Media Statement - 5th February 2006
The public release of the ABC's Triennial Funding Submission 2006-09
proves what we have known for a number of years: namely, that chronic
and sustained under-funding of the ABC by the Howard Government has
significantly impacted on the amount of locally produced drama
commissioned by the public broadcaster.
Recent figures show a staggering decline in locally produced drama on
the ABC from 100 hours in 2001 to just 20 hours last year. Clearly this
has resulted in the ABC's request for a further $38.4 million, $20
million of which would be used to make an extra 57 hours a year of home
grown drama, documentaries, children's and arts programming.
The Government has an obligation to adequately fund our national
broadcaster to fulfil its role as an innovative producer of creative
output. As well, the ABC has always acted as an incubator for talent.
For example, between 1988 and 1993, of the filmmakers who had been in
the industry for over a decade and nominated for Australian Film
Institute awards, nearly a third had trained at the ABC.
With commercial networks reporting difficulty in achieving popular
success with locally produced drama - a vital role that the ABC has
traditionally fulfilled - the Government's funding decisions in respect
of the ABC must take into account the critical importance of creating
and presenting new Australian stories.
Under its Charter, the ABC has a responsibility 'to encourage and
promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia'.
This is simply impossible for the national broadcaster without adequate
funding. The spotlight is now on the Government to ensure this happens
and, given that we are awaiting the release of the ABC Funding Adequacy
and Efficiency Review, Minister Kemp needs to make his view plain as
the future of locally produced drama is at stake.