ABC FRIENDS HOLD FORUM TO SUPPORT EMBATTLED BROADCASTER

Eastern suburbs members of the Friends of the ABC have announced a public forum on the besieged national broadcaster to be held at Waverley Library Bondi Junction later this month.

Titled "ABC in Crisis" the forum will look at what expectations the community has of the broadcaster, the challenges it faces, and whether it can meet community expectations within its current funding.

President of the NSW Friends of the ABC, Gary Cook has welcomed the forum.

"It's a timely meeting" he says.

"Held when the ABC is yet again in crisis, particularly in regard to a lack of funding and continuing attacks on the ABC's independence."

Prominent journalist Quentin Dempster, President of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties Cameron Murphy and fair trade spokesperson Louise Southalan will address the forum which will be chaired by actor Tina Bursill.

The ABC has just announced cuts of over $26 million after failing to win extra funding in this year's federal budget. It has been the centre of allegations of bias by Communications Minister Richard Alston. There is also concern over the impact of the proposed US Free Trade Agreement on our public broadcaster.

The forum will take place from 1:30 to 4pm on Sunday 28 September, and will include a panel discussion. Tea and coffee will be available afterwards.

Contact: Alison Rahill, 0438 601 497

Links:

NSW Friends of the ABC

Friends of the ABC

ABC official website

Media Man Australia; ABC Profile

Media Man Australia: ABC online website review