There’s been some discussion about funding of the ABC. On Wednesday April 29th, I joined Ali Moore and ABC Melbourne for their weekly “What if…” discussion about the idea of turning some parts of the ABC into a subscription service.
As a proud public broadcaster – with close to 25 years at the ABC, 7 years at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – you’d be shocked to learn I do not support this. (#shockednotshocked)
Setting up a subscription for TV, for example, would destabilise funding and would open the way for political manipulation and a race to the bottom and not the public interest.
Politicians should not be able to cherry pick the media organisations they like or the bits of organisations they like.
If such a model – flagged by some on the extreme right – were to be adopted it would be the end of the ABC. Not because its programs aren’t watchable but because Australians don’t really like paying for media. We all know folks constantly seeking logins for streaming services to get around paying right??
The $1.2-billion the ABC receives a year buys a LOT of great journalism, drama, documentaries, comedy and more. The ABC connects with huge numbers of Australians every day. Even if you personally don’t consume its content, you benefit from the ABC because it contributes to a healthy, diverse, independent, and sustainable media industry.
The ABC remains one of the most trusted institutions in Australia. It has credibility and authority like few other media organisations. And it is the most scrutinised media organisation in the country!
A mixed model of funding between TV and radio would not work in my view and the regional/city divide that some are trying to peddle is also unworkable.
The ABC is a prized though not perfect public broadcaster. It does a lot of stuff really well. REALLY well. You only have to look at what is going on in the US to realise what an entirely market-driven media model looks like and how easily it capitulates to pressure, bullying and threats to profits.
We are very lucky to have the ABC. I don’t love every inch of it either! (Bring back the 745 radio news bulletin and state-based TV current affairs please!!) But I recognise how valuable it is to our democracy and our ability to understand each other and share stories and culture.
You can listen to the full segment here!! First up is former ABC Radio National host, Tom Switzer, who thinks it’s worth exploring. I respectfully disagree.