The Friends of the ABC has written to ABC Chairman Donald McDonald about plans to establish an “International Broadcasting Division” which will combine its international TV service with Radio Australia.

ABC Friends is concerned that the new Division may compromise Radio Australia’s independence and resources. The letter reads:

Dear Donald,

Re: Radio Australia – ABC International Broadcasting Division

Friends of the ABC read with interest… the ABC’s decision to establish an International Broadcasting Division which will bring together under a single management structure Radio Australia and the ABC Asia Pacific television service, with both retaining separate identities and individual editorial obligations.

FABC welcomes formal recognition by the ABC of the importance of its international broadcasting activities, and is pleased that Radio Australia will no longer be seen as a mere addendum to the domestic radio services of the ABC. We also recognize that there are likely to be advantages in a closer relationship an International Broadcasting Division could bring about between the ABC’s international television and radio services.

Nevertheless, FABC has two major concerns about the possible negative impact on Radio Australia of any structure that links it more closely to the ABC Asia Pacific television service.

Respected across the world for its independence, Radio Australia has a long and credible history. FABC is worried that RA’s editorial independence could be undermined through its closer connection in the new International Broadcasting Division structure to the Asia Pacific service, which relies on funds from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and from commercial sources.

It would be unrealistic to think that political and commercial sources with the capacity (through the provision of funds to the television arm) would not attempt to influence both the television and radio services of the ABC’s International Broadcasting Division. Even in the event that RA does not yield to such pressure, RA’s reputation may be tainted by a perception that the ABC’s International Broadcasting Division is linked to commercial and political forces.

FABC is also anxious to see that RA’s new relationship to the Asia Pacific television service does not weaken Radio Australia’s role and resources. We are concerned to ensure that, as often occurs, radio is not treated as the poor cousin of television. This factor is pertinent in the provision of services to the Asia Pacific region. People with a capacity to influence Australian policy (including senior overseas DFAT staff) will have access and are therefore likely to have a stronger interest in promoting television, despite radio having the potential to reach a far greater number of people in our region, and at a significantly lower cost.

The spirit and intention of the ABC Act is that ABC services be independent – free from commercial and political influence. FABC urges the Board to seek a level of triennial funding and access to transmission which will enable the ABC to provide independent, quality international broadcasting services. In the meantime, we would appreciate being informed specifically how RA’s editorial independence will be protected, and its role and resources enhanced, and not diminished, under the new structure.

Yours sincerely, Terry Laidler, President