We propose a more ambitious remit for the ABC and SBS than simply recognition –
and funding – for their online media activities alongside radio and television. This is
an ideal time for ABC and SBS as pubic service media to embrace a change in
emphasis, and become participatory public service media entities that embrace the
multiplatform media environment, and harness and encourage the Australian
people’s appetite for participatory content creation.

With this in mind, along with the ABC “core functions” you mention, Bernard, I’d argue that localism is crucial. Newscaff might seem more important from Canberra, but the ABC looms larger as a provider of all kinds of content – in a way that goes beyond local news – the further you are from metropolitan areas. In many areas, ABC local radio is crucial to giving communities a sense of themselves, and in driving civic life.

Speaking only for myself, I think that at a local level, the ABC’s attempts to drive online user-created content, and even basic online discussion, have been pretty disastrous. Yes, they’ve been underfunded, but I think that what’s required beyond cash is a pretty significant cultural change. Many people in the organisation are still clearly viewing User Created Content as a pretty insignificant add-on, whereas the opportunity exists for the ABC to bind itself even more closely with local communities, and to have a role in strengthening social capital and community identity. Changing this may have less to do with the shape of overall management structures, and more to do with the kind of service ABC staff and management see themselves as providing, and the advice they take on what sorts of platforms will be effective.

But I’m damn sure going round and round the mulberry bush on what sort of divisional structure to have isn’t going to help at all. Not that my view matters – there’s plenty of experts out there who think that if you only get the right structure in place, then everything else will follow. Good luck to them.