25 September 2023

ABC unpacks facts to protect its role

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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has published a “fact pack” on the role of public broadcasting in a mixed-media market.

The move comes as an independent panel inquires into whether the ABC and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) are operating according to competitive neutrality principles.

The ABC said the terms of reference for the inquiry were broad and raised questions about the role of the broadcaster, its presence in the digital sphere and its impact on Australia’s commercial media sector.

“The ABC is confident that it complies with the Government’s competitive neutrality principles in all its activities and we have created a fact pack for interested members of the public outlining the role of independent public broadcasting in a mixed public/private media market,” the ABC said.

“The ABC is preparing a submission for the inquiry. Submissions close on 22 June.”

It said the fact pack shows that Australian media has always been characterised by a mix of publicly funded broadcasters and commercial media operators.

It said that in recent years, the media sector had experienced disruptive change resulting in challenges for traditional media companies, including the ABC.

“It has also expanded choice for audiences, and made it more important than ever to provide original Australian content and independent Australian journalism in a crowded market.

“The ABC’s role remains to deliver on its Charter.”

The ABC said that that meant providing innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services, and digital media services.

The fact pack can be accessed at this PS News link.

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