ABC: “The world is weary from a global pandemic and craving positivity”

ABC once had a programming strategy under Kim Dalton of “no formats” but in more recent years under former TV bosses David Anderson, Michael Carrington, and their acting successor Jennifer Collins, there have been quite a few successes.

These include Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, War on Waste and Back in Time for Dinner in particular. ABC has also developed its own formats with Love on the Spectrum and You Can’t Ask That.

Collins has told World Screen “It’s a win for public broadcasting if we can reach broad audiences through these series while addressing challenging subjects like aged care, the environment, racism and marginalized communities.”

Asked about ABC’s entertainment strategy at present she continued…

“When assessing international formats, we interrogate the idea based on the following strategic questions: Does the format look at a subject that a broad range of Australians can identify with and engage with? Does the format speak to diversity and inclusion on- and offscreen? Does the format offer solutions to problems that may be in society? (Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, War on Waste, The School That Tried to End Racism.) The world is weary from a global pandemic and craving positivity: Does the idea have warmth, heart and provide hope? Is it returnable across multiple series? Will it drive audiences to iview? From narrative and creative execution perspectives, does the idea reveal our world in surprising ways? Can it kickstart a national conversation? How original is it? It needs to be more than a fascinating topic. If it isn’t served up in an accessible and interesting way, commissioners won’t get hooked and nor will audiences. Can the idea be made bigger by utilizing the ABC’s various channels (across radio, news, digital, television, etc.). How does the show use digital platforms to find new audiences and extend their reach? Every show we commission must convincingly answer the question ‘why now?'”

With the pandemic ABC has seen seen an increase in demand for “deep, heartfelt content” such as Love on the Spectrum and Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and remains focussed on prime-time series for 8 p.m. (half-hour duration) and also 8:30 p.m. (one-hour duration).

ABC is currently seeking “innovative ideas that offer audiences a unique way into specialist subjects (arts, history, science) without relying on soft competition. Also, entertaining and inclusive storytelling in the disability space.”

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