Good. Cya.
Ita Buttroseâs farewell was a low-key affair according to The Australian today. It was a dinner after last Thursdayâs board meeting, attended by the other eight members of the board â including managing director David Anderson. There were just a few words from board members, thanking Buttrose for her service.
ABC Managing Director Opening Statement to Senate Hearing on Prominence and Anti-Siphoning Bill
ABC Managing Director David Anderson opening statement to Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications hearing on Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2023.
The ABC welcomes the opportunity to assist the Committeeâs consideration of this important Bill.
In 2022, we passed a tipping point where more Australians were watching video-on-demand or VOD services than broadcast TV.
All Australian free-to-air broadcasters have invested heavily in their own Broadcast Video-on-Demand or BVOD services. In the ABCâs case, we have the leading BVOD app â- ABC iview.
Smart TVs have become the dominant way in which Australians view VOD services, which means that manufacturers have become a new type of gatekeeper.
However in many cases, manufacturers are preferencing global streaming giants or their own services over Australian free-to-air services.
This matters because, for decades, Australia has relied on services provided by the ABC, SBS and commercial TV to deliver public policy outcomes in relation to trusted news and information to audiences.
Our services are an important platform for democratic debate. They reflect and promote Australian culture and the national identity. They are where Australians come together to celebrate key moments in our national life â from New Yearâs Eve to the Melbourne Cup.
However, as research from RMIT shows, for a significant number of Australians, if they canât see us on their smart-TV home screen, weâre just not there.
In 2021, when one of the major manufacturers stopped pre-installing ABC iview, we asked how much it would cost to be put back in their default app configuration. We were told it would cost us $250,000. That was not the first time that had happened.
The prominence framework provided by this Bill aims to ensure that Australians can find broadcastersâ services on televisions. This is vitally important to our ability to perform our public service mission.
The current Bill is on the whole good, but we believe it could be significantly improved by doing two simple things.
First, the Bill should be amended to bring forward the commencement of the new prominence requirements. Currently, they will not take effect until 18 months after Royal Assent and will only apply to TVs sold after that date. It is therefore possible that consumers wonât benefit from these reforms until late next year or even 2026.
In the meantime, Australians will keep buying new TVs, and BVOD services will become invisible in more and more households.
The expert advice tendered to this Committee indicates that there is no valid reason for the delay. The changes required to implement the framework should be able to made in software â which means they can be made quickly and applied to most TVs already in Australian homes.
The second weakness in the Bill is that it does not allow the Minister to include search and recommendations in the minimum prominence requirements. There is a vast array of programs available to Australians and search and recommendations are already an important part of the way they discover things to watch. These features will only become more important in the future.
ABC programs are easy to find using search on some smart TVs, but nowhere to be found on others.
For example, on some TVs, searching for âBlueyâ wonât take you to ABC iview, where Australian families can enjoy it for free. Instead, it will take you to a paid service.
If we want Australians to be able to find Australian content, including local news and childrenâs programs, ensuring search and recommendations are part of the prominence framework is vital.
This is also necessary to future-proof the framework. Smart TVs interfaces are continuing to evolve.
The Bill also updates the anti-siphoning regime. While the rising cost of sports rights means that the ABC currently broadcasts little sport on television, we have long supported the principle underlying the scheme.
Significant sporting events should remain freely available and accessible by Australian audiences. Consequently, we support measures in the Bill to prevent major events from migrating exclusively to subscription streaming platforms.
But what about if we dont like Australian Content and would rather use the more polished apps from the American services
You can change your television settings to whatever configuration you like. Theyâre not going to prevent you from doing that.
The point has been that you should have all the free to air apps already loaded and not complicated or tedious to load, as they currently are. If all the apps are loaded upfront, you can then modify them to your preference.
Israel-Gaza dominates complaints but Ombudsman finds ABC coverage âprofessionalâ
6,539 complaint issues relating to matters published or broadcast on the ABC were raised with the Ombudsmanâs Office in 2023. This reflects a 5-year high with 51% of all issues related to the Israel-Gaza war and 11% concerning the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
An organised campaign about a single episode of Q+A which dealt exclusively with the war (alleging bias in favour of Israel) raised 1,974 issues, accounting for the 5-year high. Excluding the multiples relating to this campaign, 58% of complaints relating to bias suggest content was pro-Israel and 41% conclude pro-Palestine.
The Ombudsmanâs 12-month report released today delivered a verdict in the context of the Israel/Gaza war of âprofessional, wide ranging and reflective of newsworthy eventsâ.
The strong reaction to the war episode of Q+A saw an increase in complaints alleging bias and inappropriate content across the reporting period. Other programs most complained about include the News Online platform, 7.30, 7pm news and RN Breakfast.
In the case of 240 matters, the ABC took remedial action to address concerns to the satisfaction of the Ombudsmanâs Office. These matters were considered resolved and largely occurred in the News Online space where relatively minor accuracy issues were quickly corrected.
92 complaint issues were found to be in breach of the ABCâs editorial standards with 22 of these relating to the AM Alice Springs Town meeting story reported on early in 2023 (Investigation Report here). A further 20 relate to triple Jâs Hip Hop Show about an episode that contained presenter comments about the Israel-Gaza war. (Investigation Report here).
The Ombudsman assessed 91 issues from complainants unsatisfied with a previous ABC response. Four (4) matters were resolved through this process including the case relating to an interview on Weekend Breakfast with the Director General for the Hague Initiative for International Cooperation (thinc) where it was determined that this think tank was not appropriately labelled as pro-Israel. (Review available here).
âWhile complaint numbers are a useful reflection of audience engagement, often content that is uncomfortable attracts more criticism. The ABC needs to be mindful of this tension to avoid being fearful of delivering on charter obligations while being thick skinned enough to clarify and explain decisions and apologise where appropriate,â Fiona Cameron concluded.
ABCâs development arm supports new PNG health program
ABC International Development (ABCID) is supporting a Papua New Guinean (PNG) national health promotion campaign to tackle vaccination misinformation and boost public trust in vaccinations.
Tok Imuniti, meaning âTalk about Immunityâ in English, puts digital and physical resources in the hands of provincial health workers, empowering them to speak knowledgably and confidently about immunity and vaccination to actively address rumours and misinformation in their communities.
A five-week national multi-media campaign will inform PNG citizens about the importance of vaccination. At the same time, health workers across PNG will be introduced to an innovative digital app featuring videos, fact sheets and a chat function. They will also have access to pamphlets, posters, radio, TV and online information.
All resources have been developed with consideration for the context in which health workers will use them, including variable levels of internet access and knowledge about the role vaccinations play in preventing disease, and diverse language preferences.
According to ABC International Development Lead Jo Elsom: âTok Imuniti is an example of how a commitment to sharing quality information can save lives. Itâs a campaign that breaks new ground and reflects the outstanding skills and advice of our Papua New Guinean partners.â
Elsom continues: âBy partnering with PNG communications and health specialists, and leveraging the ABCâs media and communications expertise, together we are supporting workers to have the necessary confidence to promote good health practice, and back it up with credible information resources that make sense to the community.â
ABCID and PNG creative agency Vatava Media consulted extensively with community health workers to understand what was needed to address vaccine hesitancy in a culturally relevant way.
The result is a mix of personal vaccination stories and data that counter misconceptions in entertaining and informative ways.
The national campaign launched on 29 February 2024 with the support of the PNG National Department of Health and the Australian Government.
Outgoing ABC chair Ita Buttrose has done an interview with Stellar editor-in-chief Sarrah Le Marquand for the Something to Talk About podcast. An excerpt is published in Stellar magazine inside News Corp papers today.
ABC hosted the inaugural Pacific Australia Media Leaders Meeting in Ultimo, Sydney, Australia.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Managing Director David Anderson and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) President and National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Papua New Guinea Managing Director Kora Nou hosted 27 CEOs, managing directors and editors from media houses in 12 countries across the Pacific. Australian attendees included leadership representatives from First Nations media, commercial free-to-air and print media, independent and public broadcasters.
The meeting on 28 February was supported by PINA and the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), a media-strengthening initiative delivered by ABC International Development and funded by the Australian Government.
The purpose of this initial meeting was to build relationships, identify high priority challenges and opportunities to work together, and set the agenda for the group into the future.
The Group discussed opportunities to work together in skills development, content creation sharing and production, management and leadership, finance and funding models, and technical broadcast expertise.
The Group recognised a range of shared industry opportunities, including addressing the digital divide, sustainable business models and new funding streams, partnerships, transmission arrangements and media accessibility.
Leaders agreed the Group would:
- unite as one voice to advocate for the importance of government support for a vibrant, independent regional media sector;
- share business model insights and experiences to support sustainability with each other;
- facilitate access to each otherâs organisations to support collaboration.
The ABC and PINA will continue to work with the Group to define mechanisms for continued engagement over the next five years.
ABC thanks Chair Ita Buttrose AC OBE
The ABC has today thanked Chair Ita Buttrose AC OBE as her five-year term comes to an end.
Since Ms Buttrose commenced her position in March 2019, she has been a staunch advocate for the ABC, its staff and the Australian public. The stability and good governance of the ABC Board under her leadership have ensured the ABC continues to be a valued national asset informing, educating and entertaining all Australians.
Guiding the ABC over a period of rapid change, her courageous defence of the ABCâs independence will be an enduring part of her legacy. Her strong leadership necessary for the ABC to remain Australiaâs most trusted broadcaster has placed it in a strong position to lead the transition to digital broadcasting.
Ita has championed the ABCâs staff and their many successes and provided firm leadership. A trailblazer across her long and distinguished career, her time at the ABC was only a small part of her dedication to public service.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson said Ms Buttrose was the perfect Chair of the ABC for this moment in its history.
âIta has been tireless in her defence of the ABC, and we have been fortunate to have benefitted from someone with her many years of experience.
âAustralians everywhere shared in our recent 90th anniversary celebrations and the fact Ita was Chair at the time gave that moment even more resonance.
âIta has provided guidance and support not only to the Board and Leadership team but to many of us at the ABC and we thank her for her dedication and service.â
Ms Buttrose thanked the ABCâs staff and audiences.
âThe ABC has a presence in the lives of many Australians. It is our countryâs most trusted media organisation and its biggest cultural institution.
âIt is the home of Australian music and drama, education and enlightenment. a forum for ideas, conversations and laughter, and a safe, often magical place for Australiaâs children.
âIt has been an honour to Chair the ABC. I shall miss it.â
Ita Buttrose completes her tenure as ABC Chair today, 6 March 2024. Incoming ABC Chair Kim Williams AM takes up the role from 7 March 2024.
Latrobe Valley young people to Takeover!
The ABCâs Takeover program is heading to the Latrobe Valley in 2024.
A partnership between the ABC, VicHealth, the Victorian Government, and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), Takeover offers young people a platform for their unique voices and perspectives to be heard and celebrated.
Justin Stevens, ABC Director of News, said that the ABC is proud of its longstanding history working in regional areas to bring stories to a national audience.
âTakeover is a wonderful opportunity to showcase and give a voice to a diverse group of young people who grew up in regional areas. This helps the ABC tell a more complete picture of our nation from communities everywhere,â he said.
Winners from Takeover Latrobe Valley will work with experienced ABC staff to produce their stories, which will be shared across ABC platforms.
In September 2024, the winners will take part in the Takeover Latrobe Valley Youth Summit, where they will continue to develop ideas to make their community an even better place for young people.
The Honourable Natalie Suleyman, Minister for Youth, is passionate about opportunities for young people in regional Victoria.
âOpportunities like Takeover give communities a chance to really celebrate young people and everything they contribute,â she said.
âI canât wait to hear what the young people of the Latrobe Valley have to say and what matters to them.â
Michelle Murray, Executive Manager Health Promotion Systems of VicHealth, agrees that creating space for young people to share their unique stories is extremely important.
âProviding a safe space for young people to speak their truth is a powerful way for young people in regional areas to feel more connected with their community,â she said.
âVicHealth is proud to support Takeover Latrobe Valley and weâre looking forward to engaging with young people from the region and hear their ideas for the future.â
Through FRRR, community funding will be available after the Takeover program to bring the youth-developed ideas to life in their community.
**â**Young people in the country grow up in an environment with opportunities and challenges that are unique to them,â said Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR.
âWeâre thrilled to support this opportunity for youth to voice their ideas and take action. Those whose stories are shared will convene at a summit in September to brainstorm ways to create positive change and weâll be backing them to implement them in their community. â
High school-aged students can submit entries via the Takeover Latrobe Valley website from early March.
ABC Takeover acknowledges the support of VicHealth, the Victorian Government and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
Find out more information about the program at: https://www.abc.net.au/takeover/programs/takeover-latrobe-valley
ABC Chair Kim Williams AO announces renewed ABC TOP 5 partnerships with three leading universities and Creative Australia
ABC Chair Kim Williams has launched the 2024 applications for the ABC TOP 5 and announced renewed triennial funding agreements with three of Australiaâs leading universities.
The University of Sydney, University of Melbourne and Australian National University will continue their support of the ABC TOP 5 for the next three years, and Creative Australia will also continue its partnership with the TOP 5 Arts through to 2026.
ABC Chair Kim Williams says that it is essential for the ABC that it continue to strengthen its relationships with key cultural and educational institutions. âThe ABC is in a unique position providing independent information and ideas to the Australian community. The close ties that the TOP 5 has developed with the universities and Creative Australia, means we have direct input to these new ideas that will shape Australiaâs future.â
The ABC TOP 5 media residency program is the only one of its kind in Australia. It now boasts over 100 alumni, with many becoming leading commentators in their fields and mentors for early career researchers.
Professor Emma Johnston Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, University of Sydney said: âWe are proud to continue our partnership with the ABC Top 5 Media Residency as a wonderful opportunity for humanities and social sciences researchers to learn from some of the best broadcasters in the business. The program equips early career researchers with vital career-long skills to clearly and confidently express the interest and value of their work to the community.â
Creative Australiaâs Executive Director Development and Strategic Partnerships, Dr Georgie McClean commented on the important role the program plays in promoting Australian art and culture: âCreative Australia is delighted to continue our support for the ABCâs Top 5 â Arts Program, as part of our commitment to championing the value of Australian art, culture and creativity. The ABCâs TOP 5 gives arts practitioners and researchers practical hands-on experience of the media, empowering them with tools and strategies to share ideas and insights with a range of audiences.â
Applications are now open for the 2024 ABC TOP 5 media residencies.
The ABC is once again searching for Australiaâs next generation of inspiring research communicators across Science, the Humanities, and the Arts â to share their ideas, findings and insights with the world.
In 2024, five successful applicants from each of the three fields will receive intensive two-week media training and practical experience in residence at the ABC, working alongside some of Australiaâs best journalists and broadcasters.
Cath Dwyer, Manager ABC Radio National, says engaging with the media can be a daunting for early career academics, but their input to the ABC is also crucial. âThe TOP 5 is a terrific program, not only because the researchers learn how to effectively communicate their specialist knowledge to broad audiences, but also because we here at the ABC also greatly benefit by working with these extraordinary individuals and being exposed to their ideas and ways of thinkingâ.
Applications open 9am (AEST) Monday 25 March 2024 and close 11.59pm (AEST) Sunday 7 May 2024.
The ABC TOP 5 media residencies are open to:
- Humanities: PhD-qualified early career researchers in humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS)
- Science: PhD-qualified early career researchers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medical research (STEMM)
- Arts: Early-career Arts researchers â with or studying for â a PhD in visual arts, architecture, design, performance, screen, literature, or music.
The ABC is proud to be working with our project partners at Creative Australia, University of Melbourne, Australian National University and University of Sydney â their vital ongoing support makes the ABC TOP 5 possible.
For more information and to apply visit: abc.net.au/top5
From The Australian (via Mediaweek)
The ABCâs spending on advertising has soared in 2024 and has included spending more than $3.8m in the March quarter to advertise the broadcaster despite being hit with declining audiences.
New figures obtained under freedom of information showed in the first quarter of 2024 the ABC spent a total of $6m on advertising, promotions and audience research compared to $3.6m in the same quarter in 2023 â or a 69 per cent increase.
For the 12 months to the end of March, the ABC has also spent $20.1m on these three categories.
Makes total sense to be doing more promotion in areas they typically havenât then, wouldnât it?
Iâve certainly noticed a lot more out of home digital media, particularly promoting iview etc.