Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98

Australian Broadcasting C

orporation

ann

ual rep

ort 1997–98

Australian Broadcasting Corporationannual report 1997–98

ABCcharterThe functions and duties which Parliament has given to the ABC are set out inthe Charter of the Corporation (ss6(1) and (2) of the Australian BroadcastingCorporation Act 1983).

6(1) The functions of the Corporation are —

(a) to provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of ahigh standard as part of the Australian broadcasting system consisting of national,commercial and community sectors and, without limiting the generality of theforegoing, to provide—(i) broadcasting programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and informand entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity of, the Australian community; and(ii) broadcasting programs of an educational nature;

(b) to transmit to countries outside Australia broadcasting programs of news, currentaffairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment that will—(i) encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australianattitudes on world affairs; and(ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling outside Australia to obtaininformation about Australian affairs and Australian attitudes on world affairs; and

(c) to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts inAustralia.

6(2) In the provision by the Corporation of its broadcasting services within Australia —

(a) the Corporation shall take account of—(i) the broadcasting services provided by the commercial and community sectors ofthe Australian broadcasting system;(ii) the standards from time to time determined by the Australian BroadcastingAuthority in respect of broadcasting services;(iii)the responsibility of the Corporation as the provider of an independent nationalbroadcasting service to provide a balance between broadcasting programs of wideappeal and specialised broadcasting programs;(iv)the multicultural character of the Australian community; and(v) in connection with the provision of broadcasting programs of an educationalnature — the responsibilities of the States in relation to education; and

(b) the Corporation shall take all such measures, being measures consistent with theobligations of the Corporation under paragraph (a), as, in the opinion of the Board,will be conducive to the full development by the Corporation of suitable broadcastingprograms.

contents

Published by the Australian Broadcasting CorporationDesigned and typeset by ABC Corporate Relations

Printed by NCP Printing

For information on this Annual Report please contact: Manager Corporate Publishing, ABC Corporate Relations GPO Box 9994 in your capital city

National Library of Australia card number and ISSN 0816 827X

Corporate ProfileABC Charter inside back coverMission Statement 1ABC Services 2Significant Events 4Priorities – Performance Summary 6Financial Summary 10ABC Board Members 12ABC Organisation 14Executive Members 15

Statement by Directors 16

Review of OperationsRegional Services 21Feature: Radio and Television Audiences 25National Networks 28News and Current Affairs 39Program Production 42Enterprises 44Symphony Australia 47Human Resources 51Finance and Business Services 55Technology Strategy and Development 58Chief of Staff 60

Financial Statements 65

Program Performance Statement 91

Appendices 92

List of Tables Graphs and Maps 118

Index 119

Front Cover: Throughout April and May ABC News and Current Affairs providedextensive coverage of civil unrest in Indonesia, culminating in President Suharto’sresignation, which was broadcast live on the World at Noon and The World Today.Pictured from top: President Suharto’s resignation; Evan Williams, ABC correspondent;Michael Maher, ABC Jakarta correspondent; Michael Brissenden, ABC correspondent;Tony Eastley, World at Noon presenter.Back Cover: Images and icons from the Playground, ABC Online’s Website forchildren.

This Annual Report is available on the World Wide Web, follow the AboutABC link on ABC Online (www.abc.net.au)

1

As Australia’s nationalbroadcaster and major culturalorganisation, the ABC’s missionis to provide its audiences withthe best programs, performances,products and services it canacquire and produce.

To achieve this the ABC will:v transmit independent, comprehensive and

innovative national broadcasting servicesfor all Australians;

v inform, entertain and contribute to a senseof national identity;

v reflect Australia’s regional and culturaldiversity;

v broadcast programs of an educationalnature;

v contribute towards the diversity ofbroadcasting services in Australia;

v broadcast programs that provide a balancebetween wide appeal and specialisedprograms, making use of and beingreceptive to Australian creative resources;

v provide an independent service for thebroadcasting of news and informationregarding local, Australian and overseasevents;

v contribute to public debate concerningissues and matters of importance toAustralians;

v encourage and promote the musical,dramatic and other performing arts inAustralia;

v transmit broadcasting programs outsideAustralia; and

v utilise new production and deliverytechnologies to respond to audience needs.

The ABC may also:v provide subscription broadcasting services

and subscription and open narrowcastingservices.

missionstatement

2

National Networks

Television• Australia’s national television service

carried on over 650 transmitters.• The leading producer of drama,

documentaries, children’s and educationprograms.

Radio• Radio National, a specialist spoken word

network.• ABC Classic FM, a network devoted to

classical music and performance.• Triple J, an FM youth network featuring

new, especially Australian, music.• ABC NewsRadio on the Parliamentary and

News Network, a continuous news andcurrent affairs service, with live broadcastsof both Houses of Federal Parliament whensitting.

Multimedia• ABC Online, a dynamic Internet service.• Development of CD–Roms and other

interactive media.

International Services• Radio Australia, an international radio

service broadcasting by short wave andsatellite, in English and five otherlanguages, to Asia and the Pacific.

Regional Services• Metropolitan Radio stations in nine cities.• Regional Radio with 40 regional stations

and 8 smaller studio facilities.• Local television in each State and Territory

News and Current Affairs• Australia’s most authoritative and

independent television, radio and onlinenews.

• Leading current affairs programs on Radioand Television including AM, PM, 7.30Report, Lateline, and Four Corners.

• Separate 7.00pm Television news bulletinsproduced in each State and the NorthernTerritory.

• More than 450 local, regional, State andnational news bulletins on radio every day.

• Australia’s most extensive network ofoverseas correspondents.

Enterprises• 28 ABC Shops, 96 ABC Centres and a mail

and telephone order service.• Production of books, classical and

contemporary recordings, audio cassettes,videos, multimedia and licensed products,and music and magazine publishing.

Symphony Australia• Six symphony orchestras employing

around 450 musicians and providing morethan 700 performances a year to over amillion people, as well as to radio andtelevision audiences.

ABCservices

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Karratha

Geraldton

Bunbury

Albany

Kalgoorlie

Alice Springs

Broken Hill

Wollongong

Tamworth

Lismore

Gold CoastToowoomba

GladstoneRockhampton

Mackay

Townsville

Cairns

Longreach

Mt Isa

Muswellbrook●

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Coffs Harbour◗

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Pt PirieRenmarkPt Lincoln

Pt Augusta

Horsham

Mt GambierWarrnambool

Shepparton

Bendigo

Mildura

SaleTraralgon

Burnie Launceston

Dubbo

Orange

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●Wagga Wagga

Adelaide

Perth

Darwin●

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Kununurra

Broome

Kempsey

Bundaberg

Nowra

BegaWodonga

MaroochydoreMaryborough

Metropolitan Services▲ ABC Television production centres▼ Metropolitan Radio◆ Radio National ✚ Triple J youth network ✹ ABC Classic FM★ NewsRadio on the Parliamentary

and News Network❖ State Symphony Orchestra✪ ABC Shop

Darwin▲ ABC–TV▼ 8DDD 105.7◆ 8RN 657✚ 8JJJ FM103.3 ✹ 8ABC FM107.3 ✪ ABC Shop

Brisbane▲ ABC–TV▼ 4QR 612◆ 4RN 792 ✚ 4JJJ FM107.7✹ 4ABC FM106.1 ★ 4PB 936❖ QSO✪ ABC Shop

Sydney▲ ABC–TV▼ 2BL 702 ◆ 2RN 576✚ 2JJJ FM105.7✹ 2ABC FM92.9 ★ 2PB 630❖ SSO✪ ABC Shop

Newcastle▼ 2NC 1233◆ 2RN 1512✚ 2JJJ FM102.1✹ 2ABC FM106.1★ 2PB 1458✪ ABC Shop

Canberra▲ ABC–TV▼ 2CN 666◆ 2RN 846 ✚ 2JJJ FM 101.5 ✹ 2ABC FM 102.3 ★ 2PB 1440✪ ABC Shop

Hobart▲ ABC–TV▼ 7ZR 936 ◆ 7RN 585 ✚ 7JJJ FM 92.9✹ 7ABC FM 93.9★ 7PB 729❖ TSO✪ ABC Shop

Melbourne▲ ABC–TV▼ 3LO 774◆ 3RN 621 ✚ 3JJJ FM107.5✹ 3ABC FM105.9★ 3PB 1026❖ MSO✪ ABC Shop

Adelaide▲ ABC–TV ▼ 5AN 891◆ 5RN 729 ✚ 5JJJ FM105.5✹ 5ABC FM103.9 ★ 5PB 972❖ ASO✪ ABC Shop

Perth▲ ABC–TV▼ 6WF 720◆ 6RN 810✚ 6JJJ FM99.3✹ 6ABC FM97.7★ 6PB 585❖ WASO✪ ABC Shop

Key

Regional Services ● Regional Radio Studios ◗ Regional Studio outposts▲ Television Production Centres✦ Radio Australia Transmitters

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July 1997• Incorporation of Symphony Australia and

the Melbourne, Adelaide and WesternAustralian Symphony Orchestras.

• NAIDOC week celebrations Youth: OurFuture/Our Foundation, included specialABC radio and television programs andcommunity activities.

• Round the clock News and Current Affairscoverage of handover of Hong Kong.

• Launch of The Lab, the ABC’s ScienceOnline service.

August• Colin Knowles commences as Head

Technology, Strategy and Development.• 6WF’s A Day in the Life of Royal Perth

Hospital’s live description of open heartsurgery is the first ABC domestic radioprogram also broadcast on the internet.

September• Launch of a lecture series by past Prime

Ministers, as part of the seventiethanniversary celebrations of Old ParliamentHouse.

• Triple J’s Unearthed music project visitsDarwin.

• Snapshot introduced to television audiencesin ACT, Victoria, Western Australia, theNorthern Territory and NSW.

• Lunchtime broadcasts of Royal MelbourneShow on Victorian Television – RegionalServices’ first local Television broadcast.

• Tasmania celebrates 45 years of regionalrural broadcasting from Launceston.

October• Rural Woman of the Year awarded to

Tasmanian Jane Bennett.• First prime-time local television special,

Tasting Australia, broadcast in SouthAustralia.

• ABC Network Television attracts 19 out ofa possible 35 television nominations forthe AFI Awards; and Radio National

journalists feature among the WalkleyAwards finalists.

• Coverage by Radio Arts of the MelbourneInternational Festival of the Arts and theMelbourne Writers Festival.

November• Announcement of outcome of first round

of contestable program bids for NetworkTelevision.

• ABC Multimedia wins seven AIME(Australian International Multimedia)Awards for the Real Wild Child CD-ROMand another for The Lab; four ATOM(Australian Teachers of Multimedia) awardsfor the Ingenious CD-ROM and for The Lab;and for the second consecutive year ABC isvoted Best Media Web site at the AustralianInternet Awards.

• Special programming on radio andtelevision during Australian Music Week,included 100 per cent Australian music onLocal Radio.

• Newly refurbished ABC studio and officesopened in Tamworth.

• Radio National broadcasts the 1997 BoyerLectures by Professor Martin Krygier.

• ABC Enterprises opens its twenty-eighthshop in Preston, Victoria.

December• Radio National broadcast of Illegal

Harmonies series.• ABC Enterprises launches its first film

distribution venture, Her Majesty MrsBrown.

• A documentary about Ravel’s Mother Goosemusic, featuring the Tasmanian SymphonyOrchestra, awarded a gold medal at theNew York Television Festival.

4

significantevents

January 1998• ABC television and radio networks play a

major role in LOUD, Australia’s first media-based festival of youth culture and the arts.

• Coverage of disastrous bushfires inVictoria, Western Australia and NSW andfloods in Queensland and NorthernTerritory.

February• ABC is host broadcaster of the Constitutional

Convention providing live radio andtelevision and extensive Online coverage.

• Completion of sale of the ABC’sinternational television service, AustraliaTelevision, to the Seven Network.

• Tenth anniversary of The Listening Room,ABC Classic FM’s acoustic arts program.

• Extensive coverage of the ACT’s LegislativeAssembly election for ACT viewers andlisteners.

• Launch of Triple J’s weekly chart program,Net 50, Australia’s first internet drivenradio program.

March• Enhanced ABC Online News service

officially launched by the Minister forCommunications and the Arts.

• Launch of Reach Out website which offersinformation and support regarding youthsuicide prevention, supported by $180 000raised by Triple J’s Real Appeal.

• ABC Shops Online upgraded, incorporatingfacility for online purchases.

April• ABC wins seven Logies for Wildside, Frontline,

Four Corners, Rats in the Ranks and Play School.• Publication of revised edition of ABC

Editorial Policies.• Asia Pacific, a regional current affairs

program commences broadcast weekdayson Radio National and Radio Australia.

• Extensive local coverage of Anzac Daycommemorations around Australia.

May• Professor Philip Bell’s independent report

finds ABC’s television coverage of thewaterfront dispute was balanced.

• Broadcast of first episode of SeaChange,Network Television’s most popularprogram this year.

• ABC radio, television and online servicescelebrate National Science Week.

• News and Current Affairs providescoverage throughout April and May of civilunrest in Indonesia, culminating inPresident Suharto’s resignation, which wasbroadcast live on the World at Noon andThe World Today.

• Broadcast of finals of the ABC Classic FMYoung Composers Award broadcast; thewinning composition by Dominik Karskiwas recorded and released by ABC Classics.

June• Queensland election coverage – radio,

television and online; the election webpageis the biggest project yet undertaken byABC News Online.

• ABC Classic FM and the Sydney Symphonypresent the Beethoven Festival ending witha simulcast with ABC Network Television.

• Ocean Week celebrated as part of the UN’sInternational Year of the Ocean.

• GIFM broadcasts 48 hour continuouscoverage during the Gippsland floods.

• First ABC digital studios in regionalQueensland officially opened by theManaging Director.

• ABC Broken Hill celebrates its fiftiethanniversary.

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6

A summary of the ABC’s performance against the priorities set out in the Corporate Plan 1997–2000

The ABC must create and deliver distinctive programming and services; inform

and educate its audiences; and develop cultural and community identity.

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7–98

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Position the ABC to serve audiences, nomatter where they live or by what meansthey access electronic media, by using ourstrength in content across radio, televisionand online services.

• Progress towards collocation of News andCurrent Affairs which will facilitate theABC’s cross-media 24 hour news gatheringcapability, with collocation achieved inPerth and underway in Adelaide andMelbourne.

• Increased bi-media reporting from foreigncorrespondents.

• Cross-media events coverage including SAand Queensland elections, Princess ofWales’ funeral, Hong Kong handover, Loudfestival, Festival of the Dreaming, ScienceWeek, Australian Music Week, Wik debate,and the Constitutional Convention.

• New Online gateways – science (the Lab),youth (the Drum), children (thePlayground), education (Learn Online),marketing (On Air), Regionals (Your LocalABC) and ABC Enterprises (the Shop) –increased cross-media collaboration andextended ABC programming strengths.

• ABC News Online service enhanced andrelaunched, with the site now a full 24hour service; increase in number ofaccesses during 12 months, peaking atmore than 600 000 accesses per week.

• ABC Multimedia expanded relationshipswith content areas and joined Televisioncommissioning process to ensure earlyconsideration of multimedia projects.

• Radio Australia’s accessibility beyond theregion enhanced through its internet siteand rebroadcasts via the World RadioNetwork in Europe, North America andnow South Africa. Forty stationsthroughout Asia and the Pacific now relayRadio Australia programs.

Provide a mix of services designed toacknowledge the diverse needs ofaudiences and to connect Australians withtheir local communities, the nation andthe world.

• Network Television share and weeklyaudience reach maintained, radio/servicesnetworks maintained share and increasedthe overall national weekly audience reachto record levels. (see Audiences feature page25-27)

• Radio Australia’s English and Tok Pisinservices continue to attract strong audiencesupport in Pacific but sharp decline inaudience in Asia due to closure of CoxPeninsula transmitters.

• Australian content figures increased forABC Classic FM; slight reduction inAustralian content on Network Television(see Television Content Analysis page 32)

• Introduction of closed captioning of 7.00pm television news bulletins in all Statesand Territories.

• Over 700 orchestral activities andperformances undertaken by orchestras,with a total of 1 058 011 attendances.

• Network Television youth programsattracted strong audiences in target agegroups.

• Indigenous programming included Awayeand Speaking Out on radio and 17 hours ofprogramming on Network Television.

• Increased number of news features frominternational broadcasters on NewsRadio,now with regular programming fromDeutsche Welle.

• Enterprises embarks on first filmdistribution with Her Majesty Mrs Brown.

• 27th and 28th ABC Shops opened atMarion SA and Preston Victoria.

priorities

7

Expand the amount of local televisionproduced for local audiences in the Statesand Territories; and maintain the localidentity of Metropolitan and RegionalRadio stations across Australia.

• Increased local programming across radio,television and online.

• Further decentralisation of Local Radio’snetworked programs, including programsnow from Melbourne, Hobart, Lismore andAdelaide.

• Production of additional thirty localtelevision programs including TastingAustralia (SA), Sports Awards (NT) andRaising the Devil (Tas).

• Local television initiative broadcastnationally, including WASO’s ChristmasConcert from Perth and the TasmanianSymphony Orchestra’s Concert under theStars.

• Forum programs broadcast on local radioand/or television, including On The Line inTasmania, which explored Tasmanianinformation technology policy directions;and series of three forums in Queenslandbroadcast on Local Radio and edited forlocal television.

• Greater State and Territory flexibility toinclude local programming, allowingbroadcast of vital information on bushfires,floods and cyclones.

• Sounds of Summer on Local Radio reducedfrom five to four weeks, with retention oflocal Breakfast programs and State-basedDrive programs for the first time.

• ABC participation in community eventsand Outside Broadcasts built andmaintained the local identity ofMetropolitan and Regional Radio stations.

• Snapshot, introduced to all States andTerritories.

Pursue opportunities in the Australian andinternational markets to support andextend the value of ABC programs.

• ABC International’s current catalogue ofABC television programs forsale/distribution contains 700 hours acrossall programming genres.

• Program/sales revenue targets achieved forfifth consecutive year, despite budgetdriven production reductions anddowntown in business in region.

• ABC Footage Sales formed consortium withFilm Australia and the National Film andSound Archive in anticipation of demandfor footage in lead up to 2000 Olympics.

• Collaborative relationship between RadioAustralia, ABC Multimedia and MonashUniversity to explore cross-mediaeducational program opportunities; firstproject is Money, Markets and the Economy aradio series and web site based on Monashcourse.

• Television documentaries commissionedwith attention to development of co-production opportunities and potential foroverseas sale.

• Bananas in Pyjamas merchandise has nowbeen released in 19 countries; the programis seen in over 50 territories worldwide.

• Three Australia-on-CD projects successfullymanaged in consortium with funding bodyDOCA and cultural institutions:development of proposals for further jointprojects.

To fulfil this role in a new media environment we will…

Re-engineer the management of assets andbusiness support systems to respondefficiently to the Corporation’s needs.

• Selection of SAP R/3 software as integratedsolution for range of business and HumanResources support functions, to be fullyimplemented in 1998–99.

• Rollout of standardised desktop computersin preparation for introduction of SAP.

• Development of five year Strategic RegionalProperty Plan based on the principles ofTotal Asset Management.

• Sale of Broadcast House and WaverleyTerraces, Melbourne, to Victorian StateGovernment.

• Identification of new premises forrelocation at Bega and Kalgoorlie;refurbishment of Rockhampton, Tamworthand Broken Hill.

• Refurbishment of Collinswood Adelaidebuilding to allow collocation of AdelaideNews and Current Affairs andestablishment of a new national ‘sharedservices centre’.

• New procurement contracting proceduresin place, including introduction ofsimplified online ‘one stop procurement’system.

• Restructuring of Finance areas as part ofthe Business Support Review (BSR), alongwith standardisation of month-endfinancial reporting on bi-media basis.

• Consolidation of many former Radio andTelevision support units.

Plan and develop the ABC’s technicalenvironment to exploit the benefits ofcurrent and emerging technologies in thegathering, storage, processing and deliveryof program content.

• Development of five year DigitalTechnology Strategy Plan.

• ABC representation on industry/policytechnology groups such as theBroadcasting Industry Technical AdvisoryGroup, Digital Television Planning andSteering Committee and the AustralianCommunications Industry Forum.

• Initial version of ABC Online’s ‘push’channel launched with Microsoft’s newinternet browser.

• Development of robust web forumtechnology, allowing live onlinediscussions.

• Review of digital production equipment forradio, particularly comparison of D-Cartand D-Radio with recently available PC-based digital audio systems.

• D-Localisation system allowing insertion oflocal massages into national radioprogramming developed andcommissioned.

• Commencement of audio streaming andsome video streaming online.

• Negotiation to ensure that performanceand quality of transmission of ABC servicesis maintained following proposed sale ofNational Transmission Network.

• Development of Storm Outages Policy;negotiation with NTA of protocol forplanned outages; and enhancement oftransmission fault monitoring systems.

• New contracts for HACBSS radiointerchange transponder services, withmove to digital, which will make PNN andTriple J available to people in remoteAustralia who receive ABC services directfrom satellite.

8

A summary of the ABC’s performance against the priorities set out in the Corporate Plan 1997–2000

The ABC must create and deliver distinctive programming and services; inform

and educate its audiences; and develop cultural and community identity.

Perf

orm

ance

199

7–98

Stra

teg

ies

priorities continued

9

Develop and support a skilled and flexibleworkforce, committed to high standards,creativity and quality of service, within asafe and rewarding environment.

• Development of Workplace ReformStrategy, aimed at increasing staffproductivity and ensuring staff can workeffectively and maintain employability in achanging environment.

• Preparation of a Corporation-wide Trainingand Development Plan, to take effect in1998/99.

• Workplace Planning Unit managedredundancy process, using a competencybased approach and development of a skillsregister.

• Cross-media training including: training inall forms of radio and television journalismand online for the first time for journalismcadets, and handicam training for RegionalServices broadcasters.

• Provision of Occupational Health andSafety advice and training.

• National Employee Assistance Program andassociated services introduced for all ABCstaff.

• Reduction in number of stress relatedincident claims reported to Comcare.

• Equity programs provided to targetedgroups including implementation of theABC’s Disability Action Plan, recruitmentof Indigenous staff via AboriginalEmployment and Development Programand award of Women in EngineeringScholarships.

Project the ABC’s identity to stakeholdergroups to secure their acknowledgment ofits contribution to media diversity and itsvalue as an open, accountable andresponsive public broadcaster.

• Maintenance of positive relationships withcommunity and industry groups.

• New appointments to the NationalAdvisory Council to reflect the Australiancommunity.

• Provision of timely advice about ABCpolicies to the community, for instancethrough promotion of revised Code ofPractice and publication on the internet ofa wide range of material about the ABC.

• Development of Service Commitment inconsultation with the National AdvisoryCouncil and staff.

• Advice from National Advisory Council onprogramming matters and policieswelcomed and considered.

• Emphasis placed on gaining the broadestrange of community feedback, especially inregional areas.

• Growing community use of Onlinefeedback facilities.

• Reviewed complaints handling process inconjunction with review of EditorialPolicies.

• Continuation of ABC logo campaign onNetwork Television.

• Radio Australia received unanimousbipartisan support from the FederalParliament’s Joint Committee on ForeignAffairs, Defence and Trade, in its reportAustralia and ASEAN: Managing Change.

To fulfil this role in the new media environment we will…

10

Financial Outcome 1997–98Through the continuing process of reshapingand cost efficiency savings, the ABC was ableto maintain liquidity throughout thefinancial year and operated within the limitsof its total sources of funds andparliamentary appropriation which had beenpermanently reduced by $55 million. (Thisfollowed the $ 10.8 million cut in 1996-97). Savings initiatives were implementedthrough a number of reforms including theintroduction of new procurement contracts,revised structures and associated operatingefficiencies.

Financial Outlook 1998–99In this second year of the current triennialfunding term, the process of reshaping willcontinue and cost efficiency savings frominitiatives already implemented will befurther consolidated through theintroduction of new business systems andassociated processes.

financialsummary

Operating Expenses

Employee related 43%

Suppliers 49%

Depreciation & Amortisation 5%

Grants 1%

Interests 2%

$ millions

Revenue from Government*

400 425 450 475 500 525 550 575 600

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

* includes transmission services suppliedby the NTA – $54.17m 1997–98

Five Year AnalysisABC ABC ABC ABC ABC1998 1997 1996 1995 1994$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

OPERATING

Cost of Services (a) 631,779 707,106 719,807 698,700 688,180

Operating Revenue 124,415 131,777 126,504 122,889 100,959

Net Cost of Services (b) 507,364 575,329 593,303 575,811 587,221

Revenue from Government(a) 522,666 588,112 597,736 587,563 602,220

FINANCIAL POSITION

Current Assets 145,478 142,743 149,602 127,361 104,691

Non-Current Assets 678,313 505,071 504,163 475,094 473,902

Total Assets 823,791 647,814 653,765 602,455 578,593

Current Liabilities 185,847 206,381 123,187 96,924 86,122

Non-Current Liabilities 137,764 142,962 236,965 239,088 237,780

Total Liabilities 323,611 349,343 360,152 336,012 323,902

Total Equity 500,180 298,471 293,613 266,443 254,691

RATIOS

Current Ratio (c) 0.78 0.69 1.21 1.31 1.22

Equity (d) 61% 46% 45% 44% 44%

(a) Includes Transmission Services supplied by National Transmission Agency.(b) Net cost of services is total operating expenses, including transmission services, less operating revenue.(c) Current assets divided by current liabilities.(d) Equity as a percentage of total assets.

11

Operating Revenue

Independent Sources 19%

National Transmission Agency 8%

Revenue from Government 73%

Revenue fromindependent sources

Sale of Goods & Services 85%

Net gain from disposal of assets 1%

Interest 6%

Other 8%

Donald McDonald AO, BComAppointed Chairman for a five year termfrom 24 July 1996. Mr McDonald is a Fellow of the Senate of theUniversity of Sydney and Chairman of TheReally Useful Company (Aust) Pty Limited.He is a member of the Board of the SydneyOrganising Committee for the OlympicGames, Chairman of the CulturalCommission for the Sydney Olympic Gamesand Chairman of the State Opera RingCorporation in South Australia.

Diana Gribble AMAppointed Deputy Chair for a five year termfrom 27 June 1995. Ms Gribble is a Director of Text Media Group,a Board Member of Cinema Papers and amember of the Advisory Board of the Centrefor Philosophy and Public Issues, Universityof Melbourne.

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ABCboard

From left: Russell Bate, Brian Johns, Wendy Silver, Kirsten Garrett, Donald McDonald, Ian McPhee, MichaelKroger, Dianne Gribble, John Bannon.

Brian Johns AOAppointed Managing Director for a five yearterm from 17 March 1995.Mr Johns is a Council Member of theAustralian National Gallery, Board Memberof the National Institute of Dramatic Art(NIDA), Council Member of the United StatesNational Academy of Television Arts andSciences (NATAS), a member of theInternational Institute of Communications’Editorial Panel for the Global Report Series.

Hon. J.C. Bannon BA, LLBAppointed a Director for a five year termfrom 24 July 1994.Mr Bannon is currently undertaking post-graduate research on the Federation ofAustralia at Flinders University, SouthAustralia and edits The New Federalist, thenational journal of federation history. He is amember of the Adelaide SymphonyOrchestra Board and Chair of the SouthAustralian Chapter of the ConstitutionalCentenary Foundation.

Russell BateAppointed a Director for a five year termfrom 20 December 1995.Mr Bate is Managing Director of SunMicrosystems Australia Pty Ltd. He is a Boardmember of AIIA, a member of Musica VivaAdvisory Board and a member of theInteractive Information Institute AdvisoryBoard.

Kirsten GarrettRe-appointed staff-elected Director from 15June 1998 for her second two year term. Ms Garrett had been Deputy staff-electedDirector on the ABC Board since 1988. She isthe Executive Producer of Radio National’sBackground Briefing, which she joined in1988.

Michael Kroger B Juris, LLBAppointed a director for a five year term from5 February 1998.Mr Kroger is the Chief Executive of JTCampbell and Co, a merchant bank inMelbourne. He has had extensive experiencein the media as a columnist, occasionalbroadcaster and political commentator.

Hon. Ian Macphee AO, LLB, MAAppointed a Director for a five year termfrom 9 December 1994.Mr Macphee is a consultant to CorrsChambers Westgarth.

Wendy Silver BA, B Soc WkAppointed a Director for a five year termfrom 1 July 1994.Ms Silver is the Chief Executive Officer ofRelationships Australia (WA).

Retiring Members

Janine Walker Grad Dip BusAppointed a Director for a three year termfrom 9 June 1991 and re-appointed for athree year term from 1 July 1994. She retiredon 30 June 1997.

Ian Callinan QC, LLBAppointed a Director for a five year termfrom 23 July 1997. He resigned on 31 January1998 upon his appointment as a Justice ofthe High Court of Australia.

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14

ABCorganisation

Human Resources

Head: JacquieHutchinson

Manage humanresources andindustrial reform

TechnologyStrategy andDevelopment

Head: Colin Knowles

Plan andcoordinate thetechnicalenvironment

Finance &BusinessServices

Head: Russell Balding

Manage ABCfinance andprovide businesssupport services

ABCEnterprises

GeneralManager:Terry Moloney

SymphonyAustralia

Directorof Music: Nathan Waks

Regional Services

Head: Sue Howard

Target,commission anddeliver services tomeet localaudience needs

NationalNetworks

Head: Andy Lloyd-James

Commission andschedule networkprograms to meetnational audienceneeds andinterests

News andCurrent Affairs

Head: Paul Williams

Gather, analyse,package andpresent news &current affairs tomeet identifiedaudience needsacross the country

Program Production

Head: Don Reynolds

Create andproduce programsto satisfy scheduleas commissioned

Chief of Staff

Janet Clayton

NationalAdvisoryCouncil

Minister forCommunicationsand the Arts

ABC Board

FederalParliament

ManagingDirector

Brian Johns

ABC Development

Ian McGarrity

ABC executive members

15

Brian Johns AO, Managing DirectorBrian Johns was appointed ManagingDirector in March 1995.Prior to this he was Chairperson of theAustralian Broadcasting Authority, ManagingDirector of the Special Broadcasting Servicefrom 1987–92 and Publishing Director ofPenguin Books from 1979–87.

Paul Williams, Head News and CurrentAffairsPaul Williams joined the ABC in 1968 as arural radio reporter in Queensland. He wenton to produce a number of documentariesincluding A Big Country and Heartlands andworked as a field producer, SupervisingProducer, and Executive Producer for the FourCorners and Lateline programs. He wasExecutive Producer for the Gold Walkleywinning Labour in Power series. In 1995 hewas appointed Head of Television News andCurrent Affairs.

Sue Howard, Head Regional ServicesSue Howard began working in radio in 1980at Adelaide University’s 5UV where she wasBreakfast presenter for several years. Shejoined the ABC in 1986 as an announcer inAdelaide and has been a presenter on RadioNational, Classic FM and 3LO. Most recently,she was Manager Regional Radio and 3LO inVictoria.

Andy Lloyd-James, Head NationalNetworksAndy Lloyd-James joined the ABC in 1967and became a producer and executiveproducer in Documentaries and Features. Inthe early eighties he became Head ofTelevision Features. In 1988 he wasappointed Head of Television at SBS and in1994 he initiated and became GeneralManager of SBS Independent, theindependent commissioning wing of SBSTelevision. In 1996 he rejoined the ABC asthe Head of Television Drama.

Don Reynolds, Head Program ProductionDon Reynolds is an experienced internationalfilm and television producer and manager.

Before joining the ABC, he ran his ownproduction house, Tasman, out of Londonsince 1995. Prior to that he worked with theGrundy Organisation in London and wasHead of Production and Co-production withTelevision New Zealand and Chief ExecutiveOfficer and Head of Production for SouthPacific Pictures, TVNZ’s separate dramaproduction subsidiary.

Jacquie Hutchinson, Head HumanResourcesJacquie Hutchinson joined the ABC in 1995as Federal Head Television Human Resources.She has extensive experience in seniormanagement positions in higher education,public sector unions and industrial relationscommissions. In addition she has a researchand consultancy background in women’semployment and work place reform.

Russell Balding, Head Finance andBusiness ServicesRussell Balding joined the ABC as GeneralManager Finance in early 1996. Prior to thishe was Finance Director with the NSW Roadsand Traffic Authority. He has also held seniorfinance positions in the NSW Department ofHousing and Department of Health.

Colin Knowles, Head Technology Strategyand DevelopmentColin Knowles joined the ABC as HeadTechnology Strategy and Development inAugust 1997. Prior to this he was GeneralManager – Planning and Corporate with theAustralian Broadcasting Authority. He hasover 30 years experience in broadcasting,telecommunications and engineering andhas been actively involved in thedevelopment of digital broadcastingtechnology since 1983.

ABCexecutive

From left: Russell Balding, Sue Howard, Don Reynolds, BrianJohns, Paul Williams, Jacquie Hutchinson, Andy Lloyd-James,Colin Knowles.

16

A primary focus for the Board this year hasbeen planning for the ABC’s future as anindependent national broadcaster in thedigital environment.The importance of ensuring the ABC’sdevelopment in this environment hasunderpinned its strategic planning andpublic advocacy, and provided continuingimpetus for organisational change. The ABC’s place as a comprehensive nationalbroadcaster – established in its legislativeCharter and elaborated in its Corporate Plan– remains central in the new era. Just as theABC over the past 65 years has providedbalance to the commercial media, through astrong commitment to diversity, innovationand Australian identity, so it must continueto stimulate the industry in the future acrossall its forms - broadcast networks, onlineservices, and in the multichannel world ofdigital radio and television.Implementation of the far reaching One ABCrestructure is providing the organisationaland conceptual framework for the ABC toposition itself as a key content provider inthis environment.A cornerstone of this platform is our criticalcommitment to regionalism.The One ABC restructure has given timelyrecognition to the importance andunderlying strength of the ABC’s engagement

with regional Australia,with the establishmentfor the first time of anABC Regional Servicesportfolio. Theextensive reach theCorporation has intocommunities aroundthe country – viasome 58broadcasting centresopened up over along period of time– ensures that theABC is uniquelywell placed to buildupon its existing

services in the digital age, inthe process realisingsignificant communicationopportunities for peopleliving outside themetropolitan areas.

Despite serious financialconstraints, the ABC’s

statement bydirectors

The ABC’s place as acomprehensive nationalbroadcaster – established in itslegislative Charter andelaborated in its Corporate Plan– remains central in the newera. Just as the ABC over thepast 65 years has providedbalance to the commercialmedia, through a strongcommitment to diversity,innovation and Australianidentity, so it must continue tostimulate the industry in thefuture across all its forms -broadcast networks, onlineservices, and in themultichannelworld of digitalradio andtelevision.

Wildside (top) andSeachange, two ofthe acclaimed andpopular ABC dramaseries broadcast thisyear.

commitment to meeting the needs ofregional Australians remains firm. As the yearclosed, the Corporation opened new digitalstudios in a restored heritage building atRockhampton, bringing the first ABC digitalproduction and editing facilities to regionalQueensland. In a strategy to be emulatedaround Australia, these facilities enable localstaff to gather and exchange content for useacross the ABC’s radio, television and onlineservices. To increase the availability of televisionprogram material from regional Australia andcapitalising on the existing radioinfrastructure around the country, digitalcameras are being placed on a staged basis atselected regional radio centres. Theequipment is being used to collect regionalmaterial, initially for the Snapshot televisionsegment, and to create a base for new,innovative program ideas. As a furthermanifestation of the high priority accordedto the ABC’s regional commitment, limitedfunds have been allocated for special localtelevision production outside Sydney andMelbourne which reflects particular regionalinterests and issues. This special eventprogramming is mainly for regionaltransmission, but where there is broaderinterest it is also being included in nationaltelevision schedules. Local televisionprograms made in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaideand Hobart have already reached nationalaudiences since the commencement of thisinitiative.

1997–98 BudgetIn this first year of a three year fundingagreement with Government, theCorporation continued to deal with theeffects of the ongoing funding reductions of12 per cent applied by the Government theprevious year. The Board remains obligatedto minimising the effects of these fundingcuts on programs by reviewing all alternativeavenues and finding savings in areas such asadministrative and support services,communications and transmissionexpenditure.Through close attention to financialstrategies, the Corporation again ended theyear within budget in both accrued and cashterms. In view of the size of the budgetreductions and the limited time in which toaccommodate them, this is a gratifying resultfor which management is to be congratulated.

Digital technologyThe impact on all industry sectors of theintroduction of digital broadcasting andtransmission technology represents adominant long term strategic issue for mediaorganisations in this country. Digital technology is as important for theABC, as a national broadcaster, as it is for thecommercial sector. The ABC must be able tobe an effective player in the digital world. Itwill be critical to the health of the Australianbroadcasting system in the new century thatthe balance between sectoral interests, whichhas served Australia well, continues to beproperly recognised.As a result, Government decisions aboutdigital funding, spectrum allocation and ourflexibility in using that spectrum impactheavily on the ABC. Legislation for theallocation of spectrum and mandating acommencement date for digital terrestrialtelevision broadcasting in metropolitan areasby 1 January 2001 and in regional areasbefore 1 January 2004 means that earlydecisions need to be taken.Parliament has also provided for the nationalbroadcasters to be able to broadcastmultichannel programming, subject to termsto be decided in a review looking at this andother issues next year.While the Corporation is able to make asignificant contribution - some $66 millionof the estimated $150 million required by theABC over the next five years for theintroduction of digital technology, theoverall costs are such that the ABC must callon some Government assistance.There are historical precedents for funding ofthis kind at key technology junction points -such as at the time of the introduction oftelevision broadcasting, the later move tocolour television and the introduction of FMradio broadcasting - to ensure the ABC’sproper participation. In the case of thecommercial free to air television networks,the Parliament has acknowledged the highfinancial commitment involved by extendingthe prohibition on new entrants to the sectoruntil the end of 2006.In the ABC’s case, lengthy negotiations withGovernment over funding assistance fordigital conversion costs have been assisted bya strategy and costing developed during theyear in conjunction with independenttechnical and financial consultants. TheABC’s strategy and costing has in turn been

17

examined and broadly supported by theGovernment’s own expert advisers.In the May 1998 Federal Budget, theGovernment announced the additionalallocation to the ABC of $20.8 million overfive years to assist digital conversion, with adecision on funding the balance of theconversion strategy deferred for some twoyears pending the outcome of a furtherreview.The Board is concerned that this outcomedoes not provide a financially prudent basisfor it to proceed at this stage, as it would berequired to agree to substantial borrowingswithout knowing how the forecastoutstanding debt would be satisfied. On thisbasis, we have sought greater total digitalfunding certainty from the Government andin particular asked that the proposed reviewof further funding requirements be broughtforward.

Independent news and currentaffairs services1997-98 marked the 50th anniversary of theestablishment of an independent ABC newsservice. While the then AustralianBroadcasting Commission had beenestablished in 1932, it was not until after theSecond World War that the monopolyenjoyed by the newspapers and cableagencies was ended and greater diversity innews coverage provided. The provision of anindependent news service was subsequentlyenshrined in the ABC’s legislation.In the course of the past year the editorialindependence of the ABC came under closescrutiny and challenge. The Corporation’sradio and television coverage of the nationalwaterfront dispute, which effectivelycommenced on 6 April 1998, drew criticismfrom the Government and some ABCviewers, on the grounds that in specificinstances it was not accurate, impartial andobjective.Under the ABC Act, the Board is responsiblefor maintaining the integrity andindependence of the Corporation. It is the

Board’s specific responsibility to ensure thatthe gathering and presentation of news andinformation by the Corporation is accurateand impartial according to the recognisedstandards of objective journalism. The Boardtakes a realistic view of this responsibilityand ensures that a full and adequate regimeis in place so that it can be satisfied theseobligations are being observed.Early in 1998 the Board approved andpromulgated revised Editorial Policies, whichwere developed after a lengthy process ofconsultation within the organisation andwith other stakeholders such as the NationalAdvisory Council. These policies form thecornerstone of the ABC’s commitment to thehighest editorial standards. They provide adetailed, systematic statement of mandatoryrequirements, statements of principle andphilosophy, and program objectives. Theyhave been distributed widely and anextensive briefing and training program hasbeen provided to relevant staff around thecountry.The Board considers on a quarterly basis amanagement report on accuracy, impartialityand objectivity, which assists it inmonitoring and reviewing the Corporation’sactual performance against the standardsestablished by the Board. These reportsencompass presentation and analysis ofaudience response on a number of levels,issues raised in written complaints and actiontaken. There is a focus on management andeditorial controls and initiatives to improveprogram evaluation processes and the qualityof journalism. These reports also includeformal audience research outcomes andcomparative studies which assist inmeasuring audience response and theCorporation’s performance in presenting abalanced range of programming.As necessary the Board also reviews in detailthe Corporation’s performance in coverage ofmatters of major public interest. In the caseof the criticism of the ABC’s coverage of thenational waterfront dispute, the Boardundertook two separate examinations ofallegations of lack of accuracy, impartialityand objectivity. On both occasions we weresatisfied that there had been propercompliance with the Editorial Policies.The Board also took the opportunity tocommission an independent content analysisof the main ABC radio and television newsand current affairs programs over the fourweeks of the dispute. This qualitative and

18

‘After consideration of these matters,the Board indicated that it wasconfident the ABC’s [editorial]practices are as rigorous, transparentand objective as those of any otherresponsible public broadcaster in theworld.’

quantitative analysis, carried out by ProfessorPhilip Bell, the Head of Media andCommunications at the University of NewSouth Wales, found that claims of bias in theABC’s coverage could not be sustained. Indiscussion with the Board over these matters,the Minister raised his concern about theadequacy of the ABC’s mechanisms to ensurecompliance with its Editorial Policies andmade a series of suggestions, based onoverseas experience, about steps which mightimprove them. After consideration of thesematters, the Board indicated that it wasconfident the ABC’s practices are as rigorous,transparent and objective as those of anyother responsible public broadcaster in theworld. The Board believes that the internalmanagement and editorial mechanisms andprocesses are appropriate to ensurecompliance with the ABC’s Editorial Policiesrequirements. In discharging its broadstatutory responsibilities, the Board willcontinue to monitor and review both thepolicies and the performance of theorganisation to ensure it achieves andmaintains the highest standards.

Pushing the Frontiers — Onlineand Regional BroadcastingSince the establishment of ABC Multimediain 1995, the ABC continues to be at theforefront of the Australian multimediaindustry, with award winning websites, CD-ROM development and a range of newmultimedia applications underway. Inparticular, the development of Onlineservices continues apace. In March 1998 the ABC News Online servicewas launched officially, delivering anintegrated Internet news service linking thecity and the country. As the first ofAustralia’s major online news providers toinclude regional news as part of its service -contributed by the ABC’s regional centresaround the nation - ABC News Online is atangible benefit of the One ABC strategy. ABC News Online provides a fast,continuously updated service incorporatinginternational, national, State and local newsin a format which has proved highlyappealing. It demonstrates the capacity andstrength of the ABC in the digital age,utilising existing skills and facilities toprovide a rich, interactive site combiningtext, audio, pictures and graphics. It achieved

a very strong immediate following, isexperiencing rapid growth in usage and isalready the most popular service on the ABCwebsite.

International Broadcasting A significant impact of the cutbacks to ABCbase level funding in 1996-97 was the needto redefine the scope of services able to beprovided through the ABC’s internationalradio service, Radio Australia. Substantialreductions to Radio Australia staffing inMelbourne and in program output have nowbeen implemented. Radio Australiamanagement has worked to securerebroadcasting agreements in China while inthe Pacific, AusAID funding is enabling theinstallation of satellite downlinks to permitlocal rebroadcasting of Radio Australiaprograms.The ABC has continued to makerepresentations to Government in relation tothe future of the major short wavetransmission facilities at Cox Peninsula inthe Northern Territory, which weremothballed by the Government from 1 July1997. In the light of continuing political volatilityin the region to Australia’s north and thefindings and recommendation of the JointStanding Committee on Foreign Affairs,Defence and Trade of the AustralianParliament that the facilities be reopened toensure better transmission of Radio Australiaservices in the region, we have continued tourge Government reconsideration of thematter.

OrchestrasFollowing the successful establishment of theSydney, Melbourne and Adelaide SymphonyOrchestras as wholly owned subsidiarycompanies of the ABC, the West AustralianSymphony Orchestra was also corporatisedfrom the beginning of 1998 with its ownBoard of Directors nominated by the WestAustralian Government and the ABC.The corporatisation of the remainingorchestras, in Tasmania and Queensland, willbe assisted by the apparent successfulconclusion of long running negotiations forthe construction of a more economicallyviable home and performance venue for theTasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the

19

advancement of discussions with theQueensland Government about futurearrangements for the provision of orchestralfacilities and services in the State.

Appointment of DirectorsQueensland barrister Ian Callinan QC wasappointed as a Director, replacing JanineWalker who retired on 1 July 1997 after sixyears service. Mr Callinan was in turnreplaced from 5 February 1998 by Melbournelawyer and businessman Michael Kroger,upon the appointment of Mr Callinan as aJustice of the High Court of Australia.

Programs, Staff and AudiencesAgainst the background of significantorganisational change, substantial staffredundancies and the need to focus onimportant medium to long term strategicissues such as those arising from thedevelopment of national digital broadcastingpolicy, the Board is gratified that the ABC’sprograms continue to demonstrate qualitieswhich set them apart from those on offerelsewhere.That ABC program makers are continuing tosatisfy the expectations of their diverseaudiences is reflected in healthy usage figuresfor the range of ABC services. The Boardacknowledges the dedicated work of ABCstaff in achieving these results and thanksaudiences around the nation for theirconsistent, strong and vigilant support for anindependent, properly funded, qualitynational broadcasting corporation. Donald McDonaldDiana GribbleBrian Johns John Bannon Russell Bate Kirsten Garrett Michael Kroger Ian Macphee Wendy Silver

20

‘The Board acknowledges thededicated work of ABC staff inachieving these results and thanksaudiences around the nation fortheir consistent, strong and vigilantsupport for an independent, properlyfunded, quality nationalbroadcasting corporation.’

‘In a year of the tough budgetcuts to the ABC, we are proud todeliver quality services toregional, rural and urbanAustralia.’

Sue HowardHead Regional Services

At a time when most regional areas areexperiencing reductions in local services, theABC has maintained a deliberate policy ofprotecting its regional operations from theseverest effects of budget cuts.Eighteen months after the Regional Serviceswas established local radio, television andonline programming has increased and theABC’s regional production centresstrengthened.Under the new State and Territory-basedmanagement structure, Regional Services hasresponded to the challenge to improveservices at the local level by amalgamatingkey strategic functions of radio and televisiontechnical services.Decentralisation has reinforced the ABC’slinks with communities across the country,ensuring that the national broadcastercontinues to play a crucial role inovercoming the isolation felt in rural andregional Australia at a time of rapid economicand social change.

regionalservices

21

Snapshot being filmed at Customs House in Brisbane. Feroze Khan audio, Eric Loftingcamera, Peter Cooke director, Carol Lloyd researcher/writer, Gerry collins presenter.

Programs and Services

Increased localismThe amount of local programming hasincreased Australia-wide across radio,television and online services.Initiatives include Regional Radiopromotions on television highlighting thebreadth and diversity of ABC coverage ineach area, and the production of Snapshot ineach State and Territory. A number of locally-produced one-off programs were madeprimarily for local audiences, but with thepotential to be broadcast nationally. Researchand development has also begun on apossible short series for the States andTerritories.Regional Services produced 30 additionallocal television programs during the year,including Tasting Australia in South Australia,Crime Fighters Forum in Queensland, AChristmas Symphony in Western Australia,Raising the Devil in Tasmania and SportsAwards in the Northern Territory. LocalANZAC Day coverage was extended with theACT providing local television coverage forthe first time in many years. Commitment tolocal sport continued, with Australian Rulesfootball broadcast in South Australia,Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria andthe Northern Territory, Rugby League inQueensland and Rugby Union in Queenslandand New South Wales.

22

ABC MarketingThe role of ABC Marketing is to attract andinvolve as many Australians as possible inthe diverse range of programs and servicesprovided by the ABC. As well as ensuringaudiences are aware of ABC programs,Marketing will provide audience analysisand information for ABC program makersand management.Marketing staff are located in each State andTerritory to service all national and regionaltelevision, radio and online activity,providing marketing strategy, publicity,promotions, external advertising, eventmarketing and audience research. Theeffective use of ABC services to promoteprogramming is a key priority. The new structure has created a dynamicstrategic marketing effort able to supportthe priorities of the ABC.

Top: For the first time Local TV & 2CN join forces to coverACT Election in February 1998.

Above: On the Line, produced by local Television inTasmania, an interactive forum program which exploredTasmanian information technology policy directions.

The ABC strengthened its presence in theregions extending local coverage in someareas The south eastern region of WesternAustralia gained a full-time Rural Reporterbased in Esperance, and in the NorthernTerritory launched a new weekend programNightrain. The presentation of some nationalprograms was decentralised, with AngelaCatterns’ Evening program coming fromLismore instead of Sydney, Kevin Naughton’sWeekend evening program moving toAdelaide and the early morning programnow emanating from Melbourne and Hobart.Enhanced localism was achieved with areduction of Local Radio’s Sounds of Summerfrom five to four weeks, along with flexibilityto include material, such as vital informationabout bushfires, floods and cyclones. Summerprograms emanted from Brisbane,Melbourne, Hobart, Newcastle, Perth, Sydneyand Mackay and included a greater emphasison sport coverage. A daily half-hour sportsprogram and the World SwimmingChampionships complemented a fullschedule of Test and One Day internationalcricket.With radio and television initiatives RegionalServices has explored the potential for relatedonline services. A successful websiteestablished in conjunction with theTasmanian Government, for examplecomplemented Tasmania’s Tall Shipstelevision special. As participants in the ABCNews Online trial websites were establishedfor regional stations in Bunburry, Karrathaand Albany. Eight of the nine MetropolitanStations are online, with 2NC Newcastle’s sitein development. Rural Radio continued todevelop its Bush Telegraph online servicewhich now provides daily transcripts fromthe Country Hour, regular online forums andfeature packages of rural stories available inReal Audio.

Responsiveness to communitiesRegional Services played a vital role indelivering news and information toaudiences in emergencies, including theimplosion of the Old Canberra Hospital, theThredbo tragedy, bushfires in New SouthWales, Victoria and Western Australia andfloods in the Northern Territory, Queenslandand Victoria. Local Radio responded rapidly and withingenuity to these crises. Darwin Local Radiostaff moved portable technology to thetransmitter site in Katherine to ensure

transmission to flood-bound areas with noother means of contact. GIFM broadcast 48hours continuous local programming tocover the flood emergency in the Gippsland.In Western Australia, Local Radio andTelevision quickly mobilised to provide asimulcast of the memorial service for HMASWestralia victims to nationwide audiences. Regional Services strengthened its links withlocal communities through a wide range ofevents, the celebration of 45 years of ruralregional broadcasting from Launceston, and30 hours of special Local Radio programmingin Queensland on the road from Brisbane toBirdsville including two public forums –Surviving in Queensland Bushtowns in Roma

23

Top: Mike McGowan (left) Local Radio Manager NT andPeter Camilleri, Production Operations Managerbroadcasting to flood-bound communities in Katherine froma makeshift studio.

Above: 2NC Newcastle broadcast from the ‘red & blue’house on the eve of the Newcastle Knight’s win in the 1997Rugby League Grand Final.

and Surviving Disaster in Charleville. Livebroadcasts of popular radio programs werepresented from the Royal Queensland Show,the EKKA, in Brisbane, and in Sydney fromthe Royal Agricultural Society Easter Showheld for the first time at the new Homebushsite.

A live broadcast of open heart surgery in A6WF’s Day in the Life of the Royal PerthHospital was the first ABC domestic radioprogram to be audio-streamed online. 3LObroadcast initiative A Day in the Life ofMelbourne Zoo included a broadcast after aserious storm damaged much of the Zoo’senvironment.

A team from Darwin travelled 900 kilometresto cover the Battle of the Bands at theLajamaanu community, providing livesatellite crosses to Northern Territory LocalRadio.In sport, 2NC broadcast from the ‘red andblue’ home of a Newcastle Knight’s Fan onthe eve of their Rugby League Grand Finalvictory and broke from nationalprogramming the following week to coverthe biggest parade ever seen in Newcastle.5AN provided special coverage of theAdelaide Crow’s bid for the AFL Grand Finalsimulcasting with 2NC to share theirsubsequent victories. Based on the availability of alternativecoverage and the preference of the majorityof listeners for the same year-round,uninterrupted sports coverage available tometropolitan audiences, the ABC decided todiscontinue the ABC’s Regional Radio racingservice. Coverage of racing information willcontinue as part of Grandstand’s generalcoverage.

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Per cent

Local Radio Program Source

0 20 40 60 80 100

NationalStateLocal

2CNACT

8DDDRegional

NT7ZR

Regional Tas

6WFRegional

WA5AN

RegionalSA

4QRRegional

Qld3LO

RegionalVic

2NC2BL

RegionalNSW

25

A statistical analysis of ABCradio and Television audiences

audiencesABC RadioThe overall national weekly audience reachfor the ABC’s radio services increased by 1.1%to an annual average of 6 459 000 which isthe highest result on record. This figurelargely reflects the strong growth ofNewsRadio’s audience and steady increasesfor Triple J.The ABC aggregate share remained steady inSydney (19.1 %), Adelaide (20.9%) andNewcastle (21.2%). It increased in Perth (to25.5%) and is slightly lower in Melbourne(19.7%), Brisbane (22.4%), Canberra (42.9%),Darwin (36.4%) and Hobart (41.9%).Metropolitan Radio’s weekly audience reachacross the nine cities is 2 062 000, marginallydown (by 1.2%) on the 1996–97 figure. TheABC’s regional areas were not surveyed in1997–98. In future the regional areas will besurveyed on an annual basis. The currentweekly reach for ABC Regional Radio is1 337 000. Metropolitan Radio often extendsbeyond the city areas and there is a sizeableaudience of 543 000 who listen toMetropolitan Radio in regional areas. Thetotal national ABC Local Radio audience is3 856 000 which is steady compared to lastyear.In Sydney, 2BL’s weekly reach increased to540 000, with its share increasing slightly to7.8%. In Melbourne, 3LO’s weekly reach andshare were down marginally to 630 000 and9.6%. In Brisbane, 4QR’s weekly reachdecreased to 235 000 and its share to 8.6%. InAdelaide, 5AN’s reach was steady at 166 000and its share was down marginally at 7.0%.In Perth, 6WF’s reach increased to 236 000while its share increased to 9.9%. Canberra’s2CN’s weekly reach was steady at 88 000 andits share was down marginally to 16.7%. InDarwin, 8DDD’s reach was unchanged at26 000 while the share was down to 18.0% (anew commercial station entered the marketduring 1997). 7ZR’s weekly reach and sharewere both down slightly to 68 000 and24.7%.Radio National’s overall national weeklyreach was down slightly (by 2.8%) to862 000. This decrease was due to a drop inthe network’s metropolitan audiences (to634 000).ABC Classic FM’s national weekly reach wassteady at 991 000 and was virtuallyunchanged in both the regional andmetropolitan areas compared to last year.Triple J’s national weekly reach increased by

1.0% to 2 169 000. The metropolitanaudience increased to 1 550 000. There wereno surveys across regional Australia in 1997.The strongest growth of all the ABC’s radionetworks this year was NewsRadio whichincreased its national weekly reach to477 000 (up 20.2%).

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Per cent

Radio Audience Share (all ABC Radio)

0 10 20 30 40 50

97–9896–97

95–9694–9593–94

Hobart

Darwin

Canberra

Newcastle

Perth

Adelaide

Brisbane

Melbourne

Sydney

NOTES: • Survey results for PNN became available from Survey 1/1995.• Metropolitan data based on AGB McNair Surveys in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Newcastle, Hobart and Darwin (ABC Survey of Darwin used from 94/95).• Regional data includes AGB McNair Gold Coast Surveys and ABC surveys of regional Australia.

Millions

Radio Reach (all ABC Radio)

5 5.2 5.5 5.75 6 6.25 6.5

93–94

94–95

95–96

96–97

97–98

Millions

Radio Reach (Networks)

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

1997–981996–97

1995–951994–951993–94

NewsRadio

Triple J

Classic FM

Radio National

Regional

Metros

27

ABC TelevisionABC Television’s weekly audience reach forthe five cities of Sydney, Melbourne,Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth ranged between70 per cent and 71 per cent. The four weeklyreach for the five cities has been maintainedat between 88 per cent and 89 per cent forthe 1997–98 financial year.ABC Television’s overall (6am to midnight)five city audience share remained steady at14.3% for the 1997–1998 financial year, with

the evening (6pm to midnight) shareaveraging 14.7 per cent.ABC Television attracts a particularly strongaudience share for its children’sprogramming. During the hours from 8:30amto 10:00am on Monday to Friday 44.2% of allviewing by 5–12 year olds and 61.5% of allviewing by 0–4 year olds is on the ABC. Alsofrom 3:00pm to 6:00pm Monday to Friday60.7% of all viewing by 0–4 year olds and49.1% of all viewing by 5–12 year olds is onthe ABC.

Per cent

Television – average weekly reach

60 65 70 75

1993–941994–95

1995–961996–971997–98

Perth

Adelaide

Brisbane

Melbourne

Sydney

Per cent

Television – audience share

0 5 10 15 20

1993–941994–95

1995–961996–971997–98

Perth

Adelaide

Brisbane

Melbourne

Sydney

28

‘The great strength of the ABClies in the quality of its programmakers. In Radio, Television andOnline they continue to developnew concepts, seek out newagendas, find and face newcreative challenges.

Imagine an Australia withoutthem.’

Andy Lloyd James, Head National Networks

National Networks seeks to satisfy the needsof audiences throughout Australia andbeyond by delivering innovative, distinctiveprograms. National Networks purchases,commissions and schedules programs for allthe ABC’s national television, radio andonline services – Network Television, RadioNational, ABC Classic FM, ABC NewsRadio,Triple J, Radio Australia and ABCMultimedia.A clear commissioning structure and processfor television programs was established,separate from in-house program production,and covering the programming of Arts andEntertainment, Comedy, Children’s,Education, Documentaries, Drama, Science,Religion and Talks, Sport and NaturalHistory. The relationship betweencommissioning and in-house production hasbeen under intensive review during the yearand continues to be worked through.The National Networks structure is designed,in part, to encourage cross-media productionand the year has seen many ventures of thistype. By encouraging early development ofcross-media skills, the ABC will be in a strongposition to deliver programming in thedigital era.

nationalnetworks

Alex Dimitriades and Tony Martin in Wildside

Network TelevisionIn the course of the year implementation ofthe ’One ABC’ structure has resulted in theseparation of program commissioning andprogram production for ABC television.Network Television, as part of NationalNetworks, now has responsibility forcommissioning and scheduling programsfrom a wide variety of sources. SevenCommissioning Editors were appointed byJuly, and a Network TelevisionCommissioning Guide was published inAugust. Staff and industry briefings were heldin all States during September and October.Following the Board decision that thecommissioning of 15 per cent of generalprograms should be open to proposals fromABC and independent producers, the firstround of Contestable Programs Bids wasannounced in September. Over 150 proposalswere received for eight program strands, anda further round in May attracted over 340proposals for ten program strands.Network Television works closely withRegional Services to establish programmingopportunities for new ideas reflecting all theregions of Australia.

DramaThe ABC has continued to produce work ofthe highest quality, despite a reducedcommitment to independently-producedmini-series. The greatest audience success ofthe year was the first 13-part series ofSeaChange, a co-production with ArtistServices, which became the ABC’s mostpopular program,regularly winning itstimeslot at 7.30pm onSundays andattractingunprecedentedattention from othermedia. Wildside, co-produced withGannon Television,achieved a highprofile in itsWednesday night slotand wonoverwhelming criticalacclaim. The 13 partChildren’s Hospital, was seen in an earlyevening timeslot from December, as a trialfor this lighter side of drama. Overseasprograms such as Ballykissangel, Hamish

Macbeth and The Bill have provided a popularweekend viewing alternative to commercialand SBS fare.

DocumentariesThe network has sought to commissionmajor series on aspects of Australian culture.Budget cuts meant a reduction of sevendocumentaries, but a wide range of programscontinued to find favourable audienceresponses. Among them were the Australianproduced series The Liners, Film Australia’sUnder the Hammer series, The Fatal Game, themulti-award winning story of Australianclimber Mike Rheinberger’s attempt to reachMount Everest’s summit, and Miracle at Seaabout the rescue of Tony Bullimore. A secondseries of the highly successful Race Around theWorld went into production, and the sameconcept was adapted for 12 to 16-year-olds in

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Top: 2. Filming Under the Hammer: Graham Wyse sound,Philip Bull camera, Susan Lambert producer/director.Middle: The 1998 Race Around the World teamAbove: Ling-Hsueh Tang and Ian Stenlake from Children’sHospital.

Sigrid Thorton star ofSeaChange.

30

Left: Petals a new ABC-produced animation series launched in June. Right: Teletubbies Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Po and Laa-Laa take over the morning timeslot.

Network Television — Most popular programs

1997 June 1998 Audience Audience

Program ‘000 Program ‘000

1. Heartbeat 1551 * 1 SeaChange 14622. The Bill – Saturday 1385 2 The Bill 14303. Pie In The Sky 1370 3. Ballykissangel 13104. Hamish Macbeth 1304 4. Edinburgh Military Tatoo 12895. Ballykissangel 1177 5. Vicar Of Dibley 1287

* 6. 7.30 Report Special – Diana 1167 6. Full Circle With Michael Palin 12516. Eire Apparent Michael Flately 1167 7. The Bill – Tuesday 1250

* 8. ABC News – Monday 1162 8. Pie In The Sky 11719. Full Circle With Michael Palin 1150 * 9. ABC News – Mon 114910. The Bill – Tuesday 1149 * 10. Late Edition News – Sat 112311. Vicar Of Dibley Easter Special 1137 11. Two Fat Ladies 1118

* 12. John Howard’s Address To Nation 1089 * 12. ABC News – Tue 1090* 13. ABC News – Tue 1082 * 13. ABC News – Sun 1074* 14. A River Somewhere 1080 14. Nature World 1064

15. One Foot In The Grave 1073 * 15. Late Edition News – Sun 1043* 16. Frontline 1057 * 16. ABC News – Wed 1033* 17. ABC News – Wednesday 1054 * 17. ABC News – Thu 1010

18. Next Of Kin 1048 * 18. ABC News – Fri 100619. Vicar Of Dibley Chrstmas Spcl 1035 19. McCallum 994

* 20. McFeast Portrait of Power Pussy 1023 20. Big Cat Diary 960

* Australian ContentThe above table lists the most popular programs transmitted by Network Television in thecalendar year 1997 and up to June 1998 for the five capital cities, Sydney, Melbourne,Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Race Around The Corner. In commissioningnew series National Networks have soughtopportunities for co-production withoverseas broadcasters and for overseas sales ofABC-commissioned work.

Children’sChildren’s programs have retained theircentral role in scheduling, with constructiveprogramming for every young age group. Theintroduction of a hosted morning show,presented by Mixy the rabbit, andincorporating pre-school favourites likePlayschool, Bananas in Pyjamas and SesameStreet, proved popular with younger viewers.The new series Teletubbies has doubled theearly morning audience since its Februarylaunch. Children’s Week in June saw thelaunch of a variety of ABC-produced, co-produced and acquired series, includingPetals, The Morph Files and a second series ofMagic Mountain. UNICEF’s InternationalChildren’s Day of Broadcasting in Decemberfeatured six hours of programs drawn fromvarious cultures for and about children.

Comedy The ABC has continued its commitment tooriginal Australian comedy, producing abroad mix of programming for a range ofages. Roy and HG returned with anacclaimed new ten-part series, The ChannelNine Show, building new audiences in mostStates. Good News Week returned on Fridaysfor a third year, attracting growing audiences,while a new series from the same team, GoodNews Weekend, followed on strongly from theRoy and HG series on Saturday nights.McFeast Live was a creative attempt atcombining comedy and talk, but failed toattract a sufficiently solid audience share.Other comedy initiatives included the firstABC series of the popular Artist Services co-production Micaleff, the six part SmallestRoom in the House and Raw Comedy from theMelbourne International Comedy Festival.

Science, Religion and Talks Science, Religion and Talks covers an eclecticvariety of programming. Quantum gained anew presenter, Triple J’s Adam Spencer, andsought to appeal to a wider, youngeraudience. Programs produced for thesuccessful Science Week cross-mediacollaboration included Rumble in the Jungle,Richard Smith’s examination of the impact ofa meteor on the life of the rainforest people

of the Rio Curaca, and his award-winningBlack Holes. Talk programs included FirstWednesday, presented by Peter Thompson, amonthly forum for important national issuessuch as the debate over legalisation of heroin,and a second series of Jenny Brockie’sinterview program Speaking Personally.Richard Ackland took over as presenter ofMedia Watch in March. The weekly religiousprogram Compass was presented by GeraldineDoogue from the beginning of 1998 andextended its coverage of ethical issues andcontroversies.

SportSport continues to present a major challengefor Network Television given the high cost ofsporting rights, but once again the focus onthe regions has enabled the network todevelop its coverage. February saw the startof live broadcasts of National BasketballLeague games from Canberra, Perth,Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane. Coverageof the Hopman Cup tennis tournament fromPerth in January won good audiences. Thenetwork also provided the widest coverage ofwomen’s sports, including the nation’s mostplayed game, netball and basketball. Othersports regularly covered included lawn bowls,junior tennis, volleyball, cycling, badminton,English soccer and American football.

Natural HistoryThe Natural History Unit has again woninternational recognition for its qualityprograms, such as Dragons of Galapagos,filmed over two years by award-winning filmmakers David Parer and Elizabeth Parer-Cook. The unit has begun an initiative todevelop new strands of shorter programming.Successful new programs included Zoo’s

31

Paul McDermott in Good News Week

32

Per cent0 10 20 30 40 50 60

6pm to Midnight6am to Midnight

1993–94

1994–95

1995–96

1996–97

1997–98

Australian Content 1994–98

6am to Midnight

Australian Content (first run vs repeats)

10 20 30 40 50

RepeatFirst run

1993–941994–951995–961996–971997–98

6pm to midnight

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

RepeatFirst run

1993–941994–951995–961996–971997–98

Per Cent

First run programs

0 20 40 60 80 100

6pm to midnight6am to midnight

1993–94

1994–95

1995–96

1996–97

1997–98

Per cent

Overseas content (first run vs repeats)(6am to midnight)

repeatfirst run

1993–941994–951995–961996–971997–98

6pm to midnight

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

RepeatFirst run

1993–941994–951995–961996–971997–98

Hours broadcast

Television Program Analysis

0 300 600 900 1200 1500 180

OverseasAustralian

SportReligious

NewsMovies

FeaturesEntertainment

EducationDrama

DocumentaryCurrent Affairs

ComedyChildrens

Arts

Hours broadcast0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

6pm to midnight6am to midnight

1993–94

1994–95

1995–96

1996–97

1997–98

ABC made programs (first run)

Network Television Content

Australian First release 32.3%

Australian Repeat 22.4%

Overseas First release 10.2%

Overseas Repeat 35.1%

Aust First release 46.2%

Aust Repeat 9.2%

Overseas First release 20.3%

Overseas Repeat 24.4%

6am to Midnight 6pm to MidnightNetworkTelevisionContent Analysis

Company, filmed at three zoos in Victoria andBunch of Fives a series of 3D animationssuitable for children and adults that hasalready won eight national and internationalawards.

EducationEducation continues to commissionprogramming in all key learning areas forYears K-12. Behind the News, for upperprimary and lower secondary students,remained the most popular schools televisionprogram, with an audience of around onemillion students. New productions includedShape Shape Shape, a seven-part mathematicalseries for lower primary students, newepisodes of For the Juniors, Vital Systems, aseries for secondary students looking at majorbody systems, and new episodes ofAustralians.

YouthNetwork Television undertakes programmingto reach every section of the Australianpopulation. Programs with special appeal fora youth audience included Heartbreak High,Rage, Recovery, Race Around the World, Raw FMand the most popular programs for the 16–24age group, Good News Week, Red Dwarf, Royand HG and Seachange. Network Television also made a significantcontribution to LOUD, Australia’s first mediafestival of youth culture and the arts.

Indigenous ProgramsThe ABC maintained its commitment topresenting programs with Indigenous themesand perspectives. In television, theIndigenous Programs Unit produces anddevelops indigenous programs and brings anindigenous perspective to otherprogramming. An eight-part documentaryseries screened in September and October aspart of The Festival of the Dreaming, featuredthe work of leading indigenous film-makers,including Blacktracker from Producer MichaelRiley, Shifting Shelter from Ivansen and CrimTV directed by Rachel Perkins. JennyBrockie’s Speaking Personally series includedperformer Ningali Crawford and SocialJustice Commissioner Mick Dodson’s Storywas told in an episode of Australian Story.Songlines was repeated over summer.

ABC InternationalABC International extends the ABC’s rolethrough sale and distribution of its televisionprograms to broadcasters throughout theworld. Despite the difficulties of the 1997-1998 financial year, particularly with thedownturn of business in Asia, revenue targetsfor program sales were met for the fifthconsecutive year. Bananas in Pyjamas, nowseen in 50 countries worldwide, added LatinAmerica to its export list. Animation seriesPetals was sold in a number of countriesincluding France and the Australia Ballet’sRites, filmed by the ABC, is soon to bebroadcast by the BBC. A European co-producer for the Zoo’s Company andreversioning of Frontier for the BBC’sTimewatch history series have also beensecured. ABC Footage Sales has formed aconsortium with Film Australia and theNational Film and Sound Archive inanticipation of overseas demand leading upto the 2000 Olympics. The Non-theatric SalesUnit supplies educational videos to schools,tertiary institutions, libraries, businesses andgovernment organisations throughoutAustralian and New Zealand, as well asviewers. Series such as Reading WritingRoadshow, What’s your Poison and programson Indigenous culture have provedparticularly popular this year.

33

Garth Caird on camera filming his fourth Hopman Cup.

Radio NationalRadio National is the ideas powerhouse ofthe radio networks, with specialist output onthe arts, science, international affairs, socialissues, law, religion and comprehensive newsand current affairs coverage. The network’sprogramming explores the capabilities of theradio medium in a range of forms, includingmagazine pieces, features, documentaries,panel discussions, performance and music.The network continues to explore newcontent and to set new agendas.The most significant programminginnovation was the introduction of thenightly Asia Pacific presented by Peter Mares,a co-production with Radio Australia.Launched in April, it brings key developmentsin the region to every area in Australia. Othernew programs in 1998 were the languageprogram Lingua Franca; Rural Reporter, givinga new voice to the bush, and Saturday AM.Radio National provided in-depth coverage ofthe Constitutional Convention across a rangeof programs. Late Night Live went to HongKong for the handover to China, and toIndia for a week. Speeches by five of the sixliving Australian Prime Ministers werebroadcast in Prime Ministers on PrimeMinisters, and Open Learning began a 13-partseries, The Good Citizen: Australian Democracyand Citizenship. Sunday Special continued toshowcase special series and lectures,including Robert Theobald’s series The Futureof Work and The Healing Century and the 1997Boyer Lectures by Martin Krygier. In co-operation with the LOUD youth arts festival,Radio National produced a series of programson youth issues or with young presenters.Major arts and literary festivals, includingPerth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and theFestival of the Dreaming, were givenextensive coverage. Science Week programswere broadcast across the country. RadioNational Science Unit’s producers metregularly with their television and onlinecounterparts to discuss cross-media initiativesand to ensure cross-promotion, notablybetween The Science Show, Quantum and theonline site The Lab.Since the beginning of 1998, Radio Nationalhas been moving the bulk of its repeatprograms to a computer-based automatedprogram delivery system. This autoschedulingsystem gives greater flexibility and efficiency,and is now delivering 65 hours of programs aweek.

34

The ArtsIn bothradio andtelevisionNational Networks has ensuredthe ABC’s contribution to the artistic life ofthe nation.In television, Express continued to provide aweekly forum for arts coverage. Performanceprograms included summer concerts byState symphony orchestras, and a summerStereo Specials season including a simulcastof Opera Australia’s Madama Butterfly, threeshort works from The Australian Ballet andoverseas specials. Arts documentaryprograms included Brushes with Fame,coinciding with the Archibald Prize, OperaWorks, a series attempting to demystifyopera and documentaries on painter DavidHockney, architect Frank Lloyd Wright andcomposer Ennio Morricone.The Radio Arts department supplies thenetworks, particularly ABC Classic FM andRadio National, with programming from arange of specialist units. Programminghighlights included Icons, a series featuringinternational concert stars on RadioNational, special programming for the tenthanniverary of The Listening Room on ClassicFM, special programming celebrating PercyGrainger’s works as part of the 1997Melbourne International Festival and asuccessful collaboration with Perspecta andthe Art Gallery of NSW. The ABC Radio Fellow, a six month positionfunded annually by the Australia Council,was Sophea Lerner with The Listening Room.Writer Raimondo Cortese worked for threemonths as a writer in residence with RadioDrama, funded by the Ian Reed Foundation. Cross-network collaboration included:Illegal Harmonies, a series on 20th centurymusic on ABC Classic FM and RadioNational, production by The Listening Roomof a series of Audioclips for broadcast onTriple J, and a joint production with ABCMultimedia which resulted in the broadcastof Andrew Garton’s work Sensorium Connecton the internet. Relationships with overseaspublic broadcasters were strengthened, andcollaborations with cultural organisationswithin Australia included an agreementwith the NSW Ethnic Communities Councilfor the production of radio plays.

ABC Classic FMABC Classic FM, Australia’s only nationalclassical music network, broadcasts a widerange of classical music as well as new music,jazz and performance, and is committed tothe recording and broadcast of Australian livemusic. The network consistently exceeded itsAustralian content targets of 5 per centcomposition and 20 per cent performance,attaining monthly averages of 7.5per centand 27.5per cent respectively.The major music festivals Melbourne,Sydney, Perth and Adelaide were extensivelycovered during the year. At the SydneySpring International Festival of New Music 14world premieres and 33 Australian premiereswere broadcast. The Australian ComposingWomen’s Festival was supported by thenetwork which also staged a concert inSydney to mark the centenary of composerMargaret Sutherland.The network continued its close relationshipwith the Symphony Australia orchestras,with many live concert broadcasts. DuringFebruary Christopher Lawrence presented hispopular Swoon concerts in four cities. Withthe Sydney Symphony Orchestra, ABCClassic FM co-promoted the BeethovenFestival, with the orchestra performing allthe concertos and symphonies for the firsttime in 55 years, culminating in a galaperformance of the Eighth and NinthSymphonies simulcast with NetworkTelevision.The Recording of the Year Awards, presentedby the Hon Justice Michael Kirby, includedjazz for the first time. The Awards were theoccasion for announcing a number ofprogramming initiatives, including thebroadcast of the entire season of 19 operas inthe New York Texaco-Metropolitan Operaseries, live broadcast of the Shostakovichstring quartet cycle by the touring BrodskyQuartet from the UK, and specialprogramming for the tenth anniversary ofthe award-winning acoustic art program TheListening Room. The Young Composers Awardsaw the six finalists travel to Perth for thebroadcast of their compositions by the WestAustralian Symphony Orchestra 20thCentury Ensemble. Winner Dominik Karskireceived $5000 and an agreement with ABCClassics for the commercial recording of hiswork Floating on the River of Time.

Triple JTriple J remains one of the ABC’s keysuccesses. In this financial year it achievedthe highest audience levels in its history,with its wide appeal to young Australians,based on a balanced, innovative mixture ofinformation, entertainment and new music.Network promotions were highly successfulin attracting audience interaction, with260 000 voting in the ‘Hottest 100’ poll and100 000 votes towards the ‘Hottest 100 of alltime’. The Triple J website developed as asignificant form of programming,information delivery and audienceinteraction, with weekly accesses growingfrom around 30 000 hits at the start of thefinancial year to as many as 431 000 by theend of the year, accounting for 25 per cent oftotal access to the ABC website. In theinnovative new weekly chart program, TheNet 50, the audience votes for the playlist viathe internet.Triple J reviewed its on-air line-up for 1998,with Jenny Oldershaw joining the Breakfastteam, Sarah Macdonald presenting theMorning Show, Michael Tunn moving fromNights to Afternoons, Adam Spencer andHelen Razer on Drive, and Jane Gazzopresenting Nights from Melbourne.The Unearthed project continued to discovernew musical talent, with Adelaide the secondcapital city to be unearthed and 12 newbands discovered. Extensive arts coverageincluded the Melbourne InternationalComedy Festival, the Third Annual RawComedy Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festivaland the Falls Festival.Triple J has consistently taken a responsiblestance on social issues affecting youngpeople. In July, the network presented a

35

Adam Spencer, Triple J and Quantum presenter broadcastinglive from the Melbourne Exhibition Centre during scienceweek.

week-long series of discussions and specialprograms aimed at the prevention of youthsuicide, culminating in the Reach Outfundraiser which collected $180 000 for theestablishment of a youth suicide preventionwebsite. The Reach Out site was launchedeight months later by Federal Family ServicesMinister, Warwick Smith, and Triple J wasthanked in a special mention in the Senate.The network also focussed on significantcommunity events during the year, includingNAIDOC Week, World Environment Day andOcean Week.

NewsRadioABC NewsRadio, Australia’s only continuousradio news service, provides the mostcomprehensive radio news programming inAustralia. Broadcast on the Parliamentaryand News Network (PNN), which also carriesthe only extended live radio coverage ofFederal Parliament proceedings, it is heard inall capital cities and Newcastle. The radioservice is complemented by NewsRadio’swebsite, which is updated regularly. Duringthe year it has strengthened both itsinternational and regional coverage.NewsRadio broke the weekend story of thedeath of Princess Diana, covered the Thredbodisaster and the rescue of Stuart Diver,brought continuing news of the Asianeconomic crisis and broadcast PresidentSoeharto’s resignation live from Indonesia. Ahighlight was NewsRadio’s extended livecoverage of the Constitutional Convention,

also audiostreamed the internet. State andTerritory-based election coverage broadcastto all States and Territories by the networkincluded 5AN’s coverage of the SouthAustralian election vote-counting in October,reports on the ACT and Northern Territoryelections, and of greatest national interest,4QR’s tallyroom program on the Queenslandelection in June. The network launchedAustralian radio’s first extended news-basedSunday evening program, with strongelements of science and technology, andAustraliawide segments, covering eventsaround the country, were also extended toSunday evenings.International sources for Worldwide segmentsand features were extended, with newprograms from Germany, the Netherlandsand Canada. Financial information wasexpanded, with a new daily stock marketreport and half-hourly financial reportsadded from 6am to midday on weekends.Sporting coverage was increased, includingexpansion of the only AFL radio coverageheard in all States and Territories.

Radio AustraliaRadio Australia, the ABC’s internationalservice, was completely restructured in thecourse of this financial year following theFederal Government’s closure of the CoxPeninsula transmitters. Its budget wasreduced by more than half, from $13.5million to $6.3 million, with staff cut from144 to 73, broadcasts in Cantonese, Thai andFrench ended, and broadcasts in Mandarinand Indonesian curtailed. Services in Khmer,Vietnamese, Tok Pisin and English have been

36

Radio Australia Tok Pisin Broadcaster, Paulus Kombo, inaction during the twentieth Anniversary of IndependenceCelebrations, Honiara, Solomon Islands

maintained. Shortwave reception in mostparts of Asia has been adversely affectedparticularly in Indonesia and the Mekong.Nonetheless, with great ingenuity, technicalinnovation and strong support from RadioNational and ABC Multimedia, the networkhas redefined its role as the leading providerof information, education and culturalprogramming in the Asia-Pacific region,building new audiences both domesticallyand on the internet. New specialist programssuch as Asia Pacific and Pacific Beat provideunequalled coverage of issues in the regioncomplementing Radio Australia’s 24 hournews coverage of the region. Radio Australiaprograms respond to developmentimperatives, including economics, agricultureand science and technology, in the Asia-Pacific region. The challenge of reduced shortwavebroadcasts has been met by finding newsystems of delivery. While the Sheppartonand Brandon transmitters have continued todeliver services to Papua New Guinea and thePacific, 40 partner stations in the region nowrelay Radio Australia programs in English,Chinese, Indonesian, Khmer andVietnamese; the network’s reach hasextended into Vanuatu, Kiribati, Niue andTonga with programs re-broadcast there; acontract has been signed with AusAid tosecure additional satellite downloadingfacilities in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga; andthrough the World Radio Network satelliteservice, Radio Australia is heard acrossEurope, North America and now South

Africa. Multimedia delivery has also beencrucial, with accesses to the website up overthe period by 100 000 to a quarter of amillion per month.In programming, Radio Australia hasidentified distance education as a major fieldof opportunity, and started developing radioand online educational material in March. Ateam of specialist producers has worked withMonash University academics to produceMoney, Markets and the Economy, a series ofradio programs explaining the workings ofthe international economy as a pilot fordistance education delivery. Otheruniversities have expressed interest incollaborating with Radio Australia and thenetwork is developing plans to produceChinese and Indonesian language versions ofeducational activity.

ABC MultimediaABC Multimedia has gone from strength tostrength in the management of the mostadvanced multimedia services of anybroadcasting network in Australia. Itmanages the award-winning internet service,ABC Online, as well as highly-acclaimed CD-ROM publishing.During 1997–98 ABC Online accesses rosefrom approximately 600 000 to over onemillion per week. The most popular siteswere Online News, Triple J, Radio Australia,science site the Lab and children’s site thePlayground. The online ‘gateway’ structure

37

No. of accesses (millions)

ABC Online Accesses

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

June

199

8

Dec

embe

r

July

199

7

Dec

embe

r

July

199

6

Dec

embe

r

July

199

5

was consolidated during the year, with theDrum site for youth, Learn Online foreducation, the On Air marketing gateway,Your Local ABC for regional services, The Shopfor ABC Shops and The Playground launched,joining the Lab and ABC News Online. Each of the gateways is strongly linked tobroadcasting facilities, with cross-mediaopportunities frequently exploited in theareas of youth and education in particular.Frontier Education Online, launched inFebruary, joins television to provide schoolswith significant resources for Indigenousstudies. ConCon, launched on Australia Day,provided innovative coverage of theConstitutional Convention including ‘live’audiofeeds of the debate and allowed forinteractive public response. For the second consecutive year, ABC Online,won Best Media Web Site at the prestigious1997 Australian Internet Awards ceremony inNovember. The Real Wild Child CD-ROMwon seven 1997 Australian InternationalMultimedia Awards.ABC News Online relaunched in March, nowprovides a full 24-hour multimedia newsservice, fully incorporated within theeditorial structures of ABC News to ensurethe highest quality. Other cross-media

initiatives included the launch of Australia’sfirst internet-based radio program, Net 50 onTriple J; web forums linked to episodes ofQuantum; Discovering Democracy, a co-production between Open LearningAustralia, Radio National and ABC Online;and cross-media coverage of the Kyotoclimate conference in January. ABCMultimedia is now represented in NetworkTelevision’s program commissioningmeetings, to encourage consideration ofcross-media applications. During 1997–98 extensive negotiations wereheld with Cinemedia, the VictorianGovernment’s multimedia productionfunding body, with a view to a majorproduction agreement in the next financialyear.

Australia Television InternationalPty LimitedIn early July 1997 the ABC Board announcedthat the Seven Network was the successfulbidder, and would purchase the ordinaryshares in Australia Television InternationalPty Limited. The Seven Network assumedmanagement control of, and financialresponsibility for, the service on 1 August1997.During February 1998, the ordinary shareswere transferred and final agreements signed.The Seven Network committed tomaintaining a quality Australian basedservice of 16 hours per day for at least thenext three and a half years.The Seven Network contracted the ABC toprovide the award winning AustraliaTelevision nightly news, along with access todomestic ABC News and Current Affairs. Thecost to the ABC for providing this service is$3 million. This amount is specificallyallocated for the support of Australia TVwithin the ABC's Parliamentaryappropriation. Australia TelevisionInternational Pty Limited also contracts theABC for supply of certain operational supportservices.The ABC retains a preference shareholding,in Australia Television and has three seats onthe seven-member Australia Television Board.Current ABC Directors are DonaldMcDonald, Brian Johns and Dianne Gribble.

38

l o

39

‘We will embrace the future bybuilding on our traditionalstrengths – the depth andbreadth of our news coverage, thequality of our analysis and thestrong allegiances we sustaindaily with the Australiancommunity.’

Paul Williams, Head News and Current Affairs

News and Current Affairs radio and televisionprograms covered breaking world newsstories, from the death of Princes Diana tothe Northern Ireland peace talks, theeconomic crisis in Asia, the leadershipchange in Indonesia, the Global WarmingConfernce in Kyoto and the Skate tapes affairin Papua New Guinea. At home, the service provided extensivecoverage of events from Katherine toLaunceston, including the Thredbo disaster,floods and bushfires and the waterfrontdispute. The ABC’s coverage of the Katherinefloods was publicly praised by both the NTChief Minister and Police Commissioner.ABC coverage of the ConstitutionalConvention, which included a nightlytelevision Convention Report by the Latelineteam, received congratulations from theChair of the Convention, Ian Sinclair.Elections in South Australia, the NorthernTerritory, the Australian Capital Territory andQueensland were covered and specialelection night programs were produced foreach State and Territory. In addition, theRadio Current Affairs program AM broadcastfrom South Australia, the Northern Territoryand Queensland in the days before and afterthe elections.ABC Television News launched its ‘new look’on Australia Day and has received positive

news& currentaffairs

Kim Beazley, left, and John Howard, right, being interviewedfor ABC Radio in the ABC Parliament House studios.

Photo: Andrew Meares

audience response. Network Television Newsfrom December 1 to February 13 broke newground with a highly successful 20 minuteLate Edition News, Monday to Friday. Theprogram made full use of domestic andoverseas corespondents, broadcasting livewith breaking or fresh news.Australian Story moved to a new time slot forthe 1998 season at 8.30pm Thursdayresulting in a significant increase in audiencereach. It has become one of the ABC’s tenmost watched programs.Radio Sport finalised the radio contract forthe Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and is wellprepared for the Commonwealth Games inKuala Lumpur in September. The national

Grandstand program continues to maintainits reputation as an agenda setter in thenational sports media. In cricket, Radio Sportprovided coverage of the New Zealand andSouth Africa cricket tours of Australia, theAshes Test in England, the One Day series inNew Zealand and the Australian tour ofIndia.Other highlights include the WorldSwimming Championships in Perth inJanuary and football (various codes) onGrandstand.

InternationalTwelve months after a major review of itsoverseas offices, the ABC is utilising more bi-media reporting from its foreigncorrespondents.The new Asia hub built around the BangkokBureau is working well and reinforcing otherAsian bureaus where needed. The splitting ofresources between London and Brussels hasprovided permanent television coverage fromEurope for the first time, but resources havebeen stretched at both Bureaus during busynews periods.The strength of the ABC’s network of foreignBureaus was graphically illustrated during theyear, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.News and Current Affairs coverage of thesocial and political changes in Indonesia andthe political tumult in Papua New Guineawon general acclaim.

News OnlineABC News Online, based in Brisbane, rapidlyexpanded the amount of News and CurrentAffairs content available online during1997–98, culminating in the official launch

40

No. of accesses (000s)

News Online Accesses

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

5 Ju

ly

28 Ju

n

31 M

ay

3 M

ay

5 A

pril

8 M

ar

8 Fe

b

11 Ja

n

14 D

ec

16 N

ov

19 O

ct

21 S

ept

24 A

ug

27 Ju

l

29 Ju

n

1 Ju

n

Thredbodisaster

Diana'sfuneral

Asiancrises

Hutchencedeath

Gulfcrises

ConstitutionalConvention

Wharfdispute

Indonesia

QLD election

ACCUSATIONS OF BIAS REJECTEDAt the time of the national waterfrontdispute in April-May, accusations of biaswere made against ABC News and CurrentAffairs. Given its commitment to providebalanced, independent coverage, thesewere serious allegations. Two comprehensive reports by ProfessorPhilip Bell of the Media andCommunications Unit of the University ofNew South Wales, one into televisioncoverage and the other into radiocoverage, unequivocally rejectedaccusations of bias. Professor Bellconcluded, in the case of ABC TelevisionNews and the 7.30 Report, that “theprograms acted professionally and fairlyinsofar as balance and accuracy can bejudged”. The report on radio concluded “Itis not possible to judge the ABC radiocoverage of the dispute as ‘biased’.”

41

of the News Online service in March.New services covering Business, theOlympics, State News, Sport and Featureswere launched. Audio featuring ABC RadioCurrent Affairs was developed as acomponent of the Online News package.During the year, ABC News Online launchedthe Regional Online Project which isdesigned to deliver news from ABC regionalnewsrooms. The service has been so popularthat the number of regions online increasedto 25 and there are plans to bring theremaining regions online by the end of 1998.Special News Online coverage was mountedfor the death and funeral of Diana, Princessof Wales, the Constitutional Convention, thewaterfront dispute, the Federal Budget, theIndonesian crisis, the World Cup and theQueensland State election. Access activity on the News site continued torise, peaking at more than 600 000 accessesper week. On the night of the Queenslandelection the election site received 140 000hits. ABC News Online now accounts forbetween 35 and 45 per cent of total accesseson the ABC site.

AudiencesAudience numbers for News and CurrentAffairs programs show slight variations fromthe previous year. Television News hasincreased its audience share while The 7.30

Report share remains steady. The AustralianStory audience has increased significantly.The Stateline audience remains constantalthough when special editions of theprogram have been produced and broadcastoutside the normal timeslot, as with theQueensland Election program, there havebeen marked increases in audience numbers.Radio Current Affairs continues to performwell with AM and PM in particular increasingtheir audiences.

Future DirectionsIn the first half of the financial year, Newsand Current Affairs completed first andsecond tier restructuring in accordance withthe Corporation’s ‘One ABC’ policy.News and Current Affairs has continued tomerge newsrooms. Adelaide is due to moveinto a purpose-built bi-media newsroomtowards the end of 1998. The goal of developing a 24-hour newsgathering capability proceeds. As part of thisplanning, digital cameras and editingeqipment have been introduced inMelbourne. A project team has been established to adviseon the replacement of the Basys system.Training programs for multi-skillingjournalists, crews and editors havecommenced.

●Tokyo

●Moscow

●Jerusalem Beijing●

●Johannesburg

●New YorkWashington●

London●●Brussels

●Port Moresby

●Bangkok

New Delhi● ●Hong Kong

● ABC Bureaus and Correspondents

●Amman

Jakarta●

●Hanoi

42

…the portfolio created, producedand resourced award winningtelevision programs thatcontinue to be the hallmark ofABC television programming

Last year the ABC Board endorsed a neworganisational structure which resulted in theestablishment of the Program Productionportfolio - a production house to create,produce and resource commissionedprograms, other than News and CurrentAffairs, to satisfy ABC network schedules.The establishment of this portfolio with itsHead being a member of the ABC Executivewas a clear reflection of key ‘One ABC’principles – production of content as acentral ABC business and program ledmanagement.During the year the portfolio created,produced and resourced award winningtelevision programs that continue to be thehallmark of ABC television programming.These programs covered the diverse range ofcategories – Arts and Entertainment,Documentaries, Natural History, Indigenous,Drama, Children’s, Education, Comedy,Science, Religion, Talks and Sport. The year was also a period of change as theportfolio proceeded with the implementationof the ‘One ABC’ restructure. This hasresulted in the portfolio developing newrelationships both within the ABC and with

programproduction

The Channel Nine Show in production at the ABC’s Gore HillStudios in Sydney. Pictured is camera operator Dick Bond.

the external program production industry,encouraging new program development,restructuring the portfolio organisation andreducing ongoing staffing by one in four.

Programs and Services

Television ProgramsOver 1000 hours of first run televisionprograms were delivered and broadcast bythe ABC television network, contributingsignificantly to ABC Australian content.These programs, and the work of theircreators, producers and resourcers, wererecognised nationally and internationally bywinning many awards. It is through these programs, and theprograms produced by the News and CurrentAffairs portfolio, that the ABC largely meetsits Charter obligations - to broadcastprograms that contribute to a sense ofnational identity and inform and entertain,and reflect the cultural diversity of theAustralian community and to broadcastprograms of an educational nature. Programs produced by Program Production,as well as satisfying a major portion of theABC television network schedule, provideABC Enterprises with sources for additionalproducts and services.

Online ServiceProgram Production is a significant contentcontributor to the ABC Online Internetservice, with many of the online sites relatingto television programs produced by theportfolio. These television programs, and the onlineservice content, are produced in severalproduction units around the country.

Production ResourcesProduction resources are largely used for theproduction and post production of televisionprograms. In addition these resources areused by other ABC portfolios either forproduction of television programs and onlineservices or for transmission operations.These production resources are located inSydney and Melbourne.

Archives and Library ServicesArchives and library services are used by allABC output portfolios for the research andproduction of television programs, radioprograms and online services. In addition theservices include cataloguing, preserving andarchiving program material, managing ABCmedia collections and libraries and an onlinesite providing information about thecollections and access to material throughsales outlets. Archives and Library Services has locations inall States, which are managed by ProgramProduction.

Future DirectionsProgram Production has developed a businessplan for the next two years which definesstrategic responses to the ‘One ABC’restructure and sets targets for productionoutput within the existing infrastructure. The goal is to increase levels of productionoutput for the ABC in terms of innovation,diversity, quality, value and quantity. Insupport of this goal Program Production’spriorities are to develop the production andresource skills of the staff, upgrade facilities,extend the use of digital technology andimprove production processes to realise theseincreased output levels of ABC programs.

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Richard Ackland, joined the Media Watch team as the newpresenter.

44

The ABC has been producing material forsale, generated through radio and televisionprograms since 1974 and has been operatingABC Shops since 1981. There are currently 28ABC Shops located in major cities andregional centres throughout Australia. ABCCentres, dedicated spaces within existingretail outlets selling ABC product, have beenoperating since 1988. ABC Centres provideaccess to ABC products to audiences incountry and suburban centres that are notlarge enough to support shops.Enterprises activities fall into three mainareas:• production of consumer products such as

books, audio tapes, contemporary andclassical music CDs, videos and magazines,

• the sale of this product through ABCShops, ABC Centres, traditional retailoutlets and direct marketing activities, and

• the licensing in Australia and overseas ofABC program related products such as toysand clothing bearing ABC trademarks.

Warehousing and distribution of ABCproducts are carried out under contract byprivate sector corporations such as Allen andUnwin (books), EMI and PolyGram(contemporary and classical music) andRoadshow (video). The manufacture ofmusical recordings, videos, books andlicensed merchandise is also carried out byprivate sector companies.ABC Enterprises is a self funding division ofthe ABC. It maintains separate accountingsystems, receives no appropriation from theABC budget and returns all profits to theCorporation to support programmingactivities. Over the past six years ABC Enterprises hasincreased its net profit fourfold as a result ofexpanding its activities and innovation inthe design of products and services.In 1997–98 all areas of ABC Enterprisesperformed strongly and the organisationachieved above budget trading results. Over530 products related to ABC programmingactivities were offered for sale in ABC Shops,Centres and general retail stores. A total of 73awards was won during the year; 41 forcreative excellence and 32 for businessperformance. (see Appendix 8).

ABCenterprises

Activities

RetailTwo new shops in Preston Victoria andMarion South Australia were opened in1997–98 bringing the total number of shopsto 28. Several existing shops wererefurbished.

Online ShoppingIt is now possible to purchase goodselectronically through the ABC Shop Online.The existing site was upgraded in April with anew look and streamlined operation. TheOnline Shop contains a choice of about 1400items, mainly new releases and best-sellers.The full range of 4500 products should beavailable by the end of 1998. Items aredisplayed with image and text description.Audio and video displays will beprogressively introduced where relevant.Goods can be ordered electronically via asecure credit card payment system for homedelivery.

Consumer PublishingAll areas of consumer publishing recordedstrong results for the year.

MagazinesEnterprises took over the management of 24Hours magazine in March. It is now publishedand distributed monthly under licence byTerraplane Press. Following the closure ofSoundscapes magazine in April, 24 Hours is thepre-eminent source of classical musicreportage in Australia.

AudioABC Audio produces Australian literary workson audio tapes and CDs and is Australiandistributor for the BBC Radio catalogue. Thisyear a new range of ABC Book and Tape setsfor children was added to the catalogue.These sets contain full colour story bookspackaged together with a top quality cassetterecording of the story brought to life withmusic and sound effects. The new rangeincludes Bananas in Pyjamas, Blinky Bill andPlay School favourites.

VideoOne of the best selling video tapes of the yearwas Diana – A Celebration. Profits from thesale of the BBC video were donated to the

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute atthe Garvan Institute in Sydney.

Contemporary MusicABC Country Music artist Gina Jeffreys wasinvited by the Country Music Association ofAmerica to headline the first officialInternational Showcase at its annual Fan Fairin Nashville, Tennessee, the USA’s biggestCountry Music event. While in Nashville MsJeffreys also appeared at the Grand Ole Opry,in an event which was broadcast to atelevision audience of 75 million. The ABC Country label has been part of ABCContemporary Music since 1991 and in the

45

Classics1997–98 was an exceptionally good year forABC Classics with the celebration of tenyears of the ABC Classics recording label.The small unit of two hasachieved the best financialresults ever, and a thirdGold Record in twoyears, for Swoon II.The ABC has fosteredclassical music inAustralia since itsformation in 1932,supporting sixSymphonyOrchestras and makingthousands of recordings ofAustralian compositions and performances,for broadcast and long-playing vinyl disc.The ABC’s own label was created in 1988and in ten years ABC Classics has created acatalogue of over 150 active titles acrossmany periods, genres and styles of classicalmusic.Within Australia, ABC Classics titlesroutinely outsell major releases by largeinternational record companies. Overseasthe label is stocked by leading record storesand receives a steady flow of positivereviews. ABC Classics has won numerousnational and international awards. In1997–98 the contribution made by the labelwas recognised with a special award ofRecord Industry Achiever of the Yearpresented to the Head of ABC Classics,Robert Patterson.ABC Classics are distributed in Australia byPolyGram and internationally by HNHInternational Ltd.

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ensuing seven years ABC Country artists havewon 36 Golden Guitars at the TamworthCountry Music Festival and achieved 9 Goldand 5 Platinum albums. During the year,Head of ABC Contemporary Music, MerylGross, was honoured by the AustralianCountry Music Association with an award forher contribution to Country Music inAustralia.

Licensing, Films And Events

LicensingBananas in Pyjamas merchandise is availablein nineteen countries with approximately350 overseas companies licensed tomanufacture products such as books, toys,clothing, accessories, stationery and games.In Australia approximately 70 differentlicensees manufacture products for domesticsale and export.

FilmsEnterprises’ first film distribution venture,Her Majesty Mrs Brown, grossed over $4.5million at the Australian box office and isstill being exhibited in parts of the country.The film opened on Boxing Day at twentyvenues and was soon screening in 46cinemas.

EventsBuilding on the ABC’s strengths in children’stelevision programming, Enterprises isexpanding its children’s entertainmentactivities, augmenting the ABC for Kids rangeof books, videos, licensed product and musicwith new events for children such astheatrical performances, concerts, characterappearances and an ABC for Kids Club.

Enterprises –Revenue Activities

Films 2%

Classical Music 1.1%

Licensing 11.2%

Video 15.7%

Contemporary Music 8.2%

Audio 2.5%

Publishing 8.1%

Retail Sales 51.2%

$ millions

Enterprises – Cash contribution to ABC

0 2 4 6 8 10

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

$ millions

Enterprises – Accrued Profits

0 3 6 9 12 15

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

Enterprises first film distribution venture Her Majesty MrsBrown.

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Symphony AustraliaSymphony Australia provides administrativeand professional services to the orchestralnetwork and coordinates and manages theArtist Development Program. It continues tooversee the corporatisation of the orchestras.As part of its Artist Development Program,Symphony Australia administers theprestigious Young Performers Awards. The1997 Grand Final was held in Sydney,simulcast on Network Television and ABCClassic FM. The winner, Philip Arkinstall,gave an outstanding performance ofFrançaix’s Clarinet Concerto.In October, the Symphony AustraliaConductors’ Mastercourse was held inQueensland, under the direction of MaestroJorma Panula. The winner of the WestfieldYoung Conductor of the Year Award, AndrewRobinson, was invited by Maestro Panula totake part in a similar course held at CarnegieHall in February.Symphony Australia in collaboration withthe Adelaide Symphony Orchestra presentedOrchestra Dreaming at this year’s AdelaideFestival, a concert that canvassed andcelebrated the ways in which Indigenous andEuropean Australian music can meet. Thisconcert was broadcast on ABC Classic FMand is due to be screened on NetworkTelevision later this year. One of thehighlights of the concert was Music is ourCulture by composers Jardine Kiwat, GraysonRotumah, Kerry McKenzie, Jensen Warusamand Chester Schultz. The work proved to be apowerful symbol of our shared history in thisland.

Adelaide Symphony OrchestraThe Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO)further increased the diversity of its activitieswith the introduction of a summer season ofpops repertoire, an early evening series ofchamber music, and a short series of concertsof music of the Classical era with therenowned Swedish conductor, ArnoldÖstman.In addition to its regular series of concerts,the ASO performed with Dame Kiri TeKanawa for Opera in the Outback; performedin the pit for the State Opera of SouthAustralia and The Australian Ballet; and wasthe major contributor to the 1998 AdelaideFestival, performing four distinct programs toa total audience in excess of 65 000.

symphonyaustralia

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Circus Spectacularconducted by Timothy Sexton. Photo: Drew Lenman.

The ASO’s recording of the complete SunMusic of Peter Sculthorpe conducted by ChiefConductor, David Porcelijn, won an ARIAaward for Best Classical Recording of theyear. Other highlights included the worldpremiere of Orchestra Dreaming, acollaboration with Indigenous music makersin creating a genuine fusion of cultures. To appeal to a wide cross-section of SouthAustralians, a community series, ASO Alfresco,was introduced; the Christmas Promsfeatured three members of the victoriousCrows football team; and the Family Concertin March featured a satellite link-up withSouth Australian astronaut, Andy Thomas, inthe Mir Space Station.

Melbourne SymphonyDuring the year the Melbourne Symphonywelcomed Markus Stenz as its new ChiefConductor and Artistic Director. Hecommenced his four-year term withperformances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2

Resurrection which marked the beginning of acomplete Mahler cycle. Other artistichighlights of the period were the Australianpremieres of Esa-Pekka Salonen’s LAVariations, Rautavaara’s Symphony No. 7Angel of Light, Ross Edwards’ Guitar Concerto,Tristan Murail’s Time and Again, Kits byPhilippe Hurel and Giya Kancheli’s cycle ofprayers, Life Without Christmas.On 30 March, the Melbourne Symphony’sManaging Director, Steven Porter died after along fight against heart disease. Steven Porterjoined the staff of the MSO in August 1990,guiding the orchestra through a period withnumerous major changes. The culminationof his vision for the orchestra was theappointment of Markus Stenz. In addition to its regular concert activitiesand special events, the Melbourne Symphonytook a key facilitative role in the Arts 2000project, involving the orchestra, OperaAustralia, The Australian Ballet, theMelbourne Theatre Company and theVictorian Arts Centre. The project raised over$1 000 000 for the five companies andgenerated an enormous profile for the artsamong corporate and social leaders.

Queensland Symphony OrchestraThe year has seen significant artisticachievements for the Queensland SymphonyOrchestra (QSO). Highlights included:combined concerts with the QueenslandPhilharmonic Orchestra, in particular aperformance of Mahler’s First Symphonyconducted by the QSO’s Principal Conductor,Muhai Tang; a special concert with RayCharles; and a CD recording of Frankel’sViolin Concerto, Viola Concerto and TripleConcerto – subsequently voted one of the topten recordings of 1997 by Gramophonemagazine.

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Steven Porter, MSO ManagingDirector from 1990 to 1998.

No. of concerts

Concerts

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

FreeSchools Paid

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

Attendance ('000s)

Concerts – Attendances

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

FreeSchoolsPaid

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

In this twelve-month period, the QSO hasintroduced ten new works to its performancerepertoire, performed nine Australian worksin subscription concerts and released fournew CDs. Eighty-four guest artists haveappeared with the orchestra (twenty-five ofwhom were international musicians) and onehundred and five concerts were given,including orchestral subscription and specialconcerts, schools concerts and free concerts.The QSO currently remains a division ofSymphony Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, butstrategies are being implemented to effect asuccessful transition to full corporatisation bythe year 2000.

Sydney SymphonyThe Sydney Symphony’s key artistic projectsof the year were the result of theimplementation of Chief Conductor, Edo deWaart’s artistic strategy and planningpolicies. The performances of Mahler’sSeventh Symphony continued the orchestra’sintended cycle of Mahler symphonies over asix-year period. In June, Edo de Waartconducted the Sydney Symphony in theBeethoven Festival – the complete cycle ofnine symphonies and five piano concertoswas performed in a four-week period.As well as four world premieres of newAustralian compositions, one complete CD ofAustralian music was recorded for futurerelease. During the year, eight works new tothe orchestra’s repertoire were introduced,eleven Australian works wereperformed and five CDs wererecorded. The orchestra gaveone hundred and eighty-fourconcerts to an audiencetotalling approximately 386000. The orchestra presentedfifty-one guest artists duringthe year.The orchestra’s array of non-stage activities for the yearincluded: Sydney Sinfonia,an orchestral mentoringprogram for studentmusicians; Young ArtistsProgram, providing talentedmusicians an opportunity toperform and record as asoloist with the orchestra;Playerlink!, a series oftutorials and workshops forstudents living outside of

Sydney; and educational concerts, recordingprograms, and pre-concert talks.

Tasmanian Symphony OrchestraJanuary 1998 marked the start of theTasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s (TSO)Fiftieth Anniversary year. A celebrationconcert was held in April conducted by theorchestra’s Chief Conductor and ArtisticDirector, David Porcelijn. Other artisticachievements of the past twelve months havebeen: the Schubert and MendelssohnFestival; an ABC Television special Focus,featuring the music of Eddie Sauter; therecording of the soundtracks for A LittleBit ofSoul and Empire; and the release of the CDSpirit of the Baroque, conducted by GeoffreyLancaster.The programming of works for the TSO’ssubscription concerts has included theintroduction of forty-nine pieces new to theirrepertoire, as well as twenty-one works byAustralian composers. The TSO hasperformed seventy-one concerts this year andseventy-four guest artists from both Australiaand overseas have appeared with theorchestra.In addition to its regular concert activities,the TSO has been involved in: chambermusic and theatre productions in regionalTasmania; collaborations with a range ofcommunity groups; the AustralianComposers’ Orchestral Forum in conjunctionwith the Australian Music Centre and

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The SSO on the steps of Sydney Opera House. Photo: Richard Weinstein.

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Symphony Australia; and the YouthMusic Australia OrchestralFellowships program.The highlight of the year was theannouncement of the constructionof a new concert hall, to be thehome of the TSO.

West Australian SymphonyOrchestraCorporatisation of the West AustralianSymphony Orchestra (WASO) took place inJanuary.Artistically it has been a year of change anddevelopment. Vladimir Verbitsky, theorchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor since1992, was appointed Conductor Laureate; inJuly the orchestra toured to Melbourne andSydney as part of those orchestras’subscription series; and in December theWASO appeared with Placido Domingo in aconcert at the Burswood Dome, to anaudience of 15 000.The year has seen the introduction of twelvemore works to the orchestra’s repertoire, aswell as the performance of eighteen

Australian works. The orchestra has alsocommissioned seven new works byAustralian composers.With an audience of approximately 150 000for the one hundred and twenty concertsperformed over this year, there have beenfifty-six guest artists that appeared with theWASO – thirty-two from Australia andtwenty-four from overseas.The WASO has also undertaken a diverserange of orchestral activities away from theconcert hall, such as: outdoor performances;educational performances; communityaccess; regional touring; and pit orchestralwork for the West Australian Opera andBallet companies.

No. of Concerts

Performance Activities

0 50 100 150 200 250

RecordingsAccess Activities

Development ActivitiesOpera, Ballet & Hirings

Special EventsPopular ProgrammingContemporary Series

Major Subscription

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This has been a difficult year for the staff andmanagement of the ABC: a new re-structureof the organisation had commenced justbefore the ABC faced the largest budget cutsin its history. A significant number of staffpositions was lost during the year.In all, one-fifth of the ABC’s workforce hasleft in the space of two years. There weregreat strains on those staying, but theprofessional commitment of our staffsupported by new systems and strategiesdeveloped by Human Resources andimplemented through line management sawthe ABC successfully through this difficultperiod of re-adjustment.The Human Resources portfolio embraces thefollowing functions: Human Resource PolicyManagement; Training and Development,Employee Relations; Workforce PlanningUnit; Occupational Health and Safety; EqualEmployment Opportunity; andRemuneration and Payroll.

Human Resource Policy Human Resources has worked to developportfolio line management knowledge andunderstanding of human resource issues.The Human Resources portfolio hasrepresentation on all corporation widemanagement bodies and State managementexecutives.Output portfolios are assigned a humanresources manager to provide advice on avariety of issues including employment,contract negotiation, workplace reform,training and development and restructuring.

humanresources

Production Manager, Shona Challen andtechnical producer Wayne Chee at theSydney Royal Agricultural Society EasterShow

Training and Development

Training PlanCreative renewal for the ABC requiresdevelopment and maintenance of a criticalmass of skills. A major survey of the ABC’straining needs was completed and hasformed the basis of a co-ordinated trainingplan for all portfolios for 1998–99.The planaims to ensure equity of access, consistentdelivery and a cost effective approach totraining activities within a reduced budgetallocation.Corporation wide initiatives such ascollocation in Sydney and Melbourne,introduction of the new integrated SAPsystem and the associated PC rollout, haveshaped the Corporation’s training needs, asdoes the move from anologue to digitaltechnology.A range of strategies to ensure that regionalstaff can continue to benefit from traininginitiatives, including use of local mentorsand various technological solutions is beingdeveloped.

ABC TraineeshipsThe employment of trainees emerged as apriority issue during the past 12 months aspart of the organisation’s approach tosuccession planning. Some are already onstaff and are partway through a traineeshipperiod; others will be taken on as part of aCorporation-wide initiative.In order to capitalise on the employment oftrainees, the ABC’s policy is to provide anddeliver structured training and to ensure theyreceive adequate support and feedback ontheir performance in their attachments toABC workplaces.

Industry LinksBecause of its key position in the media

industry, there has been considerable intereston the part of education and trainingproviders in extending partnerships andarrangements whereby students gain workexperience at the ABC as part of their formalcourses.In addition, the ABC has providedopportunities, particularly in technical andoperational areas, for staff from thecommercial sector to join ABC trainingcourses. This has allowed the ABC to delivercommercially viable courses as well ascontributing to the industry more broadly.The appointment of a Business DevelopmentManager in March has provided theopportunity for these industry links to bestrengthened and to generate income tosupport training delivery within the ABC.

International ActivitiesThe ABC’s broader training role includesinternational activities. The ABC hasundertaken a number of significant projectsfunded by the Australian Agency forInternational Development (AusAID,formerly AIDAB).International activities are self-funding, andalso generate income. They have providedABC staff with valuable opportunities towork with other broadcasters as well asenhancing relationships between theCorporation and international organisations.

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Corporate Management 0.5%

Enterprises 4%

Finance and Business Services 9%

Human Resources 3%

National Networks 12%

News and Current Affairs 21%

Program Production 23%

Regional Services 26%

Technology Strategyand Development 1.5%

Staff by portfolio

No of Staff (000s)

Staff 1989–98

2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.51988–891989–901990–911991–921992–931993–941994–951995–961996–971997–98

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Employee RelationsA detailed workplace reform content strategywas developed. It focuses on the ABC’scurrent 68 classification structures andemployment conditions which areconsidered to be inflexible, complex andbureaucratic. The proposed new enterpriseagreements will seek streamlined, flexibleconditions under one instrument with theprincipal elements centring on efficiency,simplicity and fairness.In June the ABC secured a broad, interimcommon law agreement with the three ABCunions to include existing non-allowableaward matters in an agreement for a periodof no more than 12 months, with the finalcontent and the location of these matters tobe resolved as part of a new EnterpriseBargaining process.It is anticipated that actual negotiations withthe unions will not occur, in substance,before 1999. The interim period will bedevoted to developing a business caseapproach to the reforms with commitmentby portfolios to use the reforms to deliverincreased productivity.

Workplace Planning UnitThe Workforce Planning Unit (WPU) wasestablished in 1996 to manage theanticipated twenty percent staff reduction bymatching staff skills with the needs of a

restructured ABC. The skillsregister/competency database developed bythe WPU to facilitate the major redundancyprocess has streamlined workforcemanagement, particularly in the areas ofselection and recruitment (includingselection for substitution and redeployment);performance management; and training gapsanalysis for career or succession planningmanagement. Following completetion ofmost bulk redundancies, Human Resourcesplans to include the WPU as part of theOrganisational Structures Unit, allowing thedatabase capacity to be integrated intoongoing human resource decision-making.

Occupational Health and SafetyThe Health and Risk Unit was established thisyear to assist line management in achieving asafe and productive workplace. The unit hasdeveloped a Corporation wide OH&S strategyand management plan. The plan wasdesigned to: complement the ABC OH&SPolicy and Agreement with unions; reflectComcare Australia’s audit requirements;promote consistency while facilitating aflexible approach to risk management;formalise key objectives and outcomes;nominate levels of accountability; andidentify key criteria to measure performance.The implementation of the OH&S strategyand plan has been strengthened by amanagement training program in each State.There were 273 OH&S incidents reportedduring the year. Five incidents were reportedto Comcare Australia and one ImprovementNotice was issued to the ABC under Sections40 and 68 of the Occupational Health andSafety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.There were 125 claims for workers’compensation accepted by Comcare costingapproximately $236 000.

ACT 2%

Northern Territory 3%

NSW 52%

Overseas 1%

Queensland 8%

South Australia 7%

Tasmania 5%

Victoria 16%

Western Australia 6%

Staff by region

No of Staff

Staff by Job Group

0 200 400 600 800 1000TV transmission

TV production ServicesTV Producer/Directors

TV off Prod OpsSenior Executives

TV Production SupportJournalists/Reporters

Engineering & TechnicalBroadcasters

Admin Officers

Employee Assistance ProgramThis year saw many difficult issues arise ashundreds of long-serving staff consideredaccepting offers of voluntary redundancy. Formany the ending of their careers allowed anew stage of their life. For others there wasreal pain, not just for themselves but genuineconcern about the welfare of the ABC andtheir ex-colleagues within the Corporation.The national Employee Assistance Program(EAP) and associated services were introducedfor all ABC staff in July. Staff were informedabout the service using a publicity video andbriefings and a freecall number has beenestablished to enable staff overseas to accessEAP. Six per cent of staff made use of theservice this year.

Equal Employment OpportunityA major review of EEO managementundertaken during the year examinedoverseas experience, practice within the ABC,results of consultation with management andstaff and future directions.As at 30 June, the representation of staff fromEEO groups included:• 30.1 per cent of Senior Executives women;• 13.7 per cent of staff from non-English

speaking backgrounds;• 1.5 per cent of staff Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander; and• 2.5 per cent of staff with disabilities.

There are 64 Indigenous staff employed withthe ABC. Thirteen traineeships were held byAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffacross such areas as News, radio productionand on-line services. Acting opportunitiesacross a broad range of ABC activities werefurther encouraged. Nine staff resigned fromthe ABC to pursue their careers elsewherehaving received ABC skills training and theywere replaced by nine experienced staffrecruited during the year.EEO and Cross-Cultural Awareness programsconducted with a broad range of ABC staffshave produced great benefits.The ABC also implemented a DisabilityAction Plan as required under theCommonwealth Disability Strategy,including a policy for Access and Equity forPeople with Disabilities.Women have been further encouraged toenter and retain management career paths andspecial initiatives are being encouraged forwomen in engineering and technical areas.

Remuneration and PayrollHuman Resources’ long term strategies fordevelopment of relevant, steamlinedremuneration policies and proceduresinvolve workplace reform andimplementation of a new Human ResourceManagement Information System. To thisend extensive consultation has occurred thisyear.

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Per cent

Staff by Gender

0 20 40 60 80 100

FemaleMale

1997–98

1996–97

1995–96

1994–95

1993–94

Trainees for Women in Engineering with Chrissie Tucker (farleft) EEO Officer.

55

‘This year saw the ABCsuccessfully undergo acomprehensive re-engineering ofits finance and business serviceswhich are now directly tailoredto support the Corporation as itenters the new era of digitalbroadcasting’

Russell Balding,Head Finance and Business Services

The financial year 1997–98 was bothchallenging and demanding for the ABC. Wefaced a loss of $55 million in governmentfunding, the largest cut in ABC history. Sucha loss of funding inevitably meant that asignificant number of staff was lost to theCorporation during the year. Our forwardplanning needed to accommodate not onlythe financial losses but also the staff lossesthat have occurred. These considerationsdrove major reviews of our business systems,information technology renewal strategy andour property holdings.The changes resulting from the reviews werespecifically designed to support the ‘OneABC’ structure with its emphasis on regionaldevelopment, to make the ABC even moreefficient in resource management and toprepare for the arrival of digital broadcasting.

Major Savings Achieved withBetter EfficienciesAreas such as financial management,procurement, property maintenance andaccounting practices were all re-engineered.The portfolio was involved in on-goingnegotiations for future funding, the sale ofthe ABC’s interest in Australia Television tothe Seven Network, the development of aTotal Asset Management system, and theimplementation of a new integrated businesstechnology system.The establishment of a new shared servicecentre at the ABC’s Collinswood offices inAdelaide will see further benefits flowing tothe ABC. The implementation of thesefinancial and administrative reforms meansthat scarce funds can now be redirected intooutput areas. As a result of these and other improvements

finance & businessservices

The facade of the refurbished historic Rockhampton ABCstudios. Pictured inside the new Rockhampton studio areDavid Anderson (seated) 4KY breakfast presenter, MelissaSullivan, journalist and Paul Robinson, radio news editor.

throughout the Corporation over $28 millionin savings were achieved during the year.This met slightly more than half of the $55million funding shortfall for the ABC. The re-organisation of support activities through awell coordinated Business Support Review(BSR) was a key element in this strategy.Traditional services such as AccountingOperations, Financial Controls, FinancialPlanning and Analysis and Financial Advicefor Content Production and Broadcastinghave all been integrated and reviewed. TheBSR team also oversaw the selection andintroduction of the SAP R/3 system with anintroduction date (since met) of October1998. The centralisation of purchasing acrossthe ABC brought significant financial andefficiency benefits. A ‘one-stop purchasingsystem’ via computer has allowed a faster andwider access to inventory items.Other key results for the year saw:• completion of the 1996–97 financial

statements without qualification,• assistance with the incorporation of

Symphony Australia and the Melbourne,Adelaide and West Australian symphonyorchestras,

• introduction of new strategic financialplanning and budgeting over two year time-spans rather than the previous single year,

• a $50 million borrowing secured onfavourable terms to refinance existing debt,partially replacing a $100 millionEurobond facility, which matured in June,

• market-testing of the ABC’s FleetManagement arrangements resulting in adecision to sell the light passenger vehiclefleet and outsource the ABC’s fleetmanagement services.

Property A comprehensive review of the Corporation’sproperty holdings was undertaken. The vacant Melbourne Broadcast House andWaverley Terraces site, which had servedradio for many decades, was sold to theVictorian State government.

The Collinswood building in Adelaide wassubstantially refurbished for the new SharedServices Centre and the collocation of ourNews and Current Affairs operations. Furtherwork in Adelaide includes improvements tocarparking and landscaping. Collocation ofall news and current affairs operations onone floor has also occured in Adelaide.News and Current Affairs collocation has alsooccurred in the Perth complex, is progressingin Melbourne and is planned for Hobart. Inkeeping with the ‘One ABC’ re-structuringand efficiencies to be made through digitalbroadcasting and improved computerisation,a major review commenced into theCorporation’s Sydney studio and operationalfacility complexes. These comprise theUltimo building built in 1990 and thesubstantial Gore Hill television site and theFrenchs Forest Drama studios – much of thelatter two complexes dating back to the1950s.Other accommodation studies are occurringin Brisbane, Perth and the NorthborneAvenue site in Canberra, where the ABCinvited Expressions of Interest for purchaseor redevelopment. These are currently beingevaluated. Improvements are in process forthe Darwin studios.A five year strategic plan for the managementof the ABC’s 48 regional studio buildings hasalso been developed. This has identifiedneeded improvements includingrefurbishment as well as likely re-locations.Consistent with this plan new premises havebeen considered for Bega and Kalgoorliewhile the heritage-listed premises inRockhampton were refurbished, as were ABCfacilities in Tamworth and Broken Hill. The ABC’s commitment to maintaining andupgrading its regional studios is consistentwith Board policy to make an active financialand programming commitment to regionalAustralia at a time when many other valuedservices are being withdrawn.Overseas, upgrading of the ABC’s Londonstudios has been completed and upgrading ofthe Jakarta studios is proceeding.Electricity supplies were upgraded in Victoriaand NSW taking advantage of new supplyarrangements and substantial savings havealready been achieved.

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57

Information Technology ServicesInformation Technology provides theplatform for much of the modern ABC.Again, as with property, much attention hasbeen paid to improving IT services toregional locations.ITS underwent a restruture following acomprehensive review in 1996–97. It is nowmore customer focussed and aligns itsstrategies more closely with program andoperational needs.An update of the telephone and computernetwork is well advanced with some $4.6million already invested and another $3.3million committed. This will enable allAustralian-based ABC staff to have access tothe full range of the ABC’s computingservices.Throughout the year ITS participated in thefollowing corporate initiatives:• upgrading of the Regional Network

Facilities program. • implementing standard network protocols

and recabling major sites for multi-mediaexpansion,

• major upgrades to the ABC Enterprisesretail management system,

• consolidating the national archivesdatabase for future ditigal cataloguing,

• review and strengthening of thecorporartion’s disaster recovery procedures,and

• management of the year 2000 project.

Legal and CopyrightThe ABC is ably supported by legal andcopyright experts, who provide productionassistance, artist, commercial and businesscontract and leasing negotiations andcopyright clearance and advice. ABC Legaland Copyright also provides the Corporationwith policy and legal advice onadministrative law and legislative drafting.The introduction of program contestabilityin television production, the expansion ofthe ABC’s multimedia services and thegrowth of activity through ABC Enterprisesall saw a greater call on such specialistprofessional advice.A series of defamation proceedings wassuccessfully defended or settled during theyear. Significant resources were also devotedto the development of a long-term servicescontract between the National TransmissionAgency and the ABC for the provision oftransmission services and to the making ofrepresentations in respect of the digitaltelevision conversion legislation.Copyright clearances for the ABC’s diverseand growing on-line projects are alsooccupying more time. In addition, increasedwork will be generated in the televisionproduction area as a result of new workingrelationships between the ABC and externalprogram suppliers now that thecommissioning and production processeshave been separated.

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‘With the strategy of convergenceand the implementation ofcompatible technology, we arealready leading the ABC into thedigital age.’

Colin Knowles, Head Technology Strategy andDevelopment

Technology Strategy and Development(TS&D) became a fully functional portfolio inthe last six months of the financial year withfinalisation of its new ‘One ABC’ structure. Itis already tackling the big issues facing theCorporation and developing strategies tomaximise the effectiveness of the ABC’stechnological resources.The functions of TS&D are primarily strategic,facilitating the development of an ABC-widetechnology strategy, technology capitalbudgets based on that strategy, and technicalpolicies applicable across the Corporation.The portfolio also has overall management ofcentralised broadcast technology infrastructuresystems such as the external transmitternetwork, and internal transmission andprogram distribution networks. Technical operational functions remain theresponsibility of the Regional Services andProgram Production portfolios.

Technology StrategyThe initial steps towards a comprehensivefive-year plan were completed with the ABCDigital Technology Strategy documentpresented to Government in December.A companion five-year capital program isbeing prepared to underpin the technologystrategy currently being developed.

Production & Program ExchangeAn enhanced scheduling system has beensuccessfully tested and is ready to be installedon all existing digital radio (D-RADIO) consolesin Melbourne and Brisbane. Digital radioservices are also being continually enhancedin the regions, with remote areas among thefirst to get digital satellite transmission.Changes by Telstra to video analogue servicescalled REACH (Remote Access Channel) inearly 1998 necessitated the ABC quicklyfinding alternative arrangements for remoteaccess video connections throughoutAustralia. Alternative arrangements fordelivering television news items from remoteAustralian regions to capital city newsroomshave been established for North-WestWestern Australia and solutions for othersites are currently being developed.The ABC has contracted with Pan AM Sat forcarriage of internal network program video.This has enhanced the ABC networkcapability with coverage from Asia and theWest Coast of the USA.In recent years Personal Computer (PC) baseddigital audio systems have become costeffective and more capable of addressing a

Master Control, Southbank

technology strategy &development

wide variety of needs. TS&D undertook areview of digital production equipment forradio. This included digital audio consoles asreplacements for radio studios, and digitalaudio workstations. The ABC has been discussing with the Officeof Asset Sales and the Department ofCommunications and the Arts arrangementsthat would be put in place to ensure ongoingperformance and quality of ABC servicestransmitted to its audience in the event theNational Transmission Network is sold. TheNational Transmission Network is usedprimarily to broadcast television and radioprograms of the ABC and the SpecialBroadcasting Service. The outcome is likely totake the form of a compact with the FederalGovernment and a contract with new suppliersin the event of completion of the sale.

Delivery of Services to Audiences TS&D has taken various steps during the yearto enhance ABC services throughout Australia. The ABC’s Homestead and CommunityBroadcasting Satellite Services (HACBSS) willmove programming from analogue to digitaltransmission. The ABC has finalised contractswith Optus Communications for HACBSS andradio interchange satellite transponder services.In 1998–98 changes made to the configurationof these services will provide two more radioservices to people living in the remote areasof Australia who receive their ABC servicesdirect from satellite. The Parliamentary andNews Network (PNN) and Triple J will bebroadcast to them for the first time.Considerable effort has been made to ensurethe transition of service technology happenswith minimum inconvenience for the satelliteaudience. Information on the transition anddigital satellite receiving equipment has beencoordinated with other broadcasters.TS&D has developed a database of ABCtelevision and radio transmitters which isnow available on the ABC’s Intranet to assiststaff in support of our audiences.An enhanced digital localisation system calledD-Localisation that enables local messagesincluding weather and station identificationsto be inserted automatically into national radioprogramming, was commissioned inNovember. It was developed by the TechnologyResearch & Development Department.A trial of audio streaming on the Internet hasbeen successful and generated much interest.This technology allows audio to be played inreal-time on the Internet anywhere in theworld. A project to establish an on-goingservice is under way. The new service willmake available more ABC programs and livenetworks to a larger Internet audience.The ABC’s election results computer system is

being upgraded to replace obsolete TV graphicsequipment and to provide new features. Theseinclude new methods of displaying electionresults analysis and predictions. Operationalcontrol of the graphics will also be improvedto provide better information to productionstaff and simplify the operator’s controlfunction during high stress conditions.An election web site addition to ABC On-Linehas been developed by TS&D, the MultimediaUnit and News and Current Affairs. The website has extensive Party, Electoral andCandidate information as well as a dynamicresults section for the election night. On theelection day the web site is linked with theABC election results and display system,which produces the Television graphics inthe Tally Room, to provide immediate voteupdates. The system was used successfully inJune to provide coverage of the QueenslandState Election (and subsequently in theOctober Federal election).

Future Directions The ABC Technology Strategy, including adetailed strategy for the implementation ofDigital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting(DTTB), is currently being developed inconsultation with other portfolio areas acrossthe organisation. TS&D will assist incentralising and coordinating capitalexpenditure for this strategy.Video streaming technology on the Internetis being explored by TS&D with the ABCMultimedia Unit. Testing has included SouthAustralian technical staff converting videosegments from the 1997 South Australianelection. Technology for automating thestreaming of any Network Televisionprogram is currently being investigated.

New and Emerging Technology TS&D staff represent the ABC on a number ofnational and international broadcastingindustry standards bodies and theInternational Telecommunications Union. ABC Specifications and Acceptance Standardsfor the Digital Betacam tape format havebeen developed. These specifications andstandards will be used by operational andresources staff in News and ProgramProduction for this new tape format.The ABC is represented on all relevanttechnical groups, including those associatedwith the Digital Television Planning andSteering Committee set up by the FederalGovernment to advise on matters relating tothe Television Broadcasting Services (DigitalConversion) Bill 1998. The new Bill facilitatesthe introduction of Digital TerrestrialTelevision Broadcasting in Australia.

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‘In corporate work we havefocussed on the strategicrequirements of the ABC as thenational broadcaster, goingforward into the digital era.’

Janet Clayton, Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff portfolio coordinates anumber of corporate support functions. Theseinclude the daily operations of the ManagingDirector’s Office, liaison with the Chairman’soffice and the ABC Board Secretariat. Theportfolio also includes Corporate Policy,Corporate Strategy and Corporate Affairs.

Corporate PolicyCorporate Policy works with other portfolios torepresent and protect the ABC’s interests froma corporate-wide perspective in the industry,legislative and regulatory environments.

Reviews and Legislation

Editorial Policies and Code of PracticeFollowing comprehensive review, newversions of the ABC Editorial Policies and theABC Code of Practice were published in printand on the Internet in April. The reviewaddressed structural and editorial changesresulting from the One ABC restructure andconsidered complaints handling procedures,program standards and policies. ABC editorialstaff throughout Australia were providedwith copies of the booklet and trained in thenew policies. With its clear guidelines, itbecame a vital point of reference indiscussions about allegations of bias whichcame later in the year, during the ABC’scoverage of the national waterfront dispute.

Digital Television LegislationThe ABC made representations in relation tothe introduction of digital conversionlegislation, to ensure the ABC’s input andprotect its strategic position. The TelevisionBroadcasting Services (Digital Conversion) Billand Datacasting Charge (Imposition) Bill 1998were introduced into the House ofRepresentatives in May. The purpose of theBills is to provide for the transition fromanalogue to digital television broadcasting.The ABC prepared submissions on the Billsand appeared before the SenateEnvironment, Recreation, Communicationsand the Arts Legislation Committee. Thisbrought about recognition in the legislationthat the national broadcaster may have adifferent role from the commercial networks,and hence the Bills incorporate provision formulti-channelling for the Corporation.

Self-Regulation InquiryIn August, the Senate Select Committee onInformation Technologies was appointed by

chief ofstaff

The ABC’s functions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, CurrentAffairs and Information • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • InternationalBroadcasting Services • Education • Program Standards • ProgramComplaints • Political and Election Broadcasts • Community ServiceAnnouncements and Fundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcastingand External Funding • Program Involvement with Public and Commercial• Organisations,Products and Services • ABC Name, Logo and OtherRegistered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • FurtherInformation and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • EditorialResponsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts •Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education •Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and ElectionBroadcasts • Community Service Announcements and Fundraising Appeals• Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • ProgramInvolvement with Public and Commercial • Organisations, Products andServices • ABC Name, Logo and Other Registered Trademarks • ABCEnterprises Product Charter • Further Information and Advice • The ABC’sfunctions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs andInformation • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International BroadcastingServices • Education • Program Standards • Program Complaints •Political and Election Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements andFundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and ExternalFunding • Program Involvement with Public and Commercial •Organisations, Products and Services • ABC Name, Logo and OtherRegistered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • FurtherInformation and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • EditorialResponsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts •Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education •Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and ElectionBroadcasts • Community Service Announcements and Fundraising Appeals• Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding • ProgramInvolvement with Public and Commercial • Organisations, Products andServices • ABC Name, Logo and Other Registered Trademarks • ABCEnterprises Product Charter • Further Information and Advice • The ABC’sfunctions and duties • Editorial Responsibility • News, Current Affairs andInformation • The Arts • Cultural Diversity • International BroadcastingServices • Education • Program Standards • Program Complaints •Political and Election Broadcasts • Community Service Announcements andFundraising Appeals • Non-Commercial Broadcasting and External Funding• Program Involvement with Public and Commercial •Organisations,Products and Services • ABC Name, Logo and OtherRegistered Trademarks • ABC Enterprises Product Charter • FurtherInformation and Advice • The ABC’s functions and duties • EditorialResponsibility • News, Current Affairs and Information • The Arts •Cultural Diversity • International Broadcasting Services • Education •Program Standards • Program Complaints • Political and Election

po

licie

s

April 1998

editorial of p

ractic

e

General Program Codes

Specific Program Codes

News, Current Affairs and

Information Programs

Promotions for Programs

Warnings

Television Program

Classifications

Complaints

code

New editions of ABC Editorial Policiesand the ABC’s Code of Practice werepublished in print and online in April.

the Senate to evaluate the existing self-regulatory framework for the informationand communications industries. The ABCsubmission to the Inquiry supportedcontinuation of the current self-regulatoryregime, detailing the ABC’s complaintshandling procedures. Representatives fromCorporate Policy and News and CurrentAffairs appeared at a public hearing of theCommittee.

Policy DevelopmentCorporate Policy also assisted with:• a submission to the Australian Law Reform

Commission on its Draft RecommendationsPaper concerning Review of the ArchivesAct 1993;

• provision of comments on theAdministrative Review Council’s discussionpaper on access to information in relationto contracting of Government services;

• provision of submissions and commentson processes and procedures arising fromdevelopment of the new telecommunicationsregime, which will take effect on 1 July 1998;

• a submission to the Senate Environment,Recreation, Communications and the ArtsLegislation Committee inquiry into theBills for sale of the National TransmissionNetwork;

• a submission to the Senate Legal andConstitutional Legislation Committee Inquiryinto the Copyright Amendment Bill 1997;

• ongoing dialogue with the AustralianBroadcasting Authority about complaintshandling and application of the Code ofPractice; and

• preparation of the ABC Service Commitment,in consultation with staff and the NationalAdvisory Council.

Corporate StrategyCorporate Strategy assists the office of theManaging Director in strategic development,planning and communications. It aims toenhance the positioning, performance andpublic profile of the ABC, including manage-ment of the Corporation’s media relations.

Organisational ChangeCorporate Strategy continued to play asignificant role in assisting with organisationalchange, including implementation andprogress of the One ABC re-structure.

Digital Technology StrategyCorporate Strategy worked closely withTechnology Strategy & Development andwith Finance and Business Services in preparingthe Corporation’s Digital Technology Strategyfunding submission to Government, whichwas delivered in November. (See Box)

Education strategyCorporate Strategy has been developing acorporate-wide strategy to take advantage ofopportunities in education as the ABC movesto digital broadcasting.In September, the Board decided to pursue

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Digital Technology FundingAs the national broadcaster the ABC facesspecial needs in digital conversion, toensure that it meets its charter obligationsto provide services nationwide.The full cost of digitalisation and thenecessary funding arrangements cannot befinalised until the following issues areresolved: aspects of Government policyand industry standards including thetimetable for the introduction of digitalservices; options for ABC propertyrationalisation; and changing digitalequipment cost structures.However initial estimates are that the ABCwill need to spend some $150 million overfive years in order to commence digitaltransmission by 2001.The ABC proposes to fund a significantamount of its digital strategy from its ownresources – $30 million from ongoingcapital expenditure and $36 million fromproperty rationalisation.However, the ABC needs Governmentsupport to bridge the funding gap, to assistit in making the next great technologyleap: as occurred with the introduction ofblack and white television more than 40years ago and colour TV in the 1970s.The ABC has requested $84 million inassistance from the Government:comprising two phases of $44 million and$40 million necessary for thecommencement of transmission.In May, the Federal Governmentannounced in its Budget that the ABCwould receive $20.8 million over five years,a first phase of assistance. It left thedecision on a further phase for a later time.

opportunities for the delivery of educationalservices throughout Asia and elsewhere withMonash University.Corporate Strategy has been working closelywith Monash to develop the model for thepartnership’s first co-production, MoneyMarkets and the Economy expected to belaunched in September 1998 and broadcastinternationally and nationally through RadioAustralia, Radio National and ABC Online.

Corporate AffairsABC Corporate Affairs provides three mainservices to the Corporation: monitoringcommunity reaction to ABC services;managing many of the ABC’s Parliamentarygovernance requirements; and coordinatingthe ABC’s international relations.

Links with the communityAudience reaction is monitored throughdaily phone logs from all ABC switchboardsand through letters, e-mails and faxesreceived at the corporate head office. A total of 10 599 e-mails, faxes and letterswas received this year.Correspondence by email continued to grow,with more e-mails than letters and faxes nowreaching the ABC. However, most people stillprovide comments by telephone. Although some politicians claimed thatpolitical bias was of public concern, thefollowing statistics shows the mainstreamABC audience was more interested in othermatters. Listed below are the issues of majorinterest and/or concern to viewers andlisteners (ie. 500 or more calls logged at ABCswitchboards during the financial year).• ABC coverage of cricket from India, New

Zealand and South Africa: 4 232 calls• a further 3 782 calls were logged about

other sporting matters• the death of the Princess of Wales

prompted 4 450 calls in one week – morecalls than any other event

• the year’s most contentious issue wasnational waterfront restructuring. The ABCreceived 2 729 calls about its coverage

• transmission, over which the ABC has nocontrol because it does not own or operatethe transmitters. This year there were 1 990complaints about transmission difficulties,up from 1 262 last year

• concern about loss of programs andindustrial action taken by staff as a result

of budget cuts: 933 calls• 835 complaints about Hetty Wainthrop

Detective being replaced by the LastGovernor series

• enquiries about coverage following MotherTeresa’s death and complaints aboutinsufficient coverage compared to thePrincess of Wales: 695 calls

• 686 enquiries/praise about coverage ofSouth Australian, Queensland, NorthernTerritory and ACT elections

• 537 complaints about the appearance ofMark “Chopper” Reed on the first McFeastLive program

Reports and publicationsABC Corporate Affairs provides a range ofprinted publications and information online,including the Annual Report, the Code ofPractice, a short history of the ABC and ahost of ABC editorial and corporate policydocuments.A comment line on programming is availableon the website and the comments made aremonitored daily by Corporate Affairs.A major emphasis of Corporate Affairs thisyear has been the publishing of informationon, and encouraging staff usage of, the ABC’sIntranet. This included the development ofthe main Intranet home page, a Corporateinformation website, and coordination of theIntranet Steering Group.As part of its Parliamentary obligations, themost up to date information is gathered inresponse to Ministerial and Parliamentaryinquiries, Parliamentary Questions withoutNotice or issues raised at Senate EstimatesCommittee hearings.

International RelationsThe ABC is an active member of majorinternational broadcasting bodies. Ourprincipal involvement is with the Asia-PacificBroadcasting Union (ABU), of which the ABCwas a founding member in 1964. The ABC isheading planning arrangements for the 1999ABU general assembly to be held in Sydney.The ABC is also a founding member of theCommonwealth Broadcasting Associationand an active member of the EuropeanBroadcasting Union, the InternationalCouncil of the (US) National Academy ofTelevision Arts and Sciences and theInternational Institute of Communications.The ABC hosted training and professionalvisits from various international broadcasters.

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Two visits of note were the delegation of keyChinese radio and television managersheaded by Mr Tian Congming, the ChineseMinister of Film, Radio and Television, andthe visit of Sir John Birt, Director-General ofthe BBC.

Freedom of InformationThe Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act)gives the public the right to accessdocuments held by the ABC. Schedule 2 Part11 of the Act gives the ABC an exemption inrelation to material which is program related.During the year the ABC received ten requestsfor access to documents under the FOI Act.Access was granted in full to one request and

in part to nine requests. In relation to tworequests for internal review, further accesswas granted to one request.

Categories of DocumentsThe ABC holds documents under three broadcategories:• general records including correspondence,

reports and minutes of meetings relating toABC policy, program development, externalrelations and internal management,program transmission documents, reportson audience reaction to ABC programs andpublicity on programs and ABC activities;

• records subject to copyright includingscripts and transcripts of programs (alsosubject to availability), recorded programsand other recordings;

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National Advisory CouncilThe National Advisory Council (NAC) of theABC, provided for under the ABC’slegislation, is serviced by staff in ABCCorporate Affairs.The ABC openly invites members of thepublic to join the Council. The twelvemembers of the Council are appointed bythe ABC Board for a three year term.Appointments are staggered so that a smallgroup of new members joins each year. Thisyear Katie Biggs from Victoria, CharlotteSamiec from Queensland, Jim Salmon fromQueensland and Douglas Stott from SouthAustralia joined the Council. The ABC Boardrenewed the term of the Convenor RobinStuart-Harris for a further two years.The ABC Board puts great emphasis on theindependent role of the Council and its abilityto provide the ABC with community advice.The Advisory Council’s views were takeninto consideration in the preparation ofboth the ABC Service Commitment and therevision of ABC Editorial Policies.One of the Council’s main concerns isto ensure that the ABC remains a vitalprogram provider and that it is able tocontinue to produce quality Australianmaterial. Council has strongly arguedthat as a national broadcaster it isessential that the ABC receivessufficient funding to provide digitaland multi-channelled services acrossAustralia, particularly to regionalAustralia. Council also unanimously regretted

the closure of the Cox Peninsula shortwavebroadcasting facilities resulting in the loss ordegredation of the valuable internationalservice. Council commended the ABC on itscontinuing efforts in providing programsand services for a youth audience.ABC Executives are regularly invited toCouncil meetings. Some of the areas whereCouncil made recommendations andreceived executive responses included:• the need for the ABC to continue to

provide innovative programs whichchallenge community views andencourage debate;

• Suggestions and views on interviewingtechniques and interviewing styles;

• a suggestion for a food and wine programNAC recomendations for 1997–98 aredetailed in Appendix 11.

NAC from left: Robin Stuart-Harris (Convenor), Douglas Stott,James Salmon, Lesley Bangama Fogarty, Katie Biggs, CharlotteSamiec, Aimee Heuzenroeder, Giovanni Carsaniga, AudreyTremain, Jo Gemmell (standing), Jillian Crowe.

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• articles available for purchase, includingmerchandise from ABC Shops and selectedABC program material.

As noted above, program related material isexempt under Schedule 2 Part 11 of the FOIAct.

Requests for AccessWritten requests for access to material underthe FOI Act, including the $30 applicationfee, should be addressed to:

The Managing DirectorAustralian Broadcasting CorporationGPO Box 9994in your State or Territory capital.

Requests addressed to the Managing Directorcan also be lodged at the nearest ABC office(see Appendix 20).Formal requests under the FOI Act will beacknowledged within 14 days of receipt, andapplications will be processed within 30 days.

Complaints handlingThe ABC’s complaints handling mechanismis benchmarked against the AustralianStandard and accords with the principleslaid down by the Australian chapter of theSociety of Consumer Affairs Professionals(SOCAP), of which the ABC is a member. The ABC’s Code of Practice, which givesthe essence of the Corporation’s EditorialPolicies, is freely available to members ofthe public.In forwarding the Minister in May the firstof two reports by Professor Philip Bell onhis analysis of the ABC’s coverage of thenational waterfront dispute, the Chairmanadvised that the ABC’s editorial policies‘have evolved significantly over the yearswith each revision and now provide asystematic statement of mandatoryrequirements, statements of principle andphilosophy, program objectives,information on general policies andexplanatory material’. The Chairmanconcluded: ‘I am confident that that ABC’spractice is as rigorous, transparent andobjective as that of the BBC or any otherresponsible broadcaster.’Complainants who remain dissatisfiedwith ABC handling of their complaintsmay refer their concerns to either theAustralian Broadcasting Authority (ABA)or the Independent Complaints ReviewPanel (ICRP), a body unique to the ABC.

Australian Broadcasting AuthorityIf a listener or viewer’s complaint is coveredby the ABC’s Code of Practice and s/he isnot satisfied with the ABC’s response, s/hecan refer the complaint to the ABA.Seventeen complaints were investigated bythe ABA during the year. Eight of thesewere not upheld. The ABA found against

the ABC on nine matters. One complaintabout accuracy involved a segment on3LO concerning the forestry industry.Eight findings involved Section 8 of theCode of Practice where the ABC had notprovided a satisfactory response within therequired period.

Independent Complaints Review Panel The Independent Complaints Review Panel(ICRP) reviews written complaints allegingserious cases of bias, lack of balance or unfairtreatment arising from ABC broadcasts.Complainants may seek a panel reviewonce the ABC’s normal complaintsprocedures have been completed and if thecomplainant is dissatisfied with the ABC’sresponse. ICRP findings andrecommendations are carefully consideredby the ABC, particularly when updatingthe ABC’s Editorial Policies.The ICRP consists of Ted Thomas,Convenor, Margaret Jones, DeputyConvenor, Professor Michael Chesterman,Stepan Kerkyasharian AM, JulianneSchultz and Bob Johnson. Members of thePanel have been appointed for theirknowledge of or experience in journalisticethics and practice, media operations andprogram production, complaints handlingand other review processes.In its seventh year of operation, the ICRPreceived 13 requests to review complaints.Many of the requests did not meet thePanel’s criteria as they had not been dealtwith by the ABC or involved mattersoutside the Panel’s area of responsibility.The ICRP accepted three requests forreview but none of these were completedduring the reporting period. One furtherrequest for review was accepted, butabandoned by the complainant.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

FinancialStatements30 June 1998

Independent audit report 66Statement by directors 67Operating statement 68Statement of assets and liabilities 69Statement of cash flows 70Schedule of commitments 71Schedule of contingencies 71Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

1 Statement of Significant Accounting Policies 722 Expenses and revenues 763 Economic dependency 774 Goods and Services Expenses 775 Interest Expense 776 Operating Revenue from Independent Sources 787 Revenues from Government 788 Extraordinary items 789 Abnormal items 7910 Debt 7911 Provisions and Payables 8012 Equity 8013 Financial Assets 8114 Non-Financial Assets 8215 Cash Flow Reconciliation 8516 External Financing Arrangements 8517 Financial Instruments 8618 Remuneration of Directors 8819 Related Party Disclosures 8820 Remuneration of Officers 8921 Remuneration of Auditors 8922 Trust Funds 9023 Controlled Entities 90

Independent Audit Report

To the Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts

Scope

I have audited the financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for the year ended 30June 1998. The financial statements include the consolidated financial statements of the economic entitycomprising the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the entities it controlled at the year’s end orfrom time to time during the year. The statements comprise:

• Statement by Directors

• Operating Statement

• Statement of Assets and Liabilities

• Statement of Cash Flows

• Schedule of Commitments

• Schedule of Contingencies, and

• Notes to and forming part of the financial statements.

The members of the Board are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financialstatements and the information they contain. I have conducted an independent audit of the financialstatements in order to express an opinion on them to you, the Minister for Communications, theInformation Economy and the Arts.

The audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards,which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards, to provide reasonable assurance as to whether thefinancial statements are free of material misstatement. Audit procedures included examination, on a testbasis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial statements, and theevaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have beenundertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the financial statements are presentedfairly in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other mandatory professional reportingrequirements (Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views) and statutory requirements so as to present a viewwhich is consistent with my understanding of the Corporation and the economic entity’s financialposition, the results of their operations and their cash flows.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion

In my opinion,

(i) the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Guidelines for FinancialStatements of Commonwealth Authorities;

(ii) the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards,other mandatory professional reporting requirements and the Guidelines for Financial Statements ofCommonwealth Authorities, of the financial position of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation andthe economic entity as at 30 June 1998 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for theyear then ended.

P. J BarrettAuditor-GeneralSydney 30 September 1998

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Auditor General for AustraliaAustralian National AuditOfficeGPO Box 707Canberra ACT 2601

Statement by Directors

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

In our opinion the statements show fairly, for the Corporation, its controlled entities and the entities itcontrolled from time to time during the financial year, the information required by the Guidelines forFinancial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities issued by the Minister for Finance andAdministration.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

DONALD McDONALD AO BRIAN JOHNS AOChairman Managing Director

30 September 1998

67

Operating Statementfor the year ended 30 June 1998

Consolidated ABC1998 1997 1998 1997

Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

NET COST OF SERVICES

Operating expensesNational Networks 211 061 224 157 211 061 225 153 Program Production 120 264 146 518 119 458 146 518 News & Current Affairs 165 016 163 973 165 016 163 973 Regional Services 136 244 117 263 136 244 117 263 Concerts (a) 60 079 64 037 – 54 199

Total operating expenses (before abnormal items) 2 692 664 715 948 631 779 707 106

Operating revenues from independent sourcesNational Networks 83 474 67 773 83 474 66 645 Program Production 16 770 25 499 16 735 25 499 News & Current Affairs 6 652 8 393 6 652 8 393 Regional Services 17 554 15 202 17 554 15 202 Concerts (a) 26 063 27 160 – 16 038

Total operating revenues from independent sources 2 150 513 144 027 124 415 131 777(before abnormal items)

Net cost of services (before abnormal items) 542 151 571 921 507 364 575 329

Gain or (Loss) on abnormal items 9 35 315 (3 078) 37 508 (3 078)

Net cost of services 506 836 574 999 469 856 578 407

REVENUES FROM GOVERNMENTParliamentary appropriations received 7A 468 496 531 212 468 496 531 212 Resources received free of charge 7B 54 170 56 900 54 170 56 900 Funding from Commonwealth and State Governments 7C 33 325 – – –

Total revenues from government 1,2 555 991 588 112 522 666 588 112

Surplus of net cost of services over 49 155 13 113 52 810 9 705 revenues from government

Accumulated surpluses at beginning of reporting period 12 173 805 160 692 183 431 173 726

Accumulated surpluses at end of reporting period 12 222 960 173 805 236 241 183 431

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.(a) Concerts figures for 1997/98 relate to the Orchestral Subsidiaries (refer note 19)

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Statement of Assets and Liabilitiesas at 30 June 1998

Consolidated ABC1998 1997 1998 1997

Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

DEBTLoans 10 202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

Total debt 202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

PROVISIONS AND PAYABLESEmployees 11A 110 482 126 827 102 393 125 045 Suppliers 11B 39 497 37 029 29 666 32 841 Other 11C 0 810 0 810 0 00– 0 00–

Total provisions and payables 150 789 164 666 132 059 157 886

Total liabilities 353 140 366 922 323 611 349 343

EQUITYReserves 12 263 939 115 040 263 939 115 040 Accumulated surpluses 12 222 960 173 805 236 241 183 431

Total equity 486 899 288 845 500 180 298 471

Total liabilities and equity 840 039 655 767 823 791 647 814

FINANCIAL ASSETSCash 13A 19 949 9 802 5 683 3 418 Receivables 13B 69 595 72 282 69 683 73 054 Investments 13C 5 759 0 00– 7 646 0 250

Total financial assets 95 303 82 084 83 012 76 722

NON FINANCIAL ASSETSLand and buildings 14A 415 451 343 520 415 268 343 322 Infrastructure, plant and equipment 14B 235 773 145 504 233 105 143 935 Inventories 14C 57 960 53 023 57 960 53 023 Intangibles 14D 17 256 0 00– 17 256 0 00–Other 14E 18 296 31 636 17 190 30 812

Total non-financial assets 744 736 573 683 740 779 571 092

Total assets 840 039 655 767 823 791 647 814

Current liabilities 211 256 222 750 185 847 206 381 Non-current liabilities 141 884 144 172 137 764 142 962 Current assets 159 125 155 568 145 478 142 743 Non-current assets 680 914 500 199 678 313 505 071

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.

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Statement of Cash Flowsfor the year ended 30 June 1998

Consolidated ABC1998 1997 1998 1997

Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000Inflows Inflows

(Outflows) (Outflows)CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESCash received

Parliamentary appropriations 501 821 531 212 468 496 531 212 Sales of goods and services 118 322 127 473 114 867 115 447 Interest and bill discounts 7 986 9 745 7 268 9 036

Total cash received 628 129 668 430 590 631 655 695 Cash used

Employees (323 995) (328 106) (295 870) (317 707)Suppliers (284 427) (293 652) (278 792) (283 600)Interest and other financing costs (11 535) (23 086) (12 643) (23 086)

Total cash used (619 957) (644 844) (587 305) (624 393)

Net cash from operating activities 15 8 172 23 586 3 326 31 302

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESCash received

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 12 147 4 692 12 147 4 676 Bills of exchange and promissory notes 14 203 0 00– 14 203 0 00–Repayment of loan – Arnbridge Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 6 900 – Australia Television International Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 3 957 Sales tax refund on property, plant and equipment 0 00– 0 039 0 00– 0 00–

Total cash received 26 350 4 731 26 350 15 533 Cash used

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (24 687) (11 211) (24 723) (11 010)Bills of exchange and promissory notes 0 00– (7 556) (7 556)Payments to Controlled entities 0 00– 0 00– (3 000) (14 933)Repayment of borrowings 0 00– (7 000) –

Total cash used (24 687) (25 767) (27 723) (33 499)

Net cash from investing activities 1 663 (21 036) (1 373) (17 966)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESCash received

Proceeds from debt 99 452 0 00– 99 452 0 00–Total cash received 99 452 0 00– 99 452 0 00–Cash used

Repayment of debt (99 140) (13 223) (99 140) (13 223)

Total cash used (99 140) (13 223) (99 140) (13 223)

Net cash from financing activities 0 312 (13 223) 0 312 (13 223)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held 10 147 (10 673) 2 265 0 113 Add cash at 1 July 9 802 20 475 3 418 3 305

Cash at 30 June 19 949 9 802 5 683 3 418

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.

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Schedule of Commitmentsas at 30 June 1998

Consolidated ABC1998 1997 1998 1997

Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

BY TYPE

CAPITAL COMMITMENTSPlant and Equipment 5 470 2 176 5 470 2 176

Total capital commitments 5 470 2 176 5 470 2 176

OTHER COMMITMENTSOperating leases (a) 20 233 14 448 20 060 14 033

Other commitments (b) 70 343 64 185 65 140 63 898

Total other commitments 90 576 78 633 85 200 77 931

Total commitments payable 96 046 80 809 90 670 80 107

Commitments receivable (1 570) (10 587) (1 570) (8 137)

Net commitments 94 476 70 222 89 100 71 970

BY MATURITYOne year or less 48 448 23 923 44 971 25 857

From one to two years 20 929 16 362 19 453 16 176

From two to five years 23 879 26 381 23 456 26 381

Over five years 1 220 3 556 1 220 3 556

Net commitments 94 476 70 222 89 100 71 970

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.(a) The Corporation entered into fleet leasing arrangements in 1997/98.

(b) The Corporation’s main other commitments are detailed as follows: PT Satellite $9 249 654 (1997 $9 513 185), Optus NetworksPty Ltd $21 597 621 (1997 $28 453 830), Program Purchases $29 578 775 (1997 $22 448 400).

Schedule of Contingenciesas at 30 June 1998

SCHEDULE OF UNQUANTIFIABLE CONTINGENCIESIn the normal course of activities claims for damages have been lodged at the date of this report against theCorporation and certain of its officers. The Corporation has disclaimed liability and is actively defendingthese actions. It is not possible to estimate the amounts of any eventual payments which may be required inrelation to these claims.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these statements.

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Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statementsfor the year ended 30 June 1998

1. Statement of significant accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in preparing the accounts of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and theconsolidated accounts of the Corporation and controlled entities are stated to assist in a general understanding of these financialstatements. These policies have been applied consistently by all entities in the economic entity.

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements are a general purpose financial report.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:

1) Guidelines titled Financial Statements of Commonwealth Authorities issued by the Minister for Finance and Administration in July 1997(the ‘Guidelines’) and which require that the financial statements are prepared :

(a) in compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and Accounting Guidance Releases issued by the Australian AccountingResearch Foundation,

(b) having regard to Statements of Accounting Concepts, and

2) the Consensus Views of the Urgent Issues Group.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and are in accordance with historical cost convention, except forcertain assets which, as noted, are at valuation. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on theresults or on the financial position.

1.2 Rounding

Amounts are rounded to the nearest $1,000 except in relation to :a) remuneration of directorsb) remuneration of officersc) remuneration of auditorsd) trust funds

1.3 Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements are those of the economic entity, comprising the accounts of the Australian BroadcastingCorporation, its controlled entities and the entities it controlled from time to time during the period.

Control exists where the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has the capacity to dominate the decision making in relation to thefinancial and operating policies of another entity so the controlled entity operates to achieve the objectives of the AustralianBroadcasting Corporation.

The effects of all transactions and balances between the entities are eliminated in full. Details of controlled entities are contained inNote 23.

Financial statements of subsidiaries not considered to be a going concern have been prepared on a liquidation basis. No adjustmentswere necessary in relation to the recoverability and classification of the recorded assets of those subsidiaries.

1.4 Taxation

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is not subject to income tax pursuant to Section 71 of the Australian BroadcastingCorporation Act 1983.

Where controlled entities are subject to income tax, the economic entity adopts the liability method of tax-effect accountingwhereby income tax expense is calculated based on the operating profit before income tax adjusted for any permanent differences.

Timing differences which arise due to the different accounting periods in which items of revenue and expense are included in thedetermination of operating profit before income tax and taxable income are brought to account either as a provision for deferredincome tax or an asset described as a future income tax benefit at the rate of tax applicable for the period in which the benefit willbe received or the liability will become payable. Future income tax benefits are not brought to account unless realisation of the assetis assured beyond any reasonable doubt.

No reconciliation is performed between prima facie tax expense and income tax payable. This is because the Corporation is notsubject to income tax and its controlled entities are either exempt from tax or did not incur an income tax expense due to carriedforward tax losses.

1.5 Foreign currency transactions

Revenues and expenditures relating to overseas transactions are converted to Australian currency at the exchange rates prevailing atthe date of the transaction, or at the hedged rate.

Exchange gains and losses and hedging costs arising on contracts entered into as hedges of specific revenue or expense transactionsare deferred until the date of such transactions at which time they are included in the determination of such revenues or expenses.

Open hedge contracts relating to all other revenue and expenditure transactions are converted at the applicable exchange rate atbalance date with exchange gains or losses being included in the operating statement.

All foreign currency balances are converted to Australian currency at the exchange rate prevailing at balance date, except forliabilities brought to account at contract rates, which are subject to currency swap contracts for which an Australian dollar currencyrepayment schedule has been adopted. Monetary assets and liabilities of overseas branches and amounts payable to or by theCorporation in foreign currencies are translated into Australian currency at the applicable exchange rate at balance date. Non-monetary items of overseas branches are translated at exchange rates current at the transaction date.

Currency gains and losses are reflected in the operating statement.

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1.6 Derivatives

Derivative financial instruments are used by the Corporation to manage financial risks and are not entered into for trading purposes.The classes of derivative financial contracts used are interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements and forward foreign exchangecontracts and options.

Derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are accounted for on the same basis as the underlying exposure.

A. Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements

Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements are entered into for the purpose of managing the Corporation’s interest rateposition.

Gains or losses on interest rate swaps are included in the measurement of interest payments on the transactions to which theyrelate.

Premiums or discounts are amortised through the operating statement each year over the life of the swap.

B. Interest rate options

Interest rate options are used to hedge interest rate exposures. The premiums paid on interest rate options are included in otherassets and are amortised to interest expense over the term of the agreements.

1.7 Borrowings

Borrowings are recorded at the amount of the net proceeds received and carried at amortised cost until the liabilities are fully settled.

Interest on the instruments is recognised as an expense on an effective yield basis. Borrowings are Commonwealth Governmentguaranteed.

1.8 Cash

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks net of bankoverdrafts.

1.9 Receivables – Goods & Services, Accrued Revenue, Other Debtors.

Receivables are carried at nominal amounts due less provision for doubtful debts. A provision for doubtful debts is recognised whencollection of the full nominal amount is no longer probable.

Credit sales are on normal commercial terms.

1.10 Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes

Premiums or discounts are amortised through the operating statement each year from the date of purchase so that investmentsattain their redemption value by maturity date and income is recognised on an effective yield basis.

Any profits or losses arising from the disposal prior to maturity are taken to the operating statement in the period in which they arerealised. These assets are intended to be held to maturity and are carried at cost or cost adjusted for discounts and premiums.

1.11 Trade Creditors

Creditors are recognised at their nominal amounts, being the amounts at which the liabilities will be settled. Liabilities arerecognised to the extent that the goods and services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced).

Settlement is on normal commercial terms.

1.12 Reporting by segments

The Corporation principally provides a national television and radio service within the broadcasting industry. It is thereforeconsidered for segmental reporting to operate predominantly in one industry and in one geographical area, Australia.

1.13 Resources received free of charge

The Guidelines require resources received free of charge to be included in the operating statement, as both operating expenses andoperating revenue.

The National Transmission Agency (NTA) provides the services and operates the facilities necessary to transmit the Corporation’sprograms to the public under the direction of the Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts. ABCprograms are carried on 1078 of the 1719 broadcasting transmitters accommodated on NTA facilities. The costs provided by the NTArepresent an apportionment of the base cash costs which excludes depreciation, administration and overhead charges. It does notrepresent the cost that the ABC would incur if it were empowered to transmit ABC services direct to the public.

1.14 Allocation by portfolios

As part of the ABC restructure in 1996-97, reporting is now by output portfolios. These are as follows: National Networks, ProgramProduction, News and Current Affairs and Regional Services. For 1997-98 Enterprises’ revenue and expenses are split proportionallybetween National Networks - 80% and Regional Services - 20%.

1.15 Comparative figures

Where applicable, prior year comparative figures have been restated to reflect the current year’s presentation in the financialstatements.

1.16 Television co-productions

External contributions earned in respect of the production of television programs are recorded in the operating statement.

1.17 Employee entitlements

Provision is made for the Corporation’s and controlled entities’ liabilities for employee entitlements arising from services renderedby employees to balance date. The calculation of long service leave liability is based on the probability of employees reaching tenyears service and the expected cashflows arising from the accrued liability. In determining the present value of the liability, attritionrates and pay increases through promotions and inflation have been taken into account.

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The long service leave and annual leave provision is split into current and non-current components based on historical trends,except for the anticipated redundancy and associated leave payments which have been included as current.

The accumulated annual leave liabilities arising from services rendered by employees to balance date are provided for on the basis ofcurrent wage and salary rates.

Accumulating non-vesting sick leave is not recognised as a liability as at balance date as the sick leave taken each reporting periodhas been less than the entitlement accrued during the same period. As the accrued entitlement is not anticipated to result in a cashoutflow in the future, no provision has been made.

Accrued salaries, wages and other benefits represent amounts the Corporation has a present obligation to pay as at balance date.

1.18 Redundancies

Provision is made for the Corporation’s redundancy liability for employee numbers which have been identified and can be reliablymeasured. The provision includes the estimated eligible termination payment. Long service leave or annual leave paid ontermination due to redundancy is included in the respective provision.

1.19 Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis to amortise the cost or valuation of each non-current asset over its expected usefullife.

Non-current assets are depreciated from the commencement of the monthly accounting period subsequent to the date of receipt.The cost or valuation of leasehold land, buildings and improvements is amortised over the shorter of the unexpired lease period orover its expected useful life.

1.20 Repairs and maintenance

Maintenance, repair expenses and minor renewals which do not constitute an upgrading or enhancement of equipment areexpensed as incurred.

1.21 Superannuation

Contributions made by the Corporation are expensed.

1.22 Consultants

A consultant is defined as ‘providing independent expert advice to the Corporation under an assignment of limited duration’.

1.23 Commitments

Contracted revenue and expenditure items are shown in accordance with the Guidelines.

1.24 Property, plant & equipment

For these financial statements, purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the statement of assetsand liabilities, except for purchases costing less than $2,000, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where theyform part of a group of similar items which are significant in total). The $2,000 threshold was selected because it facilitates efficientasset management and recording without materially affecting asset values recognised.

The acquisition of property, plant and equipment free of charge or for a nominal amount is recognised initially at fair value.

1.25 Valuation of non-current assets

The Guidelines require that property, plant and equipment be progressively revalued in accordance with the ‘deprival’ method ofvaluation (as set out in the Guidelines on Accounting Policy for Valuation of Assets of Government Trading Enterprises) by 1 July1999 and thereafter be revalued progressively on that basis every three years.

The Corporation is implementing its progressive revaluations as follows (changes in accounting policy from 1996-97 are indicated):

Freehold land and buildings are initially being revalued progressively over the financial years 1997-98 and 1998-99 and thereafterover successive three year periods. A geographical approach is being adopted. (In previous years, these classes were revalued in fullevery three years. The last revaluation under this policy being as at March 1996).

Leasehold improvements will be revalued at 30 June 1999 and progressively every three years on a geographical basis.

Plant and equipment assets are being revalued progressively over the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 and thereafter oversuccessive three year periods by type of asset.

Assets in each class acquired after the commencement of the progressive revaluation cycle will be reported at cost for the durationof the progressive revaluation then in progress.

The financial effect of the move to progressive revaluations is that the carrying amount of assets will reflect current values and thatdepreciation charges will reflect the current cost of the service potential consumed in each period.

The application of the deprival method values land and buildings at current market buying price and other assets at theirdepreciated replacement cost. Any assets which would not be replaced or are surplus to requirements are valued at net realisablevalue. At 30 June 1998 there were no assets in this situation.

Valuations are independent or at directors’ valuations.

The carrying amounts of non-current assets of the Corporation have been reviewed to determine whether they are in excess of theirrecoverable amounts. In assessing recoverable amounts, the relevant cash flows have not been discounted to their present value.

Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written off to their residual values over their estimated useful lives to theCorporation using, in all cases, the straight line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are amortised on a straight linebasis over the unexpired period of the lease.

Depreciation/amortisation rates (useful lives) and methods are reviewed at each balance date and necessary adjustmentsarerecognised in the current and future reporting periods, as appropriate. Residual values are re-estimated for a change in prices onlywhen assets are revalued.

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Depreciation and amortisation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are as follows:

1998 1997

Buildings on freehold land 50 years 50 years

Leasehold land, buildings and improvements Lease term Lease term

Plant and equipment 6 to 15 years 6 to 15 years

Intangibles Over contract/useful life

The aggregate amount of depreciation allocated for each class of asset during the reporting period is disclosed in Note 4C.

1.26 Inventories

For these financial statements, inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. As inventories are not held for sale,AAS2 Measurement and Presentation of Inventories in the Context of the Historical Cost System does not apply. Televisionprograms are produced for domestic transmission and include direct salaries and expenses. Fixed production overheads are expensedin the period in which they are incurred.

The cost of television program inventory is amortised as follows:

* News, Current Affairs and Live Programs – 100% on first screening.

* Children’s, Education and Movies – Straight line over the shorter of the license period or three years.

* All other programs not covered above – 90% first screening and 10% second screening.

* Alternative Amortisation Schedule – Management may determine an alternative amortisation schedule for exceptionalprograms in any of the above categories for which the stated policy is considered inappropriate.

Subsequent sales of residual rights are recognised in the period in which they occur. The costs of programs produced for radio areexpensed as incurred. Such programs are normally broadcast soon after production, stock on hand at any time being minimal.

The provision for obsolete retail stock is based on stock on hand over twelve months old and which may require discounting ordisposal. Items in engineering and general stores which have not been issued for three years are provided for as obsolete.

1.27 Changes in accounting policy

A. Capitalisation of Software

The policy of expensing significant valued computer software in the year of development or purchase was changed, effective 1 July,1997, which resulted in a decrease in expenses of $5.631 million and increase in non-current assets of $5.531 million, of which$5.340 million is in capital works in progress. Significant valued software previously expensed and still being used has beenrecognised as an asset of the Corporation, amounting to $2.465 million. The basis of valuation recommended by the AustralianValuation Office and adopted by the Corporation is the depreciated replacement cost (as required under the deprival method ofvaluation) of equivalent proprietary packaged software.

B. Valuation of Intellectual property

At the end of 1997-98 the Corporation instructed the Australian Valuation Office to provide a market valuation of the Copyright forthe Bananas in Pyjamas television programme, characters and associated merchandising. Based upon discounted cash flows thisamounted to $14.5 million which has been recognised as an intangible asset of the Corporation and will be amortised over its usefullife.

C. Valuation of Libraries

The Corporation obtained an independent valuation from the Australian Valuation Office of its Film, Reference and Sound Librariesat the end of 1997-98 using the deprival method of valuation. The depreciated replacement cost amounted to $24.152 million andhas been recognised as an asset of the Corporation. The previous policy of the Corporation was to expense minor items on purchase.

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2. Expenses and revenuesConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Operating expenses (a)Employee related – Remuneration 283 293 305 071 251 288 294 791

– Leave entitlements 24 357 30 458 21 931 30 133

4A 307 650 335 529 273 219 324 924 Artist fees 4B 16 149 19 130 9 977 16 915Auditor’s remuneration 4B 0 297 0 277 0 230 0 248 Bad and doubtful debts (e) 4B 0 403 0 (73) 0 403 0 (73)Communications 4B 8 904 9 329 7 826 9 248 Computer costs 4B 9 262 4 691 9 073 4 598 Consultants and contract labour (f) 4B 9 729 8 100 9 418 7 075 Depreciation and amortisation 4C 31 384 29 670 30 906 29 446 Freight 4B 2 085 2 378 1 772 2 260 Interest 5 15 078 23 237 15 078 23 237 Legal costs 4B 1 162 1 394 1 128 1 394 Loss on disposal of non-current assets (b) 4D 0 419 0 492 0 379 0 492 Materials and minor items 4B 19 643 27 629 19 354 27 402 Merchandising and promotion 4B 56 652 53 498 51 417 52 381 Transmission services (c) 4B 54 170 56 900 54 170 56 900 Operating leases and occupancy (d) 4B 16 780 17 403 15 252 17 149 Program purchases 4B 34 514 35 230 34 512 35 230 Program rights 4B 29 501 17 775 29 370 16 987 Repairs, maintenance and hire 4B 13 986 12 947 12 665 12 347 Satellite and transmission 4B 25 093 29 032 24 737 26 851 Travel 4B 17 683 19 248 16 675 18 098 Video production services 4B 4 031 3 126 3 866 3 063 Incidental 4B 18 089 9 006 7 352 6 000 Payments to controlled entities (g) 4E 0 00– 0 00– 3 000 14 934

Total operating expenses 692 664 715 948 631 779 707 106

Operating revenues from independent sources (a)Co-production contributions 6D 10 818 8 807 10 632 8 807 Concert sales and subsidies 6D 17 301 17 713 0 00– 9 977 Gain on foreign exchange 6C 1 236 0 641 1 236 0 641 Gain on disposal of non-current assets (b) 6B 1 816 1 268 1 815 1 268 Interest and bill discounts 6A 7 854 9 667 7 142 8 946 Merchandising and promotion 6D 50 038 49 928 50 037 49 928 Program sales 6D 11 345 10 690 11 199 10 631 Radio publications 6D 0 519 0 940 0 519 0 940 Rent and hire of facilities 6D 8 670 7 870 9 924 10 096 Royalties 6D 22 284 18 250 22 259 18 250 Sponsorships and donations 6E 4 221 1 253 0 00– 0 00–Technology sales 6D 0 901 0 675 0 901 0 675 Incidental 6E 13 510 16 325 8 751 11 618

Total operating revenues from independent sources 150 513 144 027 124 415 131 777

Total revenues from government 7A, B 555 991 588 112 522 666 588 112

Total revenues 706 504 732 139 647 081 719 889

Operating result before abnormal items 13 840 16 191 15 302 12 783

(a) Operating expenses and revenues are allocated across the Corporation’s major activities and shown in the Operating statement by activity.(b) The Corporation’s proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment $ 12 147 462 (1997 $4 675 755).(c) Transmission services received free of charge (refer Note 1.13) are detailed as follows;

National Networks $30 000 000 (1997 $34 000 000), Regional Services $24 170 000 (1997 $22 900 000 ).(d) The Corporation’s rent expense total $5 849 645 (1997 $6 986 256).(e) Bad and doubtful debts expense includes a writeback of the provision for doubtful debts in 1997 $154 000.(f) Consultants expenses $2 362 726 (1997 $2 309 489), contracted labour $7 054 625 (1997 $4 765 511) ABC only.(g) Payment to controlled entities relates to a transfer of appropriation to Australia Television International Pty Limited, which was

sold 11 February 1998 to Seven Network (Operations) Ltd.

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3. Economic dependencyThe Corporation is dependent upon direct and indirect appropriations of monies by Parliament. In excess of 81% of normalactivities are funded in this manner, and without these appropriations the Corporation would be unable to meet the terms of itsCharter. (Refer to Note 7 for details of revenues from government).

4. Goods and services expensesConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

4A Employee expenses

Basic remuneration for services provided 283 293 305 071 251 288 294 791

Leave entitlements 24 357 30 458 21 931 30 133

307 650 335 529 273 219 324 924

4B Suppliers expenses

Supply of goods and services 330 755 319 780 303 347 307 087

Operating lease rentals 7 378 7 240 5 850 6 986

338 133 327 020 309 197 314 073

4C Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 31 358 29 670 30 880 29 446

Amortisation of intangible assets 0 026 0 00– 0 026 0 00–

31 384 29 670 30 906 29 446

4D Net losses from disposal of assets

Land and buildings 0 00– 0 053 0 00– 0 053

Plant and equipment 0 419 0 439 0 379 0 439

0 419 0 492 0 379 0 492

4E Grants expense (a)

Payments to controlled entities:

– Australia Television International Pty Limited – – 3 000 8 280

– Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited – – – 6 654

– – 3 000 14 934

(a) This is a transfer of appropriation funding from the ABC to its subsidiaries. The revenue has been included in Australia TelevisionInternational Pty Limited.

5. Interest expenseConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Loans 15 078 23 237 15 078 23 237

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6. Operating revenue from independent sourcesConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

6A Interest

Loans 0.00– 0.036 0.00– 0 068

Deposits 1 283 1 447 0 571 0 726

Bills receivable 6 571 8 184 6 571 8 152

7 854 9 667 7 142 8 946

6B Net gains from disposal of assets

Land and buildings 0 993 0.039 0 993 0 039

Plant and equipment 0 823 1 229 0 822 1 229

1 816 1 268 1 815 1 268

6C Net foreign exchange gains 1 236 0 641 1 236 0 641

6D Sales of goods and services 121 876 114 873 105 471 109 304

6E Other revenues

Other 13 510 16 325 8 751 11 618

Sponsorships and donations 4 221 1 253 0 00– 0 00–

17 731 17 578 8 751 11 618

7. Revenues from governmentConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

7A Parliamentary appropriations

Division 151-1-01 Domestic service - operating 450 992 499 738 450 992 499 738

Division 811-1-01 Domestic service - capital 9 804 9 700 9 804 9 700

Division 151-1-02 Radio Australia 4 700 13 494 4 700 13 494

Division 151-1-03 Australia Television International Pty Limited 3 000 8 280 3 000 8 280

468 496 531 212 468 496 531 212

7B Resources received free of charge – National Transmission Agency 54 170 56 900 54 170 56 900

7C Funding from Commonwealth and State Governments for Orchestral Subsidiaries

Department of Communication and the Arts 32 000 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Other 1 325 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

33 325 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

8. Extraordinary itemsConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Total extraordinary items – – – –

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9. Abnormal itemsConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Abnormal expenses

Redundancy expenses (25 008) (23 078) (25 008) (23 078)

Abnormal revenue

Writeback of superannuation liability 7 213 0 00– 7 213 0 00–

Writeback of orchestral unfunded liability 0 00– 0 00– 2 193 0 00–

Capitalisation of intellectual properties 14 500 0 00– 14 500 0 00–

Capitalisation of sound and film libraries 24 151 0 00– 24 151 0 00–

Capitalisation of software 8 126 0 00– 8 126 0 00–

Writeback of debt forgiven 6 333 0 00– 6 333 0 00–

Capitalisation of music library 0 00– 20 000 0 00– 20 000

Total abnormal items 35 315 (3 078) 37 508 (3 078)

10. DebtConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

10A Loans

Loans (a) 10 799 10 799 0 00– 0 00–

Loans (b) 40 000 40 000 40 000 40 000

Bonds - maturity value $53,000,000 52 042 51 655 52 042 51 655

Euro Bond - maturity value $100,000,000 0 00– 99 802 0 00– 99 802

Bills of exchange and promissory notes (c) 99 510 0 00– 99 510 0 00–

191 552 191 457 191 552 191 457

202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

(a) Loans advanced by venture partners accepted by controlled entities on the condition that the loans are not callable, refer Note 19 Related party and other disclosures, Australian Information Media Pty Limited.

(b) These loans are repayable in Japanese Yen. Currency swap contracts have been undertaken to effectively remove the currencyrisk associated with these loans.

(c) Subsequent to 30 June 1998, Bills of exchange and promissory notes debt amount to $10 million. A borrowing of $50 millionwas taken out in July 1998.

Loans at the reporting date are payable as follows:

within one year (c) 110 309 110 601 99 510 99 802

within one to two years 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

within two to five years 52 042 51 655 52 042 51 655

more than five years 40 000 40 000 40 000 40 000

202 351 202 256 191 552 191 457

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11. Provisions and payablesConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

11A Liabilities to employees

Salaries and wages 8 348 7 478 7 199 7 277

Annual leave 30 975 29 694 28 471 29 235

Annual leave bonus 4 454 4 573 4 231 4 523

Long service leave (a) 47 264 50 197 43 051 49 125

Superannuation (b) 6 841 13 845 6 841 13 845

Separation and redundancy 12 600 21 040 12 600 21 040

Aggregate employee entitlement liability 110 482 126 827 102 393 125 045

(a) The notional value of long service leave entitlements not expected to be settled within 12 months has been discounted at 5%, anet discount rate determined by the Australian Government Actuary, which effectively discounts expected future cash flows atthe Australian Government long term bond rate. In determining the present value of the liability, attrition rates and payincreases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account.

(b) Commonwealth Superannuation liability from 1992 to 1996 for ABC employees who had not previously joined the PublicSector Superannuation scheme.

11B Suppliers

Trade creditors 29 503 24 746 25 276 23 998

Other creditors 9 994 12 283 4 390 8 843

39 497 37 029 29 666 32 841

11C Other

Provision for cessation of business – Arnbridge Group 810 0 810 0 00– 0 00–

12. Equity (consolidated)Item Accumulated Accumulated Asset Asset TOTAL TOTAL

results results revaluation revaluation EQUITY EQUITYreserve reserve

1997–98 1996–97 1997–98 1996–97 1997–98 1996–97$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance 1 July 173 805 160 692 115 040 120 337 288 845 281 029

Surplus 49 155 13 113 0 00– 0 00– 49 155 13 113

Net revaluation adjustment 0 00– 0 00– (a) 148 899 (4 847) 148 899 (4 847)

Transfers (from) reserves 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0(450) 0 00– 0(450)

Changes in accounting policies 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Balance 30 June 222 960 173 805 263 939 115 040 486 899 288 845

$ ‘000(a) The net revaluation increase in the asset revaluation reserve comprises:

– revaluation increment - land 8 145

– revaluation increment - buildings 71 000

– revaluation increment - leasehold land and buildings 1 121

– revaluation increment - plant and equipment 68 633

148 899

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13. Financial assetsConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

13A Cash

Cash at bank and on hand 19 949 9 802 5 683 3 418

13B Receivables

Goods and services 6 239 6 780 5 547 6 203

Accrued revenue 6 762 3 222 6 051 3 210

Controlled entities 0 00– 0 00– 5 600 12 239

Bills of exchange and promissory notes

– maturity value $39 996 273 (1997 $53 760 564) 39 791 53 510 39 791 53 510

Other debtors 17 206 8 849 17 518 8 725

69 998 72 361 74 507 83 887

Provision for doubtful debts (Goods and services) 0(403) 0 (79) 0(403) 0 (79)

Provision for debt forgiveness:

– Arnbridge Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– (4 421) (4 754)

– Australia Television International Pty Limited 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– (6 000)

69 595 72 282 69 683 73 054

Receivables includes receivables overdue by

- less than 30 days 5 482 2 958 3 991 2 843

- 30 to 60 days 1 069 1 540 0 493 1 495

- more than 60 days 1 528 1 327 0 869 1 272

8 079 5 825 5 353 5 610

13C Investments

Shares in subsidiary at cost 23 0 00– 0 00– 0 250 0 250

Right to receive shares 23 0 00– 0 00– 1 637 0 00–

Investments- Australia Television International Pty Limited (a) 5 759 0 00– 5 759 0 00–

5 759 0 00– 7 646 0 250

(a) As at balance date, the Corporation held 5 759 312 redeemable preference shares of $1 each, in Australia Television InternationalPty Limited redeemable at the Corporation’s option on or after 1 January 2002 subject to prior purchase in accordance with theshareholder’s agreement between the Corporation and Seven Network (Operations) Ltd.

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14. Non financial assetsConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

14A Land and buildingsFreehold land - Directors’ valuation 1996 0 078 0 113 0 78 0 113 Freehold land- Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 84 886 0 0– 84 886 Freehold land- Independent valuation 1998 87 660 0 00– 87 660 0 00–

87 738 84 999 87 738 84 999

Buildings on freehold land - Directors’ valuation 1996 2 099 0 921 2 099 0 921 Buildings on freehold land - Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 272 529 0 00– 272 529 Accumulated depreciation 0 (87) (20 241) 0 (87) (20 241)

2 012 253 209 2 012 253 209

Building on freehold land - Independent valuation 1998 318 304 0 00– 318 304 0 00–Leasehold land - Directors’ valuation 1996 0 180 0 180 0 180 0 180 Leasehold land - Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 1 000 0 00– 1 000 Accumulated amortisation 0 0 (7) 0 (82) 0 0 (7) 0 (82)

0 173 1 098 0 173 1 098

Leasehold land - Independent valuation 1998 1 000 0 00– 1 000 0 00–

Leasehold buildings - Directors’ valuation 1996 1 051 0 154 1 051 0 154 Leasehold buildings - Independent valuation 1996 0 00– 1 632 0 00– 1 632Accumulated amortisation 0 (71) 0(110) 0 0(71) 0(110)

0 980 1 676 0 980 1 676

Leasehold buildings - Independent valuation 1998 1 853 0 00– 1 853 0 00–Leasehold improvements - at cost 9 550 7 815 9 331 7 597 Accumulated amortisation (6 159) (5 277) (6 123) (5 257)

3 391 2 538 3 208 2 340

Total Land and buildings 415 451 343 520 415 268 343 322

14B Plant and equipmentDirectors’ valuation 1987 1 512 27 756 1 512 27 756 Accumulated depreciation (1 512) (22 997) (1 512) (22 997)

0 00– 4 759 0 00– 4 759 Independent valuation 1988 0 177 54 636 0 177 54 636 Accumulated depreciation 0(177) (45 268) 0(177) (45 268)

0 00– 9 368 0 00– 9 368 Independent valuation 1997 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 Accumulated depreciation (1 359) 0 00– (1 359) 0 00–

18 641 20 000 18 641 20 000

Directors’ valuation 1998 0 90 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–Accumulated depreciation 0 (19) 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

0 71 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–Independent valuation 1998 405 120 0 00– 405 120 0 00–Accumulated depreciation (222 103) 0 00– (222 103) 0 00–

183 017 0 00– 183 017 0 00–At cost 21 079 182 761 17 938 180 526 Accumulated depreciation (7 889) (77 732) (7 345) (77 066)

13 190 105 029 10 593 103 460

Plant and equipment (excluding capital works in progress) 214 919 139 156 212 251 137 587

Capital works in progress at cost 20 854 6 348 20 854 6 348

Total plant and equipment (including capital works in progress) 235 773 145 504 233 105 143 935

Total land, buildings, plant and equipment and intangibles 647 626 482 676 644 775 480 909 (excluding capital works in progress)

82

14. Non financial assets (continued)TABLE A

Movement summary 1997-98 for all assets irrespective of valuation basis (Consolidated only)

Item Land Buildings Total Other Intangibles Totalland and infrastructure,buildings plant and

equipment

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Gross value as at 1 July 1997 86 179 283 051 369 230 285 153 0 00– 654 383

Additions 0 00– 3 872 3 872 13 675 0 00– 17 547

Revaluations 8 145 46 348 54 493 138 391 0 00– 192 884

Disposals (5 405) 0(414) (5 819) (13 201) 0 00– (19 020)

Other movements 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 24 340 17 282 41 622

Gross value as at 30 June 1998 88 919 332 857 421 776 448 358 17 282 887 416

Accumulated depreciation /Amortisation as at 1 July 1997 0 082 25 628 25 710 145 997 0 00– 171 707

Depreciation /amortisationcharge for assets held 1 July 1997 0 025 6 301 6 326 24 344 0 00– 30 670

Depreciation /amortisationcharge for additions 0 00– 0 128 0 128 0 560 0 026 0 714

Adjustment for revaluations 0(100) (25 673) (25 773) 69 759 0 00– 43 986

Adjustment for disposals 0 00– 0 (40) 0 (40) (7 252) 0 00– (7 292)

Adjustment for other movements 0 00– 0 (26) 0 (26) 0 031 0 00– 0 005

Accumulated depreciation / 0 007 6 318 6 325 233 439 0 026 239 790 Amortisation as at 30 June 1998

Net book value as at 30 June 1998 88 912 326 539 415 451 214 919 17 256 647 626

Net book value as at 1 July 1997 86 097 257 423 343 520 139 156 0 00– 482 676

Table B - Summary of balances of assets at valuation as at 30 June 1998 (Consolidated only)

Item Land Buildings Total Other Intangibles Totalland and infrastructure,buildings plant and

equipment

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

As at 30 June, 1998

Gross value 88 919 323 307 412 226 426 899 16 965 856 090

Accumulated depreciation/ 0 0 (7) 0(158) 0(165) (225 170) 0 00– (225 335)

Amortisation

Other movements 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Net book value 88 912 323 149 412 061 201 729 16 965 630 755

As at 30 June, 1997

Gross value 86 179 275 236 361 415 102 392 0 00– 463 807

Accumulated depreciation/

Amortisation 0 (82) (20 351) (20 433) (68 265) 0 00– (88 698)

Other movements 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Net book value 86 097 254 885 340 982 34 127 0 00– 375 109

83

14. Non financial assets (continued)Consolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

14C InventoriesRetail

Inventory 7 978 7 782 7 978 7 782

Provision for stock obsolescence 0 (83) 0(267) 0 (83) 0(267)

7 895 7 515 7 895 7 515

TV programs

Purchased 18 447 12 617 18 447 12 617

Produced 17 136 21 024 17 136 21 024

In progress 13 247 11 841 13 247 11 841

48 830 45 482 48 830 45 482

Broadcasting consumables

Inventory 1 235 0 026 1 235 0 026

57 960 53 023 57 960 53 023

14D Intangible assets

Computer software - Directors’ valuation 1998 2 465 0 00– 2 465 0 00–

Computer software at cost 0 317 0 00– 0 317 0 00–

Accumulated amortisation 0 (26) 0 00– 0 (26) 0 00–

0 291 0 00– 0 291 0 00–

Copyright - Independent valuation 1998 14 500 0 00– 14 500 0 00–

17 256 0 00– 17 256 0 00–

14E Other non-financial assets

Prepaid property rentals 0 116 0 196 0 116 0 196

Other prepayments 8 263 17 541 7 157 16 717

Deferred interest rate hedging expenditure 9 917 13 899 9 917 13 899

18 296 31 636 17 190 30 812

84

15. Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to net cost of servicesConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Net cash flows provided by operating activities 8 172 23 586 3 326 31 302

Depreciation and amortisation (31 384) (29 670) (30 906) (29 446)

(Increase) decrease in provision for doubtful debts 0(324) 0 361 0(324) 0 154

Gain on disposal of property plant and equipment 1 816 1 268 1 815 1 268

Loss on disposal of property plant and equipment 0(419) 0(492) 0(379) 0(492)

Accrued interest 0 701 0(635) 0 701 0(635)

Valuation of music library 0 00– 20 000 0 00– 20 000

Payments to controlled entities 0 00– 0 00– (3 000) (14 933)

Valuation of intellectual property 14 500 0 00– 14 500 0 00–

Capitalisation of software 8 126 0 00– 8 126 0 00–

Capitalisation of film and sound libraries 24 151 0 00– 24 151 0 00–

Writeback of debt forgiven 0 00– 0 00– 6 333 0 00–

Debt forgiveness (a) 0 00– 0 00– 0(878) 0 00–

Conversion of load to equity:

– Australia Television International Pty Limited 5 759 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Sales tax refund on property, plant and equipment 0 00– 0 039 0 00– 0 00–

Changes in assets and liabilities

Increase (decrease) in receivables 11 875 (3 806) 11 495 (3 321)

Increase (decrease) in other current assets (9 358) 1 600 (9 640) 0 996

Increase (decrease) in other non current assets (4 501) 2 340 (4 501) 2 265

Increase in inventories 4 937 2 922 4 937 2 922

(Increase) decrease in creditors (1 241) 3 023 4 403 6 842

(Increase) decrease in provisions 16 345 (7 423) 22 651 (7 217)

Surplus of net cost of services over revenues from government 49 155 13 113 52 810 9 705

Parliamentary appropriations (468 496) (531 212) (468 496) (531 212)

Resources received free of charge (54 170) (56 900) (54 170) (56 900)

Funding from Commonwealth and State Governments (33 325) 0 00– 0 00– 0 00–

Net cost of services (506 836) (574 999) (469 856) (578 407)

(a) Refer to Note 19 Related party and other disclosures.

16. External financing arrangementsConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Total facilities 194 000 194 000 194 000 194 000

Amount of facility used (193 000) (193 000) (193 000) (193 000)

Facility available 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000

85

17. Financial instrumentsA Interest rate risk exposures

The economic entity’s exposure to interest rate risk and the weighted average effective interest rate for each class of financial assetsand financial liabilities is set out below.

Fixed interest maturing in:Weighted

Floating Non Averageinterest 1 year over 1 more than interest Effective

rate or less to 5 years 5 years bearing Total Int rate$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 %

As at 30 June 1998

Financial assets

Cash

Cash at bank and on hand 19 949 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 19 949 3.85%

Receivables

Goods and services 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 5 836 5 836 N/A

Accrued revenue 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 6 762 6 762 N/A

Bills of exchange and promissory notes 39 791 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 39 791 5.29%

Other debtors 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 17 206 17 206 N/A

Investments

Redeemable preference shares 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 5 759 5 759 N/A

Total financial assets 59 740 0 0– 0 0– 0 0– 35 563 95 303

Financial liabilities

Debt

Bills of exchange and promissory notes 99 510 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 99 510 5.31%

Loans 0 00– 0 00– 52 042 40 000 0 00– 92 042 8.45%

Loans (a) 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 10 799 10 799 N/A

Provisions and payables

Suppliers 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 0 00– 39 497 39 497 N/A

Interest rate swaps* (Unrecognised) 15 000 0 00– 25 000 (40 000) 0 00– 0 00– N/A #

Total financial liabilities 114 510 0 00– 77 042 0 00– 50 296 241 848

* Notional principal amounts only

# The interest rates under these swaps range from the Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate (BBSW) to 12.96% on payables and BBSW to 12.83% on receivables. BBSW rates are reset at a range between 90 and 180 days depending on thecontracts.

(a) Loans amounting to $10.8 million have been advanced by venture partners accepted by controlled entities on the conditionthat the loans are not callable, refer Note 19 Related party and other disclosures. There is no interest attached to these loans.

B Net fair values of financial assets and liabilities

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate net fair values;

Cash, receivables, creditors and short term borrowings (loans)

The carrying amount approximates the net fair value because of the short term to maturity.

Investments

The carrying amount for non traded instruments has been assessed by the directors based on the underlying assets, expectedcashflows and any particular circumstances of the investee as approximating net fair values.

Long term borrowings (loans)

The net fair values of long term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on current borrowing rates forsimilar types of borrowing arrangements.

86

B Net fair values of financial sssets and liabilities (continued)

Interest rate swap and cross currency swap agreements

The net fair values of unrecognised financial instruments reflect the estimated amounts the economic entity expects to pay or receive

to terminate the contracts (net of transaction costs) or to replace the contracts at their current market rates as at reporting date.

This is based on independent market quotations and using standard valuation techniques.

Forward exchange contracts

The net fair values of forward exchange contracts are taken to be the unrealised gain or loss at balance date calculated by reference

to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles.Carrying Net fairamount value

1998 1998$’000 $’000

Financial Assets

Interest rate swaps – 6 650

Foreign exchange contracts *21 55

Financial Liabilities

Long term borrowings (loans) 92 042 102 817

*The gain is included in the carrying amount of receivables.

C Credit risk exposures

Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counterparties to financial instruments

fail to perform as contracted.

Financial assets

The credit risk of financial assets which have been recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the carrying amount, net of any provision for doubtful debts. The economic entity is not materially exposed to any individual customer.

Items not recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

The credit risk arising from dealings in financial instruments is controlled by a strict policy of credit approvals, limits andmonitoring procedures. The economic entity has no material concentration of credit risk with any single counterparty and, as amatter of policy, only transacts with financial institutions that have a high credit rating. Credit exposure of foreign currency andinterest rate derivatives is represented by the net fair value of the contracts, as disclosed.

D Hedging instruments

General hedges

At balance date, the economic entity held forward exchange contracts to buy United States Dollars (USD) and Great Britain Pounds(GBP).

The following table sets out the gross value to be received under foreign currency contracts, the weighted average contractedexchange rates and the settlement periods of outstanding contracts for the economic entity

An unrealised gain of $21 000 has been included in the operating profit for the year.

Sell Australian Ave.ExchangeDollars Rate

1998 1998$’000

Buy USD

Less than 1 year 1 600 0.6041

Buy GBP

Less than 1 year 2 730 0.3663

87

18. Remuneration of directorsABC

1998 1997$ $

Remuneration received or due and receivable by directors of the Corporation (a) 623 603 605 851

(including Superannuation) $ Number Number

0 – 0 9 999 1 1

10 000 – 19 999 1 5

20 000 – 29 999 5 1

30 000 – 39 999 1 –

70 000 – 79 999 – 1

80 000 – 89 999 1 –

90 000 – 99 999 – 1

300 000 – 309 999 – 1

370 000 – 379 999 1 –

(a) Includes accrued long service leave liability in the 1998 financial year

19. Related party and other disclosuresDirectors of the Corporation

The names of chief entity directors who held office during the financial year were:

Donald McDonald, Diana Gribble, Brian Johns, John Bannon, Russell Bate, Kirsten Garrett, Ian Macphee, Wendy Silver, IanCallinan (appointed 23 July 1997, resigned 31 January 1998), Michael Kroger (appointed 5 February 1998).

Controlled entities

Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those available toother parties unless otherwise stated.

Australia Television International Pty Limited

During the year, an amount of $878 000 was written off. This represents the net balance resulting from the conversion of debt toequity in Australia Television International Pty Limited.

Arnbridge Pty Limited

An amount of $4 421 000 was provided for diminution of the balance of the loan in the 1998 year. On consolidation this amounthas been eliminated. Legal, financial, taxation, accounting, secretarial and operational services amounting to $31 303 were providedby the Corporation to Arnbridge Pty Limited. Charges reflect fully attributed costs based on the Corporation’s transfer pricingsystem.

Australian Information Media Pty Limited

Due to the Memorandum of Understanding dated December 1995 between related parties and the Memorandum dated 17September 1996 by Fairfax Multimedia Holdings Pty Limited, liabilities to other creditors will be extinguished in full and in priorityto related party creditors. Any residual cash will be distributed to the related parties with the balance of any loans due to suchparties being forgiven in full.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1996–97 Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limitedissued 250 002 $1 shares to the Corporation.

At year end the ABC owed Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $186 869 in relation to long serviceleave (LSL).

Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997-98Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited held 6 $5 shares with 687 000 $1 shares to be issued to the Corporation.

During the period the ABC provided goods and services to Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited on normal terms andconditions totalling $523 175. At year end the ABC was owed $78 816 in relation to the supply of these goods and services.

At year end the ABC owed Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $389 700 in relation to LSL for staff atincorporation.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997–98 theMelbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited held 438 002 $1 shares, 438 000 of which are to be issued to the Corporation.

At year end the ABC owed Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited an amount of $336 058 in relation to LSL for staff atincorporation.

88

West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997–98 theWest Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited held 299 002 $1 shares issued to the Corporation.

During the period the ABC provided goods and services to West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited on normalterms and conditions totalling $113 000.

At year end the ABC owed West Australian Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $307 189 in relation to LSL forstaff at incorporation.

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In 1997–98 the company operated for a full year. In 1997–98Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited held 213 002 $1 shares, 213 000 of which are to be issued to the Corporation.

At year end the ABC owed Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited an amount of $192 484 in relation to LSL for staff atincorporation.

20. Remuneration of officersConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$ $ $ $

Income received or due and receivable by officers (a) 1 374 381 3 028 767 1 541 299 2 766 150

Executives during the year whose remuneration was between1998 1997 1998 1997

$ Number Number Number Number

100 000 – 109 999 – 3 – 3

110 000 – 119 999 – 1 – 1

120 000 – 129 999 1 3 – 3

130 000 – 139 999 – 2 – 3

140 000 – 149 999 – 1 – 1

160 000 – 169 999 – 1 – 1

180 000 – 189 999 – 1 – 1

190 000 – 199 999 – 2 – 2

200 000 – 209 999 1 – 1 –

220 000 – 229 999 2 – 2 –

240 000 – 249 999 1 1 2 1

250 000 – 259 999 1 – 1 –

260 000 – 269 999 1 – 1 –

300 000 – 309 999 – 1 – –

530 000 – 539 999 – 1 – 1

The Managing Director’s remuneration is included in Remuneration of directors, Note 18.Performance pay has been excluded from the calculation of officers’ remuneration. The aggregate amount of performance payreceived, or due and receivable, by officers was $119 114 (1997 $97 116)

(a) Includes accrued Long Service Leave Liability in the 1998 financial year

21. Remuneration of auditorsConsolidated ABC

1998 1997 1998 1997$ $ $ $

Amounts received, or due and receivable, by the auditors for

auditing the financial statements 297 000 277 000 230 000 248 000

Total amount payable to the Australian National Audit Office for the audit of the Corporation and controlled entities financialstatements. No other services were provided by the auditors.

89

22. Trust funds1998 1997 1998 1997

$ $ $ $The Corporation is trustee for foundations with accumulated funds at 30 June 1998 as follows:

Ian Reed Sir Charles MosesFoundation Foundation

Revenues 28 473 32 529 (6) 15

Expenses (52 170) (3 352) – –

Surplus for year (23 697) 29 177 (6) 15

Fund opening balance 430 307 401 130 3 187 3 172

Fund closing balance 406 610 430 307 3 181 3 187

The foundations funds are held in authorised trustee investments.

23. Controlled entities

The Corporation has twelve 100% owned controlled entities, all incorporated in Australia.

1998 1998 1998 1997Country of Beneficial Book value of Book value of Contribution to Contribution to

Incorporation percentage immediate immediate consolidated consolidatedheld by chief entity chief entity operating operating

economic investment investment surplus surplusentity (Shares issued) (Sharesto be gain/(loss) gain/(loss)

issued)% $ $ $’000 $’000

Chief Entity:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation N/A – – – 46 845 14 198

Controlled entities of

Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

Australia Television International Pty Limited (a) Australia 100% – – – (3 102)

Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd Australia 100% 5 – – –

Arnbridge Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 – (30) 453

Australian Information Media Pty Limited Australia 100% 4 558 000 – (342) 274

The News Channel Pty Limited Australia 100% 4 670 237 – – (355)

AIM Holdings Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 – – –

Equipco Australia Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 – – 8

AIM West Pty Australia 100% 2 573 272 – (10) –

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Holdings Pty Limited Australia 100% 250 002 – 1 811 1 637

Symphony Australia Holdings Pty Limited Australia 100% 30 687 000 344 –

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Australia 100% 2 438 000 737 –Pty Limited

West Australian Symphony Orchestra Australia 100% 290 002 – 35 –Holdings Pty Limited

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Pty Limited Australia 100% 2 213 000 (235) –

12 341 558 1 338 000 49 155 13 113

(a) During the financial year 1997/98 Australia Television International Pty Limited was sold to Seven Network (Operations) Ltdand is no longer a controlled entity.

90

Financial Resources Summary – Cash1997-98 1997-98 1996-97CASH CASH CASH

BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL$'000 $'000 $'000

BUDGETARY (CASH) BASIS

Components of Appropriation

Division 151-01-01 450 392 450 392 499 738

General Activities - Domestic

Division 151-01-02 ` 6 300 6 300 13 494

General Activities - Radio Australia

Division 811-01-01 8 804 8 804 9 700

Capital Works & Services - Domestic

Division 813-01~01 3 000 3 000 8 280

Australia Television - International

Sub Total ABC Appropriation 468 496 468 496 531 212

Total Other Revenue 106 520 106 758 133 547

Plus cash on hand at beginning of year 7 671 7 671 3 566

less cash on hand at end of year (2 500) (2 418) (7 671)

Total ABC outlays 580 187 580 507 660 654

91

program performanceStatement

92

appendices

1. Television Program Analysis 93

2. ABC Radio Networks – Content Analysis 94

3. Concerts and Attendances 95

4. ABC Staff Profile 1997–98 96

5. ABC Organisation 97

6. ABC Code of Practice 97

7. Broadcasting Awards 100

8. Enterprises Awards 102

9. Other Awards 103

10. NAC Membership 104

11. NAC Recommendations 104

12. Radio Transmitters 107

13. Television Transmitters 110

14. Radio Australia Transmitters 112

15. Consultants 113

16. Ministerial Powers 113

17. Reports on Particular Matters 113

18. Advertising and Market Research 113

19. Audit Subcommittee 113

20. ABC Offices 114

21. ABC Shops 117

Appendix 1

Television Program Analysis(Hours per year)

Australian Productions All Productions

Hours Transmitted Hours TransmittedPrime Time Other Total % Prime Time Other Total % of

Aust Aust Total

Arts 14 66 80 33.2 44 197 240 2.7

Children’s 1 429 430 26.4 1 1628 1630 18.6

Comedy 136 57 193 28.9 380 287 667 706

Current Affairs 0 792 792 53.4 0 1482 1483 16.9

Documentary 65 92 157 31.1 190 315 505 5.8

Drama 59 42 101 37.4 170 99 269 3.1

Education 226 552 778 99.7 226 555 781 8.9

Entertainment 6 941 947 94.8 24 976 999 11.4

Features 69 102 171 90.6 86 103 189 2.2

Movies 0 3 3 0.6 11 433 444 5.1

News 214 345 559 98.1 218 352 570 6.5

Religious 1 29 30 27.0 3 108 111 1.3

Sport 19 454 473 88.1 19 518 537 6.1

Transmission 4 14 19 78.9 5 19 24 0.3

Promotions* 84 228 312 100.0 84 228 312 3.6

Total Less Promotions 814 3918 4732 56.0 1376 7071 8448 96.4

Grand Total 898 4146 5044 57.6 1460 7300 8760 100.0

* Promotions figures are estimates.

Figures are rounded to the nearest hour.

Prime time is defined as 6.00pm - 10.00pm.

Figures are based on programming from the Sydney transmitter.

93

Appendix 2

ABC Radio Networks Content AnalysisNational Networks(Hours per week)

Radio National Classic FM Triple J NewsRadioHours % Hours % Hours % Hours %

Topical Issues* 28 16.7 0 0 14 8.3 0 0

News 16 9.3 7 3.9 5 3.1 126 75.2

Classical Music 2 1.1 114 67.7 0 0 0 0

Contemporary Music 0 0 0 0 126 75.2 0 0

Radio Australia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Current Affairs 22 12.8 0 0 0 0 8 4.6

Specialist Music 33 20.0 17 10.4 16 9.5 0 0

Sport 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 10.2

Specialist** 26 15.4 0 0 0 0 4 2.4

Live Music 2 1.1 25 15.4 2 0.9 0 0

Arts 16 9.6 0 0 4 2.4 0 0

Parliament 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 5.8

Rural 2 1.7 0 0 0 0 3 1.8

Religious 7 4.0 2 1.1 0 0 0 0

Arts Performance 3 2.0 3 1.5 0 0 0 0

Open Learning 10 5.9 0 0 0 0 0 0

Comedy 1 0.4 0 0 1 0.6 0 0

168 100.0 168 100.0 168 100.0 168 100.0

* Topical issues includes audience involvement, eg talkback.

** Specialist includes Science, Humanities, etc.

Figures are rounded to the nearest hour.

Local Radio(Hours per week)

Metropolitan Stations* Regional Stations*

Station Average State Average

% Hours % Hours

Current Affairs 9.2 16 9.2 16

News 11.7 20 12.2 20

Religion 2.4 4 2.4 4

Rural 0.3 1 3.6 6

Specialist Music 2.7 5 2.8 5

Sport 7.8 13 8.0 14

Topical 65.8 110 61.8 104

Total*** 100.0 168 100.0 168

* These figures are station averages for metropolitan stations and state/territory averages for Regional Stations. Contentfigures vary between stations/States according to community needs.

Figures are rounded to the nearest hour.

94

Appendix 3

Concerts and Attendances

1997–98 1996–97Total Average Total Average

Concerts Attendances Attendance Concerts Attendances Attendance

New South Wales and ACTPaid Orchestral Concerts 121 234 055 1 934 127 210 118 1 654School Concerts 62 15 958 257 52 18 456 355Free Concerts 1 135 000 135 000 1 110 383 110 383Total 184 385 013 180 338 957

VictoriaPaid Orchestral Concerts 92 153 625 1670 87 155 360 1 786School Concerts 29 22 457 774 41 21 908 534Free Concerts 5 49 800 9 960 5 50 526 10 105Total 126 225 882 133 227 794

QueenslandPaid Orchestral Concerts 52 48 561 934 63 36 983 587School Concerts 47 32 617 694 29 32 974 1 137Free Concerts 6 13 640 2 273 4 5 000 1 250Total 105 94 818 96 74 957

South AustraliaPaid Orchestral Concerts 90 85 515 950 80 116 296 1 454School Concerts 19 14 397 758 10 11 878 1 188Free Concerts 4 66 550 16 638 1 30 000 30 000Total 113 166 462 91 158 174

Western AustraliaPaid Orchestral Concerts 108 119 883 1 110 129 123 142 955School Concerts 10 5 117 512 27 7 666 284Free Concerts 2 25 000 12 500 1 25 000 25 000Total 120 150 000 157 155 808

Tasmania Paid Orchestral Concerts 48 23 782 495 61 32 524 533School Concerts 17 4 524 266 20 9 987 499Free Concerts 6 7 530 1 255 3 11 276 3 759Total 71 35 836 84 53 787

AustraliaPaid Orchestral Concerts 511 665 421 1 302 547 674 423 1 233School Concerts 184 95 070 517 179 102 869 575Free Concerts 24 297 520 12 397 15 232 185 15 479

Grand Total 719 1 058 011 741 1 009 477

95

Appendix 4

ABC Staff Profileas at 21 June 1998*

Con Corp Ent F&BS Human Nat News Prog Reg TS&D Total** Man Res Net Caff Prod Serv

ACT 0 0 0 0 0 7 25 1 62 0 96

Northern Territory 0 0 0 3 2 1 29 4 78 0 117

NSW 0 25 162 293 98 305 400 629 213 60 2185

Overseas 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 25

Queensland 0 0 0 14 8 19 107 4 185 0 336

South Australia 0 0 0 13 8 26 61 19 156 0 284

Tasmania 0 0 0 10 3 2 46 9 130 0 199

Victoria 0 0 0 39 15 118 130 284 96 0 684

Western Australia 0 0 0 8 5 13 65 6 153 0 250

Total 0 25 162 380 140 491 888 957 1073 60 4177

Figures are full-time equivalents, rounded to the nearest whole number.

* These figures are for 21 June 1998 and include 37 staff who left on redundancy between then and 30 June 1998.

** Concert Music staff devoted to independent companies with effect 1 July 1998.

96

97

Appendix 5

ABC OrganisationABC Board and senior managementat date of publication (October 1998)

ABC BoardChair: Donald McDonaldDeputy Chair: Diana GribbleDirectors: John Bannon; Russell Bate;Kirsten Garrett (staff elected); MichaelKroger, Ian McPhee; Wendy SilverManaging Director: Brian Johns

Regional ServicesHead: Sue Howard.Gen Mgr Prog Strat: Helen HughesNational Ed Rural: Lucy BroadNetwork Mgr Local Radio: Lisa SweeneyState Branch Managers:ACT: Liz McGrath (Mgr Local Radio)NSW: Kate MillerNT: Tony BowdenQLD: Bob WurthSA: Michael MasonTAS: Rob BattenVIC: Murray GreenWA: Geoff Duncan

National NetworksHead: Andy Lloyd-James.Gen Mgr Network TV: ClaireHenderson (a)Network Mgr RN: Steven AlwardNetwork Mgr ABC Classic FM: PeterJamesNetwork Mgr Triple J: Ed BreslinNetwork Mgr NewsRadio: Dr. IanWolfeNetwork Mgr RA: Jean-GabrielManguyNetwork Mgr Multimedia: ColinGriffithArts Editor: Ros CheneyTalks Editor: Amanda ArmstrongGen Mgr Nat Nets Dev: Sarah BenjaminGen Mgr Bus Affairs: Malcolm Smith Mgr Policy & Planning: Russell StendellMgr ABC International: Wendy Hallam

News & Current AffairsHead News & Current Affairs: PaulWilliamsHead News: Norman TaylorHead Current Affairs: Lindy MagoffinState Heads NT: David RobertsonQLD: John CameronSA: Jillian AttrillTAS: Richard LowerVIC: Peter Ryan (TV)VIC: Stuart Heather (Radio)WA: Kim JordanGen Mgr Bus Affairs: Carolyn JonesMgr Production Resources: Ian CarrollMgr Editorial Dev & Support: HeatherForbes

Program ProductionHead: Don ReynoldsNat Mgr Projects: Richard Ives (a)Nat Mgr Dev: David Leonard(a)

Nat Mgr Bus Affairs: Richard DavisMgr Prod Resources NSW: GintsVietnicks (a)Mgr Prod Resources VIC: Dave BarkerNat Mgr Production: Harry Hall (a)Nat Mgr Archives & Lib Servs: MaryJane StannusCommercial Mgr Policies & Strat:Deanne McAlister (a)

Technology, Strategy andDevelopmentHead: Colin KnowlesMgr Nat B’cast Networks: vacantMgr Nat Transmission: Dick WinstonMgr Nat Facil Plan & Projects: BrianBaileyMgr Tech Strat Planning: vacantMgr Tech Res & Dev: Spencer LiengMgr Spectrum Strategy: Dilip JadejaMgr ABC Digital: James BowdenMgr Tech Capital: Chris MinahanMgr Policy & Resources: Josie Lead (a)

ABC EnterprisesGeneral Mgr: Terry Moloney.Head Retail: Don WalkerPublisher Books: Matthew KellyHead Audio: Bernadette NeubeckerHead Contemporary Music & MusicPublishing: Meryl GrossHead Classics: Robert PattersonHead Video: Janine BurdeuHead and Brand Mgr ABC for Kids &Licensing: Grahame GrassbyHead Sales & Distribution: Tony JaspersFinancial Controller: Andrew Eagleton

Human ResourcesHead: Jacquie Hutchinson.Nat Employee Rels Mgr: Colin PalmerNat Policy & Planning Mgr: Alan BullNat Training & Dev Mgr: Sandy Forbes

Finance & Business ServicesHead: Russell Balding.GM Group Audit: David PendletonFin Contr Broadcasting: Sue CraneFin Contr Content Prod: AndrewCavenettFin Controller Corp & Support:Eugene RemediosCorp Chief Accountant: JohnThomsonGM Legal & Copyright: Judith WalkerGM Fin Ops and Accting Servs: vacantGM Fin Plan & Analysis: Laurie TreloarGen Mgr Info Tech Services:Christine RogersGM Property Services: Laurie ArthurProject Mgr BSR: Wayne Rosen

Chief of Staff Chief of Staff: Janet Clayton.Mgr Corporate Liason: Gary LinnaneGM Corporate Affairs: Roger GrantGM Corporate Strategy: Geoff HeriotGM Policy &Planning: Pauline GardeExec Officer to Board: Joan McKain

ABC DevelopmentHead: Ian McGarrity

(a) means acting

Appendix 6

ABC Code ofPractice

PreableThe ABC’s place in the broadcastingsystem is distinctive because of itsCharter, which gives the Corporationunique responsibilities, and becauseof other provisions under theAustralian Broadcasting CorporationAct, 1983, which give theCorporation particularresponsibilities, for example, theprovision of an independent newsservice.

The ABC Act guarantees the editorialindependence of the Corporation’sprogram services. The ABC holds itspower to make programmingdecisions on behalf of the people ofAustralia. By law and conventionneither the Government norParliament seeks to intervene inthose decisions.

2 General Program CodesThe guiding principle in theapplication of the following generalprogram codes is context. What isunacceptable in one context may beappropriate and acceptable inanother. However, the use oflanguage and images for no otherpurpose but to offend is notacceptable.

The code is not intended to bancertain types of language or imagesfrom bona fide dramatic or literarytreatments, nor is it intended toexclude such references fromlegitimate reportage, debate ordocumentaries. Where appropriate,audiences will be given advancenotice of the content of the program.

2.1 Violence. The presentation orportrayal of violence must bejustifiable, or else the material shouldnot be presented. Particular attentionshould be paid to the portrayal ofviolence against women.

In news and current affairs programs,violent events should never besensationalised or presented for theirown sake.

In drama programs, the aim is not tosee how much violence will betolerated, but how little is necessaryto achieve honest ends withoutundue dramatic compromise.

2.2 Language. Variations of languagefavoured by different groups ofAustralians — young or old, welleducated or less educated, migrants,Indigenous and others — are equallyvalid and have their place inprograms. On occasions, the language

of one group may be distasteful toanother. Use of such language ispermitted provided it is not usedgratuitously and provided thelanguage can be justified in thecontext of, for example, fiction,documentary, dramatisation,comedy and song lyrics.

2.3 Sex and Sexuality. Provided it ishandled with integrity, any of thefollowing treatments of sex andsexuality may be appropriate andnecessary to a program:

v it can be discussed and reportedin the context of news,information or documentaryprograms;

v it can be referred to in drama,comedy, lyrics or fictionalprograms; and

v it can be depicted, implicitly orexplicitly.

2.4 Discrimination. Thepresentation or portrayal of peoplein a way which is likely to encouragedenigration of or discriminationagainst any person or section of thecommunity on account of race,ethnicity, nationality, sex, age,disability or illness, social oroccupational status, sexualpreference or the holding of anyreligious, cultural or political beliefwill be avoided. The requirement isnot intended to prevent thebroadcast of material which isfactual, or the expression ofgenuinely-held opinion in a news orcurrent affairs program, or in thelegitimate context of a humorous,satirical or dramatic work.

2.5 Privacy. The rights of individualsto privacy should be respected in allABC programs. However, in order toprovide information which relates toa person’s performance of publicduties or about other matters ofpublic interest, intrusions uponprivacy may, in some circumstances,be justified.

3 Specific Program Codes3.1 Children’s Programs. While thereal world should not be concealedfrom children, special care will betaken to ensure programs childrenare likely to watch unsupervised willnot cause alarm or distress.

3.2 Religious Programs. Religiousprograms may cover Christianity,other traditional religions and newreligious movements, as well asanalysis and discussion of religiousissues from non-religious points ofview.

3.3 Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Programs. Program makersand journalists should respectAboriginal and Torres Strait Islandercultures. Particular care should be

exercised in traditional matters suchas the naming or depicting ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople after death.

3.4 Portrayal of Women andAvoidance of Stereotypes. Programswill take care to acknowledge the fullrange of roles now performed bywomen. Irrelevant references to awoman’s physical characteristics,marital status or maternity will beavoided.

Programs should not promote orendorse inaccurate, demeaning ordiscriminatory stereotypes of womenor men.

In producing programs usingexperts, interviewees and othertalent, program makers will ensurethat there are opportunities for bothwomen and men to presentviewpoints.

3.5 Closed Captioning for Peoplewho are Hearing Impaired or Deaf.Closed caption programs will beclearly marked when programinformation is provided to the pressor when captioned programs arepromoted. Where possible, opencaptioned advice will be provided iftechnical problems preventscheduled closed captioning.

Addresses to the nation and eventsof national significance will betransmitted with closed captioning.The ABC will endeavour to increasethe amount of closed-captioningprogramming, as resources permit.

4 News, Current Affairsand Information Programs4.1 News, Current Affairs andInformation Programs

In programs produced by ABC Newsand Current Affairs Departments andinformation programs:

(a) Every reasonable effort must bemade to ensure that the factualcontent of programs is accurate.Demonstrable errors will becorrected in a timely manner andin a form most suited to thecircumstances.

(b) Editorial staff will not be obligedto disclose confidential sourceswhich they are entitled to protectat all times.

(c) Re-enactments of events will beclearly identified as such andpresented in a way which willnot mislead audiences.

(d) If reported at all, suicides will bereported in moderate terms andwill usually avoid details ofmethod.

(e) Sensitivity will be exercised inbroadcasting images of orinterviews with bereaved

relatives and survivors orwitnesses of traumatic incidents.

4.2 News and Current AffairsPrograms. Every reasonable effortmust be made to ensure that thecontent of programs produced byABC News and Current AffairsDepartments is:

(a) impartial: impartiality does notrequire editorial staff to beunquestioning; nor should all sidesof an issue be devoted the sameamount of time.

(b) balanced: balance will be soughtthrough the presentation, as far aspossible, of principal relevantviewpoints on matters ofimportance. The requirement maynot always be reached within asingle program or news bulletin, butwill be achieved within a reasonableperiod.

4.3 News Flashes. Care will beexercised in the selection of soundsand images and consideration givento the likely composition of theaudience.

4.4 News Updates and NewsPromotions. News updates and newspromotions will not appear duringobviously inappropriate programs,especially programs directed atyoung children. Due to theirrepetitive nature, there will be verylittle violent material included inthem, and none at all in the lateafternoon and early evening.

5 Promotions for ProgramsProgram promotions will bescheduled so as to be consistent withthe nature of surrounding programs.

6 WarningsWhere appropriate, the audience willbe given advance notice of programsor program segments which someviewers or listeners could finddistressing or disturbing.

7 Television ProgramClassificationsThis system of television programclassification applies the Guidelinesfor the Classification of Films andVideotapes issued by the Office ofFilm and Literature Classification.

Programs having a particularclassification under the Office ofFilm and Literature ClassificationGuidelines may be modified so thatthey are suitable for broadcast orsuitable for broadcast at particulartimes.

7.1 Classification

G — General (suitable for all ages)G programs, which include programsdesigned for pre-school and schoolage children:

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– are suitable for children to watchon their own;

– may be shown at any time.

PG — Parental Guidance (parentalguidance recommended forpersons under 15 years)

PG programs:

– may contain adult themes andconcepts which, when viewed bythose under 15 years, mayrequire the guidance of an adult;

– may be shown between 8.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. onweekdays7.30 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. on anyday of the week.

M — Mature Audience programsand MA — Mature Adult Audienceprograms

– are programs which, because ofthe matter they contain orbecause of the way it is treated,are recommended for viewingonly by persons aged 15 years orover.

M programs may be shownbetween:noon and 3.00 p.m. onweekdays that are school days 8.30p.m. and 5.00 a.m. on any day of theweek.

MA programs may be shownbetween: 9.30 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. onany day of the week.

While most adult themes may bedealt with, the degree of explicitnessand intensity of treatment willdetermine what can beaccommodated in the M and MAclassifications — the less explicit orless intense material will be includedin the M classification and the moreexplicit or more intense material,especially violent material, will beincluded in the MA classification.

X programs and unmodified Rprograms (not suitable fortelevision)

– contain material which cannotappropriately be classified as G,PG, M or MA because thematerial itself or the way it istreated renders them unsuitablefor television;

– must not be shown at all.

7.2 ImplementationGuidelines. The time zones for eachprogram classification are guides tothe most likely placement ofprograms within that classification.They are not hard and fast rules andthere will be occasions on whichprograms or segments of programsappear in other time-slots, forexample, a PG program or segmentof a program designed for teenageviewers could appear before 7.30p.m. if that is the time most suitablefor the target audience, or a PG

segment in an arts program couldappear during a weekend daytimeprogram.

There must be sound reasons for anydeparture from the time zone for aprogram classification.

Programs which are seriouspresentations of moral, social orcultural issues may appear outsidetheir normal classification periodprovided that a clear indication ofthe nature and content of theprogram is given at itscommencement.

7.3 Television ClassificationSymbols. The classification symbolof the PG, M or MA program (exceptnews, current affairs, generalinformation and sporting programs)being shown will be displayed at thecommencement of the program.

The classification symbol of the PG,M or MA program (except news,current affairs, general informationand sporting programs) beingpromoted will be displayed duringthe promotion.

7.4 Consumer Advice. Audio andvisual consumer advice on thereasons for an M or MAclassification will be given priorto the commencement of an Mor MA program.

8 Complaints8.1 This Code of Practice does notapply to complaints concerningprograms which are or become thesubject of legal proceedings.

Complaints that the ABC has actedcontrary to this Code of Practiceshould be directed to the ABC in thefirst instance. Phone complainantsseeking a response from the ABC willbe asked to put their complaint inwriting. All such written complaintswill receive a response from the ABCwithin 60 days from receipt of thewritten complaint.

The ABC will make every reasonableeffort to resolve complaints aboutCode of Practice matters, exceptwhere a complaint is clearlyfrivolous, vexatious or not made ingood faith or the complainant isvexatious or not acting in good faith.

8.2 Independent ComplaintsReview Panel. The ABC hasestablished an IndependentComplaints Review Panel (ICRP) toreview written complaints whichrelate to allegations of serious casesof bias, lack of balance or unfairtreatment arising from an ABCbroadcast or broadcasts.

If a complainant making such anallegation does not receive aresponse from the ABC within sixweeks or is not satisfied with the

response, the complainant may askthe Convener of the ICRP to acceptthe complaint for review. Furtherinformation can be obtained fromthe Convener, IndependentComplaints Review Panel, GPO Box688, Sydney, NSW 2001 or byphoning (02) 9333 5639.

If the Convener rejects thecomplaint or if the complainant isdissatisfied with the outcome of thereview and the complaint is coveredby the ABC Code of Practice, thecomplainant may make a complaintto the Australian BroadcastingAuthority about the matter.

8.3 Australian BroadcastingAuthority. If a complainant:

– does not receive a response fromthe ABC within 60 days; or

– the complainant is dissatisfiedwith the ABC response; or

– the complainant is dissatisfiedwith the outcome of the ICRPreview (as mentioned above);and

– the complaint is covered by theABC Code of Practice;

the complainant may make acomplaint to the AustralianBroadcasting Authority about thematter.

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Appendix 7

BroadcastingAwards

International AwardsThe New York Festivals InternationalTelevision Programming &Promotions Gold• Human relations series, Film

Australia, Myths of Childhood,Screened on ABC NetworkTelevision

• Biography/profiles, Colin Grubb,Ravel’s Mother Goose

• Science & Technology, RichardSmith, Black Holes, anABC/Pioneer Productions film inassociation with Channel 4,

Silver• Sports & recreation series,

Working Dog Pty Ltd, A RiverSomewhere, Screened on ABCNetwork Television Golden GlobeAwards

• Health/Medical Information, TheProblem With Men, BeyondDistribution Pty Ltd Screened onNetwork Television

• Magazine format, Tony Jones,Reporter, Ivo Burum, Producer,Foreign Correspondent: WarCriminals

• Coverage ongoing news story,Mark Davis, Foreign Correspondent:The Lion of the Pavishir

Bronze • National/international affairs,

Michael Maher, Reporter, AndrewClark, Producer, ForeignCorrespondent: Budiman

Other• Best Actress in a Drama, Judi

Dench, Her Majesty Mrs Brown Aco-production with ABC forwhich ABC have film distributionand TV screening rights.

• Best Newscast series, AustraliaTelevision News

New York Festivals Radio AwardsBronze Medal• Stephen Watkins, Encounter: Still

Glides The Stream

International Wildlife Film Festival,(Missoula, Montana USA) • Entertainment Value, Nick

Hilligoss, A Bunch Of Fives: LowerOrders

• Short Television Program, Secondplace, David Luffman & JeremyHogarth, Bobby & The Banded Stilts

• Best Narration,Tied winner, Bobby& The Banded Stilts, HugoWeaving, Narrator, JonathanHolmes, Writer

• Presentation of Ecosystem

Relationships Merit award, Bobby& The Banded Stilts

Okomedia ‘97 InternationalEcological Film Festival, Japan • Special Prize of the Federal

Minister of the Environment(Germany) for OutstandingAchievement in the Field ofEnvironmental Education, NickHilligoss, Natural History: TurtleWorld

Houston International Film FestivalGold• Box, Produced by ABC’s

Indigenous Unit as part of atrilogy for the Festival ofDreaming, Catriona McKenzie,Writer/Director, David Jowsey,Executive Producer

Japan Prize International EducationalProgram Contest • PreSchool Education, Second Prize

the Hoso Bunka Foundation Prize,Henrietta Clark, Play School: RoadSafety

American Medical Association’sInternational Health & Medical FilmCompetition • Series, Geoffrey Burchfield &

Richard Campbell, Quantum:What’s Your Poison

Commonwealth BroadcastingAssociation/Rolls-Royce Awards forExcellence in BroadcastingHighly Commended• Cost Effective Engineering, ABC

National Communications Unit,Communications Platform for Radio

National Awards1997 Walkley Awards for Excellencein Journalism • Best Current Affairs Report, David

Spicer, AM program: Juvenile Justice• Best Feature or Documentary,

Norman Swan, Science Show: QUT:A University for the Real World

• Best Current Affairs Report,Feature, Documentary or Special(15 mins plus), Ben Cheshire &Sophie Emtage, AustralianStory:Valentine’s Day

• Best Cinematography, ChantalAbouchar, Foreign Correspondent:East Timor Resistance

• Excellence in Indigenous Affairs,Bruce Belsham & Victoria Pitt,Frontier

Highly Commended• Best Cinematography, Andrew

Taylor, Foreign Correspondent:Kosovo

• Excellence in coverage of Asia(Broadcast), Dugald Maudsley,Foreign Correspondent

1998 National AustralianCinematographers’ Society AwardsGolden Tripod • Experimental & Specialised

Cinematography, Nick Hilligoss,Cell Animation

• News Gathering, Peter DonnelleyACS, Night Fires

• News Magazine, Peter Curtis, PortArthur - A New Dawn

• TV Magazine, Anthony Sines ACS,Australian Story: Silent Nights

• Current Affairs, Neale Maude, FourCorners: Business As Usual

• Wildlife and Nature Films,Campbell Miller, Natural BornCheats

Distinction • Lawrence McManus ACS,

Australian Story: The Good Life

1998 Australian Teachers of Media(ATOM) Awards• Best Science Documentary, Alison

Leigh, Executive Producer, What’sYour Poison?: Nicotine, TheDesirable Drug

1997 Australian Teachers of Media(ATOM) Multimedia Awards• Best Educational Multimedia

Production, Ingenious CD-ROM• Best Online Multimedia

Production,the Lab - ABC ScienceOnline

• Best Secondary School MultimediaResource, Frontier CD-ROM andFrontier Online

• Best Use of Animation in aMultimedia Product, Bananas inPyjamas CD-ROM

40th TV Week Logie AwardsSilver Logie• Most Outstanding Actor, Tony

Martin, WildsideOther• Most Outstanding mini-series,

Wildside, Gannon JenkinsTelevision/ABC production.

• Most Outstanding Series, Frontline,Working Dog Productions for ABC

• Most Outstanding Achievementin Comedy, Frontline, WorkingDog Productions for ABC

• Most Outstanding Achievementto Public Affairs, Liz Jackson, FourCorners: Where Does The Buck Stop?

• Most Outstanding Achievementin Children’s Programs, HenriettaClark, Playschool

1997 Australian Internet Awards• Best Media Web site, ABC Online

Australian Interactive MultimediaIndustry Association InternationalMultimedia Awards The Real Wild Child CD-ROM won:• Best overall education

multimedia/online product orservice

• Best multimedia/online referenceor information product or service

• Best animation/video in amultimedia/online product orservice

• Multimedia/online programmer • Interactive multimedia/online writer

100

101

• Multimedia/onlinestudio/developer

• Gold Award - Best Overallmultimedia/online product

United Nations Association ofAustralia Media Peace Awards 1997Special Citation• Michael Maher, Foreign

Correspondent: Budiman - Portrait ofan activist

Australian Federation of AidsOrganisations Awards • TV Current Affairs, Mark

Edmondson & ChristinaKoutsoukos, Compass: HIV Kids

Human Rights & Equal OpportunityCommission Media Awards • Radio, David Busch, Encounter:

The Churches and The StolenGenerations

Commendations• Compass: Stolen Children; Michael

Maher Foreign Correspondent:Budiman: Portrait of an Activist,Chris Bullock, Hindsight: TheStolen Generation, Robyn Williams,book Normal Service Won’t beResumed.

Earth Vision ‘97 • Youth Choice Environmental Film

Award, Nick Hilligoss, NaturalHistory:Turtle World (NetworkTelevision)

Environment Australia Peter HuntEureka Prize• Environmental Journalism, Liz

Jackson and Mark Maley, FourCorners: Hot Debate

Michael Daly for Excellence inScience and Technology Journalism• Radio Journalism, Tom Morton,

Background Briefing: TheMillennium Bug

• Television Journalism, JustinMurphy, 7.30 Report: Battery Lady

Royal Australian College of GeneralPractioners Awards• Ben Cheshire, Sophie Emtage,

Australian Story: Valentine’s Day

MBF Health and Well Being Awards

The Most Outstanding Contributionto Improving Public Awareness ofHealth and Wellbeing in Australia • Series Metropolitan or

Regional/Suburban Press, Radio orTelevision, Geoffrey Burchfield &Richard Campbell, Quantum:What’s Your Poison, Mark Bowling,AM Program: Tiwi For Health

• Most Outstanding Radio CurrentAffairs Story, Peter Walsh,Caroline Davison, Grandstand:Chronic Fatigue Syndrom

• Best radio report in NSW, NatashaMitchell, Presenter, Brigitte Seega,Producer, Health Report

1999 Churchill Fellowship• Jane Connors, Hindsight, to

investigate the uses made of oral

history in radio and other mediain North America and the UnitedKingdom.

1997 Heart Foundation Media Award• Linda Bracken, Broadcaster, Report

on cardiac rehabilitation at JohnHunter Hospital.

Animals Australia Peter RawlinsonAward • Excellence in a media

presentation which promotes theprotection of native wildlife,Dione Gilmour, Klaus Toft,Annette Cooper, Mark Lamble,Jeremy Hogarth and DaveLuffman, Wild Relations

Australian Rugby Union Award• Best radio coverage of the Super

12 Rugby Union, Tim Gavel, 2CNSports Broadcaster

Australian Institute Of Polish AffairsMedia Prize• Maria Zijlstra, presenter, The

Europeans, for a series of programsbased on interviews she recordedin Poland

Henry Lawson Festival • Drama, Wildside, Gannon Jenkins

Television/ABC

State & Community AwardsAustralian Capital Territory1998 Canberra Region TourismAwards• ABC Radio 2CN, Comprehensive

Coverage of Events & Activities

New South WalesAustralian Cinematographers’Society Awards (NSW)• TV Magazine, Laurence McManus,

Australian Story: The Good Life

1997 Landcare Media Award• Keva Gocher, Report on Snowy River

Erosion Control

Law Society of NSW Media Awards• TV Current Affairs, Four Corners,

Murray McLaughlin, Euthanasia• Best Radio Documentary, Susanna

Lobez, presenter, The Law ReportRunner-Up• TV News, Nick Grimm, The Abuse

Defence

MEAA South Coast Journalist of theYear• Maurie Ferry

NSW Henry Lawson Society MediaAwardHighly Commended• Nick Grimm, Bush Fire Season.

NSW MBF Health Award• Gordon Taylor

Interdepartmental Committee onYouth AffairsCommendation: • 2NC Newcastle and Linda

Bracken, Program Director, forbroadcasts contributing to YouthWeek in the Hunter

Muswellbrook Shire Australia DayAward• Northoak Award, Mike Pritchard,

Rural Reporter 2UH “outstandingcontribution to agriculturalservices”

1998 NSW Royal Australian Instituteof Architects Awards• Adrian Ashton Award for

Architectural Journalism, AlanSaunders, Presenter, Mark Wakely& Kerry Stewart, Producers, TheComfort Zone

NSW Royal Agricultural SocietyTelevision Media Award 1998• Justin Murphy, 7.30 Report:

Woodchop

1998 NSW Royal Agricultural ShowAward• Best Radio Feature, Jenny Black,

Rural Reporter, Report on a visuallyimpaired rider

Northern Territory

Darwin Press Club 1997 MediaAwards• Best Sports Image, 7.30 Report,

Peter Quinn & Gerry Meyer,Barramundi

• Best TV News Pictorial, Stateline,Peter Quinn & Gerry Meyer, OilRig

• Best News Story in Radio, RadioNews (NT), Michael Ockerby,Petrol Sniffing

• Best Piece of Current AffairsJournalism, Denis Shulz &Genevieve Hussey, Janet Mills,Euthanasia

MBF Health and Well-Being Awards(NT)• Radio Report - Metropolitan, Mark

Bowling, Tiwi for Health

QueenslandAustralian Cinematographers’Society Awards (QLD)Gold• TV Magazine, Anthony Sines,

Australian Story: Silent Nights• Documentary - Cinema & TV,

Anthony Sines, Australian Story:The Last Tentman

• Current Affairs, Anthony Sines,Australian Story: Her Excellency

Judges Award• Anthony Sines, Australian Story,

Silent Nights

Far North Queensland Media Awards• Best Radio Feature, Andrea

Wilhelm, Regional ProgramManager ABC Far North

• Best Radio Documentary andMost Creative Audio, EllenMcIntyre, Broadcaster ABC FarNorth

South AustraliaAustralian Cinematographers SocietyAwards SAGold• TV Magazine, Chris Moon,

Australian Story: A Wing and aPrayer

Silver• News Gathering, Carl Robertson,

News SA: PCB DolphinsHighly Commended• Andrew Burch, Landline: Drover

Artist• TV Current Affairs, Greg Ashman,

7.30 Report: Coonawarra War

South Australian Rural Journalist ofthe Year• Prue Adams

South Australian Youth MediaAwards• Best News Story, Interview or

Documentary on TV, IanHenschke, 7.30 Report: Jobs forYoung Australians

South Australian JusticeAdministration Foundation Awardsfor Media Excellence • Special award, Susanna Lobez,

presenter, The Law Report - CourtRadio series

MBF Health and Well-Being Awards(SA)• Radio Report - Regional/Suburban,

Stan Thomson, Report: AnxietySupport Anxiously Awaited

Archbishop Media Citation• TV News, Rose Crane• Stan Thomson, Story on:

Alzheimers Disease

1997 Mitchell Media Award• 5AN Adelaide for services to

victims of Crime

‘Ardyacka Park/Barmera CountryMusic Festival Award• Special Award to Jim Grifsas,

Commitment to Country Music inthe Local Community

Clear Speech Awards• Sports Presenter, Leon Bignell• Weather Presenter, Xavier

Minniecon• Personality Award, John Lombard

TasmaniaAustralian Cinematographers’Society Awards (TAS)Highly Commended• TV Magazine, Paul Di Benedetto,

Australian Story: Richard & AliceBennett

Tasmania Media Awards• Keith Walsh Award for

Outstanding Contribution toJournalism over the previous year,Pat Stanton

• Special Award for Contribution toRadio and TV Journalism, MikeSwinson, Drusilla Patkin

• Special award for widerangingcontribution to radio andtelevision journalism in Tasmania,Judy Tierney, 7.30 Report &Stateline, Highly commended,Electronic Journalism, GillianBradford, Stateline

MBF Health and Well-Being Awards(Tas)• Radio Report - Metropolitan,

Peter Walsh and CarolineDavison, Report: Chronic FatigueSyndrome in Sports People

• Radio Report - Regional, SteveMcClelland, Report: Children livingwith arthritis

1997 State Landcare Awards• Rural Country Hour team, Country

Hour: examining a range of landcareinitiatives in the State

VictoriaRural Press Club of Victoria AnnualAwardsHighly Commended• News, Pip CourtneyHighly Commended• Current Affairs, Pip Courtney

Victorian Law Institute JournalismAwardsCommendation• Best Radio Story, Philippa

O’Donnell

Victorian Law Foundation MediaAwards• Best report on legal issues,

Susanna Lobez, presenter, The LawReport.

• Best Legal Broadcast, AlisonRogers, Caroline Quinn, VictorianRegional Drive program: Law Forumprogram

Victorian Aids Council Media AwardCitation• The ABC for recognising “diversity

in all forms - social, cultural, racialand sexual.”

Western AustraliaAustralian Cinematographers’Society Awards (SA & WA)• TV Magazine Commendation,

Rick Harvey (WA), GardeningAustralia: Arabian Gardens

WA People with Disabilities MediaAward• Jim Shaw, Local Radio WA, for

“highlighting mental healthissues”

Better Hearing Australia (WABranch) Clear Hearing Awards• Favourite Radio Voice, Peter

Kennedy, 6WF Perth

Karratha Rotary Leadership Award• Rachel Baltis, Broadcaster

Regional Radio, Karratha

Appendix 8

EnterprisesAwards

ABC Contemporary MusicAPRA Awards• Most performed Country Song,

Gina Jeffreys, I haven’t got a heart

ARIA Awards • Best Australian Country Release,

Graeme Connors, The Road LessTravelled

• Best Australian Children’s Release,Play School, In the Car

CMAA Country Music Awards(Tamworth Golden Guitars)• Female Vocalist of the Year, Tania

Kernaghan, Dunroamin' Station• Vocal Collaboration of the Year,

Adam Harvey & Tanya Self, DriveAway (Open Road Compilation)

• Producer of the Year, Garth Porter

Victorian Country Music Awards• Male Vocalist of the Year, Mitchell

Shadlow

Golden Gumleaf Bush LaureateAward • Album of the year, Jim Haynes

and John Kane, Dipso Dan andOther Silly Buggers

Tamworth Songwriters Awards• Gospel Song of the Year, Graeme

Connors, One Child is Born• Children's Song of the Year,

Graeme Connors, I believe in SantaClause

• Contemporary Song of the Year,Fiona Kernaghan, DunroaminStation

Country Music Association IndustryAward• Contribution to Country Music in

Australia, Meryl Gross

Phonographic PerformanceCompany of Australia (PPCA) Award• Most Broadcast Country Artist,

Graeme Connors

Sales Achievement AwardsGold sales achievement (35,000units)• Bananas in Pyjamas, It’s singing

time• Wiggles Movie sound track • Wiggles, Toot Toot• Tania Kernaghan, December Moon • Lee Kernaghan, Hat TownPlatinum sales achievement(70,000 units)• The Wiggles, Wake up Jeff• The Wiggles, Here comes a songDouble Platinum acheivement(140,000 units)• Lee Kernaghan, Three Chain RoadTriple Platinum sales achievement(210,000 units)

102

• Triple J, Hottest 100 Volume 4• Grace Knight & Vince Jones, Come

in Spinner

ABC AudioTDK Australian Audio Book Awards• Abridged Fiction, Natalie Scott

Eating Out and Other Stories,narrated by Ruth Cracknel

• Abridged Non-Fiction Award, JanRuff-O’Herne, Fifty Years of Silence

ABC Retail1997 Excellence in Retailing Award• ABC Shop Brookvale NSW

Roadshow Sales Performance Award• ABC Shop Darwin NT

ABC Shop of the Year• ABC Shop Ringwood VIC

ABC LicensingAustralian Interactive MultimediaIndustry Association (AIMIA) AwardsGold Award• Best overall multimedia/online

product of the year, ABC, PacificAdvanced Media, PowerhouseMuseum, Mushroom Pictures, RealWild Child

Other Awards• Best overall education

multimedia/online product orservice, ABC, Pacific AdvancedMedia, Powerhouse Museum,Mushroom Pictures, Real WildChild

• Best multimedia/online referenceor information product or service,ABC, Pacific Advanced Media,Powerhouse Museum, MushroomPictures, Real Wild Child

• Best animation/video in amultimedia/online product orservice, ABC, Pacific AdvancedMedia, Powerhouse Museum,Mushroom Pictures, Real WildChild

• Multimedia/online programmer ofthe year, ABC, Pacific AdvancedMedia, Powerhouse Museum,Mushroom Pictures, Real Wild Child

• Interactive multimedia/onlinewriter of the year, ABC, PacificAdvanced Media, PowerhouseMuseum, Mushroom Pictures, RealWild Child

• Multimedia/online studiodeveloper of the year, ABC, PacificAdvanced Media, PowerhouseMuseum, Mushroom Pictures, RealWild Child

ATOM Awards• Best Use of Animation in a

Multimedia Product, Bananas inPyjamas CD-ROM It’s Fun Time

Apple Developer Award• Best Entertainment Product,

Bananas in Pyjamas CD ROM, It’sFun Time

Annual Greeting Card Awards

• John Sands Card of the Year,Bananas in Pyjamas

ABC ClassicsARIA Awards • Best Australian Classical Release,

Peter Sculthorpe Sun MusicAdelaide Symphony Orchestraconducted by David Porcelijn

Soundscape Awards• Readers Choice Best Australian

Orchestral Recording, PeterSculthorpe Music for StringsRichard Tognetti and theAustralian Chamber Orchestra

• Best AustralianChamber/Instrumental Recording,Rosalind Halton The FrenchHarpsichord

• Record Industry Achiever of theYear, Robert Patterson, Head ABCClassics

Editor’s Choice• Elizabeth Wallfisch, Australian

Brandenburg Orchestra conductedby Paul Dyer, Vivaldi: The FourSeasons

• Canberra Wind Soloists, To TheDark Wood

• Sydney Alpha Ensemble, StrangeAttractions

• Tasmanian Symphony ChamberPlayers, Geoffrey Lancaster,Director, Spirit of the Baroque

Public Relations Institute of AustraliaAwards of Excellence• Comprehensive Campaign, ABC

Classics, PolyGram, Departmentof Administrative Services,Anthem: Celebration of a Nation

• Community Communication,ABC Classics, PolyGram, Dept ofAdministrative Services, Anthem:Celebration of a Nation

ABC Classic FM Recording of theYear Awards• Best Recording of an Australian

Composition (24 Hours ReadersChoice), Peter Sculthorpe The FifthContinent, Tasmanian SymphonyOrchestra (David Porcelijn,Conductor)

• Best Australian Performance (24Hours Readers Choice), ElizabethWallfisch, Vivaldi The FourSeasons, The AustralianBrandenberg Orchestra (PaulDyer)

MO Awards• Best Classical Performer, Michael

Kieran Harvey

Sales Achievement AwardsGold Sales achievement• The Swoon Collection II

ABC BooksAustralian Publishers AssociationDesign Awards• Brown Prior Anderson Award, Best

Designed Diary, Triple J Sandman

1998 Diary

Children’s Book Council of AustraliaNotable Australian Children’sBook List• Allan Baillie, author, Wayne

Harris, illustrator, StarNavigator,

• Penny Matthews, author,Potato Baby

ABC VideoAustralian Video Software &Distributors Awards• Highest Selling Children’s, Video,

Wiggles, Wake up Jeff• Highest Selling Australian Video,

Wiggles, Wiggledance• Highest Selling Special Interest

Video, Wild Rhapsody• Highest Selling Sport Video, A

River Somewhere

Sales Achievement AwardsGold sales achievement ($250,000wholesale) • Playschool, On the Move• Michael Palin, Full Circle boxed set• Faulty Towers boxed set• Wallace & Gromit, A Grand Day

Out• ABC for Kids, It’s Showtime• Thomas, Playtime• Sesame Street, Best of

Elmo/Elmocize• Sesame Street, Get up and DancePlatinum ($500,000 wholesale)• The Hooley Dooleys • Bananas in Pyjamas, Singing Time• A River Somewhere• Diana - a celebrationMulti-platinum (1.5 millionwholesale)• Dancing in the Street• ABC For Kids, Favourites• The Wiggles, Wiggly Wiggly

Christmas• Bananas in Pyjamas, Bumping and

a-jumping• Teletubbies, Here come the

Teletubbies• Teletubbies, Dance with the

Teletubbies

Appendix 9

Other AwardsCommonwealth Broadcasting AssocAwards for Excellence in BroadcastingHighly Commended• Cost Effective Engineering, ABC

National Communications Unit,Communications Platform for Radio

Annual Reports Award Silver• ABC Annual Report 1996–97

103

Appendix 10

NAC MembershipMembership for year to 30 June1998

ContinuingAssociate Professor Robin Stuart-Harris (NSW) Convenor, ProfessorGiovanni Carsaniga (NSW), JoGemmell (SA), Aimee Heuzenroeder(Tas/NSW), Jillian Crowe (Vic),Matthew Draper (ACT), LesleyBangama Fogarty (WA), AudreyTremain (NSW)

Appointed From 1 January1998Katie Biggs (VIC), James Salmon(QLD), Charlotte Samiec (QLD),Douglas Stott (SA).

Terms Expired 31 December1997Mark Anderson (WA), BetchayMondragon (NT), Dr AlessandraPucci, AO (NSW)

Appendix 11

NACRecommendations

Race Around the WorldThe NAC commends the ABC fortaking up the concept of Race Aroundthe World, a program which utilisesand appeals to young people.However, the Council believes thereare several aspects of the programwhich compromise its overallquality.The choice of a game-show typeformat, with its associated hype,takes the focus off the participants’films and frequently trivialises theirachievements. The show fails toprovide additional informationabout the locations and cultures theracers film, and its tone is flippant ina way that is encouraged by theprogram’s host.Comments from the program’sjudges are often unconstructive,highly personal and ultimately donot enlighten the audience in anysignificant way. Judge, David Caesarshows particular bias, and has beendiscouraging and dismissive towardseveral racers’ films.The NAC recommends that RaceAround the Worlds producers reviewthe program’s style and better briefits judges during the remainder ofthe series.

Serious Programs Treatment– Race Around The World AndThe Problem With MenThe NAC recommends that seriousprograms be not disguised asentertainment by an unnecessarilyjocular or patronising presentation.In particular it regrets that thisapproach somewhat compromisedthe quality of such programs as RaceAround the World and The Problemwith Men.

Quantum – The Problem WithMenThe NAC recommends that the styleof Quantum should not be changedfrom an opportunity to showcasenew and exciting scientificknowledge and is an inappropriatevehicle to show a program such asThe Problem with Men. The series TheProblem with Men should have beenconsidered sufficiently unique andimportant to require its own timeslot and promotion.

Quantum – What’s YourPoison The NAC recommends that theWhat’s Your Poison series, screenedon Quantum be screened again as aseparate series outside of Quantum.

The motivation for this is to allowtraditional non–Quantum viewers tosee this fantastic series. However, it isalso recommended that the series bepromoted as ‘previously seen onQuantum’ in order to entice viewerswho enjoy the series to tune intoQuantum in the future.

Quantum – Future Fantastic The response to R5/1/97 on Quantumbroadcasting of Future Fantastic wasbeside the point. The NACcommented on the fact thatQuantum is a scientific programvalued for its good scienceinformation. Future Fantastic on theother hand, mainly because of itsassociation to the X–Files series,tended towards science fiction andspeculation. Future Fantastic with itspopular appeal could have beenshown in a general documentaryslot, outside Quantum, leaving thelatter with its reputation for sciencereporting untarnished.

Eureka PrizeThe NAC regrets that the ABCwithdrew its support for the EurekaPrize. This is a quest for scientificexcellence towards environmentaltopics in environmental sciencereporting. The ABC was instrumentalin setting up the Eureka Prize andwas seen to be at the forefront ofscientific promotions. Thewithdrawal represents a very modestsaving for the ABC but a major lossof image with the scientificcommunity.

The Melbourne ComedyFestival Great DebateSeveral Council members had theopportunity to view this programand those that did felt embarrassed,offended and appalled. PreviouslyCouncil has commented favourablyon other debates and Elle McFeastSpecials. However on this occasioncomedy was replaced by deliberatecrudity. The program was deeplyoffensive to other viewers whodescribed it with comments such assleazy.Council would like to know whatmechanisms exist to assist indeciding whether a program issuitable to broadcast andrecommends much greater cautionover the broadcast of this type ofmaterial which on this occasionoffended viewers and may haveharmed the image of the ABC.

SonglinesThe NAC recommends that the ABCassist, where possible, and encourageperformers on Songlines to providetop quality footage for theirpresentation to ensure that thispresentation enhances theirperformances.

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Blinky BillThe NAC wishes to express concernregarding the children’s programBlinky Bill, currently screening onABC Television.Whilst aware of previous complaintsmade against the program, and ofthe Independent Complaints ReviewPanel’s ruling in the program’sfavour, Council continues to receivefeedback from concerned parents.The Panel’s acknowledgment thatBlinky Bill induces children“undoubtedly to see woodchippersin general as ‘bogey figures’, and itsassertion that children will ‘grow upand acquire sufficient knowledgeand maturity to form their ownjudgments” is of serious concern. NoABC children’s program shouldindoctrinate children in such a waythat they have to ‘grow up andacquire sufficient knowledge’ inorder to formulate a balanced viewof the world.The NAC recommends that BlinkyBill and the possible conditioningeffect of ABC children’s programs (asraised by the IndependentComplaints Review Panel), bereviewed.

Program Classification –Heartbreak HighThe NAC recommends that programslikely to attract young viewers underfourteen, such as Heartbreak High,display an ‘M’ warning at thebeginning of any episode with aparticularly adult theme, thusenabling parents to exercise adiscretion about what type ofmaterial they permit young viewersto watch.

Pathfinder ExpeditionThe NAC acknowledges the greatinterest within the communitysurrounding the historic Pathfinderexpeditions to Mars. The NACrecommends the ABC acquire ordevelop a special series on theexpeditions as soon as possible.

Violence – Cartoons – Gogs The NAC refers to itsrecommendation R1/2/96 regardinga review of procedures by whichcartoons are assessed and acquired.The NAC is concerned about thescreening of the animated programGogs and its violent nature. TheCouncil would like clarification onthe process of acquisition andscreening of programs and how achildren’s program of this nature wasshown on air.

Hong Kong Handover – TheLast GovernorThe NAC commends the ABC for itscoverage of the Hong Konghandover and the timelybroadcasting of The Last Governor.The latter is an exceptionaldocumentary series and the ABCshould be commended for obtainingthe rights from the BBC so soon.However, it was felt that the series

was not promoted appropriately.Viewers could not anticipate thehistorical importance of the seriesand may have avoided thedocumentary with a feeling ofsaturation for the topic.

Clichés – EthnicCommunities & PeopleThe NAC recommends that the out-of-context use of clichés orhackneyed visual and sound signalsbe avoided as a way of introducingsegments about particular ethniccommunities or people (for instancemandolins playing O’sole Mio beforethings Italian, or the ‘primitive’sounding rhythmical chantheralding Aboriginal subjects).

7.30 Report The NAC recommends that JenniferByrne be made aware that remarkssuch as ‘not bad for a farmer’ madeto Tim Fischer can be interpreted as areflection that farmers are not bright.

Weather Presentation The NAC recommends that a reviewof the presentation of the weathersegment on the 7.00pm ABC Newstakes place. Whilst the currentweather presenters are more thancompetent they are hampered bylack of new technology andcomputer enhanced graphics.

Station ID’s/ PromotionsThe NAC recommends the use ofABC personalities in futurepromotions and ID’s. This conceptseems to appeal to a traditional‘commercial’ audience, who willthen be exposed to the ‘alternative’content of ABC Television. It isconceded that the use of ABCpersonalities in station ID’s is verysimilar to Channel 9, however theNAC believes that adopting thisapproach may appeal to a wideraudience, encouraging more peopleto enjoy ABC TV’s excellentstandard of content. It is alsorecommended that, where possible,local personalities, such as News andweather presenters, be incorporatedinto some promotions.

Triple JThe Council continues to note theexcellent standard of the Triple JNetwork. However, Triple J’stendency towards high repetition ofa small selection of songs remains ofconcern to the National AdvisoryCouncil. An innovative network likeTriple J should both satisfy andsurprise its audience. This ensuresthat popular tracks are given fairairplay while lesser known materialalso gains exposure. With this inmind, the NAC recommends that therepetition of Triple J’s playlist besubjected to greater scrutiny infuture.

Transmission – North WestWestern Australia The NAC continues to bringattention to the lack of transmittersand resources provided to the NorthWest of Western Australia. The NACnotes that Mansfield brings attentionto Kununurra as an example of theinequality of access to services inAustralia. (Mansfield Report – Thechallenge of a better ABC – Volume 1 –pages 13 – 14 refer)

The NAC recommends that the ABCcontinue to press the Governmenton the lack of resources in the NorthWest of Australia and encourage theGovernment to take this intoaccount with the sale of the NTA.The NAC wishes to be kept informedregarding this issue.

Interviewing StylesThe NAC expresses its concernregarding the style of someinterviewers where their rigorousinvestigation can border onrudeness. A recent example of thisstyle is the Kerry 0’Brien interviewwith Cheryl Kernot immediatelyafter her resignation.While not wishing the interviewingto stop asking difficult questions, theNAC recommends the ABCencourage interviewers to avoidplaying the person rather than theissue.

StandardsThe NAC is concerned about recentinstances of falling standards in ABCnews and current affairs. Use ofvernacular and popular coinageappears to have increased in newsbulletins, examples include referenceto the travel rorts affair as‘Travelgate’, and to BHP as ‘The BigAustralian’. The inclusion of a ‘voxpop’ style report on the 7.30 Report(2/10/97) was also of concern beingoverly commercial in style andcontributing little to informeddebate.The NAC recommends that thesematters be reviewed by News andCurrent Affairs with a view topreserving the ABC’s usual highstandards in the future.

QuantumQuantum programs have significantlyimproved over the past year. TheNAC commends the production unitfor this. At the same time, the NACis aware of potential changes toQuantum programming whichwould ‘popularise’ it for wideraudiences. The NAC believes thatthis would be a mistake. Quantumshould continue to be thebenchmark for scientific reportingon Australian television. In order tocover more esoteric (science fiction)or speculative and alternative views,the ABC should screen them under aseparate umbrella.

LatelineThe NAC considers Lateline anexcellent specialist program of greatinterest to professional and laypeople who appreciate thecomments of international andAustralian panels.

On 28 October, though, thepresenter failed to give equal time tooverseas commentators, due perhapsto satellite delay in picking up theirintention to speak. Since we getquite a coverage from print andelectronic media of Australiancommentators, Lateline should takecare to give time to speak to thoseoverseas experts the ABC invites onthe program.

Cartoons ClassificationThe NAC recommends the ABCprovide a program classification orparent warning at thecommencement of cartoons such asGogs to state ‘this program is intendedfor viewers over 12 years of age’.

SonglinesThe NAC recommends that given theABC’s budget reduction for 1998Songlines series, that those eventsrecorded focus on technical quality,rather than quantity.

Cameras – Local Radio The NAC commends the ABC on thetrial in Western Australia providinglocal radio studios with cameras toshoot local footage. This processfurther supports ‘One ABC’ policyand provides local content andownership. The NAC recommendsthis process be used throughoutregional Australia.

Challenging ProgramsThe NAC recommends that the ABCcontinue to air programs that may,within reason, upset people as thisprovides an opportunity to challengebeliefs, views etc. of issues relevantto our society.

Arts ProgrammingThe NAC recommends that more artsprograms be aired.

Race Around The WorldThe NAC feels the ABC should notjust take into account the popularityof a program or the lack of viewercriticism as to whether they willadapt the format of a program.Comments in the Saturday Age inlate October by several of the racersre – disappointment of the way theirfilms were evaluated and the styleused further support the NationalAdvisory Council’s concern. TheNAC requests the producers of RaceAround the World take these

comments into account whenproducing the next series.

Food and Wine Program Over the years, the NAC has on anumber of occasions recommendedthat the ABC produce a food andwine program. The NAC understandsthat Tasting Australia has beenproduced in South Australia. TheNAC recommends that TastingAustralia be considered for nationalbroadcasting.

Radio Australia – CoxPeninsulaThe NAC believes it is essential foran informed and authoritativeAustralian opinion to be able to reactpromptly to events in the Asia-Pacific region, and to reachcommunities in that region whoselack of access to reliable sources ofinformation and to politicalguidance based on sound democraticand social principles may contributeto strife and instability.The Council therefore expresses itsmost earnest hope that the CoxPeninsula transmitter berecommissioned as soon aspracticable, and considers that thecost of its operation is more thancompensated by the foreign affairsbenefits to Australia.

DigitisationAs a statutory body representing thecommunity, the NAC commends theABC on the preparations theCorporation has already made withrespect to digitisation. The Councilnot only strongly supportsdigitisation but is excited at theprospect, as this could improve therange of and access to ABC servicesfor the community, especially inrural and remote areas. Council urgesthat the ABC pursues digitsationvigorously as well as all options forthe extra resourcing.

Food and Wine ProgramFollowing the outstanding success ofthe Two Fat Ladies and the ItalianChef, Antonio Carlucci programswhich highlighted the food, wineand cooking styles of various regionsin England and Italy, the NACrecommends the production of aprogram based on the highlights ofthe South Australian Food and WineFestival, Tasting Australia.This theme could be expanded totake in different regions to create aprogram with a distinctly uniqueAustralian style. The NAC hascommented on this type of programpreviously and feels that the successof the two programs mentionedabove add justification to thisrecommendation.

Children’s RadioThe Board NAC Subcommitteerecently asked the NAC to considerthe subject of Children’s Radio. This

subject has been considered on anumber of occasions.

The NAC believes that the ABCshould consider reinstatingChildren’s Radio. However webelieve that a new format wouldneed to be established which mightinclude a magazine format withmultimedia capacity, interactioncapability, talkback and crosspromotions on other services. TheNAC is aware of the challengeswhich might be envisaged i.e. suchas which network, what time, age ofaudience and expense.

Program Classification –Heartbreak HighThe NAC notes the Head of NationalNetworks’ response to its enquiryregarding program classifications,but believes the issue requires furtherattention. Whilst Councilappreciates that OLFC guidelines areadopted for the ABC, its concern isthat the distinction betweenprograms aimed at different agegroups is not made sufficientlyobvious to parents.This is particularly pertinent to Gogsand Heartbreak High, which follow abracket of programs including Noddyand Rug Rats, although theseprograms are rated ‘G’, Gogs andHeartbreak High involve language andconcepts which are clearlyappropriate for older children andteenagers. Accordingly Councilrecommends that the ABC assistsparents to distinguish whichprograms not be appropriate for theirchild’s age group. This could beachieved via a voice-over, or by aspecific insertion between programblocks indicating that the programsto follow are aimed at olderaudiences.

WeatherAfter having viewed weatherpresentations from each State theNAC recommends:• The loss of a weather presenter in

South Australia and weekendweather presenters is regrettedand weather presentation inSouth Australia would be betterdone by a separate presenter.

• That the background colour ofblue on blue may be difficult forthe elderly and the sight impairedto distinguish and that theprevious background colour oforange is preferable.

• Some numbers are difficult to readand should be clearer.

• Symbols be included as they areimportant indications on theweather map.

• Geographical areas be highlightedas in the Queensland presentation– and when presenters givewarnings for particular areas thatarea should be highlighted.

• A 3–4 day forecast should beincluded.

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Appendix 12

RadioTransmitters

Metropolitan RadioAdelaide- 5AN 891Brisbane - 4QR 612Canberra - 2CN 666Darwin - 8DDD 105.7Hobart - 7ZR 936Melbourne - 3LO 774Newcastle - 2NC 1233Orford - 7ZR/T 90.5Perth - 6WF 720Sydney - 2BL 702

Regional RadioNew South WalesArmidale 101.9Ashford 107.9Batemans Bay 103.5Bega 810Bombala 94.1Bonalbo 91.3Bourke/Brewarrina 657Broken Hill 999Cobar 106.1Coffs Harbour 92.3Cooma 1602Crookwell 94.3Dubbo 107.1Eden 106.3Glen Innes 819Gloucester 100.9Goodooga 99.3Goulburn 90.3Grafton 738Griffith/MIA 100.5Hay 88.1Illawarra 97.3Ivanhoe 106.1Jindabyne 95.5Kempsey 684Khancoban 89.7*Lightning Ridge 92.1Lismore 94.5Lithgow 1395Menindee 97.3Merriwa 101.9Mudgee 99.5Murrurundi 102.5Murwillumbah 720Muswellbrook 1044Narrabri/Moree 99.1Nyngan 95.1Orange 549Portland 94.1Rylstone/Kandos 96.3Southern NSW 675SW Slopes 89.9Talbingo 88.9*Tamworth 648Taree 756Taree/Pt Macquarie 95.5Tenterfield 88.9Thredbo 88.9Tottenham 99.3

Tumbarumba 92.5*Tumut 97.9Upper Hunter 105.7Wagga Wagga 102.7Walcha 88.5Walgett 105.9Wilcannia 1584Young 96.3

Northern TerritoryAdelaide River 98.9Alice Springs 783Bathurst Island 91.3Borroloola 106.1Daly River 106.1Galiwinku 105.9Groote Eylandt 106.1Haasts Bluff 105.9*Jabiru 747Jim Jim 105.9*Katherine 106.1Kings Canyon 89.1*Mataranka 106.1Mereenie Gas & Oil 96.3*Nabarlek 107.0*Newcastle Waters 106.1Ngukurr 104.5*Nhulunbuy 990Pine Creek 106.1South Alligator 88.9*Tennant Creek 106.1Ti Tree 107.7*Yulara 99.7*

QueenslandAirlie Beach 89.9Alpha 105.7Atherton 720Babinda 95.7Bedourie 106.1Biloela 94.9Birdsville 106.1Boulia 106.1Burdekin Falls 107.5*Cairns 106.7Cairns 801Cairns North 95.5Camooweal 106.1Charleville 603Chillagoe 106.1*Coen 105.9Collinsville 106.1Cooktown 105.7Croydon 105.9Cunnamulla 106.1Dimbulah 91.7Doomadgee 97.5*Dysart 91.7Eidsvold 855Emerald 1548Georgetown 106.1Gladstone 99.1Gold Coast 91.7Goondiwindi 92.7Goonyella 89.7*Greenvale 105.9Gunpowder 106.1*Gununa 92.7*Gympie 1566Gympie 95.3Hughenden 1485Injune 105.9Julia Creek 567Karumba 106.1

Kowanyama 106.1*Laura 106.1Lakeland 106.1Lockhart River 106.1*Longreach 540Mackay 101.1Middlemount 106.1Miriam Vale 88.3Mission Beach 89.3Mitchell 106.1Moranbah 104.9Mossman 639Mt Garnet 95.7Mt Isa 106.5Mt Molloy 95.7Sunshine Coast 90.3Normanton 105.7Pentland 106.1Pialba 855Pormpuraaw 106.1*Quilpie 106.1Red Dome Mine 105.7*Rockhampton 837Roma 105.7St George 711Tambo 105.9Taroom 106.1Thargomindah 106.1*Theodore 105.9Thursday Is 1062Toowoomba 747Townsville 630Tully 95.5Wandoan 98.1Warwick 104.9Weipa 1044Wide Bay 100.1

South AustraliaAndamooka 105.9Coober Pedy 106.1Cook 107.7*Glendambo 106.1*Leigh Creek 99.3*Leigh Creek Sth 1602Lyndhurst 88.7*Marla 106.1*Marree 105.7Mintabie 88.7*Moomba 106.1*Mt Gambier 1584Naracoorte 1161Oodnadatta 95.3*Port Lincoln 1485Port Pirie 639Renmark/Loxton 1062Roxby Downs 102.7Streaky Bay 693Woomera 1584Yalata 105.9*

TasmaniaBicheno 89.7Burnie 102.5East Devonport 100.5Fingal 1161King Island 88.5Launceston 711Lileah 91.3Queenstown 90.5Rosebery 106.3Savage River 104.1St Helens 1584St Marys 102.7

Strahan 107.5Swansea 106.1Waratah 103.3

VictoriaAlbury-Wodonga 106.5Alexandra 102.9Ballarat 107.9Bendigo 91.1Bright 89.7Cann River 106.1Corryong 99.7Eildon 98.1Goulburn Valley 97.7Hamilton/Casterton 94.1Horsham 594Gippsland 100.7Mallacoota 104.9Mansfield 103.7Mildura 104.3Swan Hill 102.1Myrtleford 91.7Omeo 720Orbost 97.1Portland 96.9Sale 828Warrnambool 1602

Western AustraliaAlbany 630Argyle 105.9Augusta 98.3Blackstone 106.1*Bridgetown 1044Broome 675Busselton 684Carnarvon 846Cue 106.1Dalwallinu 531Darlot 105.9*Derby 873Esperance 837Exmouth 1188Fitzroy Crossing 106.1Geraldton 828Golden Grove Mine 106.3*Goldsworthy 107.3*Halls Creek 106.1Hopetoun 106.9Jamieson 106.1*Kalbarri 106.1Kalgoorlie-Boulder 648Karratha 702Koolan Is 106.1Kununurra 819Laverton 106.1Leinster 106.1*Leonora 105.7Manjimup 738Marble Bar 105.9Meekatharra 106.3Menzies 106.1Mt Magnet 105.7Mt Whaleback 105.7*Nannup 98.1Newman 567Norseman 105.7Northam 1215Nullagine 106.3*Palm Springs 106.9*Pannawonica 567Paraburdoo 567Port Hedland 603Ravensthorpe 105.9

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Red Hill 96.3*Shay Gap 107.9*Southern Cross 106.3Tjirrkarli 106.1*Tom Price 99.3*Tom Price 567Wagin 558Warakurna 101.9*Warburton 106.1*Wiluna 106.1*Wyndham 1017Yalgoo 106.1Yandicoogina 106.1*Yiyili 106.1*

Radio NationalACT and New SouthWalesArmidale 720Balranald 93.1Batemans B./Moruya 105.1Bathurst 96.7Bega/Cooma 100.9Bonalbo 92.1Bourke/Brewarrina 101.1Broken Hill 102.9Canberra 846Coffs Harbour 99.5Cooma 95.3Crookwell 95.1Deniliquin 99.3Dubbo 107.9Eden 107.9Emmaville 93.1Glen Innes 105.1Gloucester 102.5Goodooga 100.9Goulburn 1098Griffith/MIA 98.9Hay 88.9Ivanhoe 107.7Jerilderie 94.1Jindabyne 97.1Khancoban 91.3*Lightning Ridge 93.7Lismore 96.9Lithgow 92.1Menindee 95.7Merriwa 103.5Murrurundi 104.1Narrabri/Moree 100.7Newcastle 1512Nowra 603Orange 104.3Portland 92.5Rylstone/Kandos 100.3SW Slopes 89.1Sydney 576Talbingo 91.3*Tamworth 93.9Taree/Pt Macquarie 97.1Tenterfield 90.5Thredbo 90.5Tumut 99.5Wagga Wagga 104.3Walcha 90.1Walgett 107.5Wilcannia 1485Wollongong 1431Young 97.1

Northern TerritoryAdelaide River 100.5Alice Springs 99.7Bathurst Island 92.9Borroloola 107.7Daly River 107.7Darwin 657Galiwinku 107.5Groote Eylandt 107.7Jabiru 107.7Kalkaringi 107.7*Katherine 639Mataranka 107.7Newcastle Waters 107.7Ngukurr 107.7*Nhulunbuy 107.7Pine Creek 107.7South Alligator 88.1*Tennant Creek 684Urapunga 107.5*Yulara 98.1

QueenslandAirlie Beach 93.1Alpha 107.3Aramac 107.9Augathella 107.7Babinda 94.1Barcaldine 107.3Bedourie 107.7Birdsville 107.7Blackall 107.9Blackwater 94.3Boulia 107.7Bowen 92.7Brisbane 792Cairns 105.1Cairns North 93.9Camooweal 107.7Capella 107.3Charleville 107.3Charters Towers 97.5Clermont 107.7Cloncurry 107.7Coen 107.5Collinsville 107.7Cooktown 107.3Corfield 107.3Croydon 107.5Cunnamulla 107.7Darling Downs 105.7Dimbulah 93.3Dirranbandi 107.3Dysart 93.3Eidsvold 102.7Emerald 93.9Georgetown 107.7Gladstone 95.9Gold Coast 90.1Goondiwindi 94.3Greenvale 101.9Gunpowder 107.7*Gympie 96.9Herberton 93.1Hughenden 107.5Injune 107.5Isisford 107.7Jericho 107.7Julia Creek 107.5Karumba 107.7Lakeland 107.7Laura 107.7Longreach 99.1

Mackay 102.7Meandarra 104.3Middlemount 107.7Miles 92.1Miriam Vale 89.9Mission Beach 90.9Mitchell 107.7Monto 101.9Moranbah 106.5Morven 107.5Mossman 90.1Mt Garnet 97.3Mt Isa 107.3Mt Molloy 97.3Muttaburra 107.7Nonda 100.9*Normanton 107.3Pentland 107.7Quilpie 107.7Richmond 107.7Rockhampton 103.1Roma 107.3Warwick/Stanth. 106.5Springsure 100.9St George 107.7Surat 107.5Tambo 107.5Taroom 107.7Theodore 107.5Thursday Is 107.7Townsville 104.7Townsville North 96.7Tully 96.3Wandoan 98.9 Weipa 107.3Wide Bay 100.9Winton 107.9

South AustraliaAdelaide 729Andamooka 107.5Ceduna 107.7Coober Pedy 107.7Hawker 107.5Keith 96.9Leigh Creek 100.9*Leigh Creek Sth 106.1Marree 107.3Quorn 107.9Renmark/Loxton 1305Roxby Downs 101.9Mt Gambier 103.3Spencer Gulf Nth 106.7Streaky Bay 100.9Tumby Bay 101.9Wirrulla 107.3Woomera 105.7Wudinna 107.7

TasmaniaBicheno 91.3Hobart 585Launceston 94.1Lileah 89.7Orford 88.9Queenstown 630Rosebery 107.9St Helens 96.1St Marys 101.1Strahan 105.9Swansea 107.7Waratah 104.9

VictoriaAlbury-Wodonga 990Alexandra 104.5Bairnsdale 106.3Bright 88.9Cann River 107.7Corryong 98.1Eildon 97.3Mallacoota 103.3Mansfield 105.3Melbourne 621Mildura 105.9Nhill 95.7Omeo 99.7Orbost 98.7Portland 98.5Swifts Creek 103.5Wangaratta 756Warrnambool 101.7

Western AustraliaAlbany 96.9Argyle 107.5Augusta 99.1Broome 107.7Carnarvon 107.7Cue 107.7Dalwallinu 612Dampier 107.9Denham 107.5Derby 107.5Eneabba 107.7Esperance 106.3Exmouth 107.7Fitzroy Crossing 107.7Geraldton 99.7Goldsworthy 105.7*Halls Creek 107.7Hopetoun 106.9Jurien Bay 107.9Kalbarri 107.7Kalgoorlie-Boulder 97.1Kambalda 95.9Karratha 100.9Koolan Is 107.7Kununurra 107.3Laverton 107.7Leeman 107.3Leinster 107.7*Leonora 107.3Marble Bar 107.5Meekatharra 107.9Menzies 107.7Merredin 107.3Mt Magnet 107.3Mt Whaleback 104.1*Mullewa 107.5Nannup 98.9Narembeen 107.7Newman 93.7Norseman 107.3Onslow 107.5Pannawonica 107.7Paraburdoo 107.7Perth 810Pt Hedland 95.7Ravensthorpe 107.5Roebourne 107.5Salmon Gums 100.7Shay Gap 106.3*Southern Cross 107.9Tom Price 107.3Wagin 1296

109

Wyndham 107.7Yalgoo 107.7Yandicoogina 107.7*

ABC Classic FMAustralian CapitalTerritory & NewSouth WalesArmidale 103.5Batemans B./Moruya 101.9Bega 99.3Broken Hill 103.7Canberra 102.3Coffs Harbour 97.9Dubbo 105.5Goulburn 89.5Griffith/MIA 97.3Illawarra 95.7Khancoban 88.1*Lismore 95.3Narrabri/Moree 96.7Newcastle 106.1Orange 102.7SW Slopes 88.3Sydney 92.9Talbingo 88.1*Tamworth 103.1Taree/PtMacquarie 98.7Wagga Wagga 105.9

Northern TerritoryAlice Springs 97.9Darwin 107.3Yulara 99.7*

QueenslandAirlie Beach 95.5Brisbane 106.1Cairns 105.9Cairns North 94.7Clermont 104.5Darling Downs 107.3Gold Coast 88.5Gympie 93.7Longreach 102.1*Mackay 97.9Mt Isa 101.7Sunshine Coast 88.7Rockhampton 106.3Townsville 101.5Townsville North 95.9Warwick 101.7Wide Bay 98.5

South AustraliaAdelaide 103.9Adelaide Foothills 97.5Renmark 105.1Roxby Downs 103.5South–East SA 104.1Spencer Gulf Nth 104.3Woomera 103.3*

TasmaniaHobart 93.9Launceston 93.3

VictoriaAlbury-Wodonga 104.1Ballarat 105.5Bendigo 92.7Bright 88.1

Goulburn Valley 96.1Hamilton/Casterton 93.3Gippsland 101.5Melbourne 105.9Mildura 102.7Swan Hill 103.7Warrnambool 92.1

Western AustraliaAlbany 94.5Bunbury 93.3Esperance 104.7Geraldton 94.9Kalgoorlie-Boulder 95.5Koolan Is 104.5Leinster 104.5*Northam/York 98.9Perth 97.7

Triple JAustralian CapitalTerritory & NewSouth WalesArmidale 101.1Bega/Cooma 100.1Broken Hill 102.1Canberra 101.5Coffs Harbour 91.5Dubbo 102.3Goulburn 88.7Griffith/MIA 96.5Illawarra 98.9Lismore 96.1Narrabri 99.9Newcastle 102.1Orange 101.9SW Slopes 90.7Sydney 105.7Tamworth 94.7Taree/Port Macquarie 96.3Wagga Wagga 101.1

Northern TerritoryAlice Springs 94.9Darwin 103.3Yulara 95.7*

QueenslandBrisbane 107.7Cairns 107.5Cairns North 97.1Darling Downs 104.1Gold Coast 97.7Mackay 99.5Mt Isa 104.1Sunshine Coast 89.5Rockhampton 104.7Townsville 105.5Townsville North 97.5Warwick 103.3Wide Bay 99.3

South AustraliaAdelaide 105.5Adelaide Foothills 95.9Mt Gambier 102.5Renmark/Loxton 101.9Roxby Downs 101.1*Spencer Gulf Nth 103.5Woomera 104.1*

TasmaniaHobart 92.9Launceston 102.1

VictoriaAlbury-Wodonga 103.3Ballarat 107.1Bendigo 90.3Goulburn Valley 94.5Gippsland 96.7Hamilton/Casterton 94.9Melbourne 107.5Mildura 101.1Swan Hill 105.3Warrnambool 89.7

Western AustraliaAlbany 92.9Bunbury 94.1Geraldton 98.9Kalgoorlie-Boulder 98.7Northam/York 98.1Perth 99.3

Parliamentary andNews NetworkAdelaide 972Brisbane 936Canberra 1440Darwin 102.5Hobart 729Melbourne 1026Newcastle 1458Perth 585Sydney 630

CommunityFacilities**Northern TerritoryAli-Curung 106.1Barunga 106.1Beswick 105.7Bulman 106.1Daguragu 106.1Finke 106.1Galiwinku 106.7Hermannsburg 106.1Imanpa 106.1Kintore 106.1Lajamanu 106.1Maningrida 106.1Milikapiti 99.3Milingimbi 106.1Minjilang 106.1Nguiu 98.9Ngukurr 106.1Nturiya 105.9Numbulwar 106.1Oenpelli 106.1Palumpa 106.1Papunya 106.1Peppimenarti 106.1Pmara Jutunta 106.1Pularumpi 98.5Ramingining 105.7Santa Teresa 106.1Umbakumba 106.3Wadeye 106.1Warruwi 106.1

Willowra 106.1Yirrkala 105.3Yuelamu 105.9Yuendumu 106.1

QueenslandAurukun 107.7Badu Is 107.5Bamaga 106.7Boigu Island 106.1Coconut Island 105.7Darnley Island 106.1Dauan Island 105.7Doomadgee 107.7Gununa 107.7Hope Vale 107.7Injinoo 107.1Kowanyama 107.7Kubin Island 105.9Lockhart River 107.7Mabuiag 106.3Murray Island 106.1New Mapoon 107.5Pormpuraaw 107.7Saibai Island 106.1Seisia 106.3St Pauls Island 106.7Stephens Island 105.9Sue Island 105.9Umagico 105.9Woorabinda 106.1Wujal Wujal 107.7Yam Island 106.1Yorke Island 106.1

South AustraliaAmata 106.1Ernabella 106.1Fregon 106.1Indulkana 106.1

Western AustraliaBalgo 106.1Beagle Bay 106.1Djarindjin 106.1Jigalong 106.1Kalumburu 106.1Kiwirrkurra 106.1Lagrange 106.1Looma 106.1Oombulgurri 106.1Tjukurla 106.1Warmun 106.1Wingellina 106.1Yandeyarra 106.1Yungngora 106.1

110

Domestic ShortwaveAlice Springs VL8A 2310

32304835

Katherine VL8K 248533705025

Tennant Ck VL8T 232533154910

The frequencies on whichshortwave stationstransmit are varied asrequired to obtainoptimum results.

Notes

*SBRS — The AustralianBroadcasting Authority hasissued a licence torebroadcast the ABCservice indicated under theSelf-help BroadcastingReception Scheme.Transmission facilities areprovided by the licensee(not the NationalTransmission Agency).

**Community Facilities —Formerly known asBroadcasting for RemoteAboriginal CommunitiesScheme (BRACS).Communities with suchfacilities have a transmitterwhich allowsrebroadcasting of RegionalRadio, Radio National,ABC Classic FM, localprogramming orprogramming from othersources.

HACBSS The Homesteadand CommunityBroadcasting SatelliteService allows Australiansliving outside transmitterrange to receive signalsfrom ABC Radio andTelevision, as well as arange of commercial andcommunity broadcastingservices. It is estimatedthat about 12,000 satellitedishes are in service fordirect-to-home receptionof HACBSS.

Appendix 13

TelevisionTransmitters

Australian CapitalTerritoryCanberra 9Fraser 56Tuggeranong 60Weston Creek/Woden 55

New South WalesAlbury North 56Araluen 56Armidale 5AArmidale 33Ashford 5ABalranald 39Batemans Bay/Moruya 9Bathurst 6Bega/Cooma 8Bonalbo 55Bourke/Brewarrina 7Bowral/Mittagong 33Braidwood 57Broken Bay 67Broken Hill 2Captains Flat* 55Cassilis 42Cen/Western Slopes 11Central Tablelands 1Cobar 2Coffs Harbour 60Collarenebri 29Condobolin 65Coolah 56Cooma 0Cooma 56Cowra 48Crookwell 45Deniliquin 9Dubbo 57Dungog 60Eden 1Emmaville 55Enngonia* 69Glen Innes 50Glen Lyons/Menindee 68Gloucester 42Goodooga 8Gosford 46Goulburn 55Grafton/Kempsey 2Hay 11

Illawarra 56Inverell 2Ivanhoe 6Jerilderie 10Jindabyne 60Kandos 60Khancoban 60Kings Cross 46Kotara 58Kyogle 57Laurieton 44Lightning Ridge 10Lithgow 32Lithgow East 55Manly/Mosman 42Manning River 6Mannus* 55Menindee 9Merewether 35Merriwa 8Moonbi/Armidale 60Mudgee 55Mungindi 10Murrumbidgee Irrig’n 7Murrurundi 6Murwillumbah 60Narooma 0Newcastle/Hun.River 5ANewcastle/Hun.River 48Nowra North 32Nymagee* 66Nyngan 3Oberon 57Portland/Wallerawang 57Quirindi 5ARichmond/Tweed 6Stanwell Park 33SW Slopes/E Riverina 0Sydney 2Tamworth 2Tamworth 55Tamworth/Moonbi 68Tenterfield 29Thredbo 34Tottenham 10Tumbarumba* 66Tumut* 57Tweed Heads 32Ulladulla 33Upper Hunter 8Upper Namoi 7Vacy 31Wagga Wagga 56Walcha 6Walgett 69Weilmoringle* 69White Cliffs* 69Wilcannia 8Wollongong 35Wyong 42Young 11

Northern TerritoryAdelaide River 11Alice Springs 7Batchelor* 69Bathurst Island 11Beswick* 60Borroloola 6Bulman* 68Cattle Creek* 68Daguragu* 66Daly River 10

Darwin 6Darwin North 55Docker River* 69Galiwinku 8Groote Eylandt 7Haasts Bluff* 69Helen Springs* 68Hermannsburg* 66Jabiru 8Jim Jim* 69Kalkaringi* 57Katherine 7Kings Canyon Resort* 69Kulgera* 69Mataranka 8McArthur River Mine* 69McArthur River* 59Newcastle Waters 8Nhulunbuy 11Numbulwar* 69Peppimenarti* 69Pine Creek 10Pularumpi* 69Robinson River* 59Santa Teresa* 68South Alligator* 65Tennant Creek 9Ti Tree* 67Urapunga* 68Wadeye* 69Warrego 60Warruwi* 69Wave Hill* 68Werenbun* 65Yirrkala* 9Yulara* 67

QueenslandAirlie Beach 49Alpha 8Aramac 11Atherton/Mareeba 68Augathella 11Aurukun* 69Ayr 63Ayton* 69Babinda 54Ballard 33Bamaga* 69Barcaldine 10Bedourie 7Bell 56Birdsville 8Blackall 9Blackwater 8Bogantungan* 69Bollon* 69Boonah 57Boulia 8Bowen 5ABoyne Island 57Brisbane 2Burdekin Falls* 69Burketown* 69Cairns 9Cairns East 41Cairns North 4Cairns North 56Camooweal 8Cape Flattery Mine* 69Capella 5ACharleville 9Charters Towers 44

ABC Radio Network AnalysisNetwork Transmitters

AM FM TotalRadio National 22 241 263Metropolitan Radio 8 2 10Regional Radio 72 202 274ABC Classic FM 0 70 70Triple J 0 59 59Parliamentary & News Network 8 1 9Shortwave Radio 3 0 3

Total ABC 113 575 688

111

Chillagoe* 69Chinchilla* 56Clairview* 69Clermont 10Cloncurry 7Coen 8Collinsville 55Cooktown 8Corfield 10Cracow* 68Croydon 8Cunnamulla 10Currumbin 33Dajarra* 69Darling Downs 32Dimbulah 46Dirranbandi 7Doomadgee* 69Dysart 2Eidsvold 57Emerald 11Esk 55Eulo* 69Forsayth* 56Georgetown 7Gladstone East 32Gladstone West 55Glenden* 29Gold Coast 49Goondiwindi 6Gordonvale 55Greenvale 8Gunpowder* 69Gununa* 69Gympie 45Gympie Town 57Herberton 60Hervey Bay 55Hope Vale* 69Hughenden 9Injune 8Isisford 7Jackson Oil Field* 69Jericho 7Julia Creek 10Jundah* 69Karumba 6Kowanyama* 69Laura 8Lakeland 69Linville* 63Lockhart River* 69Longreach 6Mackay 8Mareeba 54Marpuna* 69Meandarra 59Middlemount 8Miles 9Millmerran* 55Miriam Vale 11Mission Beach 2Mitchell 6Monto 56Moore 33Moranbah 5AMoranbah Town 55Morven 7Mossman 8Mount Surprise* 55Moura 54Mt Garnet 2Mt Isa 6

Mt Molloy 7Murgon 57Muttaburra 8Nambour 58Nebo 55Nonda* 69Noosa/Tewantin 32Normanton 8Numinbah Prison* 56Palen Creek Prison* 65Pentland 8Pormpuraaw* 69Port Douglas 55Proserpine 56Quilpie 8Ravenshoe 8Richmond 6Rockhampton 9Rockhampton East 55Roma 7Scherger* 50Shute Harbour 2Smithfield Heights 56Southern Downs 1Springsure 8St George 8Stuart 59Sunshine Coast 40Surat 11Tambo 6Tara 57Taroom 11Texas 11Thallon* 69Thargomindah* 69The Monument* 69Theodore 58Thursday Island 8Tieri* 69Toowoomba 56Townsville 3Townsville North 55Trinity Beach 45Tully 8Tully Falls 46Wandoan 5AWangetti 51Warwick 55Weipa 7Wide Bay 6Windorah* 69Winton 8Wirralie* 69Wujal Wujal* 69Wyandra* 69Yarrabah* 69Yeppoon 56Yuleba* 68

South AustraliaAdelaide 2Adelaide Foothills 46Andamooka 8Angaston* 58Arkaroola* 69Barton* 69Bordertown 2Burra 56Caralue Bluff 59Carrickalinga* 55Ceduna/Smoky Bay 9Chandler* 68Coffin Bay 45

Coober Pedy 8Cook* 69Cowell 6Elizabeth South 63Elliston* 69Glendambo* 69Golden Grove* 56Hawker 48Indulkana* 69Keith 42Kenmore Park* 69Kingston SE/Robe 56Lameroo 57Leigh Creek South 9Lyndhurst* 60Manguri* 69Marla* 69Marree 8Mintabie* 64Moomba* 69Naracoorte 57Nepabunna* 69Normanville* 57Oodnadatta* 60Parachilna* 69Penong* 69Peterhead* 56Pinnaroo 56Pipalyatjara* 69Port Lincoln 60Quorn 47Renmark/Loxton 3Roxby Downs 56South East 1Spencer Gulf North 1Streaky Bay 10Swan Reach* 51Tarcoola* 69Tumby Bay 32Umuwa* 69Victor Harbor 55Waikerie 56Watson* 68Wirrulla 8Woomera 7Wudinna 30Yankalilla* 56Yunta* 69

TasmaniaActon Road* 55Avoca 45Barrington Valley 46Bicheno 10Binalong Bay 33Burnie 58Cygnet 45Derby 57Devonport/Ulverstone 48Dover 56Dover South 44East Devonport 57Forth* 45Geeveston 57Gladstone 40Goulds Country/Goshen 57Hillwood 46Hobart 2Hobart, N/E Suburbs 57King Island 11Launceston 56Lileah 8

Maydena* 58Mole Creek* 57Montumana 59New Norfolk 56Nth/Eastern Tasmania 3Nth/Eastern Tasmania 32Orford 55Penguin 31Pyengana Valley 33Queenstown/Zeehan 56Ringarooma Valley 55Rosebery 33Savage River 4Smithton 32Springfield South 56St Helens 31St Marys 56Strahan 57Strathgordon 43Swansea 57Taroona 46Tullah* 55Ulverstone 59Waratah 57Weldborough 56Wynyard 33

VictoriaAlexandra 5AAlexandra 59Alexandra Environs 44Appollo Bay 55Bairnsdale 57Ballarat 11Bendigo 1Bonnie Doon 58Boolarra 56Bright 32Bruthen 53Cann River 11Casterton 55Churchill 55Cobden 8Colac 5AColeraine 2Corryong 9Dartmouth* 57Dinner Plain* 64Eildon 33Eildon Town 57Ferntree Gully 56Foster 11Freeburgh/Smoko* 56Genoa 31Gisborne* 56Goulburn Valley 40Hopetoun* 29Horsham 45Howqua* 57Jamieson* 58Kiewa 57Lakes Entrance 32Latrobe Valley 40Lorne 57Mallacoota 57Mansfield 50Marysville 46Melbourne 2Mildura 6Mitta Vale* 56Murray Valley 2Myrtleford 2Nhill 9

112

Nowa Nowa 55Omeo 32Orbost 2Port Campbell* 54Portland 60Safety Beach 61Selby 57Seymour 55South Yarra 61Swifts Creek 59Tawonga South* 32Trawool* 31Upper Murray 1Upwey 39Walwa/Jingellic* 56Warburton 61Warrnambool 2Western Victoria 5AYea33

Western AustraliaAlbany 7Argyle* 69Augusta 56Badgingarra* 68Bamboo Creek* 64Bayulu 45Beacon* 69Beenup Camp* 64Bellevue Mine* 69Bencubbin* 68Blackstone* 69Boddington* 68Bremer Bay* 69Bridgetown 56Broads Dams* 69Broome 8Bunbury 5Burracoppin* 66Callion* 69Carnarvon 7Central Agricultural 5ACervantes 46Cockatoo Island* 58Condingup/Howick 6Coorow* 67Cue 10Curtin* 69Dalwallinu 46Dampier 29Denham 8Derby 8Dolphin Island* 65Eneabba 46Esperance 10Eucla* 69Exmouth 8Fitzroy Crossing 58Forrest* 69Gairdner* 68Geraldton 6Gnowangerup* 69Golden Grove Mine* 68Goodwyn* 68Green Head* 51Halls Creek 8Hopetoun 65Hyden* 29Jameison* 69Jerramungup* 69Jurien 55Kalbarri 9Kalgoorlie 6

Kambalda 5Kambalda 55Karalundi* 68Karratha 54Katanning 7Kojonup 69Kondinin* 69Koolyanobbing 11Koorda* 52Kulin* 31Kununurra 9Kununurra East 68Lagrange* 67Lake Grace 33Lake King* 69Lancelin* 53Laverton 10Learmonth* 66Leeman 5ALeinster 10Leonora 8Looma 68Marandoo* 43Marble Bar 8Meekatharra 8Menzies 10Merredin 8Moora 60Morawa 8Mt Magnet 8Mukinbudin* 31Mullewa 9Munglinup* 69Nanga Bay* 69Nannup 32Narembeen 64Narrogin 57Newman 7Norseman 7North Rankin* 61North Rankin* 67Northampton 8Nullagine* 50Nungarin* 66One Arm Point* 69Ongerup* 67Onslow 8Oriental Well* 67Overlander* 69Pallottine Mission* 69Palm Springs Mine* 60Pannawonica 11Paraburdoo 6Pemberton 33Perth 2Phillip Point* 68Pingrup* 67Pink Hills* 69Port Hedland 7Ravensthorpe 11Rawlinna* 69Roebourne 9Roleystone 57Salmon Gums 8Shay Gap* 2South’n Agricultural 2Southern Cross 9Tjirrkarli* 69Tom Price 10Toodyay 40Trayning* 69Useless Loop Town* 68Vlaming Head* 69

Wagin 8Wangkatjungka* 69Warakurna* 69Warburton* 69Wave Rock* 69Weeli Wolli Creek* 69Westonia* 65Wiluna* 69Winning* 69Wittenoom* 66Wongan Hills 6Wyndham 10Yagga Yagga* 66Yalgoo 10Yandicoogina* 68Yiyili* 69Zanthus* 69

Total TV Transmitters634

*SBRS — The AustralianBroadcasting Authority hasissued a licence torebroadcast the ABCservice indicated under theSelf-help BroadcastingReception Scheme.Transmission facilities areprovided by the licensee.

Appendix 14

RadioAustraliaTransmittersShepparton 6Brandon 2Total 8

Note: Unless otherwisestated transmitters forTelevision, Radio andRadio Australia aremanaged on behalf of theCommonwealth by theNational TransmissionAgency. The value of theseservices is shown in theFinancial Statements.

113

Appendix 15

ConsultantsExpenditure on Consultants in1997–98 was $2 362 726, a decreaseof $603 933 on the previous year.

Tech Strategy & Development 27,021

Enterprises 12,065

Human Resources 483,989

News & Current Affairs 68,467

Regional Services 51,187

Program Production 151,489

National Networks 304,319

Corporate Management 41,001

Fin & Business Services 1 223 188

Total 2 362 726

Appendix 16

Ministerial PowersUnder section 78 of the ABC Act theMinister responsible for the ABC hasthe power to require the ABC tobroadcast any particular matter if theMinister believes it to be in thenational interest. Such direction mustbe in writing, must be tabled in bothHouses of Parliament within sevensitting days, and must be included inthe ABC’s Annual Report. No suchdirections were received during theyear.

Section 78(6) states ‘Except as providedby this section, or as expresslyprovided by a provision of anotherAct, the Corporation is not subject todirection by or on behalf of theGovernment of the Commonwealth’.

Appendix 17

Reports onParticular MattersUnder section 80 of the ABC Act, theCorporation is required to reportupon a number of particular matters.• Directions from the Minister

relating to broadcasts pursuant tosection 78 or other than under theAct — There were no directionsfrom the Minister.

• Gifts or Donations within themeaning of section 80(f) of the Act— The Corporation received nogifts or donations.

• Advice received by the ABC Boardfrom the NAC is detailed inAppendix 11.

Appendix 18

Advertising andMarket ResearchExpenditure on market research andadvertising for the 1997–98 year was$4 422 100 (1996–97 $4 803 580)

The Corporation utilises advertisingagencies and market researchorganisations predominately topromote Enterprises and Televisionprogramming

Advertising 4 003 528

Market Research 304 876

Direct Mail 113 696

Total 4 422 100

Appendix 19

AuditSubcommittee

1997-98 MeetingsThe Subcommittee met five times in1997-98:Meeting No. 3 – 1997 27 August Meeting No. 4 24 September Meeting No. 5 3 December Meeting No. 1 – 1998 25 March Meeting No. 2 26 May

Members of the Subcommittee are:• Wendy Silver, Audit Subcommittee

Chair• Donald McDonald, ABC Chairman• Brian Johns, Managing Director• John Bannon, ABC DirectorAlso in attendance are:• General Manager, Group Audit• Head, Finance and Business

Services• Australian National Audit Office

representatives

Overall PerformanceThroughout the year, Group Auditcontinued to provide cost effectiveand value added internal auditservices to the Corporation. Inaddition to accommodatingmanagement’s needs, the 1997–98Strategic Audit Plan responded tochange resulting from substantialorganisational restructuring.

Highlights of the 1997–98 Audit Planincluded an increased coveragederived from improved productivity,a continued focus on risk basedplanning and review, and theinclusion of previously unreviewedoperational activities.

Group Audit’s profile continued toimprove throughout the ABC. In

addition to completing its 1997-98Strategic Audit Plan to schedule,Group Audit completed numerousmanagement requested reviews andparticipated in business re-engineering processes.

Other highlights included: • An ANAO Financial Control and

Administration review on internalaudit across the Commonwealthidentified the ABC as one of asmall number of organisationsexhibiting international betterpractices in a number of keyrespects.

• With the objective of providing abetter understanding of GroupAudit’s activities, an informationbrochure was completeddescribing the role andresponsibility of Group Audit andpromoting the Branch as aresource for Management.

StaffingThere were two staff movementsduring the year, one resignation andone internal recruitment. GroupAudit used a combination of in-house, outsourced and contract staff.

Information TechnologyAuditsCoopers and Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouse Coopers) continue toprovide value for money in theprovision of information technologyaudit services.

There were five (5) reviews completedduring the year.

Final Reports

1. Year 2000 Project

2. Novell Operating System

3. Post Implementation Review–OnLine 2000

4. Internet/Firewall Review

5. Year 2000 Follow Up Review

In addition to the above, GroupAudit also provided quality assuranceadvice to the SAP managementinformation systems project steeringcommittee throughout the year.

Financial Compliance AuditsFinal Reports• Retail Outlets• EMI• Acme Trading• Crystal Craft• Motto Trading• PlayCorp

Compliance audits completed duringthe year confirmed the adequacy ofcontrol environments for the areasunder review. Auditrecommendations were implementedby Management on a timely basis.

Operational Reviews

Final Reports• Domestic Property Management• Western Australia Branch • Mobile Telephones• Technology Project Management

& Licensing• Private Vehicle Allowance• Legal and Contract Management• Control Self Assessment- Retail

Outlets• Classic FM• Overseas Travel• Budget Management• Asset Control• Northern Territory Branch Reports Under Discussion1. Payroll Processing Review2. Production Output- Natural

History Unit3. Network Television4. Program Acquisition- Radio5. Asset Utilisation6. Facilities Marketing7. Control Self Assessment- Branches8. Control Self Assessment-

Orchestras9. Spot Check Program10. Corporate Information

Fraud Control

Group Audit conducted an extensivefraud awareness program throughoutthe ABC. A survey will be conductednext year to assess the effectivenessand penetration of the campaignwith a view to focussing resources infollow-up campaigns to areas ofgreatest need. Included in the newfraud campaign will be an awarenessvideo completed during this year.

Australian National Audit Office

Group Audit continued to build onthe strong working relationshipresulting in the ANAO’s continuedreliance on Group Audit’s reviews.

Appendix 20

ABC Offices

ABC Head OfficeAustralian BroadcastingCorporationABC Ultimo Centre,700 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone: (02) 9333 1500;Fax: (02) 9333 5305;Managing Director: Brian JohnsEnterprises: John Mellion Building,10a Campbell Street, Artarmon NSW2065;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone (02) 9950 3999;Fax (02) 9950 3867;General Manager: Terry Moloney

Finance and Business Services: ABCUltimo Centre700 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone (02) 9333 5151Fax (02) 9333 5172Head Finance and Business Services:Russell Balding

Human Resources: ABC UltimoCentre,700 Harris Street, Ultimo 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone (02) 9333 5120;Fax (02) 9333 5108;Head Human Resources: JacquieHutchinson

National Networks: ABC UltimoCentre, 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone (02) 9333 2602;Fax (02) 9333 2603;Head National Networks: AndyLloyd James

Network Television: 221 PacificHighway, Gore Hill 2065; GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;ABC Switch Phone (02)9333 1500;Network TV (02) 9950 3050;Network TV Fax (02) 9950 3055;TTY 1800627854 (Toll Free)Acting General Manager, NetworkTelevision: Claire HendersonActing Manager TV NSW: GintsVietienks

News & Current Affairs:221 Pacific Highway, Gore Hill 2065;700 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone, Gore Hill: (02) 9950 3097;Fax, Gore Hill: (02) 9950 3055;Phone, Ultimo: (02) 9333 5546;Fax, Ultimo: (02) 9333 2505;Head, News & Current Affairs: PaulWilliams

Program Production: 221 PacificHighway, Gore Hill NSW 2065;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;

Phone (02) 9950 3400;Fax (02) 9950 3418;Head of Program Production: DonReynolds

Regional Services: ABC SouthbankCentre,Cnr Southbank Blvd andSturt St, Southbank 3006;GPO Box 9994, Melbourne Vic 3001;Phone (03) 9626 1949;Fax (03) 9626 1633;Head Regional Services: Sue Howard

Symphony Australia Holdings PtyLtd:ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 HarrisStreet, Ultimo 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone (02) 9333 1500;Fax (02) 9333 1678;Managing Director: Nathan Waks

Technology Strategy &Development:ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 HarrisStreet, Ultimo 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone: (02) 9333 2605Fax: (02) 9333 2603Head Technology Strategy &Development: Colin Knowles

Australian CapitalTerritoryCanberra: Cnr Northbourne andWakefield Avenues, Dickson;GPO Box 9994, Canberra ACT 2601;Phone (02) 6275 4555Fax (02) 6275 4601Manager 2CN & ABC CanberraRepresentative: Liz McGrath

Parliament House Bureau:Phone (02) 6275 4640Fax (02) 6275 4641

New South WalesNSW State Management:ABC Ultimo Centre, 700 Harris StreetUltimo, 2007;GPO Box 9994, Sydney NSW 2001;Phone (02) 9333 2400Fax (02) 9333 2404Manager: Kate MillerEmail: miller.kate@a2.abc.net.au

Bega: Office 1, 184 Carp Street,PO Box 336, Bega NSW 2550;Phone (02) 6491 6011Fax (02) 6491 6099RPM: Cate Carrigan

Coffs Harbour: (administered byKempsey Office)Cnr Gordon & High Street,Coffs Harbour NSW 2450;Phone (02) 6651 3986Fax (02) 6651 4035RPM: Steve MacDonald (acting)

Dubbo: (administered by Orangeoffice) 45 Wingewarra Street;PO Box 985, Dubbo NSW 2830;

114

115

Phone (02) 6884 1518Fax (02) 6884 1051RPM: Laurie NevilleLismore: 61 High Street, LismoreHeights; PO Box 908, Lismore NSW 2480;Phone (02) 6625 1188Fax (02) 6625 1073RPM: Martin Corben

Mid North Coast: 18 Kemp Street,West Kempsey; PO Box 76, West Kempsey NSW2440;Phone (02) 6562 6388Fax (02) 6562 8413RPM: Steve MacDonald (acting)

Muswellbrook: (administered byNewcastle office)Market Street, Muswellbrook NSW2333;Phone (02) 6541 1044Fax (02) 6543 4651Manager: Mike McCluskey

Newcastle: Cnr Wood and ParryStreets, Newcastle West NSW 2302;Phone (02) 4922 1200Fax (02) 4922 1222Manager: Mike McCluskey

Nowra: (administered byWollongong office)59A Kinghorne Street;PO Box 1071, Nowra NSW 2541;Phone (02) 4423 2527Fax (02) 4423 2527RPM: Peter Riley

Orange: 46 Bathurst Road; PO Box 863, Orange NSW 2800;Phone (02) 6391 2550Fax (02) 6391 2555RPM: Laurie Neville

Tamworth: Parry Shire Building, 470 Peel Street;PO Box 558, Tamworth NSW 2340;Phone (02) 6766 5611Fax (02) 6766 6131RPM: Jacqueline Bowmer

Wagga Wagga: 100 FitzmauriceStreet,Wagga Wagga NSW 2650;Phone (02) 6921 3734Fax (02) 6921 1716RPM: Tim Butler

Wollongong: Cnr Kembla & MarketStreets,Wollongong East NSW 2520;Phone (02) 4228 0033Fax (02) 4229 2952RPM: Peter Riley

Northern TerritoryDarwin: 1 Cavenagh Street;GPO Box 9994, Darwin, NT 0801;Phone (08) 8943 3222Fax (08) 8943 3125State Manager: Tony Bowden

Alice Springs: Cnr Gap Road & SpeedStreet;

PO Box 1144, Alice Springs, NT 0871;Phone (08) 8952 3433, 8952 6639Fax (08) 8952 2093

QueenslandBrisbane: Middenbury, CnrCoronation Drive & Archer Street,Toowong; GPO Box 9994, Brisbane Qld 4001;Phone (07) 3377 5222Fax: (07) 3377 5633State Manager: Bob Wurth

Bundaberg: 58 Woongarra Street;PO Box 1152, Bundaberg Qld 4670;Phone (07) 4153 2855Fax (07) 4151 6805RPM: Laurel Eldridge

Cairns: Cnr Sheridan and UpwardStreet;PO Box 932, Cairns Qld 4870Phone (07) 4031 3677Fax (07) 4051 8368RPM: Sharon Molloy

Gladstone: Dahl’s Building,43 Tank Street, Gladstone Qld 4680;Phone (07) 4972 3812Fax (07) 4972 2650News Journalist: Troy Davies

Gold Coast: Cnr Gold CoastHighway and Francis Street; PO Box 217, Mermaid Beach Qld4217;Phone (07) 5572 9917Fax (07) 5572 6477Manager: Phil Cullen

Longreach: Duck Street;PO Box 310, Longreach Qld 4730;Phone (07) 4658 3601Fax (07) 4658 3605

RPM: Chrissy Hinde

Mackay: 25 River Street;PO Box 127, Mackay Qld 4740;Phone (07) 4951 1560Fax (07) 4951 1663RPM: Wayne Shearman

Sunshine Coast: Shop 3A, DolphinCentre,122 Aerodrome Road, MaroochydoreQld 4558;Phone (07) 5443 7878Fax (07) 5443 6524

Senior Broadcaster: John Stokes

Maryborough: 146 Bazaar Street;PO Box 276, Maryborough Qld 4650;Phone (07) 4121 5207Fax (07) 4122 3750Rural Reporter: Jim Kennedy

Mt Isa: 114 Camooweal Street,Mt Isa Qld 4825;Phone (07) 4743 9000Fax (07) 4743 5619RPM: Danny Del Rossi

Rockhampton: 236 Quay Street;PO Box 911, Rockhampton Qld 4700;Phone (07) 4927 3666Fax (07) 4927 4137 RPM: Ross Quinn

Toowoomba: ABC Radio Centre,297 Margaret Street;PO Box 358, Toowoomba Qld 4350;Phone (07) 4639 2878Fax (07) 4632 1904RPM: Stuart Parry

Townsville: 8-10 Wickham Street;PO Box 694, Townsville Qld 4810;Phone (07) 4771 5052Fax (07) 4772 5322RPM: John Nutting

South AustraliaAdelaide: 85 North East Road,Collinswood;GPO Box 9994, Adelaide SA 5001;Phone (08) 8343 4500Fax (08) 8343 4800State Manager: Michael Mason

Broken Hill: (administered by the SABranch)454 Argent Street;PO Box 315, Broken Hill NSW 2880;Phone (08) 8088 3999Fax (08) 8088 5136RPM: Cameron Marshall

Mount Gambier: Penola Road;PO Box 1448, Mt Gambier SA 5290;Phone (08) 8725 1101Fax (08) 8725 6227RPM: Spence Denny

Port Augusta: Church Street;PO Box 2149, Port Augusta SA 5700;Phone (08) 8642 2848Fax (08) 8642 2838

Port Lincoln: 2/8 Eyre Street;PO Box 679, Port Lincoln SA 5606;Phone (08) 8682 6511Fax (08) 8682 6538

Port Pirie: 85 Grey Street;PO Box 289, Port Pirie SA 5540;Phone (08) 8633 0500Fax (08) 8632 2301

RPM: Terry Price

Renmark: Ral Ral Avenue;PO Box 20, Renmark SA 5341;Phone (08) 8586 6500Fax (08) 8586 5890RPM: Bruce Mellett

TasmaniaHobart: ABC Centre Liverpool Street;GPO Box 9994, Hobart Tas 7001;Phone (03) 6235 3333Fax (03)6235 3407State Manager: Robert J. BattenEmail: batten.robert@a2.abc.net.au

Burnie: 81 Mount Street;PO Box 533, Burnie Tas 7320;Phone (03) 6431 5466Fax (03) 6431 8069

Launceston: 45 Ann Street;PO Box 201, Launceston Tas 7250;Phone (03) 6332 4222Fax (03) 6332 4255

VictoriaABC Southbank Centre:Southbank Bvd, Southbank 3006; GPO Box 9994, Melbourne Vic 3001;Phone: (03) 9616 1600Fax: (03) 9626 1601State Manager: Murray GreenEmail: green.murray@a2.abc.net.au

ABC Elsternwick Centre: 8 GordonStreet,Elsternwick, Vic 3185;GPO Box 9994, Melbourne Vic 3001;Phone: (03) 9524 2222Fax: (03) 9524 2504

Radio Australia: ABC SouthbankCentre,Southbank Bvd, Southbank Vic 3006Phone: (03) 9626 1800Fax: (03) 9626 1899Network Manager: Jean-GabrielManguy

Bendigo: 278 Napier Street;PO Box 637, Bendigo Vic 3550;Phone: (03) 5441 8233Fax: (03) 5441 8573RPM: Derek Guille

Horsham: Shop 506, 148 BaillieStreet; PO Box 506, Horsham Vic 3400;Phone: (03) 5382 0152Fax: (03) 5382 0913

Mildura: 73A Pine Ave:PO Box 5051, Mildura Vic 3502;Phone: (03) 5021 1620Fax: (03) 5021 1664RPM: Jeff Hall

Sale: 340 York Street;PO Box 330, Sale Vic 3850;Phone: (03) 5144 3980Fax: (03) 5144 3920RPM: Debbie Bye

Shepparton: 265a Maude Street;PO Box 1922, Shepparton Vic 3630;Phone: (03) 5831 2935Fax: (03) 5831 2140

Traralgon: 1 High Street;PO Box 1063, Traralgon Vic 3844Phone: (03) 5174 0433Fax: (03) 5174 0109

Warrnambool: 166B Koroit Street;PO Box 310, Warrnambool Vic 3280;Phone: (03) 5561 1141Fax: (03) 5562 5249

Wodonga: 1 High Street;PO Box 1063, Wodonga Vic 3690;Phone: (02) 6024 2000Fax: (02) 6024 2927(admin) Fax: (02)6024 2404 (GenNews/prog)RPM: Neil Meaney

Western AustraliaPerth: 191 Adelaide Terrace;PO Box 9994, Perth WA 6848;Phone (08) 9220 2700Fax (08) 9220 2899State Manager: Geoff Duncan

West Australia Symphony

Orchestra(Symphony Australia)191 Adelaide Terrace;PO Box 9994, Perth WA 6848;Phone (08) 9326 0011Fax (08) 9326 0099Manager Director: Rod Lillis

Albany: 2 St Emilie Way;Albany WA 6330;Phone (08) 9842 5000Fax (08)9842 5557RPM: John Cecil

Broome: 1/6B Napier Terrace;PO Box 217, Broome WA 6725;Phone (08) 9193 5597Fax (08) 9193 5609RPM: George Manning

Bunbury: 72 Wittenoom Street;PO Box 242, Bunbury WA 6231;Phone (08)9721 4622Fax (08) 9721 4851RPM: Ron Pait

Esperance: Port Authority Building,The Esplanade;PO Box 230, Esperance WA 6450;Phone (08) 9071 5673Fax (08) 9071 5823Reporter Rural: Brian Walker

Geraldton: 245 Marine Terrace;PO Box 211, Geraldton WA 6530;Phone (08) 9921 1056Fax (08) 9921 2183RPM: Paul Thompson

Kalgoorlie: 383 Hannan Street;PO Box 125, Kalgoorlie WA 6430;Phone (08) 9021 2433Fax (08) 9921 2183RPM: Irene Montefiore

Karratha: Degrey Place;PO Box 994, Karratha WA 6714;Phone (08) 9144 1911Fax (08) 9144 1856RPM: Paul Semple

Kununurra: 15 Sandalwood Street;PO Box 984, Kununurra WA 6743;Phone (08) 9168 2773Fax (08) 9169 1102Journalist: Greg Hayes

Overseas OfficesAmman: PO Box 830256Amman, JordanPhone: (962-6) 461 6130 Fax: (962-6) 461 6131

Bangkok: 518/5 Maneeya CentrePenthouse (17th), Ploenchit RoadBangkok 10330, ThailandPhone: (66-2) 254 8325, 254 8326, 254 8327, 254 8328, 254 8329Fax: (66-2) 254 8336Speed Dial: 6909

Beijing: 8/121 Qi Jia YuanBeijing 100600, ChinaPhone: (861-0) 6532 68196532 6820, 6532 6825Fax: (861-0) 6532 2514

Brussels: International Press CentrePost Box 1, 1 Boulevard

Charlemagne, 1041 Brussels, BelgiumPhone: (32-2) 282 0520, 282 0522,282 0525 Fax: (32-2) 282 0529

Jakarta: Level 16, Deutche BankJn Iman Bonjol, 80Jakarta Pusat, IndonesiaPhone: (62-21) 390 8123Fax: (62-21) 390 8124Jerusalem: 5th Floor, J.C.S. Building 206 Jaffa Road, Jerusalem.91131,IsraelPhone: (97-22) 537 2908537 3557, 538 9060, 670 1795 Fax: (97-22) 537 3306

Johannesburg: 3rd Floor, 1 ParkRoad, RichmondJohannesburg 2092, South AfricaPhone: (27-11) 726 8636, 726 8676 Fax: (27-11) 726 8633 London: 54 Portland Place, London.W1N 4DY, United KingdomPhone: (44-171) 631 4456Fax: (44-171) 323 0059, 323 1125

Moscow: Kutuzovsky ProspektBuilding 13, Apartment 113Moscow 121248, Russia Phone: (70-95) 974 8182 Fax: (70-95) 974 8186

New Delhi: A-11 (Top Floor)West End Colony, New Delhi110021, IndiaPhone: (91-11) 687 2337Fax: (91-11) 687 2153

New York: Room 2260, 630 FifthAvenue, New York NY 10111, USAPhone: (1-212) 332 2540 Fax: (1-212) 332 2546

Port Moresby: Airvos AvenueGPO Box 779, Port MoresbyPapua New GuineaPhone: (675) 321 2666, 321 1024 Fax: (675) 321 2131

Tokyo: NHK Hoso Centre, Jinnan,Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150, Japan Phone: (813) 3469 8089Fax: (813) 3468 8445

Washington: Suite 510, NationalPress Building529 14th Street NWWashington DC 20045, USAPhone: (1-202) 466 8575Fax: (1-202) 626 5188

116

Appendix 21

ABC Shops

Australian CapitalTerritoryCanberra Shop CF 12, CanberraCentre, Canberra ACT 2600Phone (02) 6247 2941Fax (02) 6275 4567

New South WalesBrookvale Shop 110, Level 1, Block0, Warringah Mall Shopping CentreBrookvale NSW 2100Phone (02) 9905 3758Fax (02) 9905 7198

Campbelltown Shop U32,Macquarie SquareCampbelltown NSW 2560Phone: (02) 4626 8624Fax: (02) 4626 4027

Chatswood Shop 350, Level 3Westfield Shopping TownChatswood NSW 2067Phone (02) 9950 3148Fax (02) 9950 3149

Erina Shop T46, The BoardwalkErina Fair, Erina NSW 2250Phone (02) 4367 6892Fax (02) 4365 4986

Miranda Shop 1087-88, Level 1,Westfield Shopping Town,Miranda NSW 2228Phone (02) 9524 4289Fax (02) 9524 8153

Newcastle Shop 205, Upper Level,Charlestown Shopping SquareCharlestown NSW 2290Phone (02) 4943 9763Fax (02) 4943 8460

Parramatta Shop 3038, Level 3,Westfield Shopping TownParramatta NSW 2150Phone (02) 9635 9922Fax (02) 9891 5668

Penrith Shop 37, Ground Floor,Penrith Plaza, Penrith NSW 2750Phone (02) 4721 8299Fax (02) 4721 8159

QVB/Sydney Shop 48, The Albert WalkQueen Victoria Building,Sydney NSW 2000Phone (02) 9333 1635Fax (02) 9261 4347

Ultimo ABC Ultimo Centre,700 Harris StreetPhone (02) 9333 2055Fax (02) 9333 1240

Northern TerritoryDarwin Shop 55Casuarina Square, Casuarina NT0810Phone (08) 8927 8788Fax (089?) 8927 1291

QueenslandBrisbane Shop 240, Level 2The Myer Centre, Brisbane Qld 4000Phone (07) 3377 5455Fax (07) 3221 1516

Broadbeach Shop 139A, BostonWay, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre,Broadbeach Qld 4218Phone (07) 5575 4231Fax (07) 5572 0084

Carindale Shop 163, Level 2Carindale Shopping CentreCarindale Qld 4153Phone (07) 3398 1606Fax (07) 3843 1534

Indooroopilly Shop 3017Westfield Shoppingtown,Indooroopilly Qld 4068Phone (07) 3878 9923Fax (07) 3878 9931

Robina Shop 30, Robina Town SquareRobina ParkwayRobina Qld 4230Phone: (07) 5575 9859Fax: (07) 5575 9941

South AustraliaAdelaide Shop 310, Level 3, TheMyer CentreAdelaide SA 5000Phone (08) 8410 0567Fax (08) 8410 0585

Marion Shop 2047, Level 2Westfield Shoppingtown Marion,Oaklands Park SA 5046Phone (08) 8298 6350Fax (08) 8298 6352

Modbury Shop 113, WestfieldShoppingtownTea Tree Plaza, Modbury SA 5092Phone (08) 8396 0000Fax (08) 8396 0930

TasmaniaHobart Shop 206 Centrepoint70 Murray Street, Hobart Tas 7000Phone (03) 6235 3648Fax (03) 6235 3649

VictoriaChadstone Shop B53, Lower Mall,Chadstone Shopping CentreChadstone Vic 3148Phone (03) 9524 2205Fax (03) 9563 3510

Maribyrnong Shop 2072, HighpointShopping CentreMaribyrnong Vic 3032Phone: (03) 9317 4652Fax: (03) 9317 4653

Melbourne Shop 26, Galleria Level,Galleria Shopping PlazaMelbourne Vic 3000Phone (03) 9626 1167Fax (03) 9602 5221

Preston Shop K28, Level 1, Northlands Shopping Centre, EastPreston Vic 3072Phone (03) 9471 4863Fax (03) 9471 4864

Ringwood Shop L60, EastlandShopping Centre171-175 Maroondah Highway,Ringwood Vic 3134Phone (03) 9879 5094Fax (03) 9879 5616

Western AustraliaPerth Shop 60, Gallery LevelThe Carillon ArcadePerth WA 6000Phone (08) 9321 6852Fax (08) 9481 7858

Morley Shop 173, Level 1The Galleria Morley, Walter RoadMorley WA 6062Phone (08) 9276 7673Fax (09) 9276 6286

117

118

Page

TablesFive Year Funding Analysis 11

ABC Television Most Popular Programs 30

Organisation Chart 14

MapsABC Services 3

ABC Bureaus and Correspondents 41

GraphsRevenue from Government 10

Operating Revenue 11

Revenue from Independent Sources 11

Operating Expenses 10

Local Radio – Program Source 24

Radio Audience Reach (all abc) 26

Radio Audience Reach (networks) 26

Radio Audience Share 26

Television Audience Share 27

Television Average Weekly Reach 27

Network Television Content 32

Page

Australian Content 1994–98 32

Television Program Analysis 32

Australian Content (first run vs repeat) 32

Overseas Content (first run vs repeat) 32

ABC Made Programs (First run) 32

First run programs 32

ABC Online accesses 37

News Online Accesses 40

Enterprises Accrued Profit 46

Enterprises Cash Contribution to ABC 46

Enterprises Revenue activities 46

Concert Attendances 48

Number of concerts 48

Performance Activities 50

ABC Staff 1989-1998 52

Staff by Portfolio 52

Staff by Region 53

Staff by Job Group 53

Staff by Gender 54

list of graphs tables & maps

AABC Board see BoardABC Centres, 2, 44ABC Classic FM, 2, 5-6, 25, 28, 34-35, 47, 97, 103, 109-111ABC design, 41, 52-53, 58-59ABC for Kids, 46, 97, 103ABC International, 7, 33, 52, 97ABC Offices, 92, 114ABC Online, 2, 5, 8, 37-38, 43, 62, 100ABC Shops, 2, 5-6, 38, 44, 64, 92, 117Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff - see also

Indigenous, 9, 54Archives, 43, 57, 61, 97Arnbridge, 70, 80-81, 88, 90Arts, 1, 4-5, 13-14, 28-29, 31, 33-35, 42, 45-50, 57, 59-62,

64, 66, 73, 76, 78, 93-94, 97, 99-100, 102, 106, 114Asia Pacific, 2, 5-6, 34, 37Assistance to overseas broadcasters, 31Audience (s), 1-2, 4, 6-8, 14, 17-18, 20, 22-31, 33, 35, 37,

40-41, 44-45, 47, 49-50, 59, 62-63, 94, 97-99, 104-106,118

Audit, 53, 65-66, 89, 92, 97, 113-114AusAID, 19, 37, 52Australia Television, 5, 38, 55, 70, 76-78, 81, 85, 88, 90-91,

100Australian Broadcasting Authority, 15, 61, 64, 99, 110, 112Australian composers/composition, 49-50, 103Australian content, 6, 30, 35, 43, 118Australian Information Media, 79, 88, 90Australian music, 2, 4, 6, 47, 49Awards, 4, 7, 22, 33, 35, 38, 43-45, 47, 92, 100-103

BBias, 19, 40, 60, 62, 64, 99, 104Board, 12-14, 16-20, 29, 38, 42, 56, 60-61, 63, 66, 97, 106,

113Business activities, 44, 56Business support review, 8, 56, 97

CCentres, ABC, 2, 44Chairman, 12-13, 39, 60, 64, 67, 97, 113Charter, 16, 43, 61, 77, 97Chief of Staff, 14, 60, 97Children’s programs or products - see also ABC for Kids, 2,

6, 27-29, 31, 33, 37, 42, 45-46, 75, 93, 98-103, 105-106Classic FM, ABC - see ABC Classic FMClosed captioning, 6, 98Co-production, 7, 15, 29, 31, 34, 38, 62, 76, 100Code of Practice, 9, 60-62, 64, 92, 97, 99Comedy, 28, 31, 35, 42, 93-94, 98, 100, 104Commissioning, 6, 15, 28-29, 31, 38, 57Complaints, 9, 18, 60-62, 64, 99, 105Concert performance, 34, 46-47, 50Concerts, 34-35, 46-50, 68, 92, 95, 118Consultants, 18, 74, 76, 92, 113Copyright, 57, 61, 63, 75, 84, 97Corporate affairs, 60, 62-63, 97Corporate plan, 6, 8, 16Corporate policy, 60-62Corporate strategy, 60-62, 97Correspondence, 62-63Cost of services, 11, 68, 85Current affairs - see also News & Current Affairs, 2, 4-6, 8,

14-15, 18-19, 34, 38-43, 56, 59, 61, 68, 73, 75, 93-94,97-102, 105, 113-114

Cuts, 17, 21, 29, 36, 51, 55, 62

DD-CART, 8D-RADIO, 8, 58Defamation, 57Department of Communications and the Arts, 7, 59Digital technology, 8, 17, 43, 52, 58, 61Digitalisation, 61Directors, see BoardDirectors, Statement by, 16, 65-67Documentaries, 2, 7, 15, 28-29, 34, 42, 97Drama, 2, 15, 28-29, 34, 42, 56, 93, 97-98, 100-101

EEditorial independence, 18, 97Editorial Policies, 5, 9, 18-19, 60, 63-64Education, 2, 6, 15, 28, 33, 37-38, 42, 52, 61, 75, 93, 100,

103Election coverage, 5, 36, 59Employee relations, 51, 53Enterprise agreement, 53Enterprises - see ABC EnterprisesEntertainment programs, 28, 42, 46, 104Equal Employment Opportunity, 51, 54Executive, 13, 15, 42, 63, 100

FFederal Government, 36, 59, 61Festival of the Dreaming, 6, 33-34Festivals, 34-35, 100Finance and Business Services, 15, 55, 61, 113-114Financial management, 55Freedom of Information, 63Funding - see also Triennial Funding Agreement, 7, 10, 17-

19, 38, 44, 55-56, 61, 63, 68, 77-78, 85, 118Future directions, 41, 43, 54, 59GGifts/donations, 113Government, 8, 11, 17-20, 23, 33, 36, 38, 55-56, 58-59, 61,

65, 68, 73-74, 76-78, 80, 85, 97, 105, 113

HHong Kong handover, 4, 6, 34, 105Human Resources, 8, 14-15, 51, 53-54, 97, 113-114

IIndependent Complaints Review Panel, 64, 99, 105Indigenous, 6, 9, 33, 38, 42, 47-48, 54, 97, 100Indigenous programs, 6, 33Indonesia, coverage of, 5, 41Industrial relations, 15Information technology, 7, 22, 55, 57, 113International broadcasting, 19, 59, 62International correspondents and bureaus - see overseas

correspondents and bureausInternational coverage, 4-5, 35-36International services - see also Radio Australia and

Australia Television, 2Internet, 2, 4-6, 8-9, 19, 34-38, 43, 59-60, 100, 113Intranet, 59, 62

LLegal and Copyright, 57

119

index

Licensing, 44, 46, 97, 103, 114Local radio, 4, 7, 21, 23-25, 94, 97, 102, 106, 118Local television, 2, 4, 7, 17, 22LOUD, 5-6, 33-34

MManaging Director, 5, 13-15, 48, 60-61, 64, 67, 89, 97,

113-114Marketing, 6, 22, 38, 44, 114Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), 101Metropolitan Radio, 2, 25, 107, 111Minister for Communications and the Arts, 5, 14Mission statement, 1Multimedia, ABC, 2, 4, 6-7, 19, 28, 34, 37-38, 57, 59, 100,

103Music publishing, 2, 97

NNational Advisory Council, 9, 14, 18, 61, 63, 105-106National Networks, 2, 14-15, 28-29, 31, 34, 68, 73, 76, 94,

97, 106, 113-114National Transmission Agency, 11, 57, 73, 78, 110, 112National Transmission Network, 8, 59, 61Natural History, 28, 31, 42, 100-101Network Television, 4-6, 9, 28-33, 35, 38, 40, 47, 59, 97,

100-101, 114News and Current Affairs, 2, 4-6, 8, 14-15, 18-19, 34, 38-

43, 56, 59, 61, 73, 97-98, 105NewsRadio, 2, 6, 25-26, 28, 36, 94, 97

OOccupational health and safety, 9, 51, 53OneABC, 10, 16, 19, 29, 41-43, 55-56, 58, 60-61, 106Online election coverage, 5Online services - see also multimedia, 5-6, 16-17, 19, 22-

23, 28, 43Open Learning, 34, 38, 94Optus, 59, 71Orchestras, 2, 4, 6, 19, 34-35, 45, 47, 50, 56Organisation chart, 1, 14, 92, 97Overseas correspondents and bureaus, 2, 40, 114

PParliament, 2, 4, 9, 14, 17, 19, 36, 39, 77, 94, 97, 113-114Parliamentary News Network - see NewsRadioPayroll, 51, 54, 114PNN - see NewsRadioPrincess of Wales, 6, 41, 62Program Production, 14-15, 28-29, 42-43, 58-59, 64, 68,

73, 97, 113-114Program sales, 7, 33, 76Property management, 55-57, 61, 114Publishing, 2, 15, 37, 45, 62, 97

RRadio Australia, 2, 5-7, 9, 19, 28, 34, 36-37, 62, 78, 91-92,

94, 106, 112, 116Radio National, 2, 4-5, 13, 15, 25, 28, 34, 37-38, 62, 94,

100, 108, 110-111

Recordings, 2, 44-45, 48, 63Redundancy, 9, 20, 53-54, 74, 79-80, 96Regional Radio, 2, 7, 15, 17, 22, 24-25, 102, 107, 110-111Regional Services, 2, 4, 9, 14-16, 21-23, 29, 38, 58, 68, 73,

76, 97, 113-114Religious programs, 28, 31, 34, 42, 93-94, 98Reshaping the ABC - see also OneABC, 8, 10, 16, 36, 41-

43, 51, 53, 60, 62, 73, 113Resource management, 54-55Review of operations - see also Business Services Review,

64Risk management, 53Rural programs - see also regional radio/services, 34

SSales and distribution, 7, 97SAP, 8, 52, 56, 113Satellite(s), 2, 8, 19, 24, 37, 48, 58-59, 71, 76, 106, 110School concerts, 49, 95Science, 4-6, 28, 31, 34-37, 42, 94, 100-101, 104-105Senior Executives - see also Executives, 54Short wave broadcasting, 2, 19Simulcasts, 5, 23-24, 34-35, 47Sounds of Summer, 7, 23Southbank Centre, ABC Melbourne, 114, 116Special Broadcasting Service, 15, 29, 59Sport, 22-24, 28, 31, 40-42, 93-94, 103Staff profile, 92, 96States and Territories, 6-7, 22, 36Studios, 5, 17, 39, 42, 55-56, 59, 106Subtitling - see closed captioningSuperannuation, 74, 79-80, 88

TTalks, 28, 31, 39, 42, 49, 97Technology Strategy and Development, 4, 14-15, 58, 97Telecommunications, 15, 59, 61Training, 9, 18, 41, 51-54, 62, 97Transmitters - see also National Transmission Agency,

National Transmission Network, 2, 6, 19, 36-37, 59,62, 73, 92, 105, 107, 110-112

Triennial Funding Agreement, 10Triple J, 2, 4-5, 8, 25, 28, 31, 34-38, 59, 94, 97, 103, 105,

109, 111

UUltimo Centre, ABC, 114, 117Unearthed, 4, 35Unions, 15, 53

VViolence, 97, 105

WWomen in Engineering, 9, 54Women in Senior Executive positions, 54

YYouth audiences/programs, 6

120

ABCcharterThe functions and duties which Parliament has given to the ABC are set out inthe Charter of the Corporation (ss6(1) and (2) of the Australian BroadcastingCorporation Act 1983).

6(1) The functions of the Corporation are —

(a) to provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of ahigh standard as part of the Australian broadcasting system consisting of national,commercial and community sectors and, without limiting the generality of theforegoing, to provide—(i) broadcasting programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and informand entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity of, the Australian community; and(ii) broadcasting programs of an educational nature;

(b) to transmit to countries outside Australia broadcasting programs of news, currentaffairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment that will—(i) encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australianattitudes on world affairs; and(ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling outside Australia to obtaininformation about Australian affairs and Australian attitudes on world affairs; and

(c) to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts inAustralia.

6(2) In the provision by the Corporation of its broadcasting services within Australia —

(a) the Corporation shall take account of—(i) the broadcasting services provided by the commercial and community sectors ofthe Australian broadcasting system;(ii) the standards from time to time determined by the Australian BroadcastingAuthority in respect of broadcasting services;(iii)the responsibility of the Corporation as the provider of an independent nationalbroadcasting service to provide a balance between broadcasting programs of wideappeal and specialised broadcasting programs;(iv)the multicultural character of the Australian community; and(v) in connection with the provision of broadcasting programs of an educationalnature — the responsibilities of the States in relation to education; and

(b) the Corporation shall take all such measures, being measures consistent with theobligations of the Corporation under paragraph (a), as, in the opinion of the Board,will be conducive to the full development by the Corporation of suitable broadcastingprograms.

contents

Published by the Australian Broadcasting CorporationDesigned and typeset by ABC Corporate Relations

Printed by NCP Printing

For information on this Annual Report please contact: Manager Corporate Publishing, ABC Corporate Relations GPO Box 9994 in your capital city

National Library of Australia card number and ISSN 0816 827X

Corporate ProfileABC Charter inside back coverMission Statement 1ABC Services 2Significant Events 4Priorities – Performance Summary 6Financial Summary 10ABC Board Members 12ABC Organisation 14Executive Members 15

Statement by Directors 16

Review of OperationsRegional Services 21Feature: Radio and Television Audiences 25National Networks 28News and Current Affairs 39Program Production 42Enterprises 44Symphony Australia 47Human Resources 51Finance and Business Services 55Technology Strategy and Development 58Chief of Staff 60

Financial Statements 65

Program Performance Statement 91

Appendices 92

List of Tables Graphs and Maps 118

Index 119

Front Cover: Throughout April and May ABC News and Current Affairs providedextensive coverage of civil unrest in Indonesia, culminating in President Suharto’sresignation, which was broadcast live on the World at Noon and The World Today.Pictured from top: President Suharto’s resignation; Evan Williams, ABC correspondent;Michael Maher, ABC Jakarta correspondent; Michael Brissenden, ABC correspondent;Tony Eastley, World at Noon presenter.Back Cover: Images and icons from the Playground, ABC Online’s Website forchildren.

This Annual Report is available on the World Wide Web, follow the AboutABC link on ABC Online (www.abc.net.au)

Australian Broadcasting Corporation annual report 1997–98

Australian Broadcasting C

orporation

ann

ual rep

ort 1997–98

Australian Broadcasting Corporationannual report 1997–98