Evidence put to the Committee from key industry and business associations, suggests the ABC has been deficient in the provision of programming which specifically focuses on business related information.
Victorian M.P, The Hon. David Davis, MLC, provided a submission to the ABC Board in January 1998 calling for the ABC to establish a Business Unit and business programming which aims at providing relevant and timely information such as:-
· management, marketing, legal and financial issues;
· statutory obligations and requirement;
· information on how to start a small business;
· export marketing plans; and
· Government assistance services.
Mr Davis has also called on the SBS to do more to provide business-related information to people of non-English speaking backgrounds.
In his submission, Mr Davis believed the ABC was not fulfilling its charter obligations as a comprehensive broadcaster:-
"The ABC's lack of business broadcasting is a major oversight. The ABC cannot claim to be a truly comprehensive broadcaster unless it re-orders its priorities to institute a business unit to produce business programming for both radio and television."132
Industry views put to the Committee included Mr Tim Piper from the Retail Traders' Association of Victoria and Ms Judith van Unen from the Association of Business and Professional Women :
Mr Piper - I believe there is no reason why a business program should be expensive. ... This is a wonderful opportunity for the ABC not only to show community orientation but to move into a sphere of information and entertainment that is being sought by the public and would be invaluable.133
Ms van Unen - I do not think businesses in general are being adequately served at the present time, whether rural or urban.134
Business related information is occasionally provided on ABC and SBS news and current affairs when it is considered a news worthy item. However, on balance, the coverage is inadequate in terms of the needs of Australian businesses outlined above.
The ABC's Head of News & Current Affairs advised the Committee that there could be no further commitment to business programming by his Department and that such a need would need to come from general programming.
- FINDING
The Committee finds that there is a need for specific business programming on ABC television and radio.
RECOMMENDATION 29
The Committee recommends that the ABC review its programming priorities to accommodate specific business programs on radio and television.
132 The Hon. David Davis, MLC, Submission No.4 to EDC, p. 3
133 Minutes of Evidence, 19/10/98, p.352
134 Minutes of Evidence, 19/10/98, p.348
