In a interview on ABC RN Breakfast this week, former ABC Chair Ita Buttrose talked about journalism and the ABC with Patricia Karvelas.
After chatting about the need for older people to look after their health as part of a campaign she is championing, Ita then answered questions about the ABC.
“The challenge facing the ABC has always been there… how do you reach the audience effectively and give them what they want.”
“I think you’re all too sensitive about Newscorp. It doesn’t really matter… I used to have big arguments with Kerry Packer about the role of the ABC and NewsCorp shares that same [negative] view. If the ABC cant take that criticism it should give up… it doesn’t matter don’t keep worrying about what they say, just keep doing your own job, you know what you have to do, so do it.”
As audiences move to digital audio, video and text platforms the transition to digital was also identified the big issue facing all broadcasters. “How will we help the audience make the transition from live to air to digital broadcasting which is happening as we speak… In a recent interview, Rupert Murdoch gave newspapers 10–15 years more life, I guess Rupert would know, but it seems very short to me,” she said.
Are you worried about the sustainability of a diverse media? asked Karvelas
“No, media has always grown and changed… The print journos at Nine have made an unwise decision to strike during the Olympics… this is a major investment for Nine’s advertisers.”
As you look at journalism do you think we are dealing with a generational divide?
“It’s a hard call isn’t it, younger people don’t seem to look to the news the way my generation did.”
Impartiality has always been something that critics of the ABC have raised. Now that you watch from a distance how do you feel about whether the ABC is delivering objectivity?
“Most of it is [impartial], but there are some areas where it isn’t. There is an unconscious bias, there’s no harm in presenting both sides of the argument. Give both sides of the story, it’s much better for the viewer and listener.”
Ita’s comments about Nine’s print journalists’ strike drew this criticism from the journalists’ union MEAA: “Ita Buttrose has no relevant role at the ABC any longer, and her comments are insulting to journalists who strive for accuracy and impartiality, as required by the MEAA code of ethics, every day.”