The ABC says it should not be criticised for its domination of rural and regional broadcasting given that it is so pronounced only because its commercial rivals are cutting coverage.
ABC regional director Fiona Reynolds says she is concerned at how commercial media in regional Australia has declined amid dwindling advertising revenues.
She's told a parliamentary inquiry into the importance of rural broadcasting that the ABC recognises how a lack of competition makes it more important than ever that its reporting remains accurate, fair and balanced.
Just because commercial media is retreating from regional Australia, that's no reason for us to become complacent or lazy, Ms Reynolds said.
Liberal MP Nola Marino said the ABC's coverage of offshore detention on Nauru and its decision to allow former terror suspect Zaky Mallah to appear on its Q&A TV program highlighted concerns about the size of the broadcaster's platform.
Share
