Alan Shanks
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I wish to respond to two issues:
1. What is the role of the ABC in promoting Australia's cultural identity?
I feel as a public broadcaster the ABC has a significant role to play in promoting our cultural identity. In fact, I feel that overall the ABC fulfills this role fairly well. However, I am very concerned at the erosion of expertise in specialist areas of ABC programming. A recent example is the cutting of two significant religion programs - the Ark and The Religion Report (Radio National). Programs such as these play an important role in promoting our understanding of important issues of history, culture and faith within our community. In an age where people increasingly lean on uncertain information sources such as online encyclopedias for specialist knowledge, having radio programs produced by experts - under quality control guidelines - where a lay listener can follow up on topic areas of interest week after week must be seen as a valuable input into society. I realise that some of these programs may have a very strong following, but the role they play in passively linking listeners with specialist interests should not be underrated. Just knowing that there are others out there that want to hear about (for instance) medieval mystics (a topic known to The Ark) makes me feel more connected with Australian society. Media should reflect a mosaic of interests - in this way there is a greater chance for serendipitous experiences that may open new doors! It is in this mosaic of programming that the ABC make their greatest contribution to promoting Australian cultural identities (yes, I do use this in the plural form).
2. What role should the ABC play in provision of children's content and should there be a separate children's channel?
The ABC has a duty to provide commercial free children's programming that is built around quality content for children. There needs to be a moderate level of Australian content, but it is good for kids to see shows from Iceland, UK, Canada, USA etc too. For instance, the conversations I have had with my daughter about Iceland (where the children's show Lazy Town is produced) has led to discussions about Norse culture, volcanos, climate, and language. As a 4 yo she has fond this really stimulating. Is this not a terrific outcome form international children's programming.
With regard to the issue of a separate channel - I am of two minds. It would allow more programming, but the potential for putting material on regular rotation is a down side. Kids enjoy seeing a show that they have not seen for months. Further, having to fill and entire channel with kids shows on a tight pubic broadcaster's budget could result in a lowering of quality. Further, I also tend to think there is a concern with compartmentalizing media in this manner. It is good for kids to see their programming as a part of a wider world. Not just a space in isolation of the rest of the culture. Unlike some viewers I thought it was good that the children's show 'In the Night Garden' (9-9:30 am) was interrupted by a news-flash when Malcolm Turnbull challenged for Leader of the Opposition. Again the conversation we had about that was helpful - and we still go to see Iggle Piggle go to sleep once programming returned! It is also good for adults to remember that there are times when kids deserve the ABC to themselves! Media should reflect a mosaic of interests - in this way there is a greater chance for serendipitous experiences that may open new doors!
It is in this mosaic of programming that the ABC make their greatest contribution to promoting Australian cultural identities (yes, I do use this in the plural form).
Thanks for the opportunity to submit my views
ALS
