JERAA supports the independence of Australia’s national broadcasters

By JERAA

November 10, 2023

The Association recently filed a submission with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts tor the review of options to support the independence of the national broadcasters, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Its key recommendations are:

• Acknowledgement in legislation that the provision of factual news and current affairs information to Australians is a human right, and that the ABC and SBS should be guaranteed appropriate funding to provide news and current affairs information that allows civil engagement of all citizens.
• Core government funding for Australian content for both ABC and SBS indexed and enshrined in legislation on a five-year cycle, with base funding to increase, at a minimum, in line with CPI increases.
• A mechanism that guarantees the base funding over the period, such that real funding cannot be reduced without legislative amendment.
• Acknowledgement that the ABC and SBS need a funding boost to fulfil their Charter responsibilities and to meet the future digital information needs of the country.
• Consideration of establishing an Independent Parliamentary Committee to review and recommend board appointments.

The Association’s full report can be downloaded here.