Topic: Funding from Radio National culling
Senator Ludlam asked:

Is the funding from culling Radio National's excellent innovative programming being reallocated to online programme needs?

Answer:

There has been no ‘cull' of Radio National's specialist or innovative programming. The changes to the line-up will enable reallocation of four positions to strengthen Radio National's online production.

Topic: TV studios automation
Senator Ludlam asked:

How will the automation of TV studios affect program-making?

Answer:

Studio automation means that programs can be made more efficiently

Studio automation will not affect the quality of program-making.

Topic: In-house TV production
Senator Ludlam asked:

How much in-house TV documentary production is undertaken at the ABC?

Answer:

Since 2004/05, the ABC has produced around 34 documentary television hours a year in-house.

Topic: In-house TV production
Senator Ludlam asked:

How much in-house TV drama production is undertaken at the ABC?

Answer:

The ABC does not produce any drama in-house.

Topic: Triennal funding
Senator Ludlam asked:

What is the monetary value of ABC funding in the Triennial funding request?

Answer:

The ABC is currently discussing its triennial funding submission with the Government, and details of specific policy proposals are confidential.

Topic: Radio National axing
Senator Ludlam asked:

Can you describe how the decisions were made to axe the radio national programmes which were announced last week?

Answer:

The changes to the Radio National broadcast schedule in 2009 were made following consultation within the Radio National network and taking into account audience feedback and use of Radio National content on both radio and online.

Topic: Radio National axing
Senator Ludlam asked:

Clearly ABC Radio National wants to develop its online profile - but would you agree that you have cut many of the distinctive programs that draw the online audience [for podcasts and transcripts] in the first place?

Answer:

No. Download data indicates that the programs that have been cut in the change to the programming mix draw a relatively low online audience.

Topic: Radio National axing
Senator Ludlam asked:

The ABC constantly refers to Radio National as the ‘jewel in the crown' of public broadcasting. Has the ABC made the case to the Government for a substantial boost in funding so that specialty programming does not need to be cut in order to increase the online profile of the ABC?

Answer:

The ABC has submitted its Triennial Funding bid which includes funding for Radio National.

Topic: Outsourcing
Senator Ludlam asked:

Can you provide us with an overview of how you are approaching the outsourcing of production at the ABC?

Answer:

The ABC commissions projects internally or in partnership with Screen Australia and independent filmmakers on the basis of the most cost-efficient and effective production. These arrangements allow the ABC to maximise the amount of content it can deliver to audiences from available funds. All production, internal and co-production, must be produced to the ABC's editorial and legal standards.

Topic: Outsourcing
Senator Ludlam asked:

Which program genres are most affected by outsourcing policies?

Answer:

Decisions about outsourcing are made on the basis of efficient production and leverage of the ABC's investment. Certain TV genres, primarily documentaries and drama, are not able to be fully produced in-house. Most other genres are produced as both internal and independently commissioned slates.

Topic: Outsourcing
Senator Ludlam asked:

How will jobs cuts of 35 people impact on in-house ABC TV production given the level of experience and skills of the people leaving? Will the same level of output and the same innovation be expected with 35 less staff?

Answer:

There will be no adverse impact on internal production. Following a review, the ABC has improved its production processes and expects to maintain the same level of output and quality of programming.

Topic: Advertising
Senator Ludlam asked:

The ABC's non-commercial nature is an important component of the respect it has earned as a truly independent voice. There has been speculation about the ABC considering advertising. Can you outline the state of this policy within the ABC?

Answer:

Under Section 31 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, the Corporation is not permitted to broadcast advertisements on its domestic radio and television services. The ABC has no plans to allow advertising on abc.net.au sites.

Topic: Advertising revenue
Senator Ludlam asked:

How important is advertising revenue to the ABC now, in the context of the Corporation's overall budget?

Answer:

The ABC does not broadcast advertisements on its domestic radio and television services or carry advertising on abc.net.au. Advertising revenue from Australia Network and ABC Commercial comprises less than 0.1% of total ABC income in 2007-08.

Topic: Religion Programming
Senator Ludlam asked:

I refer to the recent decision to cut nine specialty programmes from the Radio National schedule. ABC's Managing Director Mr Scott has announced that there will be more religion than ever on the ABC next year including on ABC-TV in prime time. Can you define what this means, and whether these religion programs will be made by the 60-year-old specialist religion department?

Answer:

Religion remains a cornerstone of ABC Radio National's output which will continue to feature 2.5 hours of religious content on radio weekly, complemented by other religious output on ABC Radio. While The Religion Report has been discontinued, a number of other programs will continue to be produced by the ABC's religious radio unit including The Spirit of Things, the award-winning Encounter program and The Rhythm Divine, all broadcast on Radio National; For the God Who Sings on ABC Classic FM and John Cleary's Sunday Night program on ABC Local Radio. These are all produced by the ABC's religious unit.

Religion programming also features on ABC TV, including Songs of Praise and Compass, the only prime time television program dedicated to religion and spirituality screened by any Australian TV network.

Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:

Can you outline where the directive to cut the specialist programs came from?

Answer:

The decision to make changes to the Radio National schedule in 2009 was made by Radio National management in consultation with network staff.

Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:

Was the Managing Director consulted before this decision was taken?

Answer:

Yes.

Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:

Was the ABC Board consulted before this decision was taken?

Answer:

No. Programming decisions are a management responsibility.

Topic: Specialist Programming cuts
Senator Ludlam asked:

How would you describe the response from the public to news that TRR has been axed?

Have you been moved to reconsider the decision to axe TRR?

Answer:

The response has been mixed. The major concern has been a perceived reduction in specialist content on Radio National, which is not the case.

No.