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2446

From MEAA

ABC staff approve new agreement delivering better pay and stronger conditions

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) congratulates ABC staff for voting to approve a new enterprise agreement, securing better pay, stronger conditions and important protections for the future of the public broadcaster.

The agreement was won after historic industrial action, with more than 2000 ABC workers nationwide taking 24‑hour strike action that attracted widespread support from the community.

MEAA Chief Executive Erin Madeley said the decisive yes vote reflected the determination and unity of ABC workers across the country.

“This is a tremendous victory for ABC staff who stood together and took courageous action to protect their livelihoods, their professions and the future of public broadcasting,” Ms Madeley said.

“By withdrawing their labour, workers showed just how central they are to the ABC and to the quality independent journalism Australians rely on every day.”

The approved agreement delivers improved pay and job security, genuine classification progression to support sustainable careers – particularly for journalists in regional bureaus. It also includes strengthened diversity measures and clear guardrails to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

“These outcomes matter not just for workers, but for the public,” Ms Madeley said.

“Secure, experienced and diverse staff are essential for an ABC that serves communities across Australia, especially in regional areas.”

Ms Madeley said MEAA members at the ABC were extremely appreciative for the overwhelming public support shown throughout this campaign.

“The solidarity from audiences and supporters made a real impact – from people joining strike lines, to signing petitions and donating to strike funds,” she said.

“That support sent a powerful message that Australians value their ABC and the workers who make it possible.

“With the agreement approved, MEAA is looking forward to working constructively with ABC management to implement changes and build a strong, sustainable ABC.”

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2447

How can I tell if an email or ad claiming to be from the ABC is a scam?

The ABC is aware of scam emails and social media Ads that falsely claim to be from ABC presenters, producers, staff or programs.

These emails may offer an interview, appearance, editorial opportunity or program participation in return for payment.

Some social media Ads pretend to use prominent ABC personalities to sell financial services and other products.

They are not genuine ABC activity.

The ABC does not request payment for interviews or participation in programs. The ABC will never ask for money in return for an interview, appearance, editorial opportunity or program participation. You should verify any approach through official ABC channels if they are unsure.

If you receive a suspicious email:

  • do not reply to the emails or click on the Ad links;
  • do not make any payment;
  • do not click links or download attachments;
  • do not share personal or financial information;
  • block the sender and mark the email as spam or phishing;
  • report the email to the relevant platform or agency.

https://help.abc.net.au/hc/en-us/articles/16041789012751-How-can-I-tell-if-an-email-or-ad-claiming-to-be-from-the-ABC-is-a-scam

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ABC board searches for new director as media executive’s term ends

The ABC will appoint a new board member later this month, following the completion of media executive Mario D’Orazio’s five-year term on the panel.

Mr D’Orazio’s departure will leave ABC chair Kim Williams and the public broadcaster’s managing director Hugh Marks as the only two men on the board.

Other board members include deputy chair Georgie Somerset, arts industry veteran Katrina Sedgwick, businesswoman Nicolette Maury, and tech expert Louise McElvogue. The ABC’s global affairs editor Laura Tingle is the staff elected director on the board of the taxpayer-funded media organisation.

In addition to the chair, managing director and staff-elected director, the ABC board must consist of “not fewer than four nor more than six other non-executive directors” according to the ABC Act, meaning the current board could accommodate one, or even two, additional members once Mr D’Orazio formally vacates his seat this week.

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ABC welcomes renewed Indo-Pacific broadcasting funding

The ABC welcomes the renewal of Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy funding announced by the Australian Government in tonight’s Federal Budget.

The additional $14 million investment over two years will help maintain the ABC’s expanded services across the region, supporting the creation of trusted content, regional media partnerships and stronger connections with audiences throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Since 2022 the ABC has used funding provided under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to achieve significant outcomes for Australia’s engagement and influence in our region, including:

  • Doubling ABC Radio Australia’s FM footprint in the Pacific
  • Doubling Pacific-focused radio content
  • Establishing the Pacific Local Journalism Network. This delivers high-value reporting from the region, including on The Pacific news and current affairs program on ABC Australia television, Pacific Beat on ABC Radio Australia and digital platforms
  • Creating two tailored ABC Australia television streams for Asia and the Pacific with time zone-aligned scheduling and tailored content for each region.
  • Expanding ABC Asia and ABC Pacific digital and social content
  • Launching Asia News Week, a weekly pan-Asian news and current affairs program
  • Signing more than 20 content-sharing agreements with national broadcasters across Asia and the Pacific. This will significantly extend the reach of trusted Australian content and embed it within local media ecosystems across the region
  • Delivering media capacity-building programs, including online learning resources and support for media partners in Timor-Leste and Indonesia

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the renewed funding recognised the ABC’s unique role in advancing Australia’s engagement within our region.

“Since the launch of the government’s Pacific Engagement initiatives in 2022 the ABC has welcomed the opportunity to expand our reach, deepen audience engagement and support local media capacity across the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Marks said.

“We look forward to continuing this important work in advancing the region’s access to reliable trusted information, growth in media, skills and improvement in information distribution infrastructure, to benefit audiences in the region and deliver strong value for public investment.”

ABC Head International Claire Gorman said the funding would help sustain the ABC’s reach and impact at a time of growing regional competition and misinformation.

“In an uncertain geopolitical environment, trusted media is critical,” she said. “This renewal allows the ABC to keep engaging audiences across the region, share the story of modern Australia and bring important stories back to Australian audiences from our neighbours.

“We look forward to growing the ABC’s soft power impact in this increasingly complex world.”

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Bye bye Four Corners or Play School?

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You can listen to the full interview here.

2453

Rage turns 40 next year. I think that’s more than likely to get axed in today’s world.

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2454

i think there will be riots in the street if the axe if put to Four Corners or Play School. If they are destined for the chop, Mr Marks better beware :face_with_peeking_eye:

2455

Here’s an idea - don’t blow your money on moving shit out west just to please Western Sydney.

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they better not axe an australian institution :face_with_steam_from_nose:

2457

Compass is 38years old. maybe they’re axing that and putting on a different format for the religion and ethics programming. I think it only gets about 300k max per ep

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2458

It sounds like Rage might go. Seems like they may send it off after 40 years.

The format no longer works these days. I feel the ABC have held onto to it by ticking the arts charter, it’s cheap and fills over night schedules.

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2459

Bring back the test pattern! :rofl:

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seems like a good reason to keep it. It’s not the most labour-intensive product so realistically what big savings are made by axing it.

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2461

They could easily just replay programming from the evening line up.

I know Rage and Triple J work close together.

Staff would most likely be redeployed into producing Podcasts etc.

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2462

No, thanks. They already repeat theirprograms four or five times per week. They need new content.

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2465

ABC Welcomes Appointment of Two New Directors

The ABC Chair, Kim Williams AM, today warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Communications, the Honourable Anika Wells, of the appointment of a new Deputy Chair, Dr Lisa Caffery (Qld), who replaces former Deputy Chair Peter Tonagh, and another Director, Mr Damien Miller (Vic), who takes up a vacancy following the expiry of Mr Mario D’Orazio’s five-year term on the Board.

Mr Williams thanked his Board colleague, the rural industry leader and strategist, Ms Georgina Somerset AM, for acting so capably as Deputy Chair during the interim period between Mr Tonagh’s resignation and the appointment of Dr Caffery.

Dr Caffery has a PhD from Central Queensland University and has completed the University of Cambridge Sustainability Leadership program. Her research interests span health equity, social impact, STEM education and the resilience of rural communities.

Dr Caffery comes to the ABC as a well experienced regional Australian business leader with an impressive array of achievements across regulated sectors including water, infrastructure, resources, health, government and the not-for-profit sector. She is based in the regional Queensland city of Emerald from where she serves as a board member of Mater Health (Qld) and Dams Safety NSW. She is a former chair of Sunwater Ltd, Queensland’s bulk water entity.

“I have no doubt Dr Caffery and I will forge an effective relationship as we work with our fellow ABC Board colleagues to ensure proper guidance and performance delivery by the ABC over the coming years,” Mr Williams said.

In welcoming Mr Miller, of the Gangulu people, an Australian career diplomat for 25 years, Mr Williams expressed particular satisfaction that the Minister had appointed a First Nations Australian with extensive international experience. In 2013, Mr Miller was appointed Australia’s Ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Iceland. With that appointment, Mr Miller became the first Indigenous Australian to become an Australian Head of Mission, a signal of achievement and honour. He also served overseas in Washington DC, Berlin and Kuala Lumpur before becoming a director of several boards after leaving the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Mr Williams paid tribute to retiring director Mr D’Orazio who had served as an ABC Board member for five years and chaired the Board’s People and Culture Committee diligently. Mr Williams said the Board had benefited from Mr D’Orazio’s unique perspective as a senior media leader and had been grateful for his knowledge, skill and warm collegiate approach.

Mr D’Orazio said, “It’s been a privilege to have served on the ABC Board for the past five years. The organisation is making important progress in many areas.

“I’m pleased to have played my part in creating the role of the Office of the Ombudsman and the establishment of the People and Culture Board committee, both of which are significant structural improvements in the ABC’s governance. While the future poses many challenges, I am confident the current leadership will ensure the ABC delivers on its charter. As I look forward to returning to the private sector, I wish the ABC every success.”