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SBS to take over ABC?
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Over the past few days, it has emerged that the ABC have been plotting to take over SBS, commissioning consultants BCG to prepare a report about what an “amalgamation” would look like.
The report was released after questions from the Senate.
Aside from the obvious (and frankly embarrassing for the ABC) subterfuge and secrecy, the report was prepared without accurate information about SBS's actual finances and structure.
There are a couple of other problems with it:
- It talks of amalgamation, yet what they really mean is takeover. The ABC of SBS. This would destroy the culture of SBS and diminish the multiplicity of voices in the media.
- The ABC claims to be at the forefront of modern, digital content distribution via new channels, yet the report is starkly television focused. Here at SBS, we are busy growing our unique content through radio and online innovation. We are not just focused on TV.
I love the ABC's output and am a regular listener/viewer, but I love working at SBS. I am incredibly proud of what SBS provides the Australian community – plurality of voice, global stories, reflecting Australia's unique multicultural society. And just frigging great content you won't see or hear anywhere else.
Having spent considerable time working in both organisations, I can knowledgably say that SBS is the stronger - operationally, structurally, and culturally. We are a lean, mean broadcasting machine with a strong, clear vision and great work ethic - the ABC could look to SBS for the model for modern broadcasting and for efficiencies and improvements.
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Comments (12)
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06 Apr 2010 19:20 AEST
From: ROSANNA
POM thick SBS
It does not seem edifying that we are in the 110th year of our federation and we have British and Irish people reporting the news to the Australia public by Australian TV stations. It is absolutely sickening.
22 Jul 2009 11:59 AEST
From: Warburton Vic
SBS ONLINE, WHAT SBS ONLINE
Due to the lack of sbs online forum, im sure you are missing a mass of complaints about its dismal attempt to have online content. I really love both ABC and SBS i really only watch those two channels, for both types of content, for instance sbs often has content that would never be allowed on the Abc that many enjoy on sbs. but its online content is really failing and disapointing me. SBS ONLINE cant even dream to compare itself to ABC's Iview.
08 Feb 2009 3:15 AEST
From: Brisbane
furthermore...
The Chinese invented paper. Americans created cars. Aztecs invented chocolate. Most Aussies don't care for soccer. I am so tired of the English settling over here then proceeding to insult us, patronize us and the constant whinge. But guess what? They bludge of our economy without any respect for us, this great nation and or our fragile ecosystem...but they won't go home. Sorry to those nice English folk who are excempt from hostile remarks, but I got triggered by an antagonistic.
08 Feb 2009 3:04 AEST
From: Brisbane
Australian accent
Kevin, Aussies pronounce their country's name and placenames with their own Australian accent, not with an English one (I'm guessing where you are from). The dialects for English vary the world over accounting for the way different nationalities pronounce words differently. Apologies if we don't say Australia with an English accent, but we live here. You obviously haven't been listening & watching the same ABC we are if you can't hear the many English accents on ABC radio & TV!
06 Feb 2009 20:16 AEST
From: Vermont
Homeland
When is SBS going to release a DVD collection of Heimat? As for Sbs and Abc getting together: keep them apart, and pay for both. They do different things and generally well except that lately the Abc has gone on creative strike. Stefano above is wrong: there are very few English accents on Abc, except for the wonderful Emma Ayres, and most 'Stralians mispronounce names of towns, some even their own country. As for tv, they invented it, like they invented soccer.
05 Feb 2009 17:11 AEST
From: Perth
give me sbs
ABC a right wing orientated telecast for the less explorative of minds who are happy to be told what to think. SBS is more inclined to lean to the left and give mutli-faceted points of view. Furthermore the amount of poms who have taken over the ABC lately -producers, announcers, news readers, reporters and even on talkback radio is astounding! It really should be called the BBC anyway. We have a pommy traffic reporter on radio here, obviously just moved over, who can't pronounce our placenames!
05 Feb 2009 13:08 AEST
From: Jerrabomberra
Fair shares
Both broadcasters have their special place. Where would we be regarding 'real' football if not for SBS?Their sports coverage alone would be worth having them for. Sport on ABC TV - when, where apart from the W-League which I bet they give away like they did with the old NSL coverage. The ABC is great for PSB with SBS more culturally savvy. I watch more SBS than ABC but both are important and both should receive more funding
05 Feb 2009 11:51 AEST
From: Melbourne
For the love of god...
If it weren't for SBS the following would be true. What's the difference between 'Westernised' Australia and a glass of milk? ... After 200 years, a glass of milk would have formed a culture. *BA-CHING!* For the love of god or whatever you believe in... DON'T DO IT SBS!!
05 Feb 2009 11:35 AEST
From: Sydney
Same parents, different personalities
The ABC couldn't do SBS right, just like SBS couldn't be the ABC. As a taxpayer I'm happy to help fund them separately. Aunty ABC would have us round for afternoon tea, but Aunty SBS would rather go wine tasting in a convertible. And wouldn't let anyone call her Aunty.
05 Feb 2009 11:17 AEST
From: marrickville
what ABC?
i never watch the ABC...its really disappointing actually...i just find it so terribly white (a la british), old school and tiringly 'of the record'. sbs on the other hand constantly warms my heart and stimulates my brain with its fascinating global melage of docs, films and offbest series. bring on the takeover!
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About this Blog
Jacquie Riddell
has over 20 years experience in senior roles in media. She has managed television and radio stations, created new programs and digital initiatives, and developed famous marketing initiatives. When not changing the media landscape with new ideas, she can be found frolicking at the beach or struggling with padmasana on a tatty old yoga mat.
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