but it’s not even news. Go back to 2023…
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Exactly. Its a hit piece. Nothing more, nothing less. Just because the sun is setting quicker on his empire and theyre going after everyone else thats preventing the Murdochs from making a shrinking pool of ill-gotten money.
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ABC Chair Kim Williams AM officially opens ABC Parramatta Studios
Good evening, distinguished guests and friends, one and all.
It’s a happy occasion that brings so many dedicated and talented Australians together to celebrate a milestone for the ABC, for Parramatta, and indeed for Greater Western Sydney (GWS).
I’d like to formally acknowledge and welcome Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, Senator Maria Kovacic, Dep Whip for the opposition in the Senate representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton, The Hon. Dr Andrew Charlton, Member for Parramatta and the Hon. Daniel Mookhey, MLC, Treasurer of NSW and Ms. Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville.
And there is also a strong cohort of local government officials with the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor Martin Zaiter, and the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Cameron MacLean and the Lord Mayor of Cumberland Shire Cr Ola Hamed.
It is a real pleasure to have them with us, along with so many other distinguished leaders and citizens of Western Sydney.
And I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for the first live, on-set TV interview here in the new Parramatta building.
Let that set the example for regular visits to ABC Parramatta by Australian leaders across many domains … and for many generations to come.
In 2022, in the first of his Boyer Lectures for the ABC, Indigenous leader and orator Noel Pearson summed up Australia as a land of ‘three stories’.
He spoke of, ‘the Ancient Indigenous Heritage which is Australia’s foundation, the British Institutions built upon it, and the adorning Gift of Multicultural Migration.’
Parramatta is where these three stories meet - quite profoundly.
Here we have the ‘Ancient Indigenous Heritage’ of the Burramattagal people who settled along the Parramatta River more than 60 thousand years ago.
I pay my respect to Burramattagal Elders, past and present. I warmly acknowledge all the clans of the Darug nation, and their enduring custodial role over the land and waterways in this region.
In 1788, Parramatta became the second British settlement in Australia, just months after Sydney. Here is where food was grown to feed a colony, and the wool and sheep industry began, and further west, the early Australian wine industry. These strong economic foundations would enable the development over time of the ‘British Institutions’ based on liberty and rule of law, referred to by Noel Pearson. Over time we would grow into a nation with our own independent identity.
After the Second World War, Western Sydney became a magnet, first for the great wave of European immigrants and later for migrants from all around the world. Immigration has undoubtedly been the ‘adorning gift’ to our nation, as Noel Pearson put it. New Australians creating better lives for themselves and their children and making Australia a better place.
Today Greater Western Sydney is home to one in every ten Australians. What a testament to the richness, complexity and vitality of our ancient and modern Australia.
And it’s still growing and evolving. New stories are being told here every day. Fresh Australian endeavour flourishes, and history is being made. This area represents the third largest economic area in the nation.
And GWS residents come from more than 170 countries speaking over 100 different languages. The majority of new immigrants (60%) that come to Australia settle in GWS.
So it is entirely fitting that Australia’s ABC is now prominently, substantially, indeed visibly located here, in the heart of Paramatta.
This state-of-the art studio will be the template for all the ABC’s future production facilities.
As we have just seen, first rate technology-flexible and adaptable spaces have now been established for news gathering and storytelling. Our teams have many more options for live and pre-recorded audio and video, while dedicated spaces have been set aside for our vital operations and graphics professionals.
Here ABC News and ABC Sydney will work together to break the stories that matter to this community.
The NSW newsroom will produce radio bulletins and digital stories, and the 7:00 PM NSW TV bulletin seven days a week.
ABC News channel will broadcast selected programming extensively.
ABC Local Sydney will operate from the radio studios with weekday and weekend programming.
ABC RN will use Parramatta as a multi-purpose hub with rotating programme and production teams.
This is quite simply a great contemporary media workspace. Best in the country and large portions of it are visible to the community.
Further, it brings us into the heartland of Greater Western Sydney and its rich profusion of leaders in civil society: our business people, artists, academics, health workers. And, of course, all the hustle and bustle of a great urban community. It is genuinely thrilling.
I want to congratulate all those involved in conceiving this project and bringing it to a successful and timely completion. Managing Director David Anderson has calmly and decisively led the way, and it is fitting that his name is inscribed on the commemorative plaque that has just been unveiled in the foyer by the Prime Minister.
Many more have worked on this project but let me briefly acknowledge:
- The eight-person Accommodation Project Steering Committee present here tonight, notably Chief Financial Officer Melanie Kleyn for her sponsorship of this project along with David Anderson
- Damian Cronan and his Product and Technology Leadership team, with its outstanding technology architects, engineers, project managers, business analysts, change managers, technicians and co-ordinators, in particular Craig Wilson, Domhnall McInerney, Michael O’Donnell, Greg Matthews and Matt Titterton.
- Program Director Andy King, and the core project team of Eliza Morton, Sophie Milionis, Simone Boski and Christina Chidgey.
- Stephen Murray and the Property and Facilities Management team.
- Justin Stevens, Mark Davies, Patrick Emmett and the production and editorial team from News.
- Ben Latimer, Chris Scaddan and all the team at Radio Sydney.
Thank you for a job well done.
What a bunch of wank.
There was no need to move out to Parramatta, and they know it.
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To celebrate UNESCO International Mother Language Day ABC News and First Languages Australia are relaunching This Place, a national project that shares the stories behind Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names.
Across Australia, many places are known by their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander names. But what do they mean?
From the name of a town or suburb, a street or bridge, a creek or a bend in the river, a mountain, landmark, outcrop or tree, place names are a starting point for sharing Australia’s ancient history and cultures.
This Place originally ran from 2019 - 2020, as part of the UN Year of Indigenous Languages, with more than 60 videos produced.
The project is relaunching as part of the new ABC Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan and will continue to build the collection of place name stories, sharing them across the ABC to audiences as well as adding to the First Languages Australia Gambay map.
Suzanne Dredge, ABC News Head International & Indigenous News: “The relaunch of This Place is an exciting venture the ABC is thrilled to be a part of again. This project brings an understanding of who we are and why it’s important to continue documenting and celebrating more than 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. This Place is a community led project where language custodians share the rich cultural heritage of this continent for our future generations.”
Beau Williams, CEO First Languages Australia: “First Languages Australia is pleased to see this important project launched again and we look forward to sharing these films as they are released. We recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being able to speak and speak about their languages. As the national peak body for strengthening our languages, we’re looking forward to increasing public awareness of First Nations languages.”
Video producers from the ABC’s 67 locations will be seeking to collaborate with local Indigenous communities to share place name stories. If you are interested in participating, please contact thisplace@abc.net.au
EDIT: BBC press release
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New research reveals unprecedented pressure and resilience in Pacific media sector
A major Pacific media mapping study across 12 countries reveals a kaleidoscope of strengths and threats in a rapidly transforming media environment.
It is the most comprehensive, Pacific-led media mapping research project undertaken in the region to date, providing a valuable resource for the media sector, as well as for those in government and civil society committed to the growth and development of the Pacific region.
The State of the Media: Pacific research comprises 13 reports – one regional and 12 country-specific. More than 100 media respondents from across the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu were interviewed by Pacific researchers, with analysis and findings verified by country specific specialists. It builds on similar research published in 2013.
The media development research project was undertaken by the University of Adelaide’s Stretton Institute and the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), managed by ABC International Development and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Key research findings include:
- The Pacific’s media sector is demonstrating impressive resilience despite resource challenges, changes to regulations and laws, and threats to media freedom in some countries.
- The dramatic rise in internet access in the Pacific has increased access to news and information, but also accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“Many interviewed for this report say that they are concerned that increased regulation – combined with funding pressures – may threaten the independence of the Pacific media sector; their ability to cover public interest news stories and hold decision-makers to account,” says University of Adelaide lead researcher, Priestley Habru.
ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman highlighted the importance of research about Pacific media being done by Pacific media, for Pacific media.
“I would like to thank all those who supported this research. Our hope is that the State of the Media: Pacific gives media houses and practitioners across the region a fact base which helps them to grow and adapt to the rapidly evolving digital media environment and changes in audience behaviours.”
Read the full report: www.abc.net.au/abc-international-development/state-of-the-media-pacific-region-2025/105003218
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C21 reports ABC Commercial has appointed Simon Lopez to lead strategy and business development. Lopez was previously head of strategy at BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand.
Fresh Blood pilots premiere on the ABC this April
ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce Fresh Blood pilots, Urvi Went to an All Girls School and Westerners, will premiere Wednesday 9 April on ABC iview.
Both uniquely hilarious, the pilots are part of the joint initiative which supports emerging Australian talent and innovative storytelling.
Urvi Went To An All Girls School is a coming-of-age comedy about one teen girl’s survival, with disastrous and hilarious consequences. Urvi (Urvi Majumdar) is an awkward, unpopular 16-year-old girl entering Year 11, at the painfully academic, selective public school Grogan Girls High. She desperately wants to become a famous actress, and dreams of being noticed by Hot Ryan, the hottest Year 12 at Grogan Boys.
Urvi’s school year looks doomed. Her little sister Maya has skipped a grade and joined forces with Urvi’s school bullies, her parents want her to become a doctor and the only boy she knows is her dad. That is until a Grogan Girls alumni turned soap actress named Sophie turns up out of the blue to direct the Grogan Girls and Boys combined school musical. Urvi finally sees a path to stardom - and sacrifices her other subjects (and her sanity) to pursue her dream.
Westerners follows three young diaspora adults navigating the chaos of life in Western Sydney, where even the simplest tasks spiral into the surreal.
Jackie (Natasha Cheng), a struggling artist, makes a deal with the Devil to cure her creative block. Taz (Sana’a Shaik) must choose between living with share house mould or even worse: moving back in with her parents. Dulla (Ubai Dahoud) can’t walk down the street without being chased by a horde of women who all want to play matchmaker. Between existential crises and absurd misadventures, they’re just trying to live their version of an ordinary life.
Both pilots will also make their broadcast debuts on ABC TV with Urvi Went to an All Girls School premiering Wednesday 9 April at 9pm and Westerners on Wednesday 16 April at 9pm.
Always free and Always entertaining, watch all your favourite comedy and entertainment programs on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Commissioned by the ABC, Urvi Went to an All Girls School is a Buxstock Entertainment production. Principal production funding from Screen Australia. Created by Urvi Majumdar. Directed by Nina Oyama. Produced by Lauren Nichols. Written by Urvi Majumdar & Nina Oyama. ABC Executive Producer Rowdie Walden. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar
Production Credit: Commissioned by the ABC, Westerners is a Haven’t You Done Well Productions. Principal production funding from Screen Australia. Created by Munasib Hamid and Kevin Duo Han. Directed by Munasib Hamid. Written by Kevin Duo Han and Mark Mariano. Produced by Monique Mulcahy. Executive Producers Rowdie Walden for ABC and Georgia Mappin, Sam Lingham, Max Miller, Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly, Thomas Zahariou and Zachary Ruane for Haven’t You Done Well Productions. ABC Head of Entertainment: Rachel Millar
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Under the Federal Budget announced tonight, the ABC will receive $1.229 billion from the federal government in the 2025-26 financial year, up $33 million from the current financial year. Like last year’s Budget, there were no new measures for the broadcaster. The Budget papers said that the ABC is expecting an operating deficit of $1.2 million in 2025-26, including the impact of accounting standard AASB 16 on leasing. Excluding
leasing transactions, the ABC is expected to break even. The papers also said the broadcaster’s combined weekly audience reach is expected to reach 62% during the current financial year, and remain steady at that level in 2025-26.
More:
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-26_infra_pbs_03_abc.pdf
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so he wants ABC to have more regional presence but threatens to cut funding.
Applications Open for 2025 Indigenous Documentary Placement, Presented by ABC & AIDC
ABC in partnership with AIDC are pleased to open applications for the Indigenous Documentary Placement program for 2025, with a submission deadline of 27 April 2025.
Running for the fourth year, the Indigenous Documentary Placement provides one mid-career Indigenous practitioner with a unique opportunity to undertake a paid extended placement with the ABC, Australia’s largest public broadcaster.
The successful applicant will be embedded in the ABC for a period of four months based in Sydney. The placement’s goal is to provide the practitioner with the opportunity to develop their skills in documentary and/or factual development and production within the context of a public broadcaster with a broader view towards creating employment pathways.
The placement will commence with the ABC in early June 2025. The successful candidate will receive an equivalent annual producer-level salary of up to $94,620 per annum which equates to approximately $40,000 for four months inclusive of statutory superannuation contributions. The participant will be contracted by the ABC.
Practitioners from all states and territories are welcome to apply and may be eligible to seek additional support from their relevant state or territory screen agency to help with travel costs.
ABC Director Content Jennifer Collins said: “The Indigenous Documentary Placement is an important initiative that we are so proud to support in collaboration with the AIDC. The ABC is committed to the development of First Nations creatives by providing opportunities that enhance skills, build industry experience, and support potential career pathways. We look forward to welcoming this year’s placement recipient to the ABC.”
The recipient of the first Indigenous Documentary Placement program in 2021 was award-winning filmmaker and descendant of the Yuin and Awabakal nations, Daniel King. In 2022, the recipient was Perun Bonser, a Ngarluma writer and director based in Boorloo / Perth. The most recent recipient in 2024 was Alice Springs-based Palawa woman, Anna-Marie Harding , a director and cinematographer who has won Australian Cinematographers Society state awards in the wildlife and short film categories.
Reflecting on the placement, Anna-Marie Harding said, “The ABC placement completely shifted the way I think about storytelling and filmmaking. Every day was a chance to pick up new skills, refine my craft, and get a better understanding of how the industry works. What I loved most was how flexible the placement was … the team was amazing at tailoring opportunities to what I was interested in, which made the whole experience personal and rewarding. It gave me a new perspective on how to approach my own projects and showed me how much inspiration you can find in different genres and formats.”
“The incredible storytelling talent amongst First Nations practitioners continues to impress both here and on the world stage. AIDC is committed to creating and contributing to opportunities for Indigenous-led storytelling and new industry pathways and is thrilled to be co-presenting the Indigenous Documentary Placement with the ABC for a fourth year, said AIDC CEO / Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, welcoming the program’s return.
“Since 2019, AIDC has welcomed over 470 new and returning practitioners to the Indigenous Creators Program and this placement is an opportunity to extend this commitment outside of the AIDC conference. Following the achievements of previous recipients, Anna-Marie Harding**,** Daniel King and Perun Bonser, we are excited for what possibilities lie ahead for this year’s recipient and what they will bring to both ABC and the documentary landscape.”
All Indigenous practitioners interested in the placement are invited to attend a virtual information session hosted by Kelrick Martin, Head of Indigenous, ABC, and Justin Fenwick, Indigenous Employment Manager, ABC, on Wednesday 16 April, 11:00am-12:00pm AEST.
The information session will provide practitioners with an opportunity to learn more about the placement from ABC representatives, and to ask questions. To register interest in the Information Session, email info@aidc.com.au
Applicant enquiries about the 2025 Indigenous Documentary Placement should be directed to Kelrick Martin, Head of Indigenous, ABC: martin.kelrick@abc.net.au
Applications for the 2025 Indigenous Documentary Placement close 11:59pm AEST Sunday 27 April, 2025. Visit the Indigenous Documentary Placement page for more information and the application form.
ABC appoints Kiah Officer as new General Counsel
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has announced the appointment of Kiah Officer to the role of ABC General Counsel, leading the national public broadcaster’s legal team.
Kiah brings outstanding industry expertise, with more than 20 years’ experience as a specialist media lawyer working across commercial free-to-air television, digital platforms, radio, newspapers and magazines.
Since 2010 she has been at Nine Entertainment, most recently as Executive Counsel, heading up a team of specialist lawyers. She previously worked at PBL Media, Nine Network and News Corporation and for Blake Dawson Waldon (now Ashurst Lawyers).
Kiah has also been closely involved in policy work impacting the media industry and public interest journalism.
Kiah Officer: “The ABC plays an important role in the Australian media landscape and I welcome the opportunity to assist in presenting its unique voice to the Australian community.”
Hugh Marks: “Kiah Officer brings exceptionally strong credentials and experience to this key role at the ABC and in the media industry. It will be great to have her in the dedicated and talented ABC Legal team.”
Kiah’s starting date will be confirmed in coming days.
ABC welcomes Professor Jackie Huggins as inaugural Elder-in-Residence
Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA has launched her tenure as the ABC’s inaugural Elder-in-Residence with an interview on ABC News Breakfast this morning and in an online feature by senior reporter Miriam Corowa.
Professor Huggins is a Bidjara and Birri-Gubba Juru woman and an eminent Australian with a distinguished career working across the community, government and non-government sectors and as an author and historian. In 2001 she became a Member of the Order of Australia for her work on reconciliation, social justice, literacy and women’s issues.
She also has a long history with the ABC, starting when she worked at the Toowong, Brisbane headquarters when she was just 16.
The Elder-in-Residence role was created last year in response to the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly report and is for a two-year term, with an option to renew. Professor Huggins will support First Nations employees and provide cultural guidance to the management and leadership teams across the ABC during the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
Professor Huggins described becoming the ABC’s Elder-in-Residence as “one of my highest badges of honour” and said the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly report had become a blueprint for other organisations to follow.
“My new role is something that I never imagined I would do when I started my employment at the ABC when I was 16 years of age,” she said.
“I have been a long-time audience member and contributor to the ABC. I look forward to deepening that connection through taking up the position of the ABC’s inaugural Elder-in-Residence and to meeting and yarning with people across the divisions and offices of our national broadcaster.
“I am also looking forward to working with the Director First Nations Strategy, the Bonner Committee and the ABC Leadership team in setting the stepping stones for the work ahead.”
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks welcomed Professor Huggins.
“With Professor Huggins, and under the leadership of Acting Director of First Nations Strategy Kelly Williams – and with so many other contributors around the ABC – we are well placed to act strongly,” he said.
“We must ensure our approach to addressing issues of racism and any form of inequity reaches into every part of the organisation. This is a priority for me in my new role as Managing Director.”
The Australian reported yesterday that the ABC is set to roll out a major outdoor campaign through a multi-year deal with oOh!media, placing its news content on billboards and street furniture nationwide. The deal is worth up to $16 million over four years.