ABC Friends Bendigo

20/06/2024

ABC chair Kim Williams has said the public broadcaster should become a reimagined “National Campfire”, and foster a stronger sense of community togetherness.

29/05/2024

'Don't forget that ABC Friends, a grass roots organisation, was an influential voice at the 2022 election, helping elect candidates who championed the ABC. It can do this again in 2025.' - Quentin Dempster AM

We encourage you to read the following email from Quentin Dempster, Walkley award winning journalist and author, who worked at the ABC for 30 years as a renowned political and investigative reporter, TV current affairs presenter and interviewer.

24/05/2024

One of the nation's most influential and respected journalists, David Marr, will take over as host of ABC RN's Late Night Live until the end of the year, following the retirement of veteran presenter Phillip Adams after 33 years.

David Marr is a Walkley Award-winning journalist whose career has included editing The National Times and reporting at The Bulletin, Fairfax, The Guardian and the ABC. He has hosted Media Watch, worked as an investigative journalist at Four Corners, and presented arts programs.

David has built a career as one of the nation’s leading commentators on current affairs, culture, media and the law and will bring his signature quick wit to the task.

Of his new gig, David said, "I'm honoured and terrified. It's going to be a ball".

Phillip Adams' last broadcast with the program will be on June 27. Stay tuned for a special farewell to celebrate his RN legacy.

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTheAbc/posts/pfbid04WAaPwZtYhvwV3kqpfTEwEmjGCmpg69RUW2g8fnQ6R9WD3G3u4kFDksg2ZENxvTQl

One of the nation's most influential and respected journalists, David Marr, will take over as host of ABC RN's Late Night Live until the end of the year, following the retirement of veteran presenter Phillip Adams after 33 years.

David Marr is a Walkley Award-winning journalist whose career has included editing The National Times and reporting at The Bulletin, Fairfax, The Guardian and the ABC. He has hosted Media Watch, worked as an investigative journalist at Four Corners, and presented arts programs.

David has built a career as one of the nation’s leading commentators on current affairs, culture, media and the law and will bring his signature quick wit to the task.

Of his new gig, David said, "I'm honoured and terrified. It's going to be a ball".

Phillip Adams' last broadcast with the program will be on June 27. Stay tuned for a special farewell to celebrate his RN legacy.

24/05/2024

... Freedom of the Press ???

'One of the frustrating things about this job is knowing important information but sometimes being restrained from being able to tell you about it. In the age of suppression orders, defamation threats and other legal hurdles, this problem is unfortunately on the rise.' - Bevan Shields, The Sydney Morning Herald...

'On Tuesday, the perpetrator of a serious crime faced Children’s Court. Guilt was not the issue; the teen has already been sentenced. The hearing was about whether the Syney Morning Herald would be allowed to write about it.

'We were not asking to name the teen. That’s prohibited by law – a juvenile has a legal right to have their identity kept secret and their record wiped clean as they move into adulthood – and we take our obligations seriously.

'We just wanted to tell our readers what happened – what the teen did, the impact on those they hurt, and how they were punished. We know; we think it’s in the public interest for you to know, too.
'Journalists spend much of their time fighting for information, and navigating legal hurdles to publish it. It’s a frustrating part of the job that readers don’t see, particularly when we have to fight for information to which we should rightfully be allowed access.' - Jordan Baker, The Sydney Morning Herald

15/05/2024

'National broadcasters ABC and SBS are set to receive a combined $1.7 billion for the 2024/25 financial year, with $1.196 billion going to the ABC – up from $1.137 billion last financial year – and $348 million going to SBS, up from $334 million. The remaining gap will be used on transmission and distribution technology.'

'The ABC’s staffing levels will stay at 4,313 staff – remaining steady. SBS staff numbers will lift slightly from 1,352 people to 1,369.'

'The ABC is budgeting for an “operating deficit” of $1.9 million in 2024/25. SBS’ operating result for the same period is projected to be a $1.1 million surplus.'

Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered his 2024 Federal Budget on Tuesday, predicting a $9.3 billion surplus for the 2023/24 financial year.

14/05/2024

Crikey, the independent news and analysis source, is reporting that the number of people interacting with Sky News is falling rapidly.

Crikey’s media reporter, Daanyal Saeed, writes “Sky News Australia’s online influence is rapidly deteriorating. In March, Sky News Australia dropped out of the top 20 Australian news websites, according to Ipsos rankings, after peaking as high as 11th in May 2023.

Crikey, the independent news and analysis source, is reporting that the number of people interacting with Sky News is falling rapidly.

07/05/2024

"One wonders how the Australian mainstream media will react to the news that India, the so-called biggest democracy in the world, has thrown out ABC correspondent Avani Dias from the country.

"Dias was denied a visa after her program Sikhs, Spies and Murder: Investigating India’s alleged hit on foreign soil was aired on the ABC ‘s weekly Foreign Correspondent slot."

One wonders what MSM will now call Narendra Modi, the Hindu fundamentalist leader of India, often lauded as a great champion of democracy.

23/04/2024

‘WE WANT ABC CONTENT-MAKERS TO BE AS BRAVE AS THEY CAN BE’ - Gavin Fang, ABC Editorial Director

We believe passionately in the need for a fearless, well-funded and independent public broadcaster as a vital part of Australian democracy.

23/04/2024

"Kim Williams is a man of many surprises." - Marcus May

Like many others, my first reaction to the news of Kim Williams’ appointment as the new chair of the ABC, replacing Ita Buttrose, was ‘Oh No, another ex-Murdoch commercial media infiltrator!

13/04/2024

1.30pm, Sunday, 14 April - FREE concert
Rosalind Park

https://www.facebook.com/bendigobandsgroup/posts/pfbid0KyrFZAwtQhEoYWW3PJjhHsUfMq65TXH6QpjqZnYCuhNjo714Hvv5qB2vG9ZDBLSKl

TODAY!! (Sunday 14th)

The Victorian State Youth Brass Band are visiting Bendigo and are putting on a FREE pop up concert!

When: Sunday 14th April
Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo
Time: ~1:30pm
Cost: FREE!

Come on down to support the newest generation of musicians, and find out how you or your children can get involved!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Victorian Bands' League
Eaglehawk Citizens' Brass Band
City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band
Thompson's Foundry Band
Maldon Brass Band
Kyneton Municipal Brass Band
Echuca Federal Band
Marist Brass Band
Bendigo and District Concert Band
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
City of Greater Bendigo
The Bendigo Advertiser
Bendigo Times

21/03/2024

"In this disturbing article for ABC Alumni, Dr Michael Ward of the University of Sydney, a former senior ABC executive, confirms what we’ve all suspected. First release, non-news and current affairs screen content on the ABC’s main TV channel has dropped by 40% in ten years, and on all ABC platforms by around 20%.

If you’re looking for evidence that the ABC desperately needs its funding restored, THIS IS IT!"

We believe passionately in the need for a fearless, well-funded and independent public broadcaster as a vital part of Australian democracy.

21/03/2024

'The ABC has lost a cumulative $1 billion in funding since 2013. That’s had a terrible impact on the creation of original screen content." - ABC Friends

Support the ABC - uphold media freedom

12/03/2024

“Flood the zone with sh*t”

'Yes that’s a quote from Steve Bannon, erstwhile advisor to Donald Trump, and it’s a campaign strategy that the two men followed to get Trump elected to the USA Presidency, that now we are increasingly seeing being adopted here in Australia.'

'Adopted by campaigns run by conservative activist group Advance for example, recently campaigning in the Dunkley federal by-election and in the referendum NO campaign.'

Yes that’s a quote from Steve Bannon, erstwhile advisor to Donald Trump, and it’s a campaign strategy that the two men followed to get Trump elected to the USA Presidency, that now we are increasingly seeing being adopted here in Australia.

07/03/2024

'The ABC’s UK counterpart, the BBC, has brought in more than £2 billion ($4.1 billion) in commercial sales in the most recent financial year though its BBC Studios. This was driven by the licensing of content and intellectual property, with a boost from the global strength of the ABC co-created hit Bluey.'

New ABC chair Kim Williams wants to lead audiences in fresh directions, and says there’s always room for improvement where funding is concerned.

09/02/2024

Phillip Adams to retire from ABC

Phillip Adams, host of Radio National’s Late Night Live program, will retire from the ABC in June but will continue his longstanding column in The Weekend Australian magazine.

By the time Phillip Adams, ABC Radio National’s Late Night Live host, turned on a radio microphone for the first time he was already an established voice in the Australian film and advertising industries. With news that he will not be dying at that mic as he ‘feels this would be unfair to the cl...

30/01/2024

Lorraine Harrison has been named Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year for 2024, recognising her dedicated community advocacy.
Ms Harrison is currently the co-convener of the local branch of ABC Friends.

Lorraine Harrison has been named Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year for 2024, recognising her dedicated community advocacy. Ms Harrison …

26/01/2024

Dear Friends,

Thai fare at Piyawat Thai Restaurant, 136 Mollison St. Bendigo

Here's hoping that you have booked to see The Boys in the Boat on Sunday! If you haven't done it yet, seats are available.

Here's the link to get you going
https://www.starcinema.org.au/

If you'd like to kick on afterwards, come and join us for some Thai fare at Piyawat Thai Restaurant.

Please email:

[email protected]

indicating that you would like to be included in the booking for Piyawat so that we can let them know numbers. It won't be a formal meeting, just a chance to reconnect and take stock.

Should you not come to the movie, then you are most welcome to join us at at the Restaurant.

Hope you can join us.

Best wishes
Rose and Patrice, ABC Friends Bendigo

Boutique cinema in Central Victoria.

25/01/2024

At a vulnerable time for the public broadcaster, Williams has made a promising start by saying management must take staff concerns seriously.

25/01/2024

Kim Williams will have to face the ghosts of his past if he hopes to steady an ABC currently facing mutiny and disarray.

24/01/2024

New Chair of ABC: Kim_Williams

Kimberley Lynton "Kim" Williams AM (born 1952)[1] is an Australian media executive and composer. He has headed a wide range of prominent organisations such as Musica Viva Australia, Foxtel, the Australian Film Commission, the Sydney Opera House Trust and News Limited (now News Corp Australia).

23/01/2024

ABC journalist Dr Phil Kafcaloudes will host a talk in Sydney on World Radio Day, Thursday 8 February 2024, about his book Australia Calling: The ABC Radio Australia Story, exploring the history of the ABC and radio in Australia.

Organised by ABC Friends, this talk is free to attend with bookings essential: https://www.abcfriends.net.au/nsw_act.

Read more at: https://radioinfo.com.au/news/dr-phil-kafcaloudes-discusses-abcs-radio-history-for-world-radio-day/

https://radioinfo.com.au/news/dr-phil-kafcaloudes-discusses-abcs-radio-history-for-world-radio-day/

ABC journalist Dr Phil Kafcaloudes will host a talk in Sydney on World Radio Day, Thursday 8 February 2024, about his book Australia Calling, exploring the history of the ABC and radio in Australia.

22/01/2024

"At a meeting on Monday afternoon, prompted by the sacking in December of broadcaster and activist Antoinette Lattouf, ABC union members passed a vote of no-confidence in managing director, David Anderson by 125 votes to three. The ABC board will convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the issues raised."

ABC global affairs editor John Lyons told a staff meeting the broadcaster “faced one of its darkest days” when this masthead published a series of leaked WhatsApp messages from a group of pro-Israel lawyers.

16/01/2024

WhatsApp messages, obtained by The Age newspaper, give an insight into how Lawyers for Israel used aggressive lobbying to try to exert influence at the ABC.

Lattouf had made a series of controversial social media posts that accused Israeli soldiers of using r**e as a weapon of war and raised questions over whether protesters in Sydney had in fact chanted “gas the Jews” after the October 7 Hamas attack.

The messages also reveal a member of the group Lawyers for Israel calling Lattouf’s lawyer Josh Bornstein, who is Jewish, a “traiter”.

12/01/2024

Freedom of the press depends on journalists’ ability to report the truth without fear or favour.
The public’s right to know is diminished when journalists are unable to provide factual information accurately, fairly and transparently because they fear retribution from their employers to appease external critics.
Right now in Australia, truth-telling and journalism without fear or favour is being compromised by media bosses punishing journalists for daring to discuss the issues of our times: human rights, climate change, the war in Gaza.

https://www.facebook.com/withMEAA/posts/pfbid037EZ1KrT4nPM4ayjNK4972VsR3R2sCKCqRxHLAJrMstjRz4TPfybbvKNXnFCu539Zl

Freedom of the press depends on journalists’ ability to report the truth without fear or favour.

The public’s right to know is diminished when journalists are unable to provide factual information accurately, fairly and transparently because they fear retribution from their employers to appease external critics.

Right now in Australia, truth-telling and journalism without fear or favour is being compromised by media bosses punishing journalists for daring to discuss the issues of our times: human rights, climate change, the war in Gaza.

Employers have censored, disciplined, and in at least one case, sacked journalists in response to external criticism and intimidation from unaccountable lobbyists, politicians or big business who want to control the narrative on important issues of public interest.

First nations journalists and journalists from cultural minorities are particularly vulnerable to this type of action from employers.

This has a chilling effect on other journalists that they too may be punished for stepping out of line, forcing them to compromise on their duty to the public to report the truth without fear or favour.

It’s time to make a stand for the truth and for journalism without fear or favour.

08/01/2024

'Change is inevitable and it’s crucial for a network that needs to woo a new, younger audience in order to assure its survival. That’s a challenge facing all heritage broadcasters. The trick, or, really, the art, is to offer content that attracts additional viewers while retaining the existing ones. Or, at least, not pi***ng off the people you already have by killing their favourite programs and essentially directing them elsewhere.' - Debi Enker

Regrettably, the recent history of ending established shows in a bid to woo new, younger viewers has left gaping holes at the national broadcaster.

29/12/2023

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29/12/2023

https://bitly.ws/37Trv

After 17 years with the ABC, Karina Carvalho has announced she will be leaving the ABC. We wish her all the best with her future endeavours.

13/12/2023

On 7:30 tonight - where you thought your super was invested versus where it is invested.

An ABC investigation into the financial disclosures of sustainable or ethical-labelled super options finds extensive investment in shares of companies in the fossil fuel, gambling, alcohol and weapons manufacturing industries.

12/12/2023

'The ABC has announced panel discussion program The Drum will not return next year, with its final episode to air this Friday.'

'ABC News director Justin Stevens said in an email to all staff that the "difficult decision" would result in some job losses and was part of a wider restructure which would see a programs team on the ABC News Channel disbanded and one executive position abolished.'

The ABC announces panel discussion program The Drum will not return next year, with its final episode to air this Friday.

22/11/2023

It's 8pm on November 23, 1923. A button is pushed, the red light comes on, and radio begins in Australia.

Radio station 2SB is on the air and, on that first night, a few hundred listeners tune in to hear some "light orchestral" music.

The ABC thought gardening would be a safe subject to test out talkback radio. Then a caller asked about ma*****na plants.