Recommendations
Advertising
Recommendation R1/2/06 - Director of Corporate Strategy and Communications
The Advisory Council has received overwhelming community feedback from across Australia, that people do not want commercial advertising on their ABC. We note that whilst there is no current intention to introduce advertising there is a widespread misconception that it is on the agenda. People are irritated by advertising and feel that by introducing it the ABC would compromise its point of differentiation from other channels, and would irreparably damage its integrity.
Chasers War on Everything
Recommendation R2/2/06 - Director of Television
As a large part of the audience for the Chaser's War on Everything is young people. The Friday night timeslot does not work for them. Council recommends that an earlier night in the week might be better.
Perhaps a look at providing the program by video on demand might be useful.
7.30 Report
Recommendation R3/2/06 - Director of News and Current Affairs
The Advisory Council commends the 7.30 Report particularly the way the weekly political scene in Canberra is presented. So as to give greater authority to the program, Council recommends that when State issues which attract a national interest are being examined Council encourages a focus on local expertise and knowledge, by the use of presenters with more expertise in local areas.
Diversity
Recommendation R4/2/06 - Director of Television and Director of Radio
As discussed at the last Council meeting Council recommends a program that profiles a range of ordinary Australians as they go about their everyday lives. This could offer interesting insights and understanding into different vocations and cultures and help people better understand some of the customs and practices of minorities.
Spicks and Specks
Recommendation R5/2/06 - Director of Television
As a result of its youth consultations the Advisory Council found that young people appreciate Spicks and Specks but would find it more relevant if it included some reflection of a younger teen to late teenage age group in the choice of music and questions
Young Musicians
Recommendation R6/2/06 - Director of Television and Director of New Media
Music is an important and integral part of human existence, and it is important that the youth of Australia grow to have a good appreciation of it. Although in many states education in, and exposure to, music, is prioritised by educational authorities, in other states music is not being given the priority it requires, especially in government schools.
The ABC has recognised and is addressing this need already in its Flame Awards program, run by Classic FM. Council commends this program and is of the view that the ABC is well-placed to take it to the next level in TV format. As the ABC is the "arts broadcaster", Council recommends that a new production be made about talented young musicians (eg. singers, violinists, guitarists, drummers) and choral and instrumental/band groups in the 8-14 year age group from around the country.
It is suggested that the program would focus on the music itself as well as the person and what inspired them, and could take the form of 5-10 minute stand-alone segments on a particular musician or group, and would be shown during children's afternoon viewing time. It would not be necessary that the youth subjects of the segments be prodigies; merely that they are talented, committed and inspired in what they do.
Such a program would be especially useful for children from regional areas, and would serve to give them ideas and inspire them to ask for music lessons and become musicians themselves. Whilst privacy may be an issue, Council does not anticipate that it would be difficult for the ABC to find parents who would consent to their children being shown on TV.
It is also noted that the segments could be compiled and sold on DVD and/or made available as podcasts on ABC Online.
Such a program could either focus on music, as Council recommends, or could alternatively be made broader so as to include young Australians with talent in various areas of human endeavour.
Commendations
AM
The Advisory Council again commends AM for its consistently high standard of radio current affairs coverage.
One Night Stand
The Advisory Council commends Triple J on One Night Stand - it reinforces the emphasis of the ABC in communities and empowering youth in regional and rural areas.
The Conversation Hour
The Advisory Council commends Richard Fidler for his good interviewing techniques and presentation of The Conversation Hour.
Lateline
The Advisory Council commends Lateline for its coverage and currently breaking stories such as those in Northern Australia. Its actions in highlighting the issue.
Station Idents
The Advisory Council commends the latest series of television station idents. They are clever and artistic.
Catalyst
The Advisory Council commends Catalyst for its recent series The Battle of the Brains. This made interesting and intriguing viewing.
Foreign Correspondent - Another Sun
The Advisory Council is pleased to see this series, particularly following up on several recommendations for a program showing Australians living abroad. This program was interesting and stimulating.
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