Phone 4342 2070 Fax 4342 2071

2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

ABC Friends hold stall

 

The Central Coast branch of the Friends of the ABC (FABC) will participate in Australia Day festivities at Woy Woy.

The branch, whose membership rose rapidly in the lead-up to the federal election, will run a stall at the waterfront.

The stall will provide information about the contributions the ABC has made and is making to Australia's cultural life, entertainment and education.

"The FABC are staunch defenders of the ABC as an independent public broadcaster," according to media officer Mr Klaas Woldring.

"The organisation has been fiercely critical of inroads made by Government policies on the independence of the ABC, in particular the reduction to its funding and the removal of scores of experienced staff over the last 18 months by the previous MD," he said.

"The branch held several successful functions in Gosford late last year to alert the general public to the ABC's severe problems.

"Although the managing director Jonathan Shier has now been removed, the question of funding and political appointments on the ABC Board remain major threats to that independence.

"The branch will continue to be active on the Central Coast in the coming year to monitor performance."

Anyone wishing to assist with the stall should contact Harry Boyle at 4341 1070.

Media release, January 10