ABC Bias 2
Thursday, July 24, 2003
The ABC has been a left-wing love-in for many years, despite being funded by all taxpayers. The notion of a fair hearing from both sides of politics has not been realised.
This scandal has persisted because there are many ABC lovers who genuinely think it is balanced. The same problem of perception exists with the one-sided management. If all your friends are pink, pink looks neutral.
Here is a simple test. How does the name "John Howard" fare on the ABC affairs and chat? Either not at all or as a kind of a swear-word. Well folks, wakey-wakey, he was elected PM by "your" patrons.
There is only one way this problem can be solved. Two separate teams of programme managers are required, the ones they've got, and a pro-Liberal set. Let each choose their own topics, presenters and guests. Let the rival programmes pass remarks on each other if they wish.
Now that would be an enlightening service. Only a "two-party" management could fulfil the ABC charter requiring balance.
Philip O'Carroll