The numbers AFAIK refer to the ABC as a whole - so ABC News online, radio and TV.
Combined reach The ABC’s combined national audience reach across television, radio and online was estimated to be 61.9% over a period of a week in 20242, a decline of 3.5 percentage points compared to the ABC’s net reach in 2023 (65.4%)3. This overall decline was driven by softening of broadcast TV reach and to a lesser extent, radio reach. This decline in broadcast consumption was partially offset by growth in ABC owned digital and third-party platforms
I have included the direct link to the ABC annual report in the article summary above, so you can download the whole report, read it, and make up your own mind.
I don’t particularly care if they don’t return a profit, but its a considerable amount of money the broadcaster is spending for what by their own measure is reducing engagement (whether it be listeners, viewers, or visitors).
Improving online numbers is hiding what is quickly becoming a bit of a horror show when it comes to radio (and to a lesser extent television).
There is no question that News Corp is trying to push an agenda with their coverage, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a potentially emerging issue.
The problem is the framing, which suggests that the ABC shouldn’t be getting more funding because audiences are dropping. It’s a veiled dig rather than an acknowledgment of the relationship between funding and audience outcomes.
I’ve said it before, but News Corp have singlehandedly made it impossible to have a reasoned discussion about anything to do with the ABC.
I’m not convinced that throwing more money at the ABC is going to do anything meaningful to get Radio and TV audiences without some kind of decent plan. Stupid decisions like moving to Parramatta because there was a perception that the broadcaster was to Inner Sydney-centric doesn’t help either.
There’s also a criticism in News Corp’s line that engagement has fallen 3 per cent, but that isn’t put into context. What’s News Corp’s engagement? Or Nine’s?
All media companies are finding it harder to reach people, particularly in younger demographics, as audiences scatter themselves across a variety of different platforms. In 1994 you had TV for your evening entertainment, and newspapers for your morning news. Nowadays you have TV, BVOD, SVOD, Tiktok, social media, Youtube, video and PC gaming, as well as US news sites and Reddit.
The disruption is huge and it’s unrealistic for there to be an expectation that one news organisation reach everyone all the time. For the ABC to reach 60%+ seems fairly good.
Which was pushed by the likes of News Corp and the Libs.
Clearly, there are constant wrong choices and direction, from programming to talent decisions to being too scared to get rid of dead wood. All over the ABC, but any discussions eminating from News Corp should be viewed with intense derision.
ABC News boss Justin Stevens has issued apologies to audiences, commandos and a former US drug enforcement official after receiving the interim findings from an investigation into the 2022 Line of Fire reports.
“The ABC sincerely regrets and apologises for the editing errors in the video clips, including to members of the 2nd Commando Regiment,” Mr Stevens said in a statement.
“The video has been removed.”
The ABC released the interim review as Mr Stevens appeared before Senate estimates hearings in Canberra.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner had a one-on-one discussion with ABC chair Kim Williams, during an SPA Breakfast Briefing held at Sydney’s Disney Studios on October 24.
Kim shares invaluable insight into his vision for the ABC, one of Australia’s national broadcasters, and our industry, including his perspectives on Australia’s evolving media landscape and how this will continue to affect screen production.
The discussion from the Breakfast Takeaway is now available on SPA’s YouTube channel.
ABC Gives campaign is on again, in which the broadcaster raises money for charity ahead of Christmas. This year’s beneficiary is Foodbank, except in Tasmania where the Giving Tree Appeal will be held instead.
ABC Radio will also host an ABC Gives Giveathon on Wednesday, November 20. Across this day, presenters in all states and territories (except TAS) will be giving you the chance to get involved to raise funds and awareness of Foodbank.
ABC Commercial presents an exciting slate for ATF 2024
Image: Ladies in Black Episode 1, Debi Mazar as Madga
Following a successful year, ABC Commercial is returning to the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) in December to showcase an exciting new slate of content, featuring beloved favourites and compelling new additions.
ABC Commercial is thrilled to announce the arrival of Ladies in Black, a vibrant drama series that explores the lives and friendships of women navigating personal and professional challenges in 1960’s Sydney. Joining this dynamic slate are fresh titles for kids and families, including Ready, Steady, Wiggle! Season 7, Fizzy & Suds Season 2, and the much-anticipated Muster Dogs Season 3, which continues the heartwarming journey of graziers and their pups with a competitive twist.
Returning to the lineup is the popular puppet-based preschool series Beep and Mort, back for its second season after strong international reception. This season promises more heartfelt adventures and continues its global reach, having been acquired by major international platforms, including WildBrain Television (Canada) and Sky Kids (UK), with additional plans for distribution in the Middle East and North Africa.
In factual programming, Living with Devils delivers a deep dive into Tasmania’s iconic but endangered marsupial, while Restoration Australia returns with stories of preserving Australia’s rich architectural heritage and creating spectacular homes. Additionally, Megafauna narrated by Hugh Jackman offers an exploration of Australia’s prehistoric giants, appealing to science and history enthusiasts alike.
For co-viewing and educational content, Secret Science unravels the secrets behind our brains and bodies through science, emerging research and entertaining human stories, and I Was Actually There is a bold new factual series that has already made waves with Broadcast UK selecting it as one of the Hot Picks ahead of MIPCOM, provides historical insights from those who witnessed pivotal moments firsthand.
ABC Commercial Sales Executive Alex Zhou, who will be attending ATF, said, “We look forward to attending ATF this year, as the networking opportunities are invaluable to us and we enjoy connecting with a diverse group of buyers and distributors. Our 2024 slate reflects the ABC’s commitment to providing entertaining, educational, and globally resonant content. These new titles underscore our dedication to captivating storytelling across genres.”
ABC Commercial is thrilled to return to the Australia Pavilion at stand FC09 at ATF, which runs from 3–6 December in Singapore.
News Corp reports the ABC has informed its 4000 employees that they must complete a compulsory 75-minute Building an Inclusive Culture training course by the end of November.
Within that course is a selection on avoiding “language with racial connotations”.
Instead of “Chinese whispers”, employees are told to use “misinformation”.
Staff are also told to avoid the phrase “no can do” and, instead, say “I can’t help”.
The ABC has been called out for not holding a Remembrance Day event but pushing ahead with plans to hold a Transgender Day of Remembrance.
An ABC insider told Sky News the national broadcaster will be holding the event next week as part of its new diversity and inclusion measures.
Staff were sent a calendar invite on Thursday informing them the Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held at the Ultimo foyer, in Sydney, next week.
The event will be beamed to ABC offices across the country.
Sky News senior reporter Caroline Marcus questioned why the same respect had not been shown to Australian soldiers on Remembrance Day on Monday.
‘You’d presume the ABC ALSO held an event in the foyer for staff who may wish to gather together to observe a minute’s silence and pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives for our freedom,’ she said.
