Question: 84
Topic: So-called war on terror
Senator Abetz asked:
Senator ABETZ—… To start off with, did the ABC have a view about using the phrase ‘so-called war on terror’?
Mr Scott—Let me check that.
Senator ABETZ—Because I thought it had been agreed that that term, prefaced with ‘so-called’, would not be used.
Mr Scott—Do you have an example that has come to your attention?
Senator ABETZ—Yes, I do—the 8 am news on Radio National this morning. I did not hear it, but I have an email from a colleague that raises it, and in that email my colleague said, ‘I thought the ABC got in trouble for saying this last year.’
Mr Scott—I have advice from our style guide, which asks journalists to take care when the using the term ‘so-called’—it can carry negative connotations. It is not as though it is an overarching ban, but our journalists are encouraged to take care when using the expression, but I can investigate that example. You said you had not heard it. I did not hear it either, but I can investigate it for you.
Senator ABETZ—It was 8 am this morning, Monday the 20th.[NB – Sen Abetz later advised it was actually the 19th]
Answer:
After a search of transcripts of Radio National news bulletins between 18 and 20 October 2008, ABC News has found no reference to ‘so-called war on terror’.
The ABC News Style Guide advises that the term ‘so-called’ should be used with care.
Question: 85
Topic: Q&A
Senator Abetz asked:
Senator ABETZ—How do you do that? Can you go through every specific way that you try to get people into your audience?
Mr Scott—I can come back to you in writing on that, but a number of different strategies were tried to draw audience members out. I am happy to provide you with details. A number of members on your own side of the House would be able to provide you with advice on that too, because they were involved in that process.
Senator ABETZ—Do you also ask Labor and Greens politicians to provide audiences?
Mr Scott—I am not aware of that but, on the data that we provided you with, we were aware that we were keen to recruit more people to come into the studio audience who were coalition supporters, clearly.
Senator ABETZ—Yes, but how are you doing that other than asking some Liberal politicians?
Mr Scott—There have been a range of activities.
Senator ABETZ—All right, which are?
Mr Scott—We have contacted various law and accounting firms and business groups, such as the Australian Retailers Association, the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and a number of other local chamber groups; a number of other organisations, such as the Australian Christian Lobby, the Australian Family Association, Rotary and Probus clubs, student groups from various universities. We have contacted politicians and political parties, including the Liberal Party of New South Wales, the Young Liberals and every state Liberal MP within one hour’s drive of the ABC studio. So we can demonstrate that we have tried a number of
different things to try to ensure that we have all the viewpoints represented in the audience, and I think we have. …
Senator ABETZ—Can you let me know exactly what groups have been contacted in relation to this?
Mr Scott—Yes.
Answer:
The Q&A program is extensively and regularly promoted on all ABC platforms. Promotions direct people to the website to register.
In addition to the list of groups provided at the hearing, the producers of Q&A have contacted the following between May and October 2008 in order to recruit more Coalition supporters:
· Student groups, including the Sydney University Politics Society, the Australian Union of Jewish Students and the Macquarie University Liberal Club;
· firms such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Malleson Stephen Jaques, and Brown Wright Stein;
· business groups, including the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and a variety of local chambers;
· facebook groups such as “Don’t blame me I voted Liberal”, “Liberal voters are legends”, “Liberal party of Australia” and “2010 Liberal”;
The producers of Q&A also regularly liaise with schools, councils and clubs as points of community contact to seek audience members. Contacts have included:
Abbotsleigh School for Girls, Knox Grammar, Barker College, Marist College North Shore, Moriah College, Masada College, Al Zahra College, Gallipoli Mosque, Gosford City Council, Wyong City Council, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Kiama Independent newspaper, Liverpool Liberals, South Sydney High, Holsworthy High School, All Saints Liverpool, Randwick Girls High, Randwick Boys High, Matraville High, Clovelly Childcare, Tara Anglican School, St Paul’s Wahroonga, Knox School, Marist College, Baulkham Hills Shire, Auburn Council, Western Sydney Community Forum, Al Faisal College, Auburn Council, Cabramatta Community Centre, ANU Students’ Association, Christ Church St Ives, Business and Professional Women Australia, Tara Anglican Girls, Kambala School, Northern Beaches Christian School, Freshwater Senior Campus, Mackellar Girls Campus, Sutherland Shire Christian School, Australasian Union of Students , St Ives Rotary, Pymble Golf Club, Masada College, Ku-rin-gai Creative Arts High School, Turramurra High, St Stephens, St Andrews Wahroonga, OLQP Catholic School, Holy Parish Wahroonga, Fox Valley Seventh Day Adventist Community Church, St John’s Uniting Church of Wahroonga, Macquarie University Debating Society, Sydney University Debating Team, MLC Centre, Humanities Department at UTS and Waverley Council.
Question: 86
Topic: Lachlan Harris
Senator Abetz asked:
Senator ABETZ—I want to go to question 55—and a written answer was provided to that—at the last estimates, in which I specifically asked:
Does the ABC acknowledge that Mr Lachlan Harris blocked the path of an ABC cameraperson from being allowed into the ABC radio studio?……
Senator ABETZ—Where is the detail of whether Mr Harris blocked or did not block in that answer?
Mr Scott—The cameraman was advised by the Prime Minister’s media adviser that the interview would not be conducted, and discussions were subsequently held. It does not have detail about blocking.
Senator ABETZ—Right. I am now asking for the detail because I asked specifically—
Mr Scott—‘Blocked the path’. All right.
Answer:
The ABC’s cameraman was not “blocked” from entering the Radio National studio. There was no physical obstruction.
Question: 87
Topic: Lachlan Harris
Senator Abetz asked:
Senator ABETZ— I want to ask, in relation to question 56, Mr Scott, about your involvement with this Lachlan Harris incident.
Mr Scott—Yes.
Senator ABETZ—You said:
The issue was discussed with the Managing Director shortly after the incident …
Mr Scott—Yes.
Senator ABETZ—What does ‘shortly after’ mean? Was it on the same day?
Mr Scott—No, I do not think it was.
Senator ABETZ—Can you get me the exact date, please?
Answer:
As advised in the answer to question 56 from the May Budget Estimates, the issue was drawn to the attention of the Managing Director shortly after the incident. Because it was in the way of a conversation rather than a formal briefing, no exact date can be confirmed.
Question: 88
Topic: Forestry issues
Senator Abetz asked:
Senator ABETZ—But I asked, ‘Has the journalist been taken off forestry issues?’
Mr Scott—The journalist has left the ABC.
Senator ABETZ—Right. Was she taken off forestry issues prior to her departure?
Mr Scott—I am not aware of that.
Senator ABETZ—Well, can you please find out for me—take it on notice?
Answer:
No.
Question: 89
Topic: Radio National audiences
Senator Eggleston asked:
Senator EGGLESTON—Is this of the total ABC audience?
Mr Scott—No, this is of the total radio listening audience. I am not sure about the—
Senator EGGLESTON—Just the ABC audience?
Mr Scott—I would have to get that and come back to you on that.
Senator EGGLESTON—If you would. I would be very interested.
Answer:
Radio National’s 2008 year-to-date audience share of all radio listening is 2.2% across the five mainland State capitals. ABC Radio’s overall 2008 year-to-date share in the same market is 21.2%.
Question: 90
Topic: Religion programs
Senator Minchin asked:
Mr Scott—Yes. We can give an outline of the Radio National schedule, but there are still a number of key religion programs that are going to air.
Senator MINCHIN—Yes. I think it would be helpful if we had a fact sheet.
Mr Scott—Including Encounter, which is actually a higher rating program than the Religion Report.
Senator MINCHIN—Right.
Mr Scott—We can give an outline to the committee.
Senator MINCHIN—That would be useful.
Mr Scott—Yes.
Answer:
The ABC recognises the role played by religion and religious beliefs in the lives of the majority of Australians. While The Religion Report has been discontinued, a number of other programs will continue to be produced by the ABC’s religious radio unit including The Spirit of Things, the award-winning Encounter program and The Rhythm Divine, all broadcast on Radio National; For the God Who Sings on ABC Classic FM and John Cleary’s Sunday Night program on ABC Local Radio.
Religion remains a cornerstone of ABC Radio National’s output which will continue to feature 2.5 hours of religious content on radio weekly, complemented by other religious output on ABC Radio and ABC TV, including Songs of Praise and Compass, the only prime time television program dedicated to religion and spirituality screened by any Australian TV network.
Also, the ABC has recognised for some time the need for a greater amount of original content relating to religion on ABC Online. The limited amount of content relating to the impact of religion and beliefs on contemporary Australian society that has been commissioned and included on the ABC’s “Unleashed” site has received a very positive response from audiences. Radio National is keen to develop more content relating to religion in this area. A new online site providing a gateway for all religious content on the ABC is under development.
SPECIALIST PROGRAMS ON ABC RADIO NATIONAL
In 2009 ABC Radio National will continue to feature over 40 specialist programs including the following by specialist areas:
1. Arts Performance
Airplay
Book Reading
Comedy
First Person
Poetica
Short Story
2. Arts Talk and Coverage
Artworks
AWAYE! (specialist Indigenous arts)
The Book Show
Lingua Franca
MovieTime
3. History
Hindsight
Life and Times
Rear Vision
Verbatim
4. Law
The Law Report
5. News, Topical Affairs including Commentary (Politics, Economics, Social, Philosophy etc)
Asia Pacific
Australia Talks
Background Briefing
Big Ideas
The Boyer Lectures
Breakfast
Counterpoint
Late Night Live
The National Interest
Saturday Extra
also: AM, The World Today, PM, Correspondents Report (ex ABC News)
5. Music Programs (Performance and Talk)
The Daily Planet
Into The Music
Music Deli
The Music Show
The Night Air
Singers of Renown
Sound Quality
The Weekend Planet
Quiet Space
6. Religion
Encounter
The Rhythm Divine
The Spirit of Things
7. Rural
Bush Telegraph
Country Breakfast
8. Science, Design and Philosophy
All in the Mind
By Design
The Health Report
Ockham’s Razor
The Philosopher’s Zone
The Science Show
9. Social Issues
Life Matters
Question: 91
Topic: Suspension of ABC journalist
Senator Birmingham asked:
Senator BIRMINGHAM—When was the last time that a journalist or on-air personality was suspended?
Mr Scott—I would have to come back to you on that.
Answer:
On 13 September 2007.
Question: 92
Topic: Peter Lloyd
Senator Abetz asked:
What costs were incurred by the ABC in providing legal and other support to Peter Lloyd in Singapore?
Was Peter Lloyd on holiday at the time of his apprehension by Singaporean authorities?
Is it normal practice for the ABC to provide legal and other support to employees apprehended in foreign countries whilst on holiday?
If not, why was this assistance provided?
What was the cost incurred by the ABC associated with legal representation and the like in relation to Mr Lloyd’s apprehension?
Answer:
The ABC incurred $36,243 in external legal costs, and has spent $11,200 for counselling sessions for Peter Lloyd and family.
At the time of his arrest, Peter Lloyd was on annual leave and was at the end of his posting as an ABC correspondent in New Delhi.
The ABC has not previously experienced a situation where an employee has been apprehended in a foreign country while on holiday, and accordingly, there is no ‘normal practice’.
Additional costs incurred by the ABC associated with legal representation and the like were $18,427 in travel and accommodation costs.
Question: 94
Topic: Annual report
Senator Birmingham asked:
If the ABC annual report has not yet been tabled, when will it be tabled and was any consideration given to having the annual report ready in advance of Supplementary Estimates as a courtesy?
Answer:
The ABC’s annual report was tabled on 22 October 2008.
The ABC does not set the tabling date.
Question: 95
Topic: Staff recruitments
Senator Birmingham asked:
How many permanent staff recruited since the budget estimates?
What level are these staff?
Answer:
Since 1 May 2008, 72 permanent staff members have been recruited.
The levels of these staff are as attached:
|
NEW HIRES (FROM 1/05/2008 – 5/11/08) |
|||
|
On-going staff |
|||
|
|
Headcount |
Total |
|
|
Level |
Full Time |
Part Time |
|
|
Senior Executive Band 1 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Senior Executive Band 2 |
3 |
|
3 |
|
Senior Executive Band 3 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Administrative/Professional Band 4 |
5 |
|
5 |
|
Administrative/Professional Band 5 |
3 |
|
3 |
|
Administrative/Professional Band 6 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Administrative/Professional Band 7 |
4 |
|
4 |
|
Administrative/Professional Band 8 |
3 |
|
3 |
|
Administrative/Professional Band 9 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Program Maker Band 3 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
Program Maker Band 4 |
4 |
|
4 |
|
Program Maker Band 5 |
5 |
|
5 |
|
Program Maker Band 6 |
8 |
|
8 |
|
Program Maker Band 7 |
4 |
|
4 |
|
Program Maker Band 8 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Program Maker Band 9 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Technologist Band 2 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Technologist Band 3 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Technologist Band 4 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Technologist Band 5 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Technologist Band 6 |
2 |
|
2 |
|
Technologist Band 7 |
3 |
|
3 |
|
Technologist Band 9 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Shop Manager Gd C |
1 |
|
1 |
|
Shop Assistant |
|
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
68 |
4 |
72 |
Question: 96
Topic: Staff recruitments
Senator Birmingham asked:
How many temporary positions exist or have been created since budget estimates?
Response:
As at 5 November 2008, there are 350 temporary positions.
Question: 97
Topic: Staff recruitments
Senator Birmingham asked:
Since budget estimates, how many employees have been employed on contract and what is the average length of their employment period?
Answer:
Between 1 May 2008 and 5 November 2008, 255 employees have been employed on contract (engaged or converted from casual).
The average length of their employment period is 5.28 months.
Question: 98
Topic: Staff recruitments
Senator Birmingham asked:
Have staffing numbers been reduced as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other budget cuts?
If so, where and at what level?
Answer:
No. The ABC is not subject to the efficiency dividend.
Question: 99
Topic: Razor Gang
Senator Birmingham asked:
What discussions has the ABC had with the Razor Gang Mk II?
Has the Razor Gang indicated any cuts/savings to be made by the ABC?
Answer:
The ABC has not had any discussions with the Razor Gang Mk II and has had no indication of any cuts or savings to be made.
Question: 100
Topic: Special accounts
Senator Birmingham asked:
What special accounts does the ABC currently hold? How much is in these accounts?
Does the ABC use the interest from these funds to fund ongoing operations?
Has the Razor Gang Mark II given any indication about the future of these special accounts?
Answer:
The ABC does not hold any special accounts.
Question: 101
Topic: Underspent programs
Senator Birmingham asked:
How many programs were underspent in 07-08 financial year?
What requests have been made to roll-over underspends to 2008-09?
Were these requests successful?
Answer:
The ABC is funded using operation wide appropriations from the Australian Government. The ABC apportions its appropriation against outputs and reports expenditure against these outputs, rather than specific programs.
There were no requests to roll over underspends to 2008-09. As an entity subject to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act, the ABC drew down amounts appropriated in 2007-08 in full, for application to the Corporation’s operations by the ABC Board and management. Any balances at year-end form part of the Corporation’s overall resources.
Question: 102
Topic: Media Monitoring
Senator Birmingham asked:
How much has been spent on media monitoring to date this year?
Answer:
From 1 July 2008 to 31 October 2008, the ABC has spent $49,898.65 on media monitoring
Question: 103
Topic: Programs
Senator Birmingham asked:
What communications programs has the ABC undertaken, or are planning to undertake?
For each program, what is the total spend?
Please detail date, location, purpose and cost of each event.
Answer:
The ABC does not generally conduct communications programs, with the exception of promoting content and products to ABC audiences and broadcasting community service announcements (see answer to question on notice 108).
The ABC is presently running promotions to encourage its audience to contribute to the Government’s review into public broadcasting and a general information campaign on how to receive digital TV. Such promotions are produced in-house at a negligible cost.
The Corporation is also broadcasting promotions about the Freeview digital offer in 2009. The Freeview announcement is supplied to the ABC by Freeview Australia Limited.
The Corporation placed public notices in metropolitan papers in November 2008, inviting the public to contribute to the Review of the ABC’s Self Regulation Framework (see question on notice 105). The closing date for submissions is 23 December 2008. The total cost has been quoted as $27,029.34.
Question: 104
Topic: FOI requests
Senator Birmingham asked:
Has the ABC received any advice on how to respond to FOI requests?
How many FOI requests has the ABC received?
How many have been granted or denied?
How many conclusive certificates have been issued in relation to FOI requests?
Answer:
The ABC has not received any advice on how to respond to FOI requests.
Since May 2008, the ABC has received four FOI requests.
Three have been refused, one has been granted in part.
There have been no conclusive certificates issued.
Question: 105
Topic: Reviews
Senator Birmingham asked:
How many Reviews are currently being undertaken in the ABC?
When will each of these reviews be concluded?
Which Reviews have been completed since Budget Estimates?
When will the Government be responding to the respective reviews that have been completed?
Answer:
The ABC regularly reviews its programming schedules and operational efficiency across the organisation. This is part of normal management and business practice, and is independent of the Government.
A review of public broadcasting in Australia is currently under way. The Government released a Discussion Paper ABC and SBS: Towards a Digital Future in mid-October, with public submissions closing on 12 December 2008.
At times, the ABC conducts reviews where the Corporation invites responses by experts or the general public. In July 2008, the Corporation published “Sources and Conflicts: Review of the adequacy of ABC Editorial Policies relating to source protection and to the reporting by journalists of events in which they are participants”. The Review of the ABC Self Regulation Framework is currently being conducted and is expected to be completed by February 2009.
Question: 106
Topic: Non-government revenue
Senator Birmingham asked:
Has the ABC compared its sources of non-government revenue with those of other public broadcasters around the world?
Are reports that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) generates more than 15 per cent from commercial ventures, compared with just 2 per cent for the ABC, accurate?
If such disparity in revenue streams exists, in what areas do other public broadcasters – particularly the BBC – pursue commercial ventures beyond those of the BBC?
Answer:
The media reports referred to in the question were not accurate. They compared a gross commercial revenue figure for the BBC with a net commercial revenue (profit) figure for the ABC. Clearly this is not a valid comparison.
On a more like-for-like comparison the BBC returns 1% profit to revenue from its commercial operations (commercial profit divided by total revenue) and the ABC returns 1.6% profit to revenue (commercial profit divided by total revenue).
Question: 107
Topic: Program changes
Senator Birmingham asked:
What changes to the process of programming changes, including to the associated communication strategy with staff and audience, will be made, following the concerns recently expressed at the decision to discontinue the Religion Report and other Radio National programs?
Answer:
The ABC will continue to improve its communication strategies that accompany changes to network schedules.
Question: 108
Topic: Free-to-air Community Announcements
Senator Fierravanti-Wells asked:
Please provide details of what free to air time on both TV and radio that the ABC dedicates to ‘community’ announcements including, if possible, the frequency and nature of such announcements.
Answer:
There is no specific dedication of time to Community Service Announcements (CSAs) on ABC Radio or Television. CSAs are assessed and broadcast in accordance with Section 14 of the Editorial Policies.
The frequency and rotation of CSAs differs widely and depends on the nature of the CSA. Delivery may be as pre-recorded CSAs or live presenter reads, which are commonly used across Local Radio.
In September 2008, approximately 3500 pre-recorded CSAs were broadcast across the 60 Local Radio stations. These ranged from specific campaigns such as the Walk to Work, Depression Awareness, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness and Anti-Drink Driving Campaigns, to weather and disaster alerts and information, bushfire awareness and preparedness and charity fundraisers eg for the MS society.
The frequency of CSAs on ABC TV also varies, depending on technical implications, classification and regional limitations, and the nature of the particular campaign. In October 2008, 13 different organisations had CSAs played on ABC TV on 56 different occasions. They ranged from CSAs submitted by the Heart Foundation, the International Red Cross, Rotary and Arthristis Australia to the Poppy Day Appeal.
Question: 110
Topic: Religious Report
Senator Fierravanti-Wells asked:
In relation to the decision by the ABC to cut the Religious Report, please provide an explanation as to the background for this occurring including:
· who made the decision to axe the program
· when was such a decision made
· was this matter considered by the ABC Board prior to the decision to axe the program
Answer:
The decision to make changes to the 2009 Radio National schedule was made by Radio National management in consultation with the Head of National Radio Networks and Director of Radio.
The decision was made in October after consultation with staff in Radio National.
The matter was not submitted to the ABC Board for consideration. Changes to the schedule mix are a management responsibility.
Question: 111
Topic: Legal costs
Senator Fierravanti-Wells asked:
What is the current budgeted amount for legal costs? Please provide details as to the basis and procedures undertaken in assessing the likely legal budget required.
Answer:
The budgeted amount for legal costs for 2008/09 is $2.12 million. Prior to the commencement of the financial year, input from various divisions of the ABC is sought in relation to anticipated needs for legal services for the relevant year. In addition, the ABC considers historical legal costs and current and anticipated litigation levels.
Question: 112
Topic: Legal costs
Senator Fierravanti-Wells asked:
What contingent liabilities does the ABC have regarding legal matters?
Answer:
In the normal course of activities, claims for damages and other recoveries have been lodged against the ABC. The ABC has disclaimed liability and is actively defending these actions. It is not possible to estimate the amount of any eventual payments which may be required in relation to these claims.
Question: 115
Topic: Funding from Radio National culling
Senator Ludlam asked:
Is the funding from culling Radio National’s excellent innovative programming being reallocated to online programme needs?
Answer:
There has been no ‘cull’ of Radio National’s specialist or innovative programming. The changes to the line-up will enable reallocation of four positions to strengthen Radio National’s online production.
Question: 116
Topic: TV studios automation
Senator Ludlam asked:
How will the automation of TV studios affect program-making?
Answer:
Studio automation means that programs can be made more efficiently
Studio automation will not affect the quality of program-making.
Question: 117
Topic: In-house TV production
Senator Ludlam asked:
How much in-house TV documentary production is undertaken at the ABC?
Answer:
Since 2004/05, the ABC has produced around 34 documentary television hours a year in-house.
Question: 118
Topic: In-house TV production
Senator Ludlam asked:
How much in-house TV drama production is undertaken at the ABC?
Answer:
The ABC does not produce any drama in-house.
Question: 119
Topic: Triennal funding
Senator Ludlam asked:
What is the monetary value of ABC funding in the Triennial funding request?
Answer:
The ABC is currently discussing its triennial funding submission with the Government, and details of specific policy proposals are confidential.
Question 120
Topic: Radio National axing
Senator Ludlam asked:
Can you describe how the decisions were made to axe the radio national programmes which were announced last week?
Answer:
The changes to the Radio National broadcast schedule in 2009 were made following consultation within the Radio National network and taking into account audience feedback and use of Radio National content on both radio and online.
Question 121
Topic: Radio National axing
Senator Ludlam asked:
Clearly ABC Radio National wants to develop its online profile – but would you agree that you have cut many of the distinctive programs that draw the online audience [for podcasts and transcripts] in the first place?
Answer:
No. Download data indicates that the programs that have been cut in the change to the programming mix draw a relatively low online audience.
Question 122
Topic: Radio National axing
Senator Ludlam asked:
The ABC constantly refers to Radio National as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of public broadcasting. Has the ABC made the case to the Government for a substantial boost in funding so that specialty programming does not need to be cut in order to increase the online profile of the ABC?
Answer:
The ABC has submitted its Triennial Funding bid which includes funding for Radio National.
Question: 123
Topic: Outsourcing
Senator Ludlam asked:
Can you provide us with an overview of how you are approaching the outsourcing of production at the ABC?
Answer:
The ABC commissions projects internally or in partnership with Screen Australia and independent filmmakers on the basis of the most cost-efficient and effective production. These arrangements allow the ABC to maximise the amount of content it can deliver to audiences from available funds. All production, internal and co-production, must be produced to the ABC’s editorial and legal standards.
Question: 124
Topic: Outsourcing
Senator Ludlam asked:
Which program genres are most affected by outsourcing policies?
Answer:
Decisions about outsourcing are made on the basis of efficient production and leverage of the ABC’s investment. Certain TV genres, primarily documentaries and drama, are not able to be fully produced in-house. Most other genres are produced as both internal and independently commissioned slates.
Question: 125
Topic: Outsourcing
Senator Ludlam asked:
How will jobs cuts of 35 people impact on in-house ABC TV production given the level of experience and skills of the people leaving? Will the same level of output and the same innovation be expected with 35 less staff?
Answer:
There will be no adverse impact on internal production. Following a review, the ABC has improved its production processes and expects to maintain the same level of output and quality of programming.
Question: 126
Topic: Advertising
Senator Ludlam asked:
The ABC’s non-commercial nature is an important component of the respect it has earned as a truly independent voice. There has been speculation about the ABC considering advertising. Can you outline the state of this policy within the ABC?
Answer:
Under Section 31 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, the Corporation is not permitted to broadcast advertisements on its domestic radio and television services. The ABC has no plans to allow advertising on abc.net.au sites.
Question: 127
Topic: Website advertising
Senator Ludlam asked:
How many contracts have been signed with host websites where advertising will be wrapped around ABC content?
Answer:
ABC Commercial has a total of 24 contracts with host websites where advertising is adjacent to ABC content.
Question: 128
Topic: Website advertising
Senator Ludlam asked:
What advertising revenues will be gained from these contracts?
Answer:
Of the revenue derived from these 24 contracts, 5% is from a share of advertising revenue.
Question: 129
Topic: Advertising revenue
Senator Ludlam asked:
How important is advertising revenue to the ABC now, in the context of the Corporation’s overall budget?
Answer:
The ABC does not broadcast advertisements on its domestic radio and television services or carry advertising on abc.net.au. Advertising revenue from Australia Network and ABC Commercial comprises less than 0.1% of total ABC income in 2007-08.
Question: 130
Topic: Religion Programming
Senator Ludlam asked:
I refer to the recent decision to cut nine specialty programmes from the Radio National schedule. ABC’s Managing Director Mr Scott has announced that there will be more religion than ever on the ABC next year including on ABC-TV in prime time. Can you define what this means, and whether these religion programs will be made by the 60-year-old specialist religion department?
Answer:
Religion remains a cornerstone of ABC Radio National’s output which will continue to feature 2.5 hours of religious content on radio weekly, complemented by other religious output on ABC Radio. While The Religion Report has been discontinued, a number of other programs will continue to be produced by the ABC’s religious radio unit including The Spirit of Things, the award-winning Encounter program and The Rhythm Divine, all broadcast on Radio National; For the God Who Sings on ABC Classic FM and John Cleary’s Sunday Night program on ABC Local Radio. These are all produced by the ABC’s religious unit.
Religion programming also features on ABC TV, including Songs of Praise and Compass, the only prime time television program dedicated to religion and spirituality screened by any Australian TV network.
Question: 131
Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:
Can you outline where the directive to cut the specialist programs came from?
Answer:
The decision to make changes to the Radio National schedule in 2009 was made by Radio National management in consultation with network staff.
Question: 132
Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:
Was the Managing Director consulted before this decision was taken?
Answer:
Yes.
Question: 133
Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:
Was the ABC Board consulted before this decision was taken?
Answer:
No. Programming decisions are a management responsibility.
Question: 134
Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:
How would you describe the response from the public to news that TRR has been axed?
Have you been moved to reconsider the decision to axe TRR?
Answer:
The response has been mixed. The major concern has been a perceived reduction in specialist content on Radio National, which is not the case.
No.
