#FijiAppeal raises almost $1.5 million for humanitarian effort
The ABC has helped raise $1,430,829 in partnership with the Australian Red Cross to assist and rebuild communities in Fiji devastated by Tropical Cyclone Winston last month. On Friday, March 4 the ABC dedicated its broadcasting to the appeal and encouraged its audiences to help with the recovery effort.
The Red Cross has advised the final appeal tally of $1,430,829 includes a $200,000 pledge from Gandel Philanthropy made to encourage others to donate. While the appeal will no longer be tallied, donations can continue to be made to the Australian Red Cross or 18 other agencies at www.abc.net.au/appeals.
The funds raised will directly assist Red Cross and other agencies on the ground in Fiji where TC Winston, one of the worst cyclones on recorded in the region, has displaced 350,000 people and left 43 dead. While initial aid has focussed on food, water, medical supplies and shelter the damage has been estimated at almost half a billion US dollars.
ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said the fundraising effort was a clear sign of Australian audience’s willingness to help overseas communities in their time of need.
“Just as we saw with similar fundraising efforts for Vanuatu, Pakistan, Nepal and Syria, Australians are always willing to step up and contribute to humanitarian efforts. The ABC has played a vital role here and I want to thank not just our audiences for contributing but our staff for getting the message out there.
“In particular I would like to personally thank John Gandel and Pauline Gandel from Gandel Philanthropy for their very generous donation.”
Donations can be still be made through the website, abc.net.au/appeals. The site also has information on how to donate to any of the more than a dozen agencies working in Fiji.
The ABC will put Australia’s health under the spotlight with a week of dedicated programming
For more than 80 years, the ABC has been telling uniquely Australian stories and producing content that helps us understand our society, our future and each other.
OUR FOCUS is a new initiative that sees the full breadth of the ABC storytelling come together to start a national conversation on important issues and events that connect us all.
In a week of special programming, OUR FOCUS, Health will put Australia’s health under the spotlight with a week of dedicated programming across TV, Radio, News and Digital. We will surface questions such as: How healthy is our health system? What are the recurring national problems, like obesity, melanoma, substance abuse and mental health?
With advances in medicine, costs of treatment, and our ever-aging population, how will we as a nation face the demand ahead? What challenges do we face with a system that needs to cater for everything from the most remote Indigenous community to the busiest city hospital?
The ABC will play a valuable role in exploring this complex topic and will lead the national conversation on this important subject. Join the discussion as the ABC puts OUR health IN FOCUS.
For more information visit our dedicated site at abc.net.au/health or join the conversation with the hashtag #ABChealth
###FRIDAY 18 MARCH
ABC TV | 5.30pm | The Drum
NEWS 24 | 6.30pm (AEDT)
The Drum will explore how Australians are taking control of their health using new technologies and alternative therapies. The doctor’s office is no longer the first and last stop for patients. They’re increasingly collecting, sharing and analysing their own data and seeking out personalised treatment plans. A more nimble healthcare system that better caters to patients’ needs is developing. And Australian experts are leading the way. Panelists include: Director of the Brain and Mind Centre at Sydney University; Prof. Ian Hickie AM; and author of New York Times bestseller Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind over Body, Jo Marchant (London). Sarah Dingle will be guest host.
###SATURDAY 19 MARCH
ABC News 24 | 11.30am (AEDT) | Australia Wide
Australia Wide explores the city/bush divide when it comes to accessing healthcare. ABC Medical reporter Sophie Scott visits a busy GP practice in the Upper Hunter in NSW to find out how doctors are dealing with the challenges of providing good medical care in regional and rural Australia. We meet an indigenous female doctor from Scone and look at how her chronically ill patients access regular treatment.
###SUNDAY 20 MARCH
ABC TV | 10.30am (local) | Australia Wide
(Repeat) Australia Wide explores the city/bush divide when it comes to accessing healthcare. ABC Medical reporter Sophie Scott visits a busy GP practice in the upper Hunter in NSW to find out how doctors are dealing with the challenges of providing good medical care in regional and rural Australia. We meet an indigenous female doctor from Scone and look at how her chronically ill patients access regular treatment.
ABC RN | 5.00pm | All in the Mind
What are the limits of mind body medicine? Lynne Malcolm takes a rigorous look at the science behind the idea that the mind can heal the body.
Australia Plus takes a linguistically diverse look at the how, where and what of staying healthy.
OPEN DRUM | abc.net.au/news/thedrum/
What’s in a postcode? You have told us about the challenges you face accessing healthcare in your region – dealing with issues from mobile black spots to lack of intersex-appropriate care. The best of these audience pieces collected in a special interactive news feature for health week.
###TUESDAY 22 MARCH
ABC TV | 8.00pm | Catalyst Special: Back Pain
ABC’s flagship science program takes a look at the all too common medical complaint, back pain.
ABC TV | 8.30pm | Keeping Australia Alive – Episode 2
Keeping Australia Alive is a documentary event capturing the Australian health system in one snapshot - telling the story of who we are, what we value and how we live and die. It’s a series is about us, and the Australian health system. It is a snapshot of what happens over a single day in our unique health service, stretched from one end of the continent to the other. This landmark series will confront and surprise with real stories of what makes up Australia’s massive system of care and service, which we often take for granted. What do we discover when we dissect the health system as a whole – slicing through its layers, its wonder, its horror, its enormity, all on one selected, ordinary day?
ABC TV | 10.00pm | Creatives: Michelle’s Story
Michelle’s Story follows the dramatic events in the life of talented Australian dancer, Michelle Ryan, who danced for Meryl Tankard’s Australian Dance Theatre, famed for its ground-breaking choreography. Michelle relates the heart-wrenching story of her shock MS diagnosis, its tragic fallout and the slow path to rehabilitation as she works with disabled dancers as Artistic Director of Adelaide’s Restless Dance Theatre. Intimate access to Michelle is captured by the acclaimed choreographer Meryl Tankard, making her directorial debut on the ABC.
Australia Plus spends a day in the life of an international medical student in Australia on rounds.
###WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH
ABC RN | 11.00am | Earshot: A Real Emergency
Our relationship with emergency medicine is an odd one. We watch it dramatised on the TV, and while we don’t want to end up in the ED, we like to know it’s there, just in case. James Vyver finds out what it’s really like to work in an emergency department. Listen now.
Australia Plus investigates Australia’s contribution to health in sport in the Asia Pacific region.
###ANY TIME ON ABC iview
ABC iview will join the conversation by providing a comprehensive collection of stories from the ABC TV archives, including Changing Minds, The Agony of the Body, Kids on Speed, The Ugly Face of Disability Hate Crime, Jono: Love Me Love My Face, I’m Having Their Baby, Dying For Clear Skin and How Fat Works: Inside The Body Beautiful.
Plus there’s a selection of popular health bases stories - covering everything from the best ways to burn fat, to dealing with mid-life crisis – from programs including ABC News, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, Australian Story, Q&A, Catalyst, Four Corners, Tonic.
###abc.net.au/health
As well as being a comprehensive overview of the week’s content across all ABC platforms, the site will present two online exclusives:
Staying alive: what those working at the coal face want you to know
Based on ABS causes of death data, we’ll be speaking to seven health experts from different parts of the country on the one thing they wish Australians knew that could help keep them, and their loved ones, alive.
Where we die
Around half of all Australians die in hospital, and a significant number of these deaths will happen in intensive care – the place that even intensive care doctors consider to be the worst place to die. This feature will look at where Australians die, what are the factors that determine whether people do and don’t get to die in the circumstances they want and the steps we can all take to get the death we’d prefer.
###ABC Open
ABC Open producers from Longreach, Canberra, Ballarat, Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie and Wodonga will follow up on some of the stories presented in the documentary series Keeping Australia Alive. Visit open.abc.net.au
###ABC Local Radio
ABC Local Radio will provide additional editorial coverage supporting the OUR FOCUS on Health initiative, with topical health stories and discussion around programming and special guests as well as regular contributors including Dr Norman Swan.
ABC TV appoints Michael O’Neill as Commissioning Editor, Factual
ABC TV has announced the appointment of award-winning documentary film-maker and factual development executive Michael O’Neill to the role of Commissioning Editor, Factual.
Michael brings to the ABC a wealth of experience in local and international specialist factual production.
Most recently, Michael was Vice President of Unscripted Development at Essential Media, based in Los Angeles, during which time over 60 hours of television was commissioned for the group in the US and Canada, across a variety of factual genres.
He was also Co-Executive Producer for National Geographic channel’s The Human Experiment, Executive Producer of historic restoration series Restored and has worked on projects for Discovery Canada, Discovery Networks International, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Disney, HGTV, DIY, Arte & Smithsonian Channel.
In Australia, Michael was Head of Unscripted Development at Essential Media Australia where he worked on such titles as Dingo: Wild Dog at War (ABC1), Getting Frank Gehry (ABC1), Maddie Parry: Inside the Clinic (ABC2), Australia: The Story of Us (Channel 7) and What’s The Catch? (SBS1).
Michael’s awards include a Digital Emmy Award for Scorched (2009) and a Golden Panda Award for The Grammar of Happiness (2013).
Steve Bibb, ABC TV Head of Factual said: “I’m delighted to welcome Michael to the Factual team. His passion for storytelling and his ability to spot a really good idea will help cement ABC TV’s position as Australia’s leading factual and documentary destination. He joins a dynamic and ambitious team.”
##abc TV puts programming focus on digital and quality
ABC TV has announced changes to its leadership structure that recognise dramatic audience behaviour shifts and huge demand for high quality, original content production.
All programming (ABC iview, children’s digital and all broadcast TV channels) will move under the responsibility of a single role, the Head of Audience & Digital. Rebecca Heap, formerly Head of Strategy and Digital Products, will take on the new position.
Creative responsibilities will be managed between the** Head of Non-Scripted Production** and the** Head of Scripted Production**. Brendan Dahill, formerly Head of Programming, will be responsible for the Non-Scripted team, which will include the Heads of Arts (Mandy Chang), Factual (Steve Bibb), Entertainment (Jon Casimir) and Events (Justin Holdforth).
The Head of Scripted Production, will be responsible for ABC drama and will lead the Heads of Indigenous (Sally Riley), Comedy (Rick Kalowski) and Children’s (TBA). The Scripted Production role is currently under recruitment and in the meantime responsibilities will be picked up by the Director of Television, Richard Finlayson.
The Head of Children’s and Education role (currently under recruitment) will focus on original content production, and continue to work closely with Children’s programmers in the Audience & Digital team. The role will also continue to have responsibility for representing ABC Children’s to the global market and local stakeholders.
The reorganisation sees an expanded role for Alastair McKinnon, who will take the role of Deputy Head of Production, which will support all Scripted and Non-Scripted production, particularly in building finance plans and liaising with State and Federal funding agencies.
A new role in the executive team, Head of Partnerships and Policy, will take on the responsibility for partner and stakeholder relationships, policy and strategy – jobs that were previously under the remit of Rebecca Heap. Recruitment for the role has recently commenced.
Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, said the reorganisation would ensure a platform-agnostic approach to reaching audiences and put emphasis on creating centres of excellence within key production areas.
“ABC iview is the number one online TV service in the country. Our audiences are consuming content differently and we need to be programming for the future, now.” said Finlayson.
"There is a huge growing demand for high quality, original Australian content. We have an outstanding team. The focus on Scripted and Non-Scripted production recognises the need across these distinct disciplines for concentrated creative firepower, regardless of platform, genre or demographic.”
According to Radioinfo, the ABC yesterday announced a proposed leadership restructure of radio operations, designed to increase its ability to meet audience expectations and respond to challenges in the industry. Two new heads (Music and Spoken) will be introduced while Head of Business & Resource Planning position has been abolished, replaced by that of Head, Partnerships, Business and Operations. Veteran broadcasters including Fran Kelly, Robyn Williams and Margaret Throsby have signed a letter addressed to the ABC board expressing serious concerns to the changes.
A minor funding cut was announced for the ABC. Darren Davidson writing in The Australian suggests that regional reporters & the Fact Check unit may be in the firing line. On Monday, Matthew Knott in the Herald also speculated that the Fact Check unit may go. Base funding is unchanged.
ABC TV appoints Michael Carrington to new role of Head of Children’s and Education
ABC Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, today announces the appointment of Michael Carrington to the role of Head of Children’s and Education.
Michael is a multi award-winning media executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the children’s television industry, from production and program acquisition roles to channel management and content commissioning.
Michael, who grew up in Parkes, NSW, is currently Chief Executive Officer of Zodiak Kids Studios, working in London and Paris, where he is responsible for the company’s international program portfolio of live-action and animation productions.
Prior to this, Michael’s roles included Vice President, Global Content & Executive Producer - HIT Entertainment Ltd; Chief Content Officer, Cartoon Network; Channel Controller, CBeebies – BBC; as well as various roles at LEGO Media, Discovery Communications, Amazon Films and Network Ten.
ABC appoints Sally Riley as Head of Scripted Production
ABC Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, has today announced the appointment of Sally Riley to the newly created role of Head of Scripted Production.
Currently ABC TV’s Head of Indigenous, Sally’s new position will see her responsible for leading the Fiction, Comedy, Indigenous and Children’s production teams.
Formerly Head of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department, Sally joined ABC TV in 2010 as Head of Indigenous, and since that time has achieved an outstanding track record of groundbreaking programs, including Black Comedy, Gods of Wheat Street, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio, the multi-award-winning Redfern Now and the highly-anticipated and critically-acclaimed six-part drama, Cleverman.
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced in Canberra this morning that if Labor wins the July 2 election, it will provide $20 million to the ABC to cover 500 extra hours of women’s sport on TV, including cricket, hockey and basketball. It could mean the return of TV coverage to WNBL, whose popularity was hit hard last season by the axing of ABC broadcast, culminating with the folding of Adelaide Lightning and restructuring of Melbourne Boomers. Shorten said the extra funding would also be provided for coverage of Indigenous and regional issues.
I don’t think we need to have every election promise reported as news especially since politicians have a knack for not keeping them after they are elected.
Guardian Australia reports the ABC has closed down opinion website The Drum, as the broadcaster tries to manage a reduced newsgathering budget. However the ABC insisted the decision had been driven by the head of news, Gaven Morris, in an attempt to corral the news division’s online output into one place rather than under a separate masthead. The Australian adds The Drum website editor Chip Rolley will leave the broadcaster as part of the closure. The Drum TV program on ABC and ABC News 24 is not affected.
Edit: Gaven Morris has confirmed The Drum website will close next Monday, July 11.
Statement from Director of Television on Catalyst program “Wi-fried”, 5 July 2016
The ABC’s independent Audience and Consumer Affairs (A&CA) Unit today released its findings into a Catalyst episode, “Wi-Fried”, broadcast in February 2016 about the safety of wireless devices such as mobile phones.
The investigation was initiated after the ABC received complaints about the episode. The investigation report is available here.
While accepting the importance of investigating public health issues relating to safety of technology, A&CA concluded that the episode breached the ABC’s editorial policies standards on accuracy and impartiality.
The ABC accepts the findings and acknowledges that errors were made in the preparation and ultimate approval of the program. In response, it will take the following steps:
•an announcement about the findings will be broadcast directly following the Catalyst program on 5 July 2016;
•the “Wi-fried” program will be removed from the ABC’s Catalyst website;
•information relating A&CA’s findings will be added to the Catalyst website; and
•information regarding A&CA’s investigation and findings will be published on the ABC Corrections page.
ABC Director of Television, Richard Finlayson said the A&CA investigation had been thorough, involving complex issues and a wide range of material.
“Catalyst is a highly successful and respected science program that explores issues of enormous interest to many Australians. There is no doubt the investigation of risks posed by widespread wireless devices is an important story but we believe greater care should have been taken in presenting complex and multiple points of view.”
The A&CA Report found a number of inaccuracies within the program that had favoured the unorthodox view that mobile phones and WI-FI caused health impacts including brain tumours. ABC TV takes responsibility for the broader decision-making process that resulted in the program going to air and acknowledges this is the second significant breach for the program in two years.
ABC TV is reviewing the strategy and direction for Catalyst with a view to strengthening this very important and popular program. Further, ABC TV is addressing these issues directly with the program makers and has advised the reporter, Dr Maryanne Demasi, that her on-air editorial assignments will be on hold until the review is completed in September 2016
##abc TV appoints Josh Faulks as Head of Partnerships and Policy
ABC TV is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Faulks as Head of Partnerships and Policy.
This role will be responsible for identifying and prioritizing opportunities for ABC TV to enhance funding sources and content partnerships. It will also take on strategy, advocacy and stakeholder communication activities for the TV Division, working alongside the Corporate Communications team.
As a senior political staffer with experience in two governments as well as the Opposition, Josh well understands the policy and political process and has extensive networks at the highest levels of government. Most recently, he was Deputy Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Leader of the Government in the Senate. He also has considerable experience of the media industry and media policy from his time at Communications Alliance and as Head of Corporate Affairs with Salmat Ltd.
Richard Finlayson, ABC’s Head of Television said: “Josh’s role is critical for ABC TV as we strive to make our budgets go further and ensure that we have open and constructive relationships with our stakeholders and partners in the sector.
“Josh has a deep interest in the media industry, is highly regarded in political circles, and well versed in the challenges facing the industry today. He will be an asset to the organisation and we look forward to having him on board.”
Josh Faulks said: “With the tsunami of new content flowing in from overseas, now more than ever we need the industry and government to work together to invest in telling quality Australian stories that help define who we are. I am excited about joining the team at ABC TV and working to grow this incredibly important industry.”
ABC Australia Plus announces international partnerships
ABC International’s multi-platform international media service Australia Plus (A+) has announced partnerships with Monash University, the Victorian State Government and Swisse Wellness, to increase Australia’s presence in the region and ABC content presented in neighbouring countries.
Monash University, one of Australia’s leading international research and education institutions, the Victorian State government, one of the prime tourist destinations in Australia and Swisse Wellness, Australia’s leading natural health brand, are the first organisations to join Australia Plus as Foundation Partners. AustraliaPlus will build its strong presence in the region and develop its growing audience base through meaningful partnerships with Australian businesses aligned to the same purpose.
The Foundation Partnerships will see ABC International highlight the work of Monash, the Victorian state government and Swisse in their respective fields across its Australia Plus platforms and through Australia Plus’ media partner networks across Asia. Other partners will be announced in coming months.
ABC International Chief Executive Officer, Lynley Marshall, said this commercial collaboration would deliver great benefit to foundation partners, as well as strengthen Australia’s relationship with audiences in neighbouring countries by “showcasing Australia to the Asia-Pacific region.”
"ABC International has built a network of media partners across the region, extending the reach of Australia Plus content and establishing a valuable platform for presenting Australian stories.” she said.
“Partnering with a respected institution like Monash University, organisations like the Victorian State Government and Businesses such as Swisse, offer us enormous potential to showcase Australian life including education, tourism and business, to audiences in the region.”
Monash President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner AO said the partnership agreement with ABC International “gives Monash unprecedented exposure and reach in key Asia Pacific countries and assists us communicate the scale, scope and excellence of our research and education and our global impact.”
Victorian Government Trade Minister, Philip Dalidakis said: “this exclusive relationship with ABC International is a great opportunity for Victoria to showcase that we really do have ‘the best of everything’ - and grow our reputation as the innovation, trade, tourism, major events, food and fashion capital of Australia.”
Swisse chief executive Radek Sali said: “Our mission at Swisse is to make people around the world healthier and happier, and through this exciting partnership we will be able to take our message to a number of new regions and audiences.”
“It also gives us the opportunity to learn more about our different consumers needs, so as we launch into new countries we tailor our approach to suit."
Australia Plus Foundation Partners receive exclusive branding and advertising opportunities across all Australia Plus online platforms, digital and social media channels and Australia Plus TV; exposure through Windows on Australia media events with the ABC’s International media partners including Shanghai Media Group, Beijing TV, Singapore’s Mediacorp and Indonesia’s MNC and Detik.
Australia Plus, ABC International’s multi-platform international media service, was launched in 2014 and is currently available to 190 million people across Asia and the Pacific via online, social media and TV, including to Indonesia, China, Singapore, India, Malaysia and Vietnam in languages including Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia and Tok Pisin.
ABC International is a commercial operation and is permitted under the ABC Act to partner with commercial organisations, a model similar to the BBC Worldservice. ABC International retains full editorial control over all content under the ABC Australia Plus brand. Any partnership branding on Australia Plus platforms will be consistent with ABC International standards and guidelines.
##abc TV appoints Kelrick Martin as Head of Indigenous
ABC TV announces the appointment of award-winning Indigenous film-maker and development executive Kelrick Martin to the role of Head of Indigenous starting 26 September 2016.
Kelrick brings to the ABC a wealth of unique experience in developing Indigenous talent and projects for Australian audiences.
He is a descendant of the Ngarluma, Bunuba and Gooniyandi people of northern Western Australia, whose career in Indigenous broadcasting spans 20 years. His passion is for scripted and factual storytelling that celebrates Indigenous characters, communities and culture in ways that surprise, entertain and engage Australian and global audiences.
Kelrick joins the ABC from Screenwest, where he was Indigenous Manager, responsible for the development and support of WA’s Indigenous filmmaking community. Prior to this he was Commissioning Editor for NITV.
He formed Spear Point Productions in 2010 whose credits include documentaries Yagan, Outside Chance, Prison Songs, and short drama, Karroyul – a 2015 AACTA Award nominee.
Kelrick began his career as a cadet radio broadcaster for Goolarri Media. Moving to Sydney in 1998, he presented ABC Radio National’s Awaye! and was the inaugural presenter of ABC TV’s Message Stick. In 2002 he completed his Masters in Documentary Writing and Directing at AFTRS.
Sally Riley, ABC TV Head of Scripted Production said: “We are delighted to welcome Kelrick to the team. He is an immense talent who brings with him an extensive working knowledge of creating compelling content with and about Indigenous Australia. He will be leading a passionate team at an important time, as the ABC strives to build on the vital and growing legacy of the Indigenous department.”
Kelrick Martin said: “The ABC has an incredible track record of producing cutting-edge Indigenous screen content in Australia, most recently seen with Cleverman and the iview series Black As. This opportunity is both an honour and a true milestone in my career, and I’m excited to begin working with the current generation of skilled, passionate Indigenous filmmakers who are forging their path locally and overseas.”
Ends foreign language services in French, Khmer, Vietnamese and Burmese
ABC International will increase its investment in media services for Chinese, Indonesian and Pacific audiences to offer more comprehensive coverage for regional audiences. These new initiatives, the result of a strategic review, mean ABC International will be better positioned to deliver a greater range of content in these areas.
The changes mean ABC International will create eight new positions to lead content areas and improve editorial and workflow priorities. However, ABC International has also made the decision to end foreign language services in French, Khmer, Vietnamese and Burmese, which are currently single-person operations.
The recommendations from the strategic review and the decision to close some services will fund this reinvestment across the network. ABC International will build on key relationships with China, Indonesia and the Pacific with increased investment in services including:
For Chinese audiences: anadditional Mandarin language site allowing ABC International to deliver a full Chinese news service, for Chinese audiences across the region and Australia, complementing the AustraliaPlus .cn cultural exchange portal.
For Bahasa Indonesian audiences: two new roles will be created, a new Content Maker and a Senior Producer, to improve ABC International’s capacity to extend Indonesian language content.
For Pacific audiences: the creation of a new Senior Producer Pacific position focussed on enhancing content for Pacific audiences. This new role will also manage and schedule the Radio Australia Services and the Pacific and Tok-Pisin service that has a distinct value in reaching PNG audiences.
Two other new Content Maker roles will be created, one with a focus on telling Pacific stories to audiences in that region and a second position to tailor English content on Australian life for all platforms.
ABC International Chief Executive Officer Lynley Marshall said the changes to these services would benefit the wider audience base in the region.
“These changes are the result of careful consideration and commitment to our services in the region as we approach 2020,” she said.
“The ABC has a long history with the Pacific nations while Indonesian and Chinese audiences comprise a growing audience base, both across our region and here in Australia.
“ABC International is determined to uphold the highest standards in international media services including our expanding digital and social media services. These changes represent ABC International’s commitment to delivering compelling content to key audiences.”
The closure of the Vietnamese, Khmer and Burmese language services will become effective on 2 December 2016, while the French service will continue until arrangements with France Television end in February 2017. The closures will affect six positions and a staff consultation process will begin shortly.
The ABC has released an updated ABC App for mobile and tablet, with improved functionality and a new look.
This latest version gives users a clearer interface, an enhanced video experience and live streaming of all the ABC TV channels.
The free app provides the best of the ABC whenever you want it, wherever you are, featuring up-to-the-minute news and relevant information, and the latest from the ABC’s wide range of content.
David Anderson, ABC Director Digital Network, said the new look app demonstrated the ABC is constantly trying to improve the digital experience for our audiences.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for them to connect with the ABC’s distinctive Australian content. The new design of this latest release has a fresh, modern look and feel and easier navigation to help users quickly find the content that is relevant to them,” he said.
“We will continue to improve the app further in 2017, adding more personalised features and providing access to more video and audio content from across the ABC.”
The ABC App is free to download for mobile and tablet via the App Store and Google Play.
It includes:
The latest stories and programs from ABC News
Live metro and regional radio streams, including the digital-only Double J and triple j Unearthed
More than 60 ABC podcasts
Live streaming of ABC TV’s channels
Stories on a broad range of topics, including sport, science, health, rural, technology, arts and entertainment
3D Touch shortcuts on iPhone 6S devices give quick access to Just In, TV On Demand, Now On TV and Listen Live sections
