Should the ABC receive a tax levi to maintain independence!
by taimorh 2:17pm, 23 November 2007
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The ABC as it is now is a government service. Yet we all talk about it as if it is an independent body- the realit it is not. Debates in recent years, funding issues and questions over board composition have highlighted this issue.
The BBC in the UK recives a mandated levy from every citizen which ensures it's independence from governments. The PBS in the US is supported completely by subscription and then sponsorship.
Should we not establish a tax levy that goes directly to the ABC to esnures its independe and sepration from government?
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ballotsmith
Nov 23, 2007 03:33pm
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Get rid of the parties and the ABC will be supported by parliament - no problem.
matt
Nov 23, 2007 04:18pm
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I think an independently funded ABC is an excellent idea. Just as the reserve bank has been taken out of politics to preserve our economy so the ABC shoul be given independence to preserve our freedom of speech and expression.
fullobeans
Nov 23, 2007 08:33pm
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We elect a government to run things I think they should run the ABC too. Otherwise the national broascaster will be taken over by the left wing politically correct loonies that staff it.
greenade
Nov 25, 2007 11:19am
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you mean, instead of being run by the politically incorrect "normal" people who would like even more control of it?
monty123
Nov 25, 2007 05:23pm
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Yes I think that's exactly what he means! Of course he might change his mind now that we have a different colour government!
greenade
Nov 25, 2007 06:15pm
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Yes! :) the ABC should never be a propaganda machine for any political party (especially one that is in power!!), but should be run by the people, for the people. It certainly should never have the ABC "Top Dog" put in place by the ruling political party of the time. That the ABC has managed to keep some semblance of "independence" in light of the past few years of Howard fiddling is amazing. It has changed though, and I would like to see it become more independent again. Arts and culture play an important role in society. Oh yeah, and Peter Cundle RULES on Gardening Australia!! ;)
But whatever happened to Geoffrey Robertson's "Hypothetical". Thats the kind of show I adore.
monty123
Nov 28, 2007 08:47am
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The one I really hate is 'Difference of opinion' because it is so 'lite' and never really seems to get to the heart of issues. It is just an opportunity for a bunch of people to spin their positions. (Sorry I know that is totally irrelevant)
starmat
Jan 02, 2008 08:43pm
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As as a staunch radio national listener for nearly two decades and at least another decade plus on local ABC radio for my daytimelistenig plus my evening ABC tv,(also includes massive chunks of SBS),I have never really noticed any significant bias to any major political at anytime despite the occasional mouthoffs by some poloticians to the contrary.I disagree with monty on "Difference of opinion" being a "bad?"show. I do agree that some times the topics can be quite "lite".However lets give credit to the program's title.It does after all put on our screens a "bunch" of people who are prepared to get out one night and share an opinion pubicly and in turn allow us viewers to become armchair table bangers!
alan
Nov 29, 2007 08:45am
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The ABC, like other large agencies (or organisations to deliver services in the interest of citizens) will always be vulnerable to being reined in, should their behaviour upset government interests, as long as any subsidy comes from Treasury. And the level of independance of the ABC will only be as good as the design and implementation of editoral policy.