become too cautious.