Most citizens of Australia currently have access to two national broadcasters that inform, educate and entertain through free to air TV, radio and online.
There are few countries in the world that have access to such high quality networks as hallmarks of a vibrant democracy.
As the federal treasurer prepares his budget, supporters of our national broadcasters ABC and SBS are increasingly nervous about possible cut-backs to these important public institutions.
If projected cut-backs take place we can imagine a media landscape in Australia where there is no balanced or serious analysis of public policy, religion, science and the arts, where there is no significant coverage of women’s sports, no focus on children’s programs or classical music and no opportunity to view quality programs without commercial interruption or influence.
Tweed residents who feel that the ABC and SBS provide a vital service to the Australian community, can show their support at a public meeting to be held on Sunday 9 March at the Wedgetail Retreat, 12 Wedgetail Court, Dulguigan from 3.30pm-5.30pm. RSVP Sandy Copley [email protected]
Neville Jennings, Murwillumbah
Tony Abbott works on the premise that a fearful and uninformed population is able to be easily persuaded towards docility. He is relentless in his pursuit of the Orwellian model of media control. in evidence, the last bastion of free speech, the public broadcasters (the ABC and SBS), is under attack from the biggest weapon he has at his disposal, funding withdrawal. The threat alone has already affected the behavior of some journalists at the ABC, choosing to prove that they ARE playing for the “home team” with their soft approach to the coalition while constantly nit picking at the left.