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Melbourne throws arms around ABC, SBS.

Another 2000 people turn out to protest govt. funding cuts as ABC staff prepare for grim news today.

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2014-11-23_2353Around 2000 people turned out for the Melbourne protest against ABC funding cuts yesterday, following a similar rally in Sydney on Saturday.

Supporters, staff and Friends of ABC held placards at Federation Square declaring “SOS ABC,” “Daddy why can’t the bananas afford pyjamas?” and “Save the ABC from the LNP vandals.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told the crowd, “When we hear the ABC signature theme, we know a guarantee of trust, radio and television, on the hour and every evening.

“Over the years, much has changed in Australian life but the work of our ABC continues to be as important as it has ever been.

“We are in a fight to support the ABC in every city and every town, in every street and every house.”

Comedian Corrine Grant said, “The ABC and SBS celebrate our diversity and entertain and educate our children, thrill us and inform us, and most importantly speak to us without fear or favour.

“This government is trying to diminish the ability of its citizens to be truly informed by an independent and free media.

“Hands off our ABC.”

Greens MP Adam Bandt said, “It is in the public interest that we have a public broadcaster that will reflect the true spirit of Australia and will hold politicians true invested interests to account.

“Tony Abbott if you want to relieve the pressure you’re under the answer is as simple as A.B.C. – abide by commitments.”

Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance federal secretary Chris Warren and national president of the Community and Public Sector Union Michael Tull also spoke.

Current and former state premiers have also begun pledging support for Stateline editions of 7:30, which are expected to be cut.

The campaign moves to Canberra tomorrow.

Source: ABC, Fairfax

2 Responses

  1. Bananas was axed ages ago because the ABC has enough episodes to run forever.

    On the hour, except that TV is scheduled on the half hour and the ABC staggers is Sunday night lineup so its Sunday night show starts at 8:41pm.

    One gets the feeling that most of these people don’t actually watch TV.

  2. Abc are incredibly important to keep as they produce some excellent drama and documentaries for future generations and the program’s rate considerably well not ratings winners but ok considering.

    Other media outlets have had to cut back and the abc only have to cut back by 5%. It is not much and should be able to be achieved by working more efficiently. And then there are areas like in radio that could be severally cut back that have a very very small audience.

    We are living in 2015. 5% is not a big ask and if a few jobs have to go….they have to go…. If it means the place is more efficient.

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