[Greens-Media] Greens condemn Radio National cuts

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 15 October 2008

Radio National program cuts hurt ABC's reputation

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the decision to remove eight specialist programs from ABC Radio National is another blow to informed public debate and quality journalism.

"In a world of media blancmange the removal of eight, quality specialist programs from the ABC's Radio National is particularly damaging," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Successive governments have bled the ABC of funding and now management is hauling down these flagship programs that are a tribute to what makes the ABC great. 

"ABC Radio management is bent on McDonalds type programming which is cheap and popular, but not necessarily good for our health.

"While the web age is upon us, the diversion of resources to online content will rob the community of programs that have enriched life in Australia for decades.

"Cutting the Religion Report, the Media Report, the Sports Factor, the Ark, Perspective, In Conversation, Radio Eye and Street Stories will decimate programming at Radio National.

"It follows the canning of other specialist Radio National programs on women and the environment. 

"Where will this trend stop? Will the Law Report and the Science Show be next?

"Lightweight, generalist programs are stock in trade in the media world today and Radio National is treasured for providing something different.

"If listeners want more general programming all they have to do is turn the dial because there is plenty out there.  

"These cuts take a knife to quality, investigate journalism and the Greens join with concerned community members in condemning them.

"This is a major downgrading of the ABC and management now has a fight on their hands from those outraged at the moves," Ms Rhiannon said. 
 

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au