Hundreds rally to save the unique voice of public broadcasters

By Sophie Trigger.

Proposed cuts to the ABC and SBS could see many language specific programs cut from local radio in culturally diverse areas.
Federal member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, states that the coalition’s cuts of $500 million will reduce many of the programs enjoyed by residents of inner-western suburbs.
“Sydney is a diverse, multicultural city, which is why SBS is so important,” said a spokesperson for Anthony Albanese.
“In the Inner West, language specific programs link people to their community. These programs help people, particularly the elderly and those with English as a second language, connect to the world around them.”
According to ABC’s Media Watch, the cuts will result in Friday’s state-based 7:30 program being axed, as well as cut backs to Lateline, ABC radio, the coverage of womens sport, and the loss of over 400 jobs – representing 10% of the workforce.
Manager Mark Scott confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government will be cutting $254 million from the ABC budget over five years, resulting in the loss of many local and regional programs.
A protest of several hundred was held at Town Hall on Saturday (22 November) to object the proposed cuts to the ABC and SBS.
Speaker and host of 7.30 NSW, Quentin Dempster touched on the issue of multiculturalism with regards to ABC cuts.
“In an age of fear and terror, Australia needs SBS as a counter measure, delivering a sense of inclusion through other lingual services to our rapidly increasing migrant population,” Mr Dempster said to the crowd.
Get Up activist Sue Lubbers, from Killara, told City Hub about the influence that the ABC has had on her life.
“The ABC is stitched up into my soul,” said Ms Lubbers, 60.
“I’ve grown up with it, my family have grown up with it, my kids have grown up with it … I think it’s one of the very few civil society organizations left in Australia.”
Sue is also troubled that the loss of language specific programs represents a loss of cultural diversity and awareness in Australia.
“I am very concerned about this attack on multiculturalism, overt and covert racism which is what attacks on language programs represent,” she said.
Australian actress Di Smith, who was a candidate for Malcolm Turnbull’s seat of Wentworth in last year’s federal election, also expressed her deep concern for the ABC.
“The national broadcaster is the voice of our nation,” she said.
“Everyone loves the ABC. We need to keep it. What kind of a country would we become if we can’t speak?”
Former Playschool presenter Benita Collings, from Sydney, is hopeful that the national protest will prompt some reversal of these decisions.
“I would love to think that many, many voices around the country would be strong enough to send a good message, and that’s why we’re here today,” said Ms Collings.
Saturday’s protest launched the ‘Our Stories, our future, our ABC’ campaign, a movement established by the Community and Public Sector Union, and the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.
As a part of this National Week of Action – which ran from November 18 – 25, rallies will be held in all capital cities and many regional areas across the country.