ABC Annual Report 2014

Transcription

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION A NNUAL REPORT 2014
GPO Box 9994
in your state/territory capital
Phone 13 9994
Fax 02 8333 5344
TTY 1800 627 854
abc.net.au
SHARING AUSTRALIAN STORIES
Annual Report 2014
As the nation’s primary public
broadcaster, the ABC has a unique
opportunity to share Australian
stories. Across multiple platforms, the
ABC provides content that informs,
educates and entertains, and is freely
available to all Australians.
SHARING
AUSTRALIA
WITH THE
WORLD
EDUCATING
AUSTRALIAN
CHILDREN
CONNECTING
REGIONAL
AUSTRALIA
International broadcasting
is a key part of the ABC’s
Charter. The ABC provides
uniquely Australian content
to international audiences;
delivers a range of services
in multiple languages;
and connects with their
home. The ABC works to
support the development
of robust media institutions
in the Asia‑Pacific
through its International
Development program.
The ABC has long been the
home of quality children’s
programming that educates
and entertains our youngest
Australians. Today’s children
are digital natives; demanding
content anywhere, anytime
on any device. The ABC is
responding to these changes
by creating content that
engages audiences and is
available on the right mix of
platforms and screens.
The ABC plays an important
role in rural and regional
Australia, with 60 local
radio stations connecting
communities across the
country. ABC Open gives
Australians the opportunity
to create and share their
stories and offers a unique
environment in which to
connect, learn and contribute.
In times of emergency, the
ABC is a trusted, reliable and
independent source of news
and information across radio,
television and online.
Sophia Rose by ABC Open contributor Rose Dadon.
Ocean Shores, NSW.
Colleen Murdoch by ABC Open Producer
Michael Bromage. Hughenden, Queensland.
Contents
1
New South Wales – Ultimo
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001
6 October 2014
Tel. +61 2 8333 1500
abc.net.au
The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP
Minister for Communications
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
2
The Board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is pleased to present the Annual Report
for the year ended 30 June 2014.
The Report is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Authorities
and Companies Act 1997 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, and was
approved by a resolution of the Board on 8 September 2014.
ABC Purpose,
Vision and Values
3
ABC services
4
3
Corporate responsibility
94
Corporate responsibility in
a broadcasting context
96
11
Environmental responsibility 98
Board Directors’ statement
14
Social responsibility
Organisational structure
17
ABC Executive
18
The year ahead
22
ABC strategic objectives
23
5
Audience trends
26
Online and mobile
29
104
GOVERNANCE
Corporate governance
112
Performance against
the ABC Strategic Plan118
AUDIENCE
EXPERIENCES
6
Government outcomes
121
ABC advisory bodies
126
FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE
Radio 48
Financial summary
132
News and current affairs
53
Independent audit report
136
International services
60
Financial statements 138
Consumer experiences
65
7
APPENDICES
Appendices195
INSIDE THE ABC
Editorial quality
James Spigelman AC QC
Chairman
CORPORATE
RESPONSIBILITY
ABC Board of Directors
Television38
It provides a comprehensive review of the ABC’s performance in relation to its legislative mandate
and as a diversified media enterprise operating within a fast-evolving industry environment.
This year’s editorial theme of the report—Sharing Australian Stories—highlights the importance of
the ABC as a valued Australian institution and the contribution it makes to Australian life.
Yours sincerely
4
ABOUT
THE ABC
72
Infrastructure and operations 75
Glossary248
Indexes249
People79
Work health and safety
84
Corporate services 88
1
About the ABC
The ABC’s Purpose
1
2 is to fulfil its functions as set out in the ABC Act, particularly the ABC Charter.
The ABC’s Vision
is to provide high quality content and services that will ensure the ABC is valued as
Australia’s most trusted and creative media organisation.
Our Values
The ABC is a truly independent media organisation for all Australians. Our values are
the foundation of how we work.
INTEGRITY—We act with trustworthiness, honesty and fairness. We deliver on
our commitments and are accountable.
RESPECT—We treat our audiences and each other with consideration and dignity.
We embrace diversity.
COLLEGIALITY—We work together willingly. We cooperate and share in the
ABC’s challenges and successes.
INNOVATION—We foster creativity and distinctiveness. We encourage new
thinking and strive to achieve quality in all that we do.
The ABC strives to provide high-quality programming,
independent news and information, and content that
enriches Australian communities.
ABOUT
THE ABC
Contents:
ABC Purpose, Vision and Values
ABC services
ABC Executive
The year ahead
3
4
11
16
17
18
22
23
Providing a high quality service to all Australians is at the heart
of the ABC’s purpose. From the hyper-local to national and
international, the ABC provides a platform for Australian voices
and Australian stories from all parts of the community to be
heard and shared.
Marion by ABC Open contributor Regina Lovic. Townsville, Queensland.
AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014
About the ABC
3
ABC services
Snapshot of ABC Services
ABC Radio National, ABC Classic
FM and triple j—national radio
networks, also available in mainland
capital cities as a digital radio service
ABC Local Radio—available from
60 locations around Australia. Also available in
mainland capital cities as a digital radio service
ABC Retail—51 ABC Shops
and 84 ABC Centres throughout
Australia, plus ABC Shop Online
ABC Publishing
and Licensing—
magazines,
books and
merchandise
Streaming—
all digital radio
services are
streamed online
Digital Radio—Double J, ABC Jazz,
ABC Country, ABC Grandstand,
triple j Unearthed, as well as ABC Extra,
a special events digital radio station
Video Entertainment and
Distribution—DVD and
digital distribution
Sales and
Business
Development—
format, digital
content, footage,
audio and stills
ABC—the ABC’s primary
television channel
ABC2—content for a younger adult
demographic between 7pm and 2am
running on the ABC’s second
free-to-air television channel
ABC4Kids—content for pre-schoolers
between 5am and 7pm, running
on the ABC’s second free-to-air
television channel
abc.net.au—content which can
be streamed or downloaded, plus
content uniquely designed for
broadband delivery
Mobile
services—a
range of apps
for smartphones
and tablets
4 ABC3—a dedicated
children’s channel
iview—An online
catch-up service
ABC Open—an initiative for Australians
in regional communities to produce and
publish photos, stories, videos, and
sound through the ABC
Digital Business
Development—
online and
mobile products
ABC Music and Events—
variety of music products
and live events
ABC News
24—national,
continuous news
television network
ABC NewsRadio—national,
continuous news radio network
ABC News
and Current
Affairs online—
in-depth
journalism
and analysis
Integrated International
Media Service—the converged
television, radio and online
services reach audiences across
Asia and the Pacific
ABC International Projects—assisting media
organisations in the region with strategic advice,
training, mentoring and technical support
About the ABC
5
71% 988
71%
(SEE PAGE 49)
weeknight 7pm
RETAILfor
OUTLETS
ABC
135services
News on ABC1
NUMBER OF ABC
RETAIL
OUTLETS
MILLION
9.4%
71
,900
84 498
ACTIVE USERS
a valuable service to the community
operated throughout Australia
via radio, television
and online
AUSTRALIANS
(SEE PAGE 26)
Snapshot of the ABC in 2013–14
five city weekly metropolitan reach
(SEE PAGE 55)
COMBINED (SEE
REACH
PAGE 245)
OF ABCPERCENTAGE
SERVICES OF
AUSTRALIANS
via radio, television and online
(SEEbelieve
PAGE the
42) ABC provides
who
(SEE PAGE 26)
AVERAGE
MILLION
(SEE PAGE 217)
Australian content broadcast in
OF ABC SERVICES
PERCENTAGE
prime-time on ABC OF
Television
%
AVERAGE
NATIONAL
AUDIENCE
across each ABC Radio network
and station every week
NUMBER OF HOURS
COMBINED REACH
OF FIRST-RELEASE
84
4.7
135
NUMBER OF ABC
HOURS
(SEE PAGE 26)
ABC
TELEVISION’S
(SEE PAGE 245)
COMBINED
REACH
AVERAGE
OF ABC SERVICES
% who believe the ABC provides
of the
ABC flagship app on
(SEE PAGE 26)
average each month
71
five-city weekly metropolitan reach
(SEE PAGE 39)
(SEE PAGE 33)
2.3
168
PERCENTAGE
OF MILLION
BROADCAST
PERCENTAGE OF
AUSTRALIANS
%
71
4.7
AUSTRALIANS who believe the ABC HOURS
AVERAGE
provides
COMBINED
REACH
%
84
PERCENTAGE
OF
ABC
REACH
OFMONTHLY
ABC
SERVICES
a valuableRADIO’S
service to the community
PERCENTAGE
OF
of ABCAUSTRALIANS
news and current affairs websites
AUSTRALIANS
AVERAGE
84
who believe
the ABC provides 135
PERCENTAGE135
OF
MILLION
%
five city71
weekly
reach
%metropolitan
AUSTRALIANSNUMBER OF ABC
NUMBER OF ABC
84
4.7
84
(SEE PAGE 26)
84
(SEE PAGE 217)
(SEE PAGE 26)
(SEE PAGE 26)
(SEE PAGE
57) believe the ABC provides
% who
(SEE PAGE 26)
COMBINED REACH
(SEE PAGE 49)
RETAIL OUTLETS
(SEE PAGE 26)
OF ABC SERVICES
168
(SEE PAGE 26)
%
PERCENTAGE OF
AUSTRALIANS
BROADCAST
who believe the ABC provides
HOURS
a valuable
168
71%
BROADCAST
(SEEacross
PAGE 26) each
RETAIL OUTLETS
71%,900
498
168
(SEE PAGE 245)
84
MILLION
(SEE PAGE 26)
(SEE PAGE 245)
4.7
84
168
168
9.4
%6
135
168
4.5
98.62
COMBINED REACH
4.7135
%
OF
ABC who
SERVICES
OF
%NUMBER
71
visited
ABC online each
week
NUMBER OF ABC
COMBINED
REACH
via radio,
television and online
71
8
MILLION
ABC RADIO’S
NUMBER OF
MILLION
AVERAGE
%
AVERAGE
NUMBER
LANGUAGES
BROADCAST
NUMBER
OF ABC
five
city weekly
metropolitan reach
ABC
TELEVISION’S
ABC RADIO’S
PERCENTAGE
that radio content was provided
HOURS
TOTAL
WEEKLY
AVERAGE
RETAIL
OUTLETS
OF USERSMILLION
the
Asia-Pacific region
OFtoAUSTRALIAN’S
regional reach
8
(SEE PAGE 49)
and
station every week
(SEE PAGE 245)
(SEE PAGE 39)
(SEE PAGE 217)
weekly
metropolitan reach
(SEE five
PAGEcity
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who can
access
digital
PAGE 49)
television(SEE
services
COMBINED REACH
LANGUAGES
RETAIL OUTLETS
that radio content
was
provided
OF ABC SERVICES
to the Asia-Pacific region
OF ABC
SERVICES
(SEE PAGE 26)
(SEE PAGE 29)
(SEE PAGE 77)
(SEE PAGE 26)
(SEE PAGE 245)
NUMBER
OF
MILLION
(SEE PAGE 26)
MILLION
COUNTRIES
AVERAGE
across Asia, theMILLION
Pacific and
NUMBER
OFOF
ABC
ABC
TELEVISION’S
%
NUMBER
HOURS
NATIONAL
NUMBER
OF
the
Indian sub-continent where
ABC
TELEVISION’S
RETAIL
OUTLETS
AVERAGE
NUMBER
OF ABC
OF
FIRST-RELEASE
AUDIENCE
ABC International television
COMBINED
REACH
LANGUAGES
ABC
RADIO’S
Australian
content
broadcast in
operated
throughout
Australia
for
weeknight
7pm
five-city
weekly
metropolitan
reach
ACTIVE
USERS
AVERAGE
services
are available
NUMBER
OF
that
radio
content
was
provided
RETAIL
OUTLETS
OF
ABC
SERVICES
prime-time
on
ABC
Television
News
on ABC1
4.7 ofAVERAGE
the
ABCAsia-Pacific
flagship appregion
on
five-city
weekly metropolitan reach
to the
45 1.2
9.4
135
135
9.4
988
71
(SEE PAGE 60)
8
498,900
PERCENTAGE
OF
ABC RADIO’S
COMBINED
REACH
AUSTRALIANS
AVERAGE
ACTIVE
USERS
OF
SERVICES
whoABC
believe
the
ABC provides
BROADCAST
MILLION
%
five city
weekly
of
the
ABC flagship
app
on metropolitan reach
ABC Radio network
(SEE PAGE 26)
8
HOURS
LANGUAGES
PERCENTAGE OF
135
135
%
ABC RADIO’S
71
NUMBER
OF
AUSTRALIANS
NUMBER
OF
NUMBER
OF
ABC
COMBINED
REACH
HOURS
NUMBER OF ABC
4.7 AVERAGE RETAIL OUTLETS
COMBINED REACH
LANGUAGES
84
LANGUAGES
OF ABC
SERVICES
RETAIL OUTLETS
OF ABC SERVICES
BROADCAST
ABC RADIO’S
NUMBER OF
168
HOURS
2.3
6
AVERAGE
1.5
MILLION
BROADCAST
168
NUMBER
OF
AVERAGE
AVERAGE NUMBER
ABC RADIO’S
across each ABC
Radio 4.5
network
4.5
BROADCAST
COUNTRIES
%
MILLION
98.62
ABC
RADIO’S
98.62
five
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metropolitan
reach
NUMBER
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NUMBER
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NET
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PERCENTAGE
OF
9.4
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HOURS ,
45
COUNTRIES
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4.7
ABC
TELEVISION’S
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ABC
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ABC
TELEVISION’S
%
9.4
and
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71
across
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and
PERCENTAGE
45
COUNTRIES
PERCENTAGE
LANGUAGES
NUMBER
OFOF ABC
ABC
TELEVISION’S
498
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,
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AUSTRALIANS
168
ABC
TELEVISION’S
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HOURS
TOTAL
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498
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NUMBER OF 4.7
NUMBER
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AVERAGE
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ABC
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AUSTRALIAN’S
OF
AUSTRALIAN’S
the
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ABC
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BROADCAST
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9.4
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ABC
45 COUNTRIES 4.7OFAVERAGE
45
NUMBER
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across each
ABC
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network
RETAIL
MILLION
,900
NUMBER
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ABCRADIO’S
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AVERAGE
4.7
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five city
weekly metropolitan
reach
498
HOURS
ABC
International
television
ABC TELEVISION’S
AVERAGE
LANGUAGES
LANGUAGES
and
station
every
week
ACTIVE USERS
AVERAGE
five-city weekly
metropolitan reach
8
(SEE PAGE 217)
(SEE PAGE 60)
(SEE PAGE 217)
MILLION
MILLION
of the ABC flagship app(SEE
on PAGE 33) ABC International television
services are available
average each month
(SEE PAGE 39)
(SEE PAGE 49)
(SEE PAGE 61)
(SEE PAGE 60)
MILLION
8
and
(SEE PAGE
33) station every week
to the Asia-Pacific
region
five-city weekly metropolitan
reach
(SEE PAGE 217)
(SEE PAGE(SEE217)
PAGE 60)
(SEE PAGE 39)
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98.62
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(SEE PAGE 65)
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average
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television
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(SEE PAGE 33)
(SEE PAGE 77)
was returned to programming
(SEE PAGE 65)
MILLION
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MILLION
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(SEE PAGE 49)
(SEE PAGE 61)
8
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who visited ABC online each week
(SEE PAGE
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(SEE PAGE 60)
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NUMBER
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AUSTRALIAN’S
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MILLION
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AVERAGE
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AUSTRALIAN’S
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AUSTRALIANS
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(SEE PAGE 77)
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(SEE PAGE 217)
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content broadcast
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AVERAGE
(SEE PAGE 65)
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About the ABC
MILLION
7
ABC services
London
Darwin
Beijing
Jerusalem
New Delhi
Nairobi
Tokyo
Washington
Katherine
Bangkok
Jakarta
Kununurra
Port Moresby
Auckland
Broome
Cairns
Mount Isa
Townsville
Karratha
Mackay
Rockhampton
Alice Springs
The ABC operates
from 60 locations
around Australia
and 11 overseas
bureaux
Gladstone
Longreach
Maroochydore
Geraldton
Brisbane
Toowoomba
Gold Coast
Kalgoorlie
Lismore
Perth
Coffs Harbour
Tamworth
Port Augusta
Bunbury
Wagin
Esperance
Albany
Broken Hill
Port Pirie
Port Lincoln
Sydney
Canberra
Horsham
Bendigo
Ballarat
Warrnambool
Wodonga
Wollongong
Nowra
Bega
Shepparton
Melboure
Morwell
Burnie
Newcastle
Erina
Orange
Wagga
Wagga
Adelaide
Port Macquarie
Muswellbrook
Dubbo
Mildura
Renmark
Mount Gambier
Key
Bundaberg
Sale
Launceston
Australian transmission
International bureaux and
news correspondents
8 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Hobart
About the ABC
9
Role and responsibilities of the Board
The role and responsibilities of the ABC Board derive from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983
(“ABC Act”). Section 8 of the ABC Act requires the Board to ensure the functions of the Corporation are
performed efficiently and with the maximum benefit to the people of Australia, while maintaining the ABC’s
independence and integrity. It is required to ensure that the gathering and presentation of news and information
is accurate and impartial according to the recognised standards of objective journalism; to develop codes of
practice relating to programming matters; ensure compliance with the ABC Act and other relevant legislation;
and to consider matters of Government policy relevant to the functions of the Corporation when requested to do
so by the Minister. The ABC Act also requires the Board to prepare corporate plans for the ABC and to notify the
Minister of any matters likely to cause significant deviation from those plans.
James Spigelman AC QC
Mark Scott AO
In addition, individual Directors are required to meet objective standards of care and good faith, as set out in the
Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
ABC Chairman
ABC Managing Director
BA (Hons) LLB, Hon. LLD
BA, DipEd, MA (Syd.), MPubAdmin (Harv)
Directors are required to observe the ABC Board Protocol, first adopted in September 2004, which sets out their
responsibilities and rights. They are required to provide a declaration of interests upon their appointment, which is
updated as necessary. At each meeting, Directors are asked if they wish to declare a material personal interest in
any items on the agenda. Induction processes are in place for new Board members and online training is available
through provision of the Directors’ Manual and Corporate Governance in Australia modules from CCH Australia
Limited. Other professional development for Directors is provided as required.
1 April 2012 – 31 March 2017
5 July 2006 – 4 July 2011;
5 July 2011 – 4 July 2016
The ABC Charter and Duties of the Board are set out in Appendix 1 (see page 196).
ABC
Strategic
Plan
ABC
Charter
Divisional
Business
Plans
ABC Executive
Individual
Performance
Plans
Implementation
of plans
ABC
Annual
Report
James Spigelman was the Chief Justice and
Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales from
1998 to 2011. Between 1980 and 1998 he practised
as a barrister in Sydney and was appointed QC in
1986. Between 1972 and 1976 he served as Senior
Adviser and Principal Private Secretary to the Prime
Minister of Australia and as Permanent Secretary of
the Commonwealth Government’s Department of
the Media. From 1976 to 1979 he was a member of
Australian Law Reform Commission.
Mr Spigelman has served on the Boards and as Chair
of a number of cultural and educational institutions
including: Chair of the National Library of Australia
between 2010 and 2012, Member of the Board of
the Australian Film Finance Corporation between
1988 and 1992 (Chairman between 1990 and 1992),
Member of the Board of the Art Gallery of New South
Wales between 1980 and 1988 (Deputy Chairman
between 1983 and 1988), and as President of the
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences between
1995 and 1998. In November 2012 he was appointed
a Director of the Board of the Lowy Institute for
International Policy. In 2013 he was appointed a
Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal
of Hong Kong.
Under Mark Scott’s leadership, the structure and
operation of the ABC has been transformed and the
ABC’s services and reach have been dramatically
expanded. The ABC has established a reputation as
Australia’s leading digital media innovator during this
time. He has also led a shift within the organisation
from a process-based culture to one that emphasises
the values of Respect, Integrity, Collegiality
and Innovation.
Before joining the ABC, Mr Scott served 12 years in a
variety of editorial and executive positions with Fairfax
Media, Editorial Director of the Fairfax newspaper and
magazine division and Editor‑in‑Chief of Metropolitan,
Regional and Community newspapers.
About the ABC
11
Steven Skala AO
Cheryl Bart AO
Jane Bennett
Vice Chairman,
Australia and New Zealand,
Deutsche Bank AG
Lawyer and
Company Director
Company Director
BA LLB (Hons) (Qld) BCL (Oxon)
6 October 2005 – 5 October
2010; 24 November 2010 –
23 November 2015
Steven Skala is Vice Chairman,
Australia and New Zealand, of
Deutsche Bank AG, Chairman
of Wilson HTM Investment
Group Limited, and Hexima
Limited. He is Vice President
of the Board of the Walter &
Eliza Hall Institute of Medical
Research, Deputy Chairman of
the General Sir John Monash
Foundation and a Director of the
Centre for Independent Studies.
Mr Skala serves as a Member of
the International Council of the
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
in New York. He is the former
Chairman of the Australian
Centre for Contemporary Art
and Film Australia Limited,
and a former Director of
The Australian Ballet.
BCom, LLB (UNSW), FAICD
3 June 2010 – 2 June 2015
Cheryl Bart is a
non-executive director of
Spark Infrastructure Ltd, South
Australian Power Networks
(formerly ETSA Utilities),
SG Fleet Ltd, Audio Pixel
Holdings Ltd, the Australian
Himalayan Foundation, the
Local Organising Committee
Australian Asian Cup 2015
Ltd and the FFA ( Football
Federation of Australia). She is
also a Patron of SportsConnect.
She is the immediate past
Chairman of ANZ Trustees
Ltd, the South Australian Film
Corporation, Adelaide Film
Festival, Foundation for Alcohol
Research and Education
(FARE), and the Environment
Protection Authority of
South Australia.
AdvCertAppSc (Dairy Tech),
FAICD
30 June 2011 –
29 June 2016
Jane Bennett is the former
Managing Director of Ashgrove
Cheese, a family owned and
run business in Tasmania.
Ms Bennett is the immediate
past chair of the Food Industry
Advisory Council in Tasmania
and is a Board Member of the
Brand Tasmania Council. Her
other directorships include
the Australian Farm Institute,
Tasmanian Ports Corporation,
and the CSIRO.
Dr Fiona Stanley
AC FAA FASSA
Simon Mordant AM
Matt Peacock
Investment Banker
Journalist, ABC
Patron and the founding
Director of the Telethon
Kids Institute (formerly
Telethon Institute for Child
Health Research)
FCA (UK), FCA (Australia)
Staff Elected Director
22 April 2013 –
21 April 2018
MSc (Lon.), MD (WA), Hon.
DSC (Murdoch), Hon DUniv
(QUT), HonMD (Syd.), Hon.
DUniv (Melb.), Hon. Dsc (ECU),
Hon, FRACGP, Hon. FRCPCH
(UK), FFPHM (UK), FAFPHM,
FRAQNZCOG, FASSA, FAA,
FRACP, FFCCH
30 June 2011 –
29 June 2016
Fiona Stanley is a Distinguished
Research Professor in the
School of Paediatrics and
Child Health at the University
of Western Australia, a
Vice‑Chancellor’s Fellow at
the University of Melbourne, and
Chair of the Alcohol Advertising
Review Board, an initiative
of the McCusker Centre for
Action on Alcohol and Youth.
Professor Stanley has more than
350 published papers, books
and book chapters.
8 November 2012 –
7 November 2017
Simon has been a practising
corporate adviser in Australia
since 1984. He is Chairman
of the Board of the Museum
of Contemporary Art
Australia. Simon is Australian
Commissioner for the 2015
Venice Biennale, a member
of the Leadership Council
of the New Museum in New
York and a member of the
International Council of The
Museum of Modern Art in
New York, a member of the
Executive Committee of the Tate
International Council, a Director
of Opera Australia and the
Garvan Research Foundation,
a member of the Wharton
Executive Board for Asia and a
member of the Italian Advisory
Board for Venetian Heritage.
Matt is a senior journalist with
the ABC’s 7.30 program, having
formerly been ABC Radio’s
chief political correspondent
and reporter in New York,
Washington and London.
He is Adjunct Professor of
Journalism with Sydney’s
University of Technology
(UTS) and has authored
the book Killer Company
(HarperCollins, 2009), a
history of Australia’s largest
asbestos manufacturer, James
Hardie which inspired the
ABC Television miniseries,
Devil’s Dust.
Retiring Director
Professor Julianne Schultz AM
Academic, Editor and Company Director
Full details of the experience, past appointments and achievements of each of the members of the
ABC Board is available at http://about.abc.net.au/who-we-are/the-abc-board/
BA (Qld), PhD (Syd.), GradCertMgmt (AGSM) FAHA
27 March 2009 – 26 March 2014
About the ABC
13
As Australia’s primary national broadcaster, the ABC
is a significant component of the nation’s social
infrastructure. It has a responsibility, enshrined in its
Charter, to provide media services that are accessible
by all Australians and to tell the stories of the nation
and its people. The ABC does this many times every
hour of every day, through its comprehensive suite of
programs and services across its Local and National
radio networks, its television services, and on digital
and social media platforms. The ABC, on its wide
range of platforms, constitutes a shared public space
for telling Australian stories at a time when such
shared public spaces are becoming harder to find.
Breaking stories
Providing independent news and information for all
Australians is central to the ABC’s role as a national
public broadcaster. Throughout 2013–14, the
Corporation delivered high-quality, trustworthy news
and current affairs across radio, television and online,
including comprehensive news coverage on ABC
News 24. With additional funding of $59.4 million over
three years granted in the 2013–14 budget, as well
as $10 million received in 2012–13, the Corporation
enhanced its newsgathering capabilities, particularly
in outer-metropolitan and regional Australia.
Underlying this role is a strong commitment to
impactful, original journalism. During the year, the
ABC’s extensive network of journalists around
the country and the world broke hundreds of
stories, ranging from matters of local significance
to important national events. The Corporation’s
Geelong bureau delivered sustained coverage of
the economic and social consequences of the
announced closures of the key industrial foundations
of Victoria’s second city, including Ford and Alcoa.
In Darwin, the ABC revealed tensions within the
Northern Territory Government over election
promises to bush electorates and followed the story
as three Indigenous members resigned, putting the
Government at risk of governing in minority.
An investigation by the ABC’s National Reporting
Team highlighting failures of the residential
care system led to an inquiry by the Victorian
Commissioner for Children and Young People into
the abuse of vulnerable wards of the state.
In 2013–14, Four Corners continued its fearless
investigative journalism. Among its many
investigations, Four Corners followed the trail of
the people smugglers responsible for the deaths of
72 asylum seekers, mostly from Lebanon, when their
boat capsized in September 2013. The international
significance of this story was highlighted when the
14 ABC licensed the program to Tele Liban for broadcast
in Southern Lebanon. Foreign Correspondent offered
a comprehensive analysis of the plight of jailed
Australian journalist Peter Greste, gaining the trust of
his family members and key players in the wider story
of a struggle between Egyptian authorities and his
employer, the broadcaster Al Jazeera.
Stories that only the ABC tells
Alongside its independent news coverage, the
Corporation contributes to the diversity of Australia’s
media through the unique range of the subjects and
perspectives that its programming offers. Each year,
there are numerous programs that only the ABC
would make, and stories that only it would tell.
During 2013–14, the Corporation delivered an array
of programs reflecting the diverse experiences of
contemporary Australians. It was proud to bring
the stories of contemporary Indigenous life to a
broad audience through the second series of the
prime‑time Indigenous television drama, Redfern
Now. Through the annual Heywire initiative, it
collected and broadcast the experiences of regional
youth on triple j and Local Radio. The documentary
Suicide and Me presented the contemporary issue of
youth suicide. The ABC extensively covered the Royal
Australian Navy International Fleet Review, which
celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first entry of
the fleet into Sydney Harbour, including live coverage
of the arrival of the ships on ABC News 24 and a live
broadcast of the final fireworks display on ABC1.
A wide range of ABC programs explored Australian
history and culture. The three-part television series
The Art of Australia, hosted by Edmund Capon,
explored how art and artists helped to shape
Australia’s national identity, while the documentary
First Footprints traced the history of the Australian
continent from the arrival of the first Australians
50 000 years ago. In June, as part of the ABC’s
commemoration of the Centenary of the First World
War, RN hosted World World War One: Memory,
Perception and 10 Contested Questions, an
extended examination of ten critical and contentious
questions about the Great War that drew on the
insight of historians, writers and thinkers from around
the globe. ABC Open and RN partnered with the
National Museum of Australia on a year-long project,
Object Stories, in which the public is contributing
to a “virtual museum” of Australian objects and the
stories associated with them. In Keating, a candid
four-part interview series with Kerry O’Brien, former
Prime Minister Paul Keating revealed the forces that
shaped his ambitions and some of the inside stories
of Australian political history.
The ABC delivered comprehensive coverage of the
2013 Federal Election campaign, broadcasting more
than 460 interviews, 129 panel discussions and
112 press conferences throughout the campaign.
ABC Local Radio stations conducted 94 debates,
panels, forums, outside broadcasts and other “meet
the candidates” events to make political dialogue
local and accessible to listeners. The Corporation
also introduced Vote Compass, an online survey of
voter attitudes that attracted more than 1.4 million
responses over the course of the campaign. Vote
Compass was the largest survey of its kind ever
undertaken in Australia and provided rich insights
into issues that shaped the Election.
Throughout the year, the Corporation used the ABC
Extra “pop up” radio station on digital radio and
online to mark special events and anniversaries,
including ANZAC Day, the Lunar New Year, NAIDOC
and Reconciliation Weeks, TEDx Sydney and
commemorations of the 10th anniversary of the death
Slim Dusty and the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’
1964 concert tour of Australia.
During the year, the ABC updated its industry‑leading
catch-up television service, iview, to improve the
audience experience. The popularity of iview
continues to grow and the Corporation welcomed
the allocation of an additional of $30 million over
three years to support digital content delivery that it
received in the 2013–14 budget.
In April, the ABC relaunched Dig Radio as Double J,
a new service targeting over-30 audiences with a
full suite of programs and presenters. Double J is
available through digital radio, online streaming and
the ABC Radio mobile app.
The ABC continued to encourage and promote
Australian music across its radio networks. triple j
Unearthed, which creates exposure and airplay
opportunities for unsigned Australian musicians,
launched an enriched version of its website during
the year, while the ABC Local Radio, ABC Open
and ABC Television collaborated on Exhumed, a
nationwide competition for unsigned and unrecorded
amateur musicians over 30 years old. In November,
Classic FM and triple j celebrated the diversity and
richness of Australian music through Australian
Music Month.
2014–15 Budget
The Board was disappointed that, contrary to
pre‑election statements made by the Prime
Minister, the 2014–15 Budget, handed down in
May, included a 1% reduction in the Corporation’s
base funding. The Minister for Communications,
the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, described this cut
as a “down payment” on future funding reductions.
In addition, the Government announced it would
terminate the contract between the ABC and the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for
the operation of the Australia Network Service.
Together, the announced cuts will amount to a
budget reduction of $120 million over the next
four years. The ABC has commenced a detailed
program of work to examine the best way of
meeting these and anticipated further funding
cuts, including a fundamental re-organisation of its
international service.
In the early months of 2014, the Corporation
participated in an Efficiency Study of the public
broadcasters conducted by the Department of
Communications. The draft report of that study
suggested areas of the ABC’s activities that might
yield efficiency savings. At the request of the Minister,
the Corporation is considering those suggestions
within its wider response to reduced funding.
The Board is satisfied that the ABC provides value
for money to the Australian community. The full
suite of services—radio, television and digital, both
domestic and international—costs roughly $120 per
household per year. This compares to a cost of $300
per household for the basic pay-TV package—even
after that was cut in half just before this Report went
to press—2.5 times more.
International broadcasting
2013–14 was a year of significant achievement and
profound disappointment for the ABC’s International
broadcasting activities. The disappointment was the
decision to terminate the Agreement between the
ABC and DFAT, entitled Funding Agreement for the
Provision of an Integrated Multiplatform International
Media Service. Unlike the previous agreement
that operated between 2006 and 2012, and unlike
the public tender of 2011, this Agreement did not
provide funding restricted to a television service. The
DFAT funding was for an Australia Network Service,
extending across television, radio and digital services.
This was a fundamental change.
About the ABC
15
During the year, the Corporation had reorganised
its previously separate international media
activities into a converged service to better meet
the needs of audiences in Asia and the Pacific
and to implement the letter and spirit of the new
Agreement. It expanded its digital offerings, launching
market‑facing and in-language websites and mobile
applications. It also realised a number of partnerships
with regional media organisations, including signing
a major agreement to extend collaboration with the
Shanghai Media Group. The new agreement will
enable higher-value international co-productions and
cooperation in drama and children’s production, as
well as paving the way for the ABC to establish a
business presence in Shanghai and to connect to
China on digital platforms.
Through syndication agreements, the ABC expanded
the potential reach of ABC international programming
across target markets, including a month of
programming to a potential audience of 100 million
people via the free-to-air television networks of
Indonesia’s largest media company, MNC. Further,
the Corporation filmed episodes of Q&A in Jakarta,
Delhi and Shanghai that discussed attitudes and
relations between Australia and the three host
countries; the episodes were broadcast into the
Region and domestically.
Against this background of successful
implementation of the new form of agreement, the
Board believes that termination of the Australia
Network Service contract was short-sighted. The
transmission of programs to countries outside
Australia, to both expatriate and local audiences, is an
important element of the ABC’s Charter obligations.
It actively promotes understanding and awareness of
the Australian nation among its neighbours, as well
as keeping Australian families living overseas in touch
with home. The Corporation remains committed to
offering the best possible service that it can afford
to international audiences and is examining the most
effective configuration of its international activities to
do so within available funding.
A particularly disappointing aspect of the termination
of the Agreement was the failure to consult with
the ABC about the costs of doing so. Under the
Agreement DFAT was obliged to pay those costs,
subject to receiving an appropriation for that purpose.
The 2014–15 Budget made an appropriation for
continuation of the Service until the expiry of the
required notice and for the costs of terminating
third party contracts, including staff redundancies.
The amount appropriated was fixed without any
consultation with the ABC. It was several million dollars
less than the amount required. The difference, which
will be determined when the redundancy process is
complete, represents a further cut.
ABC Board
ABC Advisory Council
Managing Director
Mark Scott
Director Radio
Kate Dundas
Director Television
Richard Finlayson
Director Audience
and Marketing
Leisa Bacon
Director Corporate
Strategy and Planning
David Anderson
Director Innovation
Angela Clark
Director News
Kate Torney
Director
Corporate Affairs
Michael Millett
Director Legal and
Business Affairs
Rob Simpson
CEO ABC International
Lynley Marshall
Director ABC
Commercial
Robert Patterson
Director People
Samantha Liston
Chief Operating
Officer
David Pendleton
Head Editorial
Policies
Alan Sunderland
Director Technology
Ken Gallacher
Board Directors
Dr Julianne Schultz AM was appointed a Director
for a five-year term that expired on 26 March 2014.
The Board would like to thank Dr Schultz for her
contribution during her term as a Director. At the end
of the reporting period, the vacancy created by her
departure had yet to be filled.
The Board has throughout the year maintained an
active oversight role across ABC operations and
accountabilities to ensure the Corporation performs
efficiently and with maximum benefit to the people of
Australia, as required under section 8 of the ABC Act.
State / Territory Directors
ACT—Elizabeth McGrath
NSW—Peter Longman
NT—Christopher Smyth
Qld—Mark Bowling
Director
Communications
Network
Adrian Potter
SA—Drew Radford (a)
Tas—Andrew Fisher (a)
Vic—Randal Mathieson
WA—Mark Yates (a)
“Each year, there are
numerous programs that
only the ABC would make,
and stories that only it
would tell.”
Head Audience and
Consumer Affairs
Kirsten McLiesh
WHS Project Manager
Linda Taylor
Director ABC
Resources
David Cruttenden
Director Business
Services
Brian Jackson
Organisational structure as at 30 June 2014
Mambers of the ABC Executive
Head Group Audit
Alison Hamill
James Spigelman
ABC Chairman
About the ABC
17
ABC Executive
Management of the ABC is the responsibility of a team of
Executive Directors. Reporting to the Managing Director, this
team convenes regularly and manages and coordinates its
decision-making through a number of strategic leadership groups.
Angela Clark
Lynley Marshall
Robert Patterson
Director of Innovation
Chief Executive Officer of
ABC International
Director of ABC Commercial
BA (Oxf)
Richard Finlayson
Kate Dundas
Kate Torney
Director of Television
Director of Radio
Director of News
GradDipComms
BA (Comms) (CSU)
BA (MediaSt) (RMIT)
Richard Finlayson joined the ABC
as Director of Television in 2013.
He has worked in media since
1985, beginning his career as a
print journalist in regional NSW.
He has built and sold his own
successful media and television
production business, and worked
for some years in subscription
television. In 2009, he became
Chief Operating Officer at
the SBS. In his time at SBS
Richard significantly increased
commercial revenue, led its
growing subscription television
business, and spearheaded
the network’s expansion onto
emerging digital platforms.
Kate Dundas was appointed
Director of Radio in March
2009. Previously Kate held
numerous senior roles in
ABC Radio including Head of
National Networks and General
Manager Metropolitan Local
Radio. In addition to her ABC
career, Kate has worked in
public and communications
policy areas in both state and
federal governments and
held two senior management
roles in the New South Wales
Premier’s Department.
Kate Torney was appointed
Director of News in 2009. In her
tenure she has led a number
of significant change in the
News Division spearheading
the changes to Newsgathering
operations, the expansion of
online and mobile news services,
and the launch of cross platform
reporting teams. Previously,
Kate was Head of the Asia
Pacific News Centre and she has
worked as a radio and television
reporter, producer, bureau
chief, executive producer and
editor. She was instrumental in
establishing programs including
Insiders, Offsiders, Inside
Business, Newshour and ABC
News Breakfast.
Angela Clark joined the ABC as
Director of Innovation in March
2012. Angela started her career
as an investment analyst before
joining JCDecaux Australia as
Managing Director and launching
the company’s operations across
four states. In 2003, Angela
joined Macquarie Radio Network
as CEO. After five years heading
up Macquarie Radio Angela
left to pursue entrepreneurial
opportunities, founding a number
of digital media start-ups.
MBA (Executive) (Auck)
Lynley Marshall was appointed
CEO, ABC International in
June 2012. She is responsible
for the delivery of the ABC’s
multiplatform international media
service. Prior to this, Lynley
held the role of Director of ABC
Commercial and also served as
Director of New Media and Digital
Services, responsible for the
integrated delivery of the ABC’s
digital content. Before joining
the ABC, Lynley held a number
of executive positions in radio,
television and new media in
New Zealand.
BA (UNSW), GradDip(Mktg)
(Macq.)
Robert Patterson was appointed
in December 2012. He has an
extensive background in music
content creation, distribution and
marketing. After joining the ABC
in 1994 as a Product Manager
for ABC Classics, he went on
to manage and successfully
grow the ABC Classics music
business. In 2006, he took on
the management of all the ABC
music businesses and oversaw
the growth of the Contemporary
and Kids music labels. In his
previous role, Robert was the
General Manager for ABC
Commercial’s Events, Publishing
and Music businesses.
About the ABC
19
ABC Executive
David Pendleton
Samantha Liston
David Anderson
Michael Millett
Leisa Bacon
Rob Simpson
Chief Operating Officer
Director of People
and Learning
Director of Corporate Strategy
and Planning
Director of Corporate Affairs
Director of Audience
and Marketing
Director of Legal and
Business Affairs
BEcon (UNSW)
David Anderson was appointed
Director of Strategy and
Planning in June 2014. He has
worked within the ABC for
more than 25 years. Over the
last 14 years, David has held
senior production-related roles
in Television, including Manager
Technical Production, National
Manager of Television Production
and Deputy Head of Television
Business and Operations. In
2011, he was appointed Head
of Television Business and
Operations; during that time, he
acted as the Director of Television
for six months. David sits on the
Board of Screenrights.
BBus (QUT) MBus (QUT) Exec
Ed LCOR (Harvard)
BA, LLB (Hons) (Syd.)
B Bus(Acc) (UTS), SF Fin, FCPA
David Pendleton is the ABC’s
Chief Operating Officer (COO).
He is a Director and was the
inaugural Chairman of MediaHub
Australia. He joined the ABC
as General Manager of Group
Audit in 1996, becoming
General Manager of Financial
Operations and Accounting,
and later Head of Finance.
In 2002, he was appointed
Director of Finance and Support
Services, and became COO in
2004. Before joining the ABC,
David held senior management
positions in the New South Wales
public sector.
20 Samantha Liston joined the
ABC as Director People and
Learning in March 2013. Sam has
extensive experience in human
resources and employee relations
roles in the media sector. Prior to
joining the ABC she was Group
General Manager of Human
Resources at Seven West
Media and has also worked in
human resources and employee
relations roles at Fairfax and
News Limited.
Michael Millett was appointed
Director of Communications in
February 2009. Prior to joining
the ABC, Michael has had a
long career in print journalism.
For the previous two years he
was deputy editor of the Sydney
Morning Herald. In a 20-year stint
with the Herald, Michael served
as a political correspondent,
Canberra bureau chief, North
Asia correspondent based
in Tokyo, senior writer and
news editor.
Leisa Bacon was appointed as
Director Audience and Marketing
in March 2014. Leisa has over
20 years of marketing experience
in entertainment and consumer
goods businesses from
Coca‑Cola to Village Roadshow
Entertainment. Before joining
the ABC, Leisa was Marketing
Director at the Queensland
Performing Arts Centre (QPAC),
leading marketing, digital and
partnerships for new events.
Rob Simpson joined the ABC as
Director of Legal in August 2007.
Prior to that he was a partner
at law firms Gilbert + Tobin and
Baker & McKenzie. He has also
had extensive experience as a
corporate lawyer and member
of management teams, including
as the first General Counsel
of Optus.
21
About the ABC
The year ahead
During the next twelve months, the ABC will have to meet a number of
significant challenges due both to budgetary matters and the nature and pace
of change within the digital age.
There are some conditions—such as escalating
business costs, fragmentation of audiences and
flourishing global competition—that are common
to all Australian media organisations, commercial
and public. The pace of change in a digital media
environment is accelerated. This increasingly affects
patterns of media use and audience behaviour
to which, once more, every media enterprise
must respond.
Other conditions, such as the scale and nature of
changes to ABC funding, are unique.
The ABC’s funding was first reduced in the May 2014
Federal Budget. As indicated by Government at the
time, further reductions will follow.
The Government has not yet indicated either
the extent or the duration of the second
funding reduction it intends for the ABC. It has
indicated it believes this cut should be funded by
efficiency savings.
The ABC is at a point in a very disruptive digital
environment, when media organisations most need
agility, flexibility and quick responses to the changes
happening all around us. The absence of critical
information regarding the extent of the ABC’s funding
has considerably compromised the Corporation’s
capacity to plan for the future.
Previously, the ABC has applied existing funds to
existing services and funds for new services were
found through productivity and efficiency reforms.
Innovations created with efficiency savings—such as
the popular and highly valued services iview and ABC
News 24—have been part of a uniquely successful
digital strategy to ensure the ABC remains relevant to
Australian audiences.
22 Innovation, as demanded by the ABC’s Charter, has
been key to the Corporation’s unique success with
digital media. It is an achievement that Australia’s
commercial media organisations have been unable to
emulate. The ABC must now, with no further access
to funds found through efficiency gains, find funds to
allow it to invest in innovation, keeping up with rapidly
evolving audience needs and interests.
Rising costs within the media industry will add to
the magnitude of the ABC’s challenges this year.
Like other Australian media organisations, the ABC
faces continually increasing essential costs such
as electricity, insurance, television production and
acquired programs.
The ABC’s strategic
direction in 2013–14
was guided by the
ABC Strategic Plan
2013–16.
Strategic
Plan 2013
–16
A clear dire
ction for the
The Plan is framed around the following six strategic goals:
Being audience
focused
To provide a range of media experiences to meet the needs and
expectations of diverse audiences.
Being high quality
To consistently deliver content which reflects the ABC’s commitment to
quality, independence and high editorial standards.
Being innovative
To pursue new ideas, opportunities and partnerships, and grow our
capabilities for the future.
ABC audiences in online and mobile have, over the
course of the year, continued to grow. In the year
ahead, the ABC will realign internal investments to
reflect this audience growth.
Being values based
To demonstrate ABC Values in every aspect of our work.
Being efficient
To maximise the efficient and effective use of resources.
Such a fundamental transformation of the
organisation will result in a period of some dislocation
and uncertainty. The ABC, its audiences and its staff
would benefit from having greater clarity around the
extent of the reductions the Government plans to
make to its budget and the security of knowing what
its operating revenue is.
Being responsible
To be visible and active in the community, setting high standards
of social, environmental and regulatory responsibility.
We believe the ABC can meet this range of
challenges only through significant rethinking of the
organisation’s present business model. A shift—
from disparate platform strategies to an integrated
content strategy—will enable the ABC to better reflect
audience interests, behaviour and demands in an era
of abundant media choices.
However, we are confident that after this period of
considerable challenge and change, the ABC will
emerge renewed and, with a stronger audience
focus, better able to meet the growing needs of the
Australian public in the digital era.
ABC
The ABC’s performance against these goals is reported at page 118.
Reporting the ABC’s performance
The ABC strives to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of its operations. The Board and the
Executive set those standards in the ABC’s Values, its Strategic Plan and in its divisional business planning;
Government sets them when funding is granted; and most significantly, audiences set them every time they
turn to the ABC to be informed, engaged or entertained. The remainder of this report demonstrates the
ABC’s performance on all of those levels.
About the ABC
23
2
24 The ABC shares stories from Australians like Maddie,
connecting communities and contributing to our
national identity.
AUDIENCE
EXPERIENCES
As an audience-focussed media organisation, the
ABC is constantly evolving to ensure the benefits of
a multi-platform public broadcaster are available to
all Australians.
Contents:
Audience trends
26
Online and mobile
29
Television38
Radio48
53
60
65
Australians value content that recognises and reinforces Australian
identity, character and cultural diversity. The ABC delivers content that
reflects local and national perspectives, and provides opportunities for
audiences to participate in the national conversation. ABC initiatives
like Heywire give regional youth a voice, and invite them to share
thoughts, ideas and opinions with their peers across the country.
First day on the job by ABC Open contributor, David Williams. Hunter, NSW.
Audience Experiences
25
Audience trends
The ABC’s combined national weekly audience reach across television,
radio and online was estimated to be 71% in 2014. This is similar to the
ABC’s reach in 2013, which was 73%.1
Community satisfaction
The respondents were asked about their views on the
quality of ABC Television, ABC Radio and ABC Online.
Consistent with previous surveys, most Australians
(78%) remain of the view that ABC Television provides
good quality programming, and about two-thirds feel
it does a ‘good job’ in terms of the number of shows it
provides that they personally like to watch. In contrast,
43% describe the quality of commercial television
as ‘good’.
The annual Newspoll ABC Appreciation Survey2
provides insights into community perceptions and
beliefs about the value of the ABC’s contribution to
Australian society. The 2014 survey was conducted
nationally, by telephone, among a random sample
of 1 902 respondents aged 14 years and over. The
ABC Appreciation Survey has been conducted using
the same methodology since its inception in 1998.
Overall for ABC Radio, 61% of Australians believe
the quality of programming on ABC Radio is ‘good’
compared to 64% in 2012–13. Positive sentiment
about ABC Radio has increased again among 35
to 49 year-olds after a dip in 2012–13. Conversely,
positive sentiment has dropped among people aged
50 years and over. This follows a brief respite in 2013
from a general downward trend among this age group
in recent years.
Overall community sentiment remains unchanged
compared with 2012–13. A large majority of
Australians (84%) believe the ABC performs a
valuable role. A large majority also believe it provides
quality content, and is doing a good job satisfying
its Charter obligations.
1.Newspoll, ABC Awareness and Usage Survey, June 2013 and 2014,
in combination with ratings data, people aged 18 years and over.
2.Newspoll, ABC Appreciation Survey, June 2014, national random sample
(n=1 902) conducted by telephone, people aged 14 years and over.
Overall value of the ABC
89
88
88
87
86
Very Valuable
85
84%
84
80%
60%
50
47
50
47
47
45
47
47
40%
20%
0%
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Based on a total sample aged 14 years and over.
“Don’t Know” or “Poor” responses are not displayed.
Source: Newspoll, ABC Appreciation Survey 2014.
26 The vast majority of ABC Online users (90%) believe
the quality of content is ‘good’, up from 86% last
year, with an increasing number (37% this year) rating
the quality as ‘very good’. Nine-in-ten users also feel
that ABC Online does a ‘good job’ on the amount of
content it provides, with 41% describing it as ‘very
good’. There is no significant change compared
with last year.
Community perceptions about the coverage of
regional news and information remain far more
favourable for the ABC than for commercial media
both among people in capital cities and people
residing in country or regional areas. 80% of
Australians believe that the ABC does a ‘good job’
covering country and regional issues compared with
46% for commercial media.
Frequent users of ABC Online are more enthusiastic
in their rating of the site, and female users are a little
more likely than male users to rate the site as ‘very
good’ on both the volume and quality of content.
Independent research from Newspoll provides an overview
of community attitudes and opinions about the ABC.
Total Valuable
89
The ABC Appreciation Survey explores public
perceptions about the ABC’s performance in relation
to specific aspects of the Corporation’s Charter. The
majority of Australians remain of the view that the
ABC is doing a ‘good job’ fulfilling its various Charter
obligations. This is similar to last year; however there
have been some subtle shifts in perceptions over time.
Slightly fewer now believe the ABC does a ‘good job’
in certain areas including broadcasting programs that
are different from commercial television or radio, and
having a good balance between wide appeal and
special interest programs. These shifts reflect the
continuing fragmentation of media, offering audiences
an ever increasing range of content from which
to choose.
ABC Online: Quality of content
100%
Approximately half (51%) of the population
believes that commercial radio offers good quality
programming, equal to the previous year. There
continues to be a greater similarity in Australians’
overall perceptions about the quality of ABC and
commercial radio than in their perceptions about
the quality of ABC and commercial television.
This reflects the more fragmented and niche radio
market, where audiences have a very wide choice
of stations to listen to.
2014
of
Australians believe
the ABC provides
a valuable service
to the community
100%
91
88
Total Good
91
89
89
89
86
Very Good
90
80%
60%
40%
28
32
30
33
36
34
34
37
20%
0%
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
90
% of
ABC Online users
believe the quality
of content on
abc.net.au
is good
2014
Based on a total sample aged 14 years and over who ever visit the website.
Does not include “Don’t Know” or “Poor” responses.
27
Audience trends
Online and mobile
More
Australians
Commercial Radio
80%
60%
40%
22
20%
0%
7
-20%
8
2
9
64
23
21
21
2
69
69
65
64
2
10
22
3
64
61
9
25
22
3
8
61
2
11
21
3
54
53
12
11
3
12
53
13
12
33
33
53
15
13
12
13
31
-40%
55
52
51
15
12
15
13
11
13
30
34
51
30
14
16
34
35
-60%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
believe the
quality of
ABC Radio
programming
is good
compared to
commercial radio
Total Good
Very Good
Total Poor
Very Poor
Based on a total sample aged 14 years and over. “Don’t Know” responses are not displayed.
ABC Television
80%
82
81
82
81
79
Commercial Television
78
78
40%
20%
0%
-20%
26
25
24
24
27
27
26
26
9
9
3
10
2
2
10
9
2
9
1
2
10
3
11
6
21
9
6
22
18
-40%
57
-60%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
58
51
44
42
37
37
6
2
78%
78
60%
52
49
49
44
9
8
17
The ABC reached an average of 3.8 million online
users a month.4 There was an average of six million
domestic and international visitors each week to
the ABC’s online properties, up 29% on 2012–13.5
Visits in 2013–14 were up 36% on 2012–13 to an
average 13.5 million per week.6
3.Nielsen Australian Connected Consumer Report February 2014.
4.Nielsen Online Ratings, Hybrid, Australia, People aged 2 years and over.
5.Webtrends Data July 2012 – June 2014.
7.Webtrends Data July 2012 – June 2014. 2012–13 desktop only visitors;
2013–14 desktop and mobile visitors (except 1st–14th July desktop only).
ABC Television: Quality of programming
100%
Australians today are more connected than ever
before. Almost half of Australian households own four
or more internet enabled devices and Australians
spend on average a full day every week online; more
than 3.5 times longer than they did ten years ago.3
The ABC is responding to this shift by developing
strategies which prioritise investment in online and
mobile delivery of content and services.
14
42
43
7
16
45
6
17
48
20
52
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Based on a total sample aged 14 years and over. “Don’t Know” responses are not displayed.
Total Good
Very Good
Total Poor
Very Poor
of Australians
believe the quality
of programming
on ABC Television
is good
ABC Online
The ABC’s news and current affairs websites are a
primary driver of online traffic. Information about the
ABC’s news online services is at page 57.
abc.net.au
In 2013, the ABC released a mobile-optimised version
of the ABC homepage, as audiences continue to
turn to their mobile devices for regular news and
information. The average number of visitors to the
ABC homepage each week has grown from 324 000
to 385 000, with most new visitors accessing the page
on a mobile device.7
Additional enhancements to the homepage included
the addition of an electronic program guide (EPG),
social media links and guest hosts.
ABC Online: Weekly visitors and visits
“Visitors” measures the number of unique browsers (not individual people)
which have accessed ABC Online, identified by cookies. “Visits” measures
the number of sessions on ABC Online.
8
Visitors
16
14
6
12
5
10
4
8
3
6
2
13.5 million
visits and
6 million
visitors
4
1
0
Each week ABC
Online averaged
18
Visits
7
Visitors (millions)
ABC Radio
100%
More Australians are online than ever before and looking for new ways
to connect with ABC content that allows them to share and contribute
their stories.
Visits (millions)
ABC Radio: Quality of programming
2
July 2013
June 2014
0
Source: Webtrends
29
Online and mobile
plays per month of children’s
content on iview
In early 2014, the ABC launched ABC ID, a system
designed to streamline user login access to a range
of ABC properties, including websites and mobile
applications. The service enables the ABC to
recognise an individual audience member across ABC
online services and on multiple devices, in order to
deliver a more personalised and relevant experience.
The system went live on the iview website in March
2014 after a pilot period on ABC Splash. It will
gradually replace the existing ABC Communities login
on other sites during 2014–15.
Children’s content
In 2013–14, online viewing of children’s content
increased. There were 14 million online plays of
children’s episodes on average per month, up from
10 million in 2012–13. This increase is due primarily
82%
of ABC4Kids content
on iview was viewed
via a mobile device
13.5 million
In 2013–14, ABC Radio reached an average of
1.1 million users every month. Local Radio had
the highest domestic and international visitors
each week (454 000 visitors), followed by triple j
(299 000 visitors). The ABC Local Radio network is
accompanied by websites covering 53 regions, each
of which delivers local news, sport and weather as
well as special feature stories that explore the events,
people and places that make each region unique.
Launched in July 2013, RAWR celebrates young media
creators by providing a platform and showcase for
their work. The site registered over 200 000 views of
‘kid made’ films and has generated over 20 minutes
of content for on-air broadcast. Growth is expected
to continue in the next financial year, with a series of
themed challenges, partnerships and activity drivers.
to the growth in children’s viewing via iview, which
accounts for an average of 11 million plays per month
(up from 7 million in 2012–13). Conversely, online plays
via ABC children’s websites have decreased by 13%
from 2012–13.
The top ABC4Kids programs viewed online
included Peppa Pig, Play School and Ben & Holly’s
Little Kingdom.
ABC listeners downloaded 71 million podcasts in
2013–14, up from 66 million in 2012–13. Radio National
were the top podcast producers with 27.1 million
downloads, with the remainder of content derived
from local and national radio network programs and
news podcasts.
The library of games for older children expanded
further in 2013–14 with over 20 game acquisitions.
The launch of two landmark games, Peleda and
Nowhere Boys, have driven significant traffic to the
ABC3 website.
In order to meet audiences for children’s content where
they are, the ABC is working on large scale mobile
initiatives to create a highly engaging, integrated and
scalable ecosystem serving digital content across a
range of mobile touch points. The launch of ABC4Kids
mobile website in April 2014 had immediate impact,
with a 31% increase in site visits to June 2014.8
Radio player
The ABC released a new Radio Player in beta for testing
and feedback across a number of ABC Radio sites.
After the testing phase, all live and on-demand audio
players across ABC Radio will be replaced with a single
player that works on mobiles, tablets and PCs.
The Dance Academy Series 3 website attracted over
350 000 visits and encouraged engagement through
UGC activities, fan interaction and social engagement
via Facebook. There were over one million views of
Dance Academy episodes across ABC3 Watch Now
and iview and over 150 000 views of short-form video
content in ABC3 Watch Now.9
8.Webtrends Data 2014.
Play School
Entertaining Australian children
Since 1966, Australian children have been educated
and entertained by the much-loved Play School.
Almost 50 years later, Play School still speaks to
children and in 2013–14, children’s content continued
to experience the most rapid growth on new platforms
compared with other content.
The ABC is developing new ways of interacting with
familiar brands. Following the success of the Play
School Artmaker App, the Play School PlayTime
App was launched in September 2013. The new,
time-based app for iOS mobile devices consistently
appeared in the top five apps within the iTunes Kids
and Education categories, with 299 000 users and
more than 16 million total sessions. The application
achieved international recognition with Apple’s Best of
2013 and two AIMIA Awards for Best of Education—
iPad and Best of iPad—Overall.
30 ABC Radio websites
In 2013–14, ABC3 Online had a monthly average of
605 000 visitors, a decrease of 11% from the 2012–13
average of 678 000. The decline is attributed to the
audiences increasingly accessing content via apps on
mobile and tablet devices. The top ABC3 programs
viewed online include Camp Lakebottom, Dance
Academy, a gURL’s World and Life With Boys.
visits on average to ABC Online
each week
ABC Radio websites: Monthly audience reach
“Reach” measures the total number of people who have
visited an ABC Radio website over a specified timeframe.
1 600
1 400
ABC Radio Online
reached an average of
1 200
Audience (thousands)
11 million
1.1 million
1 000
800
600
users each month
400
200
0
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Source: Niesen Online Ratings – Hybrid, Australia, People aged 2 years and over
Note: from March 2014 Nielsen increased its estimate of the number of
Australians going online each month and there has been a concomitant
rise in reach for the vast majority of sites, including the ABC.
31
Online and mobile
In June 2014, iOS devices accounted for
of plays on iview, the website accounted for 20% of plays,
television and other connected big screen devices account for
11% of plays, and the Android app accounted for 3% of plays
ABC Television websites
The most visited television program websites in
2013–14 were long-running series such as Gardening
Australia, At the Movies, Q&A and Catalyst (which
grew by 56% in 2013–14). Media Watch and Rage
websites also achieved consistently high visits
throughout the year and continue to provide a platform
for audiences to engage further with their favourite
programs. The Good Game website experienced a
significant decline in average monthly visits, down
28% from 2012–13.13 This was partially offset by
increased use of the Good Game iOS and Android
apps, which recorded over 37 000 new users.
In 2013–14, there was a monthly average of 1.9 million
visitors to ABC Television online, an increase of
6% from 2012–13. There were 2.8 million average
monthly visits to ABC Television online in 2013–14,
up 4% from 2.7 million in 2012–13.10 At 30 June 2014,
visits from mobile devices accounted for 35% of total
visits to television program websites, up from 28% in
June 2013.11
Top television program pages in 2013–14 included
Ja’mie Private School Girl (838 000 visits); Jonah From
Tonga (409 000 visits); Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
(195 000 visits); Redesign My Brain (145 000 visits) and
Upper Middle Bogan (132 000 visits).12
In April 2014, the Big Ideas website streamed talks live
from the popular TedXSydney event (see page 90).
The average monthly
visits to ABC iview were
10.Webtrends
11.Webtrends
12.Webtrends
13.Webtrends
3.8 million
Data
Data
Data
Data
July
July
July
July
2012 – June 2014.
2013 – June 2014.
2013 – June 2014.
2012 – June 2014.
which have accessed ABC iview, identified by cookies. “Visits” measures
the number of sessions on iview.
5 010
Visitors (thousands)
1 200 4 181
4 475 4 337
Visitors
4 676
6 000
Visits
5 000
3 473
1 000
3 332 3 445
800
3 485
2 746
3 093
2 979
3 000
600
2 000
400
1 170
1 088
1 318
1 464
952
842
947
744
766
1 020
886
0
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Source: Webtrends
32 2013
2014
The number of average monthly program plays on
iview has doubled in two years to 19 million per
month.14 iview activity in 2013–14 was characterised
by a continual increase in viewing via the iview mobile
and tablet apps as the preferred iview access platform.
Program plays via iOS devices have increased from
10 million in July 2013 to 13 million in June 2014, and
represent two thirds of total program plays, with the
majority of iOS program plays watched via iPads.15
Android program plays represent 3% of total iview
plays (around 500 000 per month).16
Plays via the web browser version now represent
20% of total iview plays and an average of 4.8 million
program plays per month, down 9% from 5.3 million
in 2012–13.17
In 2013–14, the ABC experimented with a number
of unique programs which were exclusive to iview,
transitioning it from a catch-up service into a
cross‑platform content destination (see below).
Fresh Blood is a digital initiative in collaboration with
Screen Australia, designed to showcase and discover
the best short form comedy creators in the country.
From the project launch, the ABC received over 500
sketch comedy submissions which were broadcast
exclusively on iview. Within four weeks of airing, Fresh
‘Whovians’ were well catered to on iview, with each
of the original Doctor Whos from 1963–1996 shown
on the catch-up service leading up to the Doctor
Who 50th Anniversary Special in November 2013.
The ABC also ran a Facebook competition asking
audiences to ‘choose their favourite Doctor’ and
receive a bonus storyline. The BBC supported
the competition on its Facebook accounts which
increased audience engagement.
1 000
1 068
200
4 000
Visits (thousands)
1 400
iview
In 2013–14, iview became a testing ground for new
television programming strategies and modes of
storytelling. All eight episodes of the Chris Lilley
series Jonah From Tonga were made available for
a 48 hour ‘binge’ weekend on iview and recorded
more than 550 000 plays. The program was
later made available as catch-up and recorded
two million plays during its online run (‘binge’
and catch up combined), averaging more than
330 000 plays per episode.
ABC iview website: Monthly visitors and visits
1 600
66%
0
Blood had recorded more than 500 000 plays by the
end of June, and spawned enthusiastic conversations
on social media between the talent, the audience and
the ABC.
Applications
Apps allow audiences to connect with the ABC
content usually available through traditional broadcast
platforms in new and different ways.
Top five Apps
App
Average active monthly users
1
iview
817 000
2
ABC (flagship app)
498 900
3
Play School Art Maker
182 200
4
triple j
169 300
5
ABC Radio
168 700
Source: Flurry Analytics
In December 2013, the iview app was made available
on Android smart phones and tablets, providing
audiences with access to iview across a wider range of
portable devices. The service has incorporated a suite
of new and improved features to make it easier than
ever for viewers to find, plan and watch ABC content.
Key benefits of the refreshed iview service include a
significantly more scalable, stable and secure service
which is more discoverable through search engines,
and more shareable on social networks.
In 2013–14, the flagship ABC app reached an average
audience of 498 000 active users per month, up 58%
on 2012–13.18 Following a major refresh in early 2013,
the ABC has released a number of updates to the app
to enhance user experience. This included a special
section for election coverage; improved article layout
and navigation; a wider range of content; and a list of
national emergency announcements.
Version two of the ABC Radio app was released in
early 2014 for iOS and Android. With several new
releases planned over the coming years, the app aims
to simplify how audiences find and listen to the audio
content that is of most interest to them.
Following the success of the Play School Artmaker
App, the Play School PlayTime App was launched in
September 2013 (see page 30).
14.Webtrends Data
15.Webtrends Data
16.Webtrends Data
17.Webtrends Data
18.Flurry Analytics.
July 2012 – June 2014.
July 2013; June 2014.
June 2014.
July 2012 – June 2014.
Jonah from Tonga
33
Online and mobile
259 200
19 million
77%
57 031
The trial was run in conjunction with ABC Guest Host,
a cross-platform initiative where ABC personalities
guest-curate a section of the ABC Homepage.
The objective of each hangout was to give audiences
a chance to get to know their favourite personalities
in a live video Q&A, with questions submitted on
Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Live video interviews
with high profile ABC personalities Dr Karl, Todd
Sampson, Zan Rowe, Stella Young and Jimmy Giggle
were broadcast during trial, which ran for six months.
Facebook ‘likes’ on the official
ABC account
program plays
per month on iview
of online Australians
maintain at least one active
social media profile23
A number of innovative, new apps were developed
in 2013–14:
Social media
In 2013–14, the ABC upgraded its systems to have
access to real time analytics for ABC content that
is shared from shortened links ‘via ab.co’. This
development provides universal branding to shortened
ABC links, enables improved measurement of social
sharing, and indicates that audiences are visiting an
official ABC site.
The Brief
Launched in 2013–14, The Brief is a weekly digital
magazine designed for tablet devices (see page 37).
White Paper
In March, Radio National launched White Paper, a
monthly digital magazine designed for tablet devices.
It is currently available on iOS, with an Android version
in development. The digital publication re-purposes
RN radio programs into long-form written features,
combined with curated content from the ABC’s
archives and other content partners. Since the launch,
White Paper has covered topics from libertarianism
in Australia, health, and the Sydney Writers Festival.
The RN website experienced a 40% increase in traffic
since the White Paper was introduced, as well as an
increase in podcast downloads.19 White Paper is a
six‑month pilot project.
Location Pilot Project—Spoke
The ABC has conducted a long range research
project to identify ways in which the ABC can improve
its mobile content distribution to current audiences
based on location. The project incorporated field
research and analysis followed by the development of
prototype products and a series of live public trials.
Designed for smartphones, and falling under the
collective title of Spoke, the live pilots in Newcastle
(NSW), Launceston (Tasmania), southeast South
Australia and Townsville (Queensland) called
for active feedback from the community on the
product’s relevance as a news and information
source. Key findings from the trials informed the
development of the ABC’s online and mobile strategy
for delivery of news. Trials will continue in 2014–15.
Social media is being utilised in innovative ways to
interact with and build audiences, conduct research
and gather feedback, keep abreast of industry
trends, and as a new platform for the delivery of ABC
content. The vast majority of Australians actively use
social media, and almost 75% of those identify as
‘dual screeners’, consuming television and internet
content simultaneously.20
In 2013–14, ABC Facebook accounts, including
comments, ‘likes’ and ‘shares’, achieved a monthly
average of over 140 million impressions.21 The top
ABC Twitter account, ABC News, reached a follower
base of 346 200.22
Top five Facebook accounts by
page ‘likes’
Account
1
Bananas in Pyjamas
2 948 000
1 973 000
2
A+ Learn English
3
triple j
770 000
4
ABC News
590 000
5
Ja’mie Private School Girl
564 000
Source: Webtrends, July 2013 – June 2014
Top five Twitter accounts by followers
Account
Followers
1
ABCNews
346 200
2
triplej
241 700
3
Q&A
162 700
4
ABCNews24
128 500
5
774Melbourne
104 000
Source: Webtrends, July 2013 – June 2014
19.Webtrends Data.
20.Nielsen Australian Connected Consumer Report February 2014.
21.Webtrends Data. Engaged Users cannot be added across accounts due
to duplication.
22.Webtrends Data.
34 Page Likes
In its 21st year, triple j’s Hottest 100 countdown
attracted almost 1.5 million votes cast by over
170 000 music fans in the popular music poll.
On the day of the countdown, the triple j website
had 594 000 visitors, with 59% of total visits from a
mobile device.24 Social media was a key component
of the campaign; Facebook fans grew to 715 000 on
Australia Day and there were 345 000 searches on
Twitter for #hottest100 hashtag.25 Listeners registered
5 856 Hottest 100 parties in 87 countries around
the world and posted over 21 000 photos of their
celebrations on social media.26
The Chris Lilley television series Jonah from Tonga
broke records for ABC Television social media activity.
On Twitter, the hashtag #jonahfromtonga was trending
in Sydney and Melbourne over the binge weekend,
and generated a total 28 000 tweets over the course
of the campaign.27 The Jonah from Tonga Facebook
page had 500 000 “likes” and a Q&A with Chris Lilley
when the final episode aired reached 1.17 million
users.28 The social media buzz was reflected in
program plays for the binge weekend and subsequent
catch-up plays on iview (see page 33).
contributions to
ABC Open
Unique online services
Heywire
ABC’s regional youth initiative Heywire has progressed
from an annual competition into an ongoing online and
social media platform that invites young people to share
their stories, ideas and opinions.
Heywire is run in partnership with Australian
Government bodies which provide funding to support
the initiative. These are: Rural Industry Research and
Development Corporation and the Departments of
Agriculture, Education, Health and Infrastructure and
Regional Development.
The ABC experimented with Hangouts on Air in
2013–14, a social video tool which enables anyone
with a camera and internet enabled device (desktop
or mobile) to stream a live discussion or performance
to the world via YouTube. The live stream allows up
to 10 participants in up to 10 different locations,
anywhere in the world. Hangouts on Air offers a
light‑weight production tool for online broadcast
and social media engagement.
23.Nielsen Australian Connected Consumer Report February 2014
24.Webtrends Data; Flurry Analytics.
27.Webtrends Data.
28.Webtrends Data.
.
35
Online and mobile
In addition to the website, ABC Open projects
are distributed across social networks including
Facebook, flickr, YouTube and Twitter, on mobile
devices and on ABC Radio and Television and Online.
Video stories were broadcast on ABC News 24.
Between August 2013 and April 2014, What’s Your
Story?, a five minute video package featuring content
from local producers and contributors, aired before
the 7pm News on Friday nights. In 2013–14, all ABC
Open content that was broadcast on ABC1 and ABC
News 24 was made available on a new dedicated
website: https://open.abc.net.au/broadcasts
The increase in contributions was assisted by
key technical developments on the ABC Open
website. ABC Open released a new mobile site in
November 2013 and from April 2014, users could
directly upload photos and text from a smart phone or
tablet, bypassing the need to use third-party platforms
and making contributing easier than ever before.
36 28
24
3 500 000
20
3 000 000
0
4 162 000
5 00 000
4 183 000
1 000 000
4 179 000
12
1 500 000
4 431 000
2 000 000
3 335 000
16
3 212 000
2 500 000
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2013
2014
8
Active Audience reach (%)
4 000 000
4
0
Source: Nielsen Online Ratings – Hybrid, Australia, People aged 2 years and over
Note: from March 2014 Nielsen increased its estimate of the number of Australians
going online each month and there has been a concomitant rise in reach for the
vast majority of sites, including the ABC.
Flagship projects delivered in the period included:
• QED: Cosmo’s Casebook, a game which teaches
students in years five to nine about daily life in
Ancient Rome;
• Concensus, a data visualisation game which allows
students in years five to eight to interact with real
data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics; and
• ABC Zoom, a game that teaches students in years
eight to 12 scientific concepts through examining
everyday objects at the atomic level.
In 2013–14, ABC Splash partnered with the Australian
War Memorial, The National Archives of Australia,
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and
The National Portrait Gallery to produce a series
‘digibooks’ that were published on the education
portal. The ‘digibooks’ present students with a
selection of material from the institution’s collection
which is arranged according to a narrative, to enhance
students’ understanding of complex topics.
ABC Splash ran 10 live webcast events over the
reporting period that enabled students to interact with
presenters through live moderated chats. The live
programs spanned a range of topics and featured
astronauts, astrophysicists, journalists, award winning
authors and musicians as guests.
29.Webtrends Data.
Active Audience Reach %
3 276 000
Content on the site falls into two main categories: a
media resource library which contains audio-visual
material sourced from the ABC’s extensive archive and
collection and the delivery of several highly interactive,
media-rich learning resources that enhance students’
learning experiences. Over the course of the year,
ABC Splash published an additional 1 147 media clips,
247 small interactives, and three flagship applications
to the library, all mapped to the Australian curriculum.
Audience Reach (Unique Audience)
4 500 000
4 048 000
The result was ABC Splash, a content-rich portal
which delivers free, high-quality digital education
resources matched to the Australian school
curriculum. 2013–14 was the first full year of
operation for the site and engagement was positive
with 4.7 million page views and 1.36 million visits.29
visited ABC Online over a specified timeframe.
3 708 000
In 2013–14, ABC Open experienced a significant
increase in contributions from regional Australia, and
found new ways to share those stories with a wider
ABC audience. ABC Open ran over 30 projects and
received a total of 57 031 contributions to the website
as photos, videos and text; an increase of over 40%
on contributions made in 2012–13. ABC Open offered
two projects specifically for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Communities and contributors: Me and
Mine project celebrating the diversity of Indigenous
family relationships; and I am an artist I come from
the bush (series two), in which Aboriginal artists share
their experience of station life in the Kimberley and its
legacy through their artwork.
ABC Online: Monthly audience reach
4 313 000
In December 2011, the Government announced the
provision of $19.9 million over three years for the
development of a new education portal for students,
teachers and parents, to be built in partnership by
the ABC and Educational Services Australia.
3 779 000
ABC Open is an initiative which provides regional
communities with the opportunity to develop digital
media skills and to use them to share personal
stories from regional and rural Australia across
ABC platforms.
3 514 000
Digital education—ABC Splash
Audience Reach
ABC Open
The resources are accessed predominately
during school hours within the school terms,
indicating the site is mainly used by teachers
and in classroom settings.
The Brief
Reimagining Australian content
On 3 May, ABC launched The Brief (see image above right), a free, weekly app delivering a selection of
ABC content in a magazine-like format. It combines text with audio, video and interactive elements, providing a
media‑rich tablet experience. The app is designed to test new ways of aggregating and broadcasting content
around themes and ideas relevant to news, culture and Australian society. The project is designed to allow for
a high degree of iteration, experimentation and variation in the way content is presented, from article to article,
edition to edition, and is constantly being adapted for audience preferences.
The Brief uses the Adobe Digital Publishing environment; a cloud based publishing system, and a first for
ABC content delivery, and is available from the iOS, Android and Windows app stores.
Science, health and disability
The ABC Science site attracted an average
158 000 visitors per week, a 4% increase from
2012–13. Facebook ‘likes’ for the site increased
by 837% to 318 000 in June 2014 (from 33 960 in
June 2013).30
The ABC Health and Wellbeing site achieved an
average of 133 000 visitors per week, a 31% increase
on 2012–13.31
ABC’s disability portal Ramp Up was established in
November 2010 with funding from the then Department
of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). Funding for the portal
was not renewed in the 2014 Federal Budget and
the site ceased production on 30 June 2014. The
portal and all of its content remains online as a public
resource and the ABC will continue to report on
disability issues through its mainstream websites, and
its television and radio broadcast services.
37
Television
Across five commercial-free, free-to-air services on four channels, the
ABC broadcasts television content that informs, entertains and educates
Australian audiences.
ABC Television: Average weekly metropolitan reach
watched ABC Television over a specified timeframe. It is
expressed below as a percentage of the total population.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Sydney
9.4 million
Melbourne
The ABC broadcasts television content on five
services across four channels:
• ABC1—the Corporation’s primary
broadcast channel.
• ABC2—a service comprising two
distinct schedules:
–– ABC2—content for a younger adult
demographic between 7 pm and 2 am; 32 and
–– ABC4Kids—content for pre-schoolers
(2–6 years) between 6 am and 7 pm.
• ABC3—a dedicated children’s channel
(6–14 years); and
• ABC News 24 (see page 55).
Television content is increasingly available on a range
of online and mobile services (see pages 30–39).
In 2013–14, total ABC Television share strengthened
during the day, and was up slightly in prime-time.
Share across most ABC channels increased or
remained steady compared to 2012–13.
Total average weekly reach of ABC Television in
metropolitan areas in 2013–14 was 9.4 million people,
or 59.1% of the five-city metropolitan population
(compared with 9.4 million or 59.9% in 2012–13).33
ABC Television’s total metropolitan share during
day‑time continued to increase in 2013–14. Across
the four channels, ABC Television achieved a day-time
free‑to-air share of 26.5% in metropolitan areas, up
from 24.3% in 2012–13.34
Total ABC metropolitan free-to-air share during
prime‑time increased marginally in 2013–14.
Prime‑time share in the five mainland capital cities was
18.1% in 2013–14, up from 17.8% in 2012–13.35
Average weekly reach in the combined aggregated
regional markets including Tasmania was 4.5 million or
63.2% of the regional population, steady with 2012–13
(4.5 million; 64.2%).36
38 In 2013–14 the total ABC regional free-to-air share
during day-time increased to 29.7%, up from 27.9% in
2012–13. Total ABC regional free-to-air share during
prime-time also increased, up from 19.5% in 2012–13
to 20.1% in 2013–14.37
The top rating program of 2013–14 on ABC Television
was the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Review
Spectacular on 5 October 2013. The live broadcast
of the centenary celebration of the RAN fleet entering
Sydney Harbour achieved a combined metro and
regional average audience of 2.5 million (including
ABC News 24 simulcast) and reached three million
viewers across the broadcast. ABC1 was also the host
broadcaster of Sydney’s New Years Eve Fireworks
in 2013. The midnight display achieved a combined
average audience of two million across ABC1 and
ABC News 24. A total of 3.8 million viewers were
reached across the evening’s coverage.38
ABC1
ABC1 is the ABC’s primary television channel and
home to a range of flagship programs across drama,
entertainment, documentary, news and current affairs,
science, Indigenous, religion and the arts.
ABC1’s average weekly metropolitan reach in 2013–14
was 6.6 million, or 41.5% of the five-city metropolitan
population (down from 6.9 million people, or 44.0%
in 2012–13).39
In 2013–14, ABC1’s metropolitan day-time free-to-air
share increased to 6.2%, up from 5.6% in 2012–13.
ABC1’s metropolitan share during prime‑time remained
relatively steady at 13.2% (13.3% in 2012–13).40
Brisbane
Adelaide
or 59% of the five-city
metropolitan market
Perth
5 City Metro
2012–13
2013–14
Source: OzTAM Metropolitan Consolidated Data.
ABC Television: Average weekly regional reach
watched ABC Television over a specified timeframe. It is
expressed below as a percentage of the total population.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
ABC Television’s
average weekly
regional reach was
4.5 million
Southern NSW
Northern NSW
Victoria
Queensland
or 63% of the
regional market
Tasmania
Combined Agg. Mkts
2012–13
2013–14
Source: Regional TAM Consolidated Data.
ABC1’s average weekly regional reach in 2013–14
was 3.2 million people, or 44.8% of the regional
population. This is a slight decrease compared to the
2012–13 average weekly regional reach of 3.3 million
people, or 46.8% of the regional population.41
In 2013–14 ABC1’s regional day-time free-to-air share
increased to 7.3%, up from 6.4% in 2012–13. ABC1’s
prime-time free-to-air share increased to 14.1% in
2013–14 (13.9% in 2012–13).42
32.The end transmission time for ABC2 of 2am may vary, on average
transmission closes at 2am.
33.OzTAM Consolidated Data 2012–13, 2013–14.
36.Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2012–13, 2013–14 .
37.Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2012–13, 2013–14.
38.OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2013–14.
ABC Television’s
average weekly
metropolitan
reach was
ABC Television’s programming slate featured
a line‑up of diverse Australian content in 2013–14.
Event television, Australian drama series
and telemovies, as well as locally-produced
documentaries, all delivered significant audiences.
News and current affairs is a key component of
programming on ABC Television. Information about
news and current affairs on television is at page 55.
Gruen Nation, broadcast in the lead-up to the Federal
Election, was the top Australian series on ABC1 in
2013–14. The series achieved a combined average
audience of 1.7 million (1.8 million including ABC2
repeat), with a peak audience of 1.9 million for the
final episode (two million including ABC2 repeat).43
The program recorded 311 000 online plays via iview,
which represents an average of 78 000 plays per
episode (see page 58).44
44.Webtrends Data.
39
Television
Gruen Planet, broadcast across September and
October 2013, performed well with a combined
average audience of 1.5 million on ABC1 (1.6 million
including ABC2 repeat).45 The program recorded
472 000 online plays via iview, an average of 59 000
plays per episode.46
In 2013–14, the ABC delivered a strong suite of
Australian drama on ABC Television: The Doctor
Blake Mysteries, Series Two; Miss Fisher’s Murder
Mysteries, Series Two; and new drama Janet King
each featured among the top programs of 2013–14.47
Series two of The Doctor Blake Mysteries, broadcast
from February to April 2014, achieved a combined
series average of 1.5 million. The television audience
remained steady each week, demonstrating a loyal
and engaged audience.48 The series recorded a total
of 495 000 plays via iview; an average of 50 000 plays
per episode.49
Series two of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries achieved
a combined series average of 1.5 million.50 With one
million plays recorded via ABC iview, an average
of 81 000 plays per episode, Miss Fisher’s Murder
Mysteries was among the top non-kids programs
on iview in 2013–14.51 New drama series Janet King,
achieved a combined series average of 1.4 million, and
804 000 plays via iview (101 000 per episode).52
Award for best Documentary series. First Footprints
won a Walkley Award for Best Documentary. Science
series Redesign My Brain hosted by Todd Sampson
achieved a combined series average audience of
1.3 million. Art Of Australia, a landmark Arts series
hosted by Edmund Capon, told the story of how
Australian Art has shaped our country’s development.
Binge drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence were
explored in Dead Drunk: Lights Out in the Cross.
Filmed over one night in Kings Cross and completed
in nine days, it achieved a combined average
audience of 872 000.54 The broadcast was followed by
a live discussion on ABC2 with triple j host Tom Tilley
(see page 45). A series looking at the use of children’s
medication, Kids On Speed, followed six families
with kids affected by ADHD. Kerry O’Brien’s in-depth
interview series with Paul Keating drew a combined
average audience of 1.3 million.55
Top ABC1 programs by peak episode—
Combined metropolitan and regional average audience
1
Fleet Review Spectacular
2 137 000
2
Doc Martin
1 987 000
3
New Tricks
1 959 000
4
Death In Paradise
1 930 000
5
Gruen Nation
1 870 000
The ABC broadcast a number of critically acclaimed
telemovies on ABC1. The Broken Shore achieved a
combined average audience of 1.5 million and the
third instalment of Jack Irish, Dead Point achieved a
combined average audience of 1.4 million.53
6
New Year’s Eve: Midnight Fireworks
1 839 000
7
Midsomer Murders
1 756 000
8
Gruen Planet
1 667 000
9
Catalyst
1 626 000
10
Broadchurch
1 625 000
The nightly coverage of the Winter Paralympic Games
from Sochi in February 2014, the Australian of the Year
Awards on 25 January, and the National Flag Raising
and Citizenship Ceremony on 26 January reflected the
breadth of cultural and social diversity in Australia.
11
The Doctor Blake Mysteries
1 620 000
12
Australian Story
1 592 000
13
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
1 590 000
14
Foyle’s War
1 590 000
15
Agatha Christie’s Poirot
1 574 000
Indigenous programming remained a focus in
2013–14. New Indigenous series The Gods Of Wheat
Street premiered in 2014. The documentary 88
recounted the events that took place on Australia Day
in 1988 as Indigenous groups marched for recognition
of Australia’s Aboriginal history. The second series
of Redfern Now was well received by audiences
and critics, and won a number of industry awards
(see page 222).
16
Upper Middle Bogan
1 565 000
17
Grand Designs
1 565 000
18
7.30
1 550 000
19
ABC News
1 545 000
20
Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor
1 544 000
The ABC presented a range of factual programming
that celebrated Australia’s natural beauty, and
explored science and social issues. Documentary
series Kakadu achieved a national series average
audience of 1.2 million and won an AACTA Award for
Cinematography and an Australian Director’s Guild
40 In 2013–14, ABC1 premiered a number of new
narrative comedy titles in a Thursday night timeslot,
including two of the network’s most successful new
comedy titles Upper Middle Bogan and It’s A Date.
Both series achieved a combined average audience
of over one million.56
Chris Lilley returned with Ja’mie: Private School Girl and
Jonah From Tonga. In an Australian television first, the
full series of Jonah From Tonga was made available on
iview in a binge-viewing event before the broadcast on
ABC1. Over 550 000 plays of the show were recorded
over the binge weekend with a total of two million plays
throughout the whole run of series (see page 33).57
Audiences remained strong for consumer affairs
program The Checkout; news satire program Shaun
Micallef’s Mad As Hell; and the latest instalment
in the ‘Agony’ franchise, The Agony Of Modern
Manners. The first series of Julia Zemiro’s Home
Delivery launched in 2013 to a combined series
average audience of 974 000 viewers.58
In February 2014, ABC1 made changes to its daytime
schedule and migrated all children’s programming
screening on ABC1 on Sunday mornings and
weekday afternoons to ABC4Kids and ABC3.
A range of new educational content premiered in
2013–14 including Making Media and What Makes
Me, Me? And Other Interesting Questions from the
United Kingdom and Australian series What I Wrote.
Long‑running favourite Behind the News returned for
its 46th season.
57.Webtrends Data.
ABC1 broadcast
101 h ours
of first-release Australian drama
during prime-time (6 pm – midnight)
ABC1: ABC—commissioned programs
The ABC commissions internal productions and
co-productions. This is an investment in Australian
television content, made by Australians.
Hours
0
500
1 000
1 500
2 000
2 500
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
6pm to midnight
6am to midnight
Notes: ABC internal productions and co-productions; excludes pre-purchased
programs (including many documentaries and children's drama programs).
Comprising national and NSW transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other
States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content.
Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.
The Time of Our Lives
Making Australian Drama
In 2013–14, the ABC drama slate continued to go from
strength to strength, with 101 hours of first-run Australian
drama broadcast on ABC1 . Co‑produced with JAHM
pictures and Film Victoria, The Time of Our Lives explores
the new norms of family life and relationships in modern
Australia, tackling storylines that are real and relatable. The
first episode of series two, broadcast on ABC1 on 26 June
2014, achieved a combined metropolitan and regional
average audience of 1.1 million people.
Source: OzTAM & Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2013–14
Note: Programs highlighted in blue are Australian content
46.Webtrends Data.
47.OzTAM & Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2013–14.
48.OzTAM & Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2013–14.
49.Webtrends Data.
50. OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated data 2013–14.
51. OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated data 2013–14.
52.OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2013–14; Webtrends Data.
Time of our Lives, along with award winning programs like
Redfern Now, Jack Irish, The Broken Shore, Doctor Blake
Mysteries and The Gods of Wheat Street cemented the
ABC’s place as the leading producer of Australian television
drama in 2014.
Time of our Lives
3 000
2008–09
41
Television
6.6 million
ABC1: Australian content
Broadcasting Australian content informs, educates and entertains
audiences, and helps to contribute to a sense of national identity.
0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2006–07
2007–08
66 %
of content broadcast
on ABC1 between
6am and midnight was
Australian-made
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
6pm to midnight
6am to midnight
Notes: This table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and NSW
transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local
content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.
0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2006–07
2007–08
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
First Release
Repeat
Notes: This Table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national
and NSW transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result
of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.
ABC2: Genre mix
Broadcasting content across a range of genres
demonstrates that the ABC provided programs of
both wide appeal and specialised interest.
A diverse genre mix demonstrates that the ABC
provided programs of both wide appeal and
specialised interest. ABC2 broadcasts dedicated
children’s content, which is reflected in the genre mix.
News 27.1%
Over half of
the Australian
content shown on
ABC1 between
6
am to
midnight
2008–09
ABC1: Genre mix
Sport 2.9%
Religion and Politics 1.2%
ABC1: Day-time, first-release and repeat Australian content
The number of hours of first-release television broadcast reflects
the ABC’s investment in original, ABC content.
Australians watched ABC1 each week
(five-city metropolitan reach)
was first-release
Arts and Culture 3.6%
Children’s 6.4%
Current
Affairs 11.2%
Religion and Politics 0.0% Sports 1.4%
Arts and Culture 3.7%
News 0.4%
Children’s 0.2%
Movies 0.5%
Current Affairs 0.0%
Indigenous 0.2%
Factual 13.8%
Documentary
5.1%
Movies
1.1%
Indigenous 0.2%
Factual 12.0%
Drama
17.1%
Entertainment 12.1%
Notes: This table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter,
comprising national and NSW transmission. Figures may differ slightly in
other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content.
Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.
Documentary
27.3%
Entertainment 26.5%
Drama
26.0%
Notes: This table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter,
comprising national and NSW transmission. Figures may differ slightly in
other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content.
Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number. The ABC2 transmission
hours, schedule and content varied in this reporting period and should not
be used as a direct comparison to previous years. The end transmission
time for ABC2 of 2 am may vary, on average transmission closes at 2 am.
ABC1: Prime-time, first-release and repeat Australian content
The number of hours of first-release television broadcast reflects
the ABC’s investment in original, ABC content.
0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2006–07
2007–08
47%
of Australian content
broadcast on ABC1
during prime-time
was first-release
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
First Release
ABC1 broadcasts content across
12 diverse genres
41%
of broadcast hours on
ABC2 (7 pm – 2 am) were dedicated
to factual and documentary content
Repeat
Notes: Comprising national and NSW transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other States and
Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.
43
Television
ABC Television: Regional prime-time share
ABC Television: Metropolitan prime-time share
“Prime-time share” measures the percentage of the audience who have
watched ABC television between 6 pm and midnight. It is reported as
a percentage of the actual viewing audience, not the total population.
0
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Southern NSW
Northern NSW
ABC Television
had a
20.1%
prime-time share
of the free-to-air
regional market
Victoria
Queensland
Tasmania
Combined Agg. Mkts
2012–13
“Prime-time share” measures the percentage of the audience who have
watched ABC Television between 6 pm and midnight. It is reported as a
percentage of the actual viewing audience, not the total population.
0
15%
Adelaide
Perth
Five-city Metro
25%
30%
35%
40%
Northern NSW
Victoria
ABC Television
had a
29.7 %
day‑time share
of the free-to-air
regional market
Queensland
Tasmania
Combined Agg. Mkts
2013–14
ABC2
The ABC provides two television services on its
second free-to-air channel.
Content on ABC2 from 7 pm to 2 am is
focused for younger Australian adults. Day‑time
content is programming for pre-schoolers
(see ABC4Kids page 46).
In 2013–14, ABC2’s average weekly metropolitan
reach was 4.4 million people, or 27.7% of the five-city
metropolitan population. This is steady compared
to the 2012–13 average weekly metropolitan reach
(4.4 million or 27.8%).59
“Day-time share” measures the percentage of the audience who have
watched ABC Television between 6 am and 6 pm. It is reported as a
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
30%
ABC Television
had a
26.5 %
day-time share of the
free-to-air, five-city
metropolitan market
Adelaide
Perth
Five-city Metro
2012–13
44 2013–14
ABC Television: Metropolitan day-time share
Southern NSW
2012–13
prime-time share of
the free-to-air, five-city
metropolitan market
Brisbane
2012–13
20%
18.1%
8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20%
“Day-time share” measures the percentage of the audience who have
watched ABC Television between 6 am and 6 pm. It is reported as a
10%
6%
Melbourne
2013–14
ABC Television: Regional day-time share
5%
4%
Sydney
0
2%
ABC Television
had an
2013–14
ABC2’s metropolitan day-time free-to-air share
increased to 12.4%, up from 11.7% in 2012–13.
ABC2’s prime-time free-to-air metropolitan share
remained steady at 2.8% in 2013–14, the same
as 2012–13.60
In 2013–14, ABC2’s average weekly regional reach
was 2.2 million people, or 30.8% of the regional
population. This is relatively steady compared to the
2012–13 average weekly regional reach of 2.2 million
people, or 31.1% of the regional population.61
59.OzTAM Consolidated Data (reach based on 5 minute consecutive viewing)
2012–13, 2013–14.
61.Regional TAM Consolidated Data (reach based on 5 minute consecutive
viewing) 2012–13, 2013–14.
ABC2’s regional day-time free-to-air share in 2013–14
increased to 13.1%, up from 11.8% in 2012–13. ABC2’s
regional prime-time free-to-air share was 3.2% in
2013–14, up marginally from 3.0% in 2012–13.62
‘digital crowd-sourced comedy series’ commissioned
by ABC2. The experimental five part series asked
social media to set a topic for a ten minute film which
was made then broadcast seven days later.
ABC2 continued to deliver unique content to
Australian audiences in 2013–14.
Dead Drunk: After Hours with Tom Tilly, a live
discussion broadcast on 15 April 2014 following
ABC1’s Dead Drunk: Lights Out In the Cross, achieved
a combined average audience of 271 000,63 and
13 000 plays via iview.64
By combining thought provoking and entertaining
programs from around the world with a commitment
to new Australian talent, ABC2 continued to extend its
audience reach particularly with the
25–34 years demographic.
ABC2 engaged audiences with original Australian
content that challenged traditional modes of creation
and consumption. #7Dayslater was an innovative
63. OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2013–14.
64. Webtrends Data.
45
Television
In 2013–14 ABC2 cemented its place as a platform
dedicated to the next generation of Australian
comedians. Australian audiences enjoyed the
continued partnership with the Melbourne
International Comedy Festival with broadcasts of
Comedy Up Late and Raw Comedy. Popular programs
The Roast, Dirty Laundry Live and twentysomething,
Series Two returned and ABC2 premiered This
Is Littleton featuring some of the country’s best
up‑and‑coming comedians.
The second series of Opening Shot gave five new,
young, documentary filmmakers their television break
and was applauded by reviewers and audiences alike.
The series achieved a combined average audience of
172 000 per episode and recorded a total of 274 000
plays via iview across the series, averaging 55 000
plays per episode.65
ABC childrens’ television
ABC4Kids
Broadcasting 13 hours daily, ABC4Kids provides
content for preschoolers on the ABC2 channel
between 6 am and 7 pm.
In 2013–14, ABC4Kids continued to be the most
trusted choice in preschool content for Australian
families and carers across all platforms. ABC4Kids
achieved an average day-time metropolitan free‑to‑air
share among children aged 0–4 of 62.8% (down
slightly from 63.2% in 2012–13), with a metropolitan
average weekly reach among children aged 0–4 of
69.4% or 725 000 (up slightly from 67.6% or 704 000
in 2012–13).66
Australian program Big Ted’s Big Adventure was
the top program on ABC4Kids in 2013–14. Popular
Australian programs also included Bananas in
Pyjamas, Five Minutes More, Giggle and Hoot
and Play School.67
In 2013–14, ABC4Kids’ average weekly regional reach
among children aged 0–4 was 330 000 (or 73.8%
of children aged 0–4), an increase from 327 000,
or 72.4% in 2012–13.68 Regional day-time free‑to-air
share among children aged 0–4 increased to 66.7%
(from 62.8% in 2012–13).69
46 Viewing of preschool programs on mobile devices
increased in 2013–14 to a monthly average of
11 million plays through ABC’s iview service,
up from seven million in 2012–13.
In 2013–14, 25% of ABC4Kids scheduled television
content was Australian including flagship local
productions Play School, Giggle & Hoot and Bananas
in Pyjamas, with premiere series of Jemima’s Big
Adventure, Big Ted’s Big Adventure, hoopla doopla!
and Ready Steady Wiggle! throughout the year.
Global preschool brand Sesame Street commissioned
local Indigenous company Carbon Media to produce
Five Kangaroos; a mixed-media short film starring
musician Jessica Mauboy. This was the first time
Indigenous Australian content has been broadcast
on Sesame Street. Season 44 of Sesame Street
premiered on ABC4Kids in March 2014.
ABC3
In 2013–14, ABC3 maintained its position as
Australia’s most-watched channel for school-age
children, offering a variety of content genres across
all platforms.70
Broadcasting 15 hours daily, ABC3 achieved an
average metropolitan share amongst children aged
5–12 of 30.2% (down from 30.6% in 2012–13).
The channel’s average metropolitan weekly reach
among children aged 5–12 also decreased slightly to
43.6% or 666 000 (45.1% or 670 000 in 2012–13), and
in regional areas was 50.6% of 5–12’s (down slightly
from 51.4% in 2012–13).
ABC3’s regional day-time free-to-air share among
children aged 5–12 was 33.7% (33.8% in 2012–13).
ABC3’s metropolitan share among children aged
5–12 during the 6 pm – 9 pm timeslot was 11.6% in
2013–14, up from 11.1% in 2012–13.71
Over 50% of ABC3’s scheduled content was
Australian. Popular Australian programs on
ABC3 in 2013–14 included The Flamin’ Thongs,
The Worst Year of My Life, Again and a new series
of You’re Skitting Me. Dance Academy returned for
its third series.
Successful factual programs included a new series of
the Indigenous wildlife hit Bushwhacked and MY:24,
telling the stories of inspiring young Australians
experiencing life-changing events.
Studio 3, Good Game SP and Smackdown Games
continued to develop creative talent and provide
opportunities for channel presenters to connect
directly with audiences on television and online.
Beyond linear broadcasting—
digital services
ABC television content is available on more platforms
and across more devices than ever before. Media
multi-tasking and simultaneous screen use is
increasing, with around 74% of online Australians
reporting they have simultaneously consumed
television and online content.72 Internet capable
television ownership increased to 27% of homes;
up from 21% last year.73
While television sets and computers remain the
most common screens for internet television viewing,
tablet devices are providing an alternative, with
tablet ownership in Australian households increasing
from 31% in 2013 to 42% in 2014.74 Despite these
changes, linear terrestrial television viewing remained
relatively stable.
In June 2014, the ABC completed a significant
broadcast technology and application development
project to deliver an integrated broadcast and
catch-up television experience on large screen
devices. The FreeviewPlus application was built on
the open Hybrid Broadcast Broadband Television
(HbbTV) standard which has had wide adoption in
Europe, and combines the broadcast schedule and
catch–up listings in a seven-day electronic program
guide (EPG). It will also provide easy access to
free-to-air network applications, such as ABC iview.
FreeviewPlus is scheduled to launch in early 2014–15.
Further information about the ABC’s online, mobile
and digital services is at page 29.
72.Nielsen Australian Connected Consumers Report February 2014,
Online Australians aged 16 years and over.
65. Webtrends Data.
66.OzTAM Consolidated Data (reach based on 5 minute consecutive viewing,
6 am – 7 pm daily) 2012–13, 2013–14.
68.Regional TAM Consolidated Data (reach based on 5 minute consecutive
viewing, 6 am – 7 pm daily) 2012–13, 2013–14.
71.OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data 2012–13, 2013–14.
The Checkout
47
Radio
ABC Radio connects with Australian communities across the country with a
diverse selection of content broadcast across its national and local networks
and a range of digital platforms.
ABC Radio: Aggregate audience share
“Share” measures the percentage of the audience who have listened
to ABC Radio within a specified timeframe. It is reported as a
percentage of the actual listening audience, not the total population.
0%
5%
Sydney
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Brisbane
Average weekly reach in the five-city metropolitan
markets for ABC Radio was a record 4.7 million
people in 2013–14, up 155 000 listeners on 2012–13.75
Audience share was also at a record high at 24.4%,
up 0.2 points on 2012–13.76 The majority of Australians
consider that the quality of programming on ABC
Radio is ‘good’.77
In 2013–14, the ABC advanced its strategic
objectives to make its radio content more accessible
to audiences, including adopting a “mobile first”
approach to content delivery. Information about the
ABC’s online and mobile services is at page 29.
Local Radio
The ABC has a network of 60 Local Radio
stations—nine metropolitan and 51 regional—which
broadcast to, and engage with, local communities
around Australia.
In 2013–14, ABC Local Radio’s five-city metropolitan
average weekly reach was 2.2 million, steady with
2012–13. Audience share was 10.7%, down marginally
on 2012–13 (10.9%). There were 13.4 million podcast
downloads of Local Radio content in 2013–14.78
Each station provides a combination of local,
State‑based and nationally syndicated programs, such
as Conversations with Richard Fidler and Nightlife
with Tony Delroy. The network is accompanied by
a local website in each region (see page 31). ABC
Rural provided in‑depth coverage of issues affecting
regional Australia such as food labelling, the exodus
of young people from regional towns, carbon tax,
agribusiness and foreign investment.
In 2013–14, Local Radio expanded the 702 ABC
Sydney Exhumed project into a nationwide
competition for unsigned and unrecorded amateur
musicians over 30 years old (see below).
Sport was a significant part of programming on Local
Radio and ABC Grandstand in 2013–14. Across July
and August 2013, Local Radio broadcast the full
Ashes cricket series from England.
75.Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan, people aged 10 years and
over 2012–13, 2013–14.
76.Newspoll, ABC Awareness and Usage Survey June 2013.
77.Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan, people aged 10 years and
over 2012–13, 2013–14.
78.Webtrends Data.
Exhumed
Uncovering Australian talent
Launched nationally in 2013, the Exhumed competition
is a collaboration between Local Radio, ABC Open and
ABC Television which resulted in more than 1 100 entries
from Australia’s “best bands you’ve never heard of”. The
competition is open to unsigned and unrecorded amateur
musicians over 30 years old.
Each Local Radio station around the country hosted
an event in August to announce the local winners, from
which six finalists were chosen. Digital Radio station ABC
Extra featured music from all the winners throughout
September and a five-part series hosted by James
Valentine was screened on ABC1 in November. The
series culminated in the Exhumed Grand Final on ABC1 in
December, where seven piece reggae band Jahsifik from
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, were crowned the winners.
ABC Radio had a
24.4%
Melbourne
Adelaide
Perth
Five-City Metro
2009–10
2010–11*
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
share of the five-city
metropolitan market
Source: Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan,
people aged 10 years and over.
* Due to the severe floods in Queensland, Survey 1 was not conducted in
Brisbane. Radio share for Brisbane in 2010–11 is based on
Surveys 5–8 (2010) and Surveys 2–4 (2011). This impacts on the five-city
metro results for 2010–11.
ABC Grandstand commentator Jim Maxwell
joined the BBC commentary team in England for
ball-by-ball coverage and analysis on Local Radio,
ABC News 24 and Grandstand Online. The series
was also available online and through the ABC Radio
mobile app. The first-ever Ashes podcasts generated
positive audience response with an average of
12 000 downloads per Test.
The ABC entered into an agreement with the Football
Federation of Australia for ABC Grandstand to cover
the A-League soccer on radio and online for four
seasons, beginning with the 2013–14 season. The
A-League is a significant addition to the stable of
regular sports covered by the ABC.
The return Ashes series in Australia over summer
was broadcast on Local Radio only, as mobile rights
were retained by Cricket Australia. Full back-to-back
coverage of the Women’s Ashes series was broadcast
and, for the first time, the women’s domestic T-20 final.
ABC Radio: Average weekly reach
listened to ABC Radio over a specified timeframe.
0.0
0.5
Audience (Millions)
1.0
1.5
2.0
ABC Radio reached
2.5
Local Radio
Radio National
4.7million
people in an
average week
triple j
ABC Classic FM
NewsRadio
2009–10
2010–11*
2011–12
2012–13
Source: Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan,
people aged 10 years and over.
* Due to the severe floods in Queensland, Survey 1 was not
conducted in Brisbane. Radio share for Brisbane in 2010–11
is based on Surveys 5–8 (2010) and Surveys 2–4 (2011).
2013–14
49
Radio
7.5 million
Number of triple j
podcast downloads
triple j
The ABC’s national youth network triple j experienced
another year of record audiences in 2013–14. Five‑city
metropolitan average weekly reach among people
aged 10 and over increased by 10% from 1.66 million
to a record 1.83 million. Audience share was up
0.6 of a point to 6.9% (6.3% in 2012–13).79
In 2013–14, triple j continued to grow its digital
presence and delivered more ways for listeners
to discover music. The triple j Facebook page hit
700 000+ “likes” making it the biggest Australian
radio station on that platform. The triple j hitlist was
the number one most subscribed playlist on Spotify
Australia in 2013 and the first half of 2014.80
triple j Unearthed is the only dedicated Australian
music radio station playing music from unsigned
Australian artists from around the country. Music
4.7million
Number of people
reached by ABC Radio
in an average week
on the digital radio station is sourced from the
triplejunearthed.com website which houses over
99 000 tracks from 48 000 independent Australian
artists. In March 2014, triple j Unearthed relaunched
its website with a brand new design and innovative
functionality, allowing artists and fans to connect
and share music through a range of integrated
social features. The relaunched website offers
greater compatibility with mobile platforms, as well
as providing program and playlist information from
the Unearthed digital radio station.
In April 2014, the ABC rebranded the Dig Music
station as Double J, a new digital music station
which is available across a number of platforms.
79.Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metro, people
aged 10 years and over 2012–13, 2013–14.
80.Spotify.
Double J
Showcasing Australian music
In April 2014 the ABC launched digital radio
station Double J targeting music‑lovers aged 30
and over. Double J replaced the Dig Music service
following six months of audience engagement and
industry consultation about the station’s future
direction and redevelopment.
Double J plays a minimum of 35% new Australian
music and provides unprecedented access to
almost 40 years of triple j archives, interviews and
live music recordings. Former triple j host and
Spicks and Specks team captain Myf Warhurst
leads the presenter line-up and is on-air from
11 am – 2 pm weekdays. Double J is available on
digital radio and television, online and on mobile
phones via the ABC Radio App, available for both
iOs and Android devices.
The triple j One Night Stand was held in Mildura,
Victoria on Saturday 17 May. The free event, which
was broadcast live on radio and ABC2, streamed
online and available on iview and YouTube, attracted
a record crowd of more than 17 000 people. Across
the three-hours on ABC2, One Night Stand reached
214 000 viewers across the five cities.81
RN (Radio National)
RN is a national radio network broadcasting
60 original, thought provoking programs each week
on a broad range of subjects and specialist genres.
RN’s five-city metropolitan average weekly reach
was 643 000 in 2013–14, up slightly from 641 000 in
2012–13.82 Audience share remained steady at 2.4%.
Radio National remains one of ABC’s top podcast
producers, with 27.1 million downloads in 2013–14.83
Following a major redesign of RN’s Sydney studios
including video recording capability, the network
launched RN TV in September 2013. RN TV
creates opportunities to attract and develop new
audiences and to syndicate RN content outside the
network, including ABC News 24 and other ABC
services. RN content is featured in White Paper, the
new monthly digital magazine designed for tablet
devices (see page 34).
New arts programs and podcasts Radiotonic
and Soundproof premiered on RN in June 2014.
They are produced and presented by the recently
established Creative Audio Unit which is responsible
for developing new, original and creative performance
audio for broadcast and online delivery.
ABC Classic FM
ABC Classic FM is Australia’s national classical music
network, a major cultural resource for listeners across
regional and urban Australia, and the leading national
venue for Australian classical music performance.
ABC Classic FM’s five-city metropolitan average
weekly reach was up slightly from 722 000 in 2012–13
to 724 000 in 2013–14. Audience share was down to
2.8% (3.1% in 2012–13).84
In 2013–14, ABC Classic FM renewed its commitment
to Australian performance through a more dynamic
relationship with music label ABC Classics, and the
creation of a second online-only classical music
service. ABC Classic 2 was launched in June 2014
and is exclusively Australian, showcasing ABC
Classics’ extensive catalogue of recordings by
Australia’s finest musicians. ABC Classic 2 is an
un-presented continuous online stream available via
the ABC Radio player. It is also supported by a Tumblr
site. In June 2014, ABC Classic 2 had over 58 000
stream plays, an average of 13 600 per week.85
The Tumblr page had more than 23 000 visits with
65% of users via desktop, 19% via mobile and 16%
via tablet.86
A significant broadcasting highlight in 2013–14 was
ABC Classic FM’s live broadcast of Opera Australia’s
first complete production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
The broadcast in December 2013 included extensive
background information, artist interviews and expert
commentary on these four epic operas. The audio
was streamed to international audiences via the ABC
Classic FM website.
The 2014 Classic 100: Baroque and Before
countdown generated 48 000 votes submitted via the
ABC Classic FM website from a list of over a thousand
works. The countdown was broadcast over the
6–9 June long weekend and presented from Hobart,
Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, with special guests
discussing music, arts and culture from the Baroque
period. ABC Classics released the Classic 100:
Baroque and Before CD set on 10 June. At 30 June
2014, it was the label’s fasting selling release ever,
entering the classical ARIA chart at number one.
81.OzTAM Metropolitan Consolidated Data.
82.Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan,
People aged 10 years and over 2012–13, 2013–14.
83. Webtrends Data.
84.Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan,
People aged 10 years and over 2012–13, 2013–14.
85.Akamai (CDN).
86.Google Analytics.
ABC Managing Director Mark Scott with Double J daytime
presenter Myf Warhurst at the launch in April 2014.
51
Radio
ABC NewsRadio
ABC NewsRadio provides the most comprehensive,
continuous news service in Australia, complementing
its role as the official broadcaster of Federal
Parliament (see page 55).
Digital radio
Digital radio continues to provide audiences with
access to new and unique content that is specialised,
topical and relevant.
On 22 August 2013, the ACMA renewed the Canberra
digital radio trial licence, which is now in its fourth year.
In addition to the Canberra trial, the ABC provides
a digital radio service in each of the five mainland
state capitals.
In 2013–14, the dedicated special events digital radio
station, ABC Extra, was used to cover major events
and to mark a number of anniversaries including:
• ABC NAIDOC, broadcast from 8–12 July 2013.
The station drew on Indigenous programming from
across ABC Radio and the ABC’s archives, and in
2013 for the very first time, programs from Koori
Radio and the National Indigenous Radio Service
(NIRS). The station featured a daily hour of unique
radio by ABC Indigenous content makers from
across the country including two new voices from
ABC support areas.
• Lunar New Year, broadcast from 28–31 January
2014. ABC reporters from across the country
spoke to Australians of Asian heritage about what
Lunar New Year means to them.
• JFK: 50 Years On was a six hour broadcast
commemorating the 50th anniversary of the
assassination of JFK. The broadcast looked at
the legacy of JFK’s presidency, how the ABC
broadcast the news, and the influence JFK had on
Australian politics.
Commemorating Australia’s
involvement in war
ANZAC Day 2014 marked the first year of
commemorating World War One through special
programming across the ABC, up to the centenary
of Armistice Day on 11 November 2018, with the
centenary of Gallipoli in 2015 as the centrepiece.
ABC Radio provided comprehensive coverage of
ANZAC Day events.
Dawn services, at home and abroad, were broadcast
across the Local Radio network. For the first time, a
team of ABC Radio presenters broadcast live from
the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove with support from
the Department of Veteran Affairs. The program was
heard on Local Radio from 11.30 am – 1.30 pm (AET)
and a later broadcast of the Australian ceremony from
Lone Pine was broadcast live on ABC NewsRadio and
available on ABC Extra digital station. The ANZAC
Dawn Service live from the Australian War Memorial
in Canberra was broadcast on RN hosted by Louise
Maher and on Local Radio nationwide hosted by 666
ABC Canberra.
On 28 and 29 June 2014, RN suspended its normal
schedule to present World War One: Memory,
Perception and 10 Contested Questions. Over
ten hours, RN presenters tackled ten critical and
contentious questions about the Great War bringing
together historians, writers and thinkers from around
the globe, and offering alternative perspectives on the
conflict and its impact on the 20th and 21st centuries.
RN’s Books and Arts Daily also examined World Wars
in new fiction, interviewing a range of Australian and
international novelists. RN also produced the special
Boys Don’t Cry, on Australian troops deployed in
Afghanistan now returning home, many with the heavy
psychological baggage of military conflict.
Other special events on ABC Extra included NT Votes,
Celebrating Slim Dusty, War of the Worlds, 50 Years of
Dr Who, TedX, Reconciliation Week, and The Beatles
in Australia. The service is also used from time-to‑time
to share Local Radio station coverage of major
emergencies to keep the broader online and digital
radio audience informed. ABC Extra is also streamed
online and available via the ABC Radio app.
In a media market saturated with news and information, the ABC provides an
informed and authoritative voice for Australian audiences.
The ABC provides comprehensive news and current
affairs across its television, radio and online and
digital services. Australians trust the ABC as an
independent source of news and current affairs, with
77% of Australians surveyed believing coverage is fair
and balanced.87
suburban coverage. The ABC maintained a strong
focus on delivering news that was coordinated across
all delivery platforms, breaking more original stories
and better serving audiences, and adding to the
strength and diversity of the ABC News team.
Two significant new projects were developed
and implemented:
In 2013–14, the ABC fundamentally transformed the
structures and focus of the News Division to better
meet the needs of ABC audiences. This transformation
was part of a broader Newsgathering Project, and has
included a restructure of existing staff and resources
to provide better support for original, multi-platform
news content; additional funding from the Federal
Government for more original journalism at a national
and local level, and improved content for state-based
audiences and for younger audiences.
State Editions—The ABC commenced production
of State Editions of ABC News Online, developed
through collaboration between the News, Radio and
Innovation Divisions. Sites were launched in South
Australia and Victoria which provide audiences with
integrated local, national and international news and
information. Digital producers were recruited in each
of the eight capital city newsrooms, and the majority
have commenced in their roles. An additional team of
five supervising producers is working in News Online
in Brisbane, Queensland, to provide content for each
of the sites, as well as editorial support.
In 2013–14, the ABC undertook a project to vertically
integrate approximately 400 managers and resources
staff into content making areas, including News.
Vertical integration will enable the ABC to better
allocate and manage resources.
Interactive Storytelling Unit—The Interactive
Storytelling Unit provides digital-first content to tell
original and relevant news stories using innovative
tools and techniques (see page 56).
The ABC continued to develop initiatives that were
introduced in 2013 including the Fact Check Unit, the
National Reporting Team, and enhanced regional and
87.Newspoll, ABC Appreciation Survey 2014.
Balance: News and current affairs programs
Independent research from Newspoll provides an overview of
community attitudes and opinions about the ABC.
100% 95 94 96 95 94
90%
92 91 92
89 90 90 88 90 87 87 89
80%
82
85
89
Very Good Job
Total Good Job
90
88 86
87
86
85
85 83 83
85 84 85 86
70%
60%
50% 43
40%
41
44
40
48 46 47 46
45
41
45
42
45
39
43 43
39 41
36
40
44 42 44
47
40 42
38
39
46
41
45
48
30%
20%
10%
0
92%
of Australians believe
the ABC 7pm News
does a good job of
being balanced and
even-handed
’07’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’07’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’07’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’07’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14
ABC 7pm News
The 7.30 Report / 7.30
AM/PM
The World Today
Based on those aged 14 years and over who ever watch the respective program.
Source: Newspoll, ABC Appreciation Survey, June 2014.
53
Approximately
1.3 million
Australians
participated
in Vote Compass
As part of a strategy to revitalise the flagship 7pm
News bulletins, the ABC upgraded television studio
sets across the country and introduced a more
cohesive look across ABC1 and ABC News 24.
The ABC sought to enhance its coverage of the
Federal Election through the use of Vote Compass, an
audience survey tool designed by a group of Canadian
academics. The Vote Compass survey was completed
by approximately 1.3 million Australians.
There were some program changes in 2013–14: a new
weekly arts program, The Mix, commenced on ABC
News 24; and the weekly program Inside Business
ended after 12 years on the ABC.
Vote compass
Examining the issues important to Australians
The ABC trialled voter-engagement and survey
application Vote Compass during the 2013 Federal
Election campaign with excellent results. Designed
by a group of Canadian academics, and launched in
partnership with the ABC, Vote Compass provided
a focus on policy issues and a rich source of unique
data about Australian views on key election issues.
The application drew high levels of traffic to ABC
websites throughout the election campaign, and
was a strong source of content and discussion
across Radio and News programs and platforms.
Approximately 1.3 million Australians completed
the Vote Compass survey, which made it the most
successful use of the application (per head of
population) anywhere in the world.
Training continued to be a key priority, ensuring
continuous improvement in how the ABC gathers and
presents news and current affairs. Almost 100 new
employees participated in induction programs
including: writing for television, radio and online;
editorial policies; work health and safety; media law;
corporate governance; and specific technical training.
A further 389 existing employees attended intensive
workshops and responded to a survey focused on
identifying training needs. The training initiatives have
created a more agile workforce with an improved
capacity to report across platforms.
The News Division held regular, formal reviews of its
individual programs and areas of content involving
heads of programming, relevant executive producers
and presenters. Separate and independent reviews
of the ABC’s multiplatform news and current affairs
coverage are undertaken each year to assess the
strengths and weaknesses of the ABC’s content
(see page 72).
54 In 2013–14, the ABC continued to deliver original
journalism and exclusive stories which had an impact
on Australia’s political and social life. Each week, the
ABC analyses how original and exclusive stories and
news angles were broken and developed, the way in
which those stories were picked up and shared both
by social media and by other mainstream media, and
the impact those stories had on the community. This
could include prompting debate, leading to official
investigations, or precipitating legislative or other
change. Content which has had a significant impact
during the reporting period included:
• Extensive coverage of the Federal election across
platforms, with the Sydney headquarters of the
Corporation being transformed into the ABC
Election Centre;
• The success of the Vote Compass project;
• The ABC Fact Check Unit, which quickly
established itself as an integral part of the national
election campaign, with politicians from the major
parties responding to and engaging with the
determinations; and
on radio
on television
The ABC distributes news and current affairs content
across a range of radio networks and on digital radio.
In 2013–14, news and current affairs programs on
Local Radio and Radio National had a combined
unduplicated reach of 1.9 million people aged 10 and
over each week in the five‑city metropolitan market.88
This was down 0.9% from 2012–13.
In 2013–14 there was audience growth across the
ABC’s news and current affairs television programming,
reflecting its depth, quality and diversity.
The ABC NewsRadio network is a dedicated 24–hour
radio service. ABC NewsRadio’s five-city metropolitan
average weekly reach was 700 000 in 2013–14, up
from 676 000 in 2012–13. Audience share was also up
slightly, to 1.6% (1.5% in 2012–13).89
Coverage of the Australian Federal Election was a key
focus of ABC NewsRadio (see page 58).
In December 2013, the Evening program, which was
coproduced with Radio Australia and broadcast
to domestic and international audiences, was
decommissioned by Radio Australia. This program
was replaced in the ABC NewsRadio schedule
in January 2014 with a new Evening program for
domestic audiences which retained a focus on the
Asia-Pacific region.
During the year ABC NewsRadio increased audience
engagement on digital and social media platforms through
an improved website, the network’s first Facebook
page and Twitter presence as well as increased on-air
promotion of the ABC Radio mobile app.
The top performing programs on ABC News 24 in
2013–14 included coverage of the Australian Federal
Election; Fleet Review Spectacular; Julia Gillard in
Conversation with Anne Summers; coverage of the
Australian Federal Budget; and coverage of both the
NSW bushfires in October 2013 and the Victorian
bushfires in February 2014.91
ABC News 24’s metropolitan average weekly reach
in 2013–14 was 2.4 million people, or 14.9% of the
five‑city metropolitan population, an increase from
13.9% in 2012–13.92
In 2013–14, ABC News 24 achieved a metropolitan
day-time free-to-air share of 3.7%, up from 2.9% in
2012–13. ABC News 24’s metropolitan prime-time
free-to-air share was 1.2% (0.9% in 2012–13).93
ABC News 24 maintained its regional average weekly
reach from 2012–13 of 1.3 million, or 18.9% of the
regional population.94
Prime-time regional free-to-air share for ABC News 24
was 1.3% (1.2% in 2012–13). ABC News 24’s regional
day-time free-to-air share was 4.4% in 2013–14,
steady with 2012–13.95
The revitalisation of the 7pm News bulletins involved
a new approach to presentation of the programs,
including more live crosses; greater use of specialist
reporters and correspondents; more live interviews;
and better use of story-telling graphics. Journalists
presented live from the field more often when major
stories were unfolding.
• A series of stories highlighting child abuse in
Victoria’s residential care system, sparking an
inquiry by the Victorian Children’s Commissioner.
The Asia Pacific News Centre (APNC) is a branch of
the News division which contributes news and current
affairs content to the ABC’s International Media
Service. The APNC coordinates news bulletins for
Radio Australia and international digital news, news
bulletins on Australia Network and contributes content
to The World, Pacific Beat and Business Today. The
Federal Government’s termination of the agreement
to fund the Australia Network Service will have a
significant impact on the editorial capacity of the Asia
Pacific News Centre. The ABC is committed, however,
to retaining a specialist international news team in
the APNC to deliver accurate, independent news into
the region.
ABC News 24 continued to increase its audience,
recording its highest ever free-to-air share in both
day‑time and prime-time.90
88.Includes Local Radio Early AM (Mon–Fri 6 am – 6.15 am); 7.45am News
(Mon–Sun 7.45 am – 8 am); AM (Mon–Sat 8 am – 8.30 am); The World Today
(Mon–Fri 12 md – 1 pm); and PM (Mon–Fri, 6 – 7 pm) and Radio National:
AM (Mon–Sat 7am–7.30am); The World Today (Mon–Fri 12 md–1pm) & PM
(Mon–Fri 5–5.30pm).
89.Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014, five city metropolitan, people aged 10 years
and over 2012–13, 2013–14.
90.OzTAM Consolidated Data 2013–14.
94.Regional TAM Consolidated data 2012–13, 2013–14.
95.Regional TAM Consolidated data 2012–13, 2013–14.
On ABC1, the combined metropolitan and regional
average audience for the Monday to Friday 7pm News
in 2013–14 was 1.2 million, a decline of 8% compared
to 2012–13.96
The weekend editions of News increased in 2013–14
compared to 2012–13. The Sunday edition of News
increased by 2% to a combined average audience
of 1.2 million in 2013–14.97 The Saturday evening
broadcast averaged 1.3 million viewers in 2013–14, an
increase of 1% compared to 2012–13.98
55
Interactive Storytelling
ABC news and current affairs websites: Monthly reach
“Reach” measures the total number of people who have visited an
ABC news or current affairs website over a specified timeframe.
Innovating Australian news coverage
ABC News is looking at innovative ways to present content while maintaining
its commitment to high quality journalism.
ABC news and current
affairs online reached
an average
Audience (Thousands)
3000
In February 2014, ABC News established the Interactive Storytelling Team,
a group of producers and journalists telling stories in a non-traditional way for
an ever-growing digital audience. The team was established as part of the
third stage of the Newsgathering Project, and their early work demonstrates
how interactive content can supplement the high-quality journalism provided
by the ABC. With skills including digital design, development, illustration and
animation, the team has vastly extended the capacity for News to tell stories
using data visualisations, gifs, photo montages and short-form video.
2500
2000
2.3 million
1500
1000
500
0
Their coverage of the 2014 Federal Budget included a piece on “winners
and losers” that went viral, with more than 600 000 page views and
60 000 shares on social media.
users each month
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Source: Niesen Online Ratings – Hybrid Australia, People aged 2 years and over
Note: from March 2014 Nielsen increased its estimate of the number of Australians
going online each month and there has been a concomitant rise in reach for the
vast majority of sites, including the ABC.
Winners and Losers
In 2013–14, Foreign Correspondent achieved a
combined average audience on ABC1 of 915 000, an
increase of 5% compared to 2012–13.102 The episode
“USA—Down in Jungleland”, broadcast on 22 October
2013, achieved the highest audience for the program
in 2013–14 with a combined average audience of
1.1 million.103
Insiders achieved a combined average audience of
427 000 in 2013–14, across ABC1 and the ABC News
24 simulcast, an increase of 18% on 2012–13.104
In 2013–14, the combined average audience for
Australian Story was 1.3 million, a decline of 2%
compared to 2012–13.105 The program achieved
combined audiences of more than 1.5 million on five
occasions in the past 12 months. “A Complicated
Life: Kerry Packer Part Two”, broadcast on 14 April
2014, achieved the highest average audience for the
program in 2013–14 at 1.6 million.106
ABC News Breakfast is broadcast each weekday on
ABC1 and ABC News 24. In 2013–14, ABC News
Breakfast reached a weekly average of 1.4 million
viewers on ABC1 and ABC News 24 across
On ABC1, the combined average audience for Lateline
was 252 000, a decline of 6% compared to 2012–13.
Also on ABC1, The Business achieved a combined
average audience of 129 000 in 2013–14, also down
6% on the 2012–13 average.108
The ABC’s Australian Federal Election coverage,
simulcast on ABC1 and ABC News 24, achieved
a combined metropolitan and regional average
audience of 1.4 million and was the most viewed
television election coverage in total metropolitan and
total regional markets (see page 58). The first Abbott
Government Federal Budget was another significant
news event, with a combined average audience of
1.4 million for the Treasurer’s speech.109
ABC news and current affairs websites: Weekly visitors and visits
which have accessed ABC news and current affairs websites, identified by
cookies. “Visits” measures the number of sessions on those sites.
4.5
Visitors
4.0
9
3.5
8
7
3.0
6
2.5
5
2.0
4
1.5
3
1.0
2
0.5
1
0
0
July 2013
June 2014
6.1 million
visits and
2.8 million visitors
Source: Webtrends
107.OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data (reach based on 5 minute
consecutive viewing, ABC1 and ABC News 24), 2012–13, 2013–14.
108.OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data, 2012–13, 2013–14.
109.OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated Data, 2012–13, 2013–14.
News and current
affairs online
and international visitors each week, up 36% on
2012–13. The number of visits is up 33% to an average
6.1 million a week.111
The ABC is using a range of digital platforms to make
its news and current affairs content available to as
many people as possible.
ABC News 24 is streamed live on ABC News Online
and iview. ABC News 24 recorded a total of 1.3 million
streams via iview in 2013–14 (a monthly average of
128 000). Streams of ABC News 24 via iview peaked
in May 2014 with 135 000 streams, driven by coverage
of the Australian Federal Budget.112
In 2013–14, ABC News and Current Affairs websites
reached an average 2.3 million users each month.110
The sites attracted an average of 2.8 million domestic
110.Nielsen Online Ratings—Hybrid, Australia, people aged 2 years and over.
111.Webtrends Data.
112.Webtrends Data 2013–14, iview average excludes Nov–Feb.
113.Webtrends Data 2013–14, includes international and domestic plays via
the ABC News 24 website.
56 Each week, ABC news
and current affairs
websites averaged
10
Visits
Visits (millions)
Four Corners achieved a combined average audience
of one million on ABC1 in 2013–14, a decline of 8%
on 2012–13.100 The highest rating episode of the year,
”JFK: The Lost Bullet” was broadcast on 11 November
2013 to a combined average audience of 1.4 million.101
metropolitan and regional markets, an 8% increase on
average weekly reach in 2012–13.107
Visitors (millions)
On ABC1, the combined average audience for 7.30
(Monday–Thursday, national edition) was 1.1 million in
2013–14, an increase of 1% compared to 2012–13.99
In 2013–14, a total of three million streams were
recorded via the ABC News 24 website (a monthly
average of 252 000). Streams via the website peaked
in September 2013 with 431 000 plays, driven by
coverage of the Australian Federal Election.113
57
1.8 million
combined metropolitan
and regional audience for
Gruen Nation
5.3 million
viewers across Election day
television coverage (from 1pm AEST)
The Federal Election dominated national debate and discussion in the months
leading up to September 7.
2.1million
Number of visits to
ABC News online on
7 September 2013
51%
Percentage of visits to the
ABC News website from a
mobile device on Election day
Live broadcasting of the ABC’s election‑day coverage involved comprehensive technical and operational
support, and coordinated content from ABC Radio and News. The coverage culminated in a live radio
broadcast from the ABC’s Sydney studios on election night, featuring live crosses to every key House of
Representative seat; the result of a major upgrade to the ABC’s links capabilities.
2013 Federal Election—Cross-platform coverage
Covering events of national significance is a key part of the ABC’s commitment to informing Australians and
creating a sense of national identity. The 2013 Election involved a comprehensive and coordinated approach to
delivering on that commitment.
Election coverage on Radio
On radio, Outside Broadcasts
were conducted by Local Radio
stations around the country to
connect with electorates and
discuss the way policies and issues
affected communities individually
and uniquely. A forum conducted
by ABC Local Radio and News
in Queensland was televised live
on Queensland’s 7.30 program.
RN contributed to the discussion
and debate with the Big Ideas for
Australia forum, extensive coverage
and analysis on RN Breakfast,
and through the Politics in the
Pub series.
On election night, ABC
NewsRadio’s Sandy Aloisi
co‑presented the national coverage
with RN’s Fran Kelly and ABC
News’ Mark Colvin.
58 Election coverage
on Television
On television, in-depth coverage
of the campaign was broadcast,
including the live Leader’s Debate.
On election night, the Australia
Votes television coverage led by
Kerry O’Brien, Annabel Crabb
and Antony Green was broadcast
live from the ABC Election Centre
in Studio 22 at Ultimo. Coverage
featured the Australia Votes Virtual
Chamber, used to graphically
present results as they came in.
The Federal Election was the focus
of other television content, including
an election campaign‑themed
series of Gruen Nation which
attracted a combined average
audience of 1.8 million across
ABC1 and ABC2. The Chaser’s
satirical commentary The Hamster
Decides achieved a combined
average audience of 1.3 million
(ABC1 and ABC2).114
Election coverage Online
Online, over a million Australians
engaged with key policy issues
through the ABC’s Vote Compass
tool (see page 54). A dedicated
election website showcased the
best news content from across all
areas. ABC Fact Check provided
a focus on policy issues and a rich
source of data about Australian
views on key issues.
114.OzTAM & Regional TAM Consolidated
Data 2013–14.
59
International broadcasting is part of the ABC Charter. The ABC’s International
Media Service engages international audiences in multiple languages and
builds regional partnerships.
The ABC broadcasts to millions of people in the
Asia‑Pacific region through radio, television and digital
services provided by ABC International, supported
by news and analysis from the ABC’s Asia Pacific
News Centre.
In July 2013, the ABC implemented its Integrated
International Media Service. The service integrated the
ABC’s international television and radio broadcasting
activities Australia Network and Radio Australia and
the related digital services. The integrated service
enabled the ABC to adopt a targeted approach
to growing audience reach, and to deliver on the
objectives agreed with the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade.
Since the service was implemented in July 2013,
the ABC has successfully increased audience reach
and engagement across the Asia-Pacific region, and
has achieved, or was on track to achieve, the Key
Performance Indicators agreed with the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Digital services expanded
significantly during the year with the development
and launch of multilingual market portals for China,
Indonesia, India and the Pacific. As part of the digital
expansion, ABC International launched Australia Plus,
an online and mobile destination for Australian content
produced by the ABC.
In May 2014, the Federal Government announced the
discontinuation of funding for the Australia Network
Service. As a result of this significant cut to funding
the ABC is working to deliver a remodelled service for
local and Australian audiences resident and travelling
across the Asia-Pacific region and more broadly,
in line with the ABC Charter obligations and within
available funding.
Key
Australia Network
Satellite distribution/footprint
including Radio Australia
Australia Network,
24-hours free-to-air
Radio Australia
Radio Australia’s 24-hour
FM network
Audiences
Audiences across the region accessed content in
a range of ways, largely dictated by the availability
of technology. In the developed markets of Asia,
television continued to dominate, growing in audience
reach and engagement with the rising middle class.
The Asia-Pacific region continued to experience high
levels of growth in the mobile market; in 2014 the
region comprised 3.5 billion of the world’s 6.8 billion
phone users.115
The increased use of mobile technology has seen a
corresponding increase in the volume of television
content consumed on mobile devices.
Shortwave transmission sites
China
Digital subscription sites
United Arab Emirates
Burma
Foreign Language Services
Laos
Cambodia
Vietnam
Marshall Islands
Palau
Singapore
Indonesia
East Timor
In 2013–14, live radio broadcasting in Bahasa
(Indonesia) and Mandarin was withdrawn in favour
of syndicating select programs on local partner
networks. This enabled the Radio Australia service to
be refocused for Pacific and Mekong audiences.
Solomon Islands
Papua New Guinea
Brandon
Since implementing the converged strategy in June
2013, audience data tracked to the end of June 2014
indicated the availability of the ABC’s services grew
by 53%. Television grew 70%; unique visitors online
increased 80%; and there was a 730% increase
in social media communities (including Facebook,
Twitter and Chinese Weibo).116
While new technology is prevalent in these
communities, the ABC is mindful of the significant
differences in cultural and socio-economic conditions
which exist across target markets. The new converged
service has adopted a strategy based on tailoring
content and services to the greatest possible degree
for the specific markets in which they will be received.
Kiribati
Federated States Micronesia
Vanuatu
Fiji
Samoa
Tonga
French Polynesia
Cook Islands
Shepparton
ABC International grew the distribution of Australia
Network television with new partnerships signed in
China, Indonesia, India and Thailand. This significantly
increased the network’s availability by 70%, from 84.4
million people in 2013 to 144 million people in 2014.117
The ABC obtains audience data for six key Asian
markets—India, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore,
Malaysia and Hong Kong—from media research
companies Nielsen and Kantar. In 2013–14, Australia
Network was viewed by 6.05 million people in those
markets per month.118 Subsequent redistribution
agreements, including agreements with Doordarshan
in India and TrueVisions in Thailand, have further
increased the audience size.
117.Media Partners Asia “Asia Pacific Pay TV and Broadband Markets 2013”
and syndication partners.
118.Nielsen, Kantar.
115.ITU (International Telecommunication Union):
http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/I
CTFactsFigures2013-e.pdf
116.ABC International receives audience data from rebroadcasting and
syndication partners as well as independent companies, including
Nielsen, Kantar, InterMedia, Gallup and TAM India surveys (TAM is the
TV Ratings supplier in India).
61
Content
Reflecting Australian life and views
The ABC’s International media service aims to deliver
content that reflects the diversity of Australian life and
broadcast content from across the ABC, as well as
from SBS and commercial networks.
The efficiencies realised by integrating the operations
of the Australia Network and Radio Australia and
the associated online services into a converged
service have allowed further investment in relevant
and original content, developed to cater to diverse
audiences through language and genre. Access
to digital media, and mobile in particular, has seen
rapid growth. Access and engagement with media
via mobile devices is now ubiquitous in major
markets such as Indonesia, China, South Korea and
Japan. In response, ABC International expanded
its digital presence significantly in 2013–14 with
the launch of market-facing portals, multiplatform
content, new mobile offerings and a converged social
media strategy.
ABC International signed a number of co-production
agreements with partners in India, China, Indonesia
and Papua New Guinea to deliver tailored original
content that will be aired on both local and ABC
International platforms in target markets.
In 2013–14, ABC International continued its successful
collaboration with the Shanghai Media Group. In
its fourth year, the reciprocal content arrangement
‘Window on Australia’ saw Australian content
broadcast for an hour during prime time for a week
on Shanghai Media Group’s International Channel
Shanghai. ABC International also contributed weekly
segments for the Chinese program Cosmo Times
which is produced and broadcast by International
Channel Shanghai. The weekly magazine program
aims to keep “audiences up with the times of the
world’s trendiest cosmopolitan cities, including
Shanghai, New York, Melbourne and Los Angeles”.
In addition, the ABC negotiated an arrangement to
establish an online portal in China with a Chinese ISP,
providing a unique opportunity to showcase Australia
in China (see page 64).
In April 2014, ABC International worked with
Indonesia’s largest media organisation, MNC to
produce original content for the ‘Australia Month’,
held in May 2014. Three major television channels
in Indonesia broadcast the special series of stories
filmed around Australia showcasing society,
culture, arts and innovation, including profiles of
the Indonesian diaspora in Australia. The event was
available to 100 million viewers.
Significant content initiatives from 2013–14 included:
A range of popular Australian content was adapted
for international distribution, increasing opportunities
to engage directly with audiences in the region and
promote ABC programs. Popular content like the
Play School—Art Marker and Play School—Play Time
tablet are now available for audiences in Mandarin.
Q&A broadcast special editions of the program from
Jakarta, New Delhi, and Shanghai. The popular
gaming show, Good Game, was filmed in Tokyo in
October 2013.
• Arts: The documentary Ivory, Strings and Bows
captured the journey of Chinese musicians, the
Amber Quartet, who won the 2013 Asia Pacific
Chamber Music Competition in Melbourne.
Special coverage of the Asia Pacific Screen
Awards in Brisbane was broadcast on Australia
Network and syndicated to partners in the region.
In December 2013, presenters from Radio Australia’s
Mornings and the Tok Pisin evening programs
travelled to Papua New Guinea to take part in 40th
anniversary celebrations for the National Broadcasting
Corporation (NBC). ABC presenters Phil Kafcaloudes
and Caroline Tiriman produced radio and online
stories and collaborated on-air with NBC colleagues.
Radio Australia’s Mornings program was broadcast
from Samoa in April 2014, with three days of live
content focussing on tourism, food security, issues for
small island states, women in business, development,
sport and music. The Samoa event helped to launch
the Australia Plus Pacific brand and online properties
and the Pacific Break music community initiative.
As well as increasing awareness of Australia in the
region, the ABC’s international media service enabled
Australians living, working and travelling overseas to
keep up-to-date with local issues and events.
The ABC delivered a range of news and current affairs
and factual programming, with detailed coverage of
the Australian Federal Election. Popular domestic
programs Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent,
Insiders and Dateline from SBS were also broadcast
on Australia Network. In July 2013, Australia Network
launched #Talkaboutit, a youth oriented current affairs
program catering to 18–35 year olds. The program
tackled issues from across the Asia-Pacific region with
a fresh perspective and approach.
AFL and NRL were televised on Australia Network
as well as State of Origin games and the One Day
International Test Cricket Matches.
• Pacific 360: launched in late 2013, Pacific 360
showcases the best of Pacific sports people on
Australia Network. The program was based on
audience research that demonstrated that sport
was a significant area of interest with Pacific
audiences; one that can be used as a vehicle
for broader conversations around important
development issues.
• Pacific Break: ABC International’s music project
Pacific Break, was relaunched in early 2014. Namila
Benson hosted the weekly music program which
uncovers emerging musicians across Oceania. The
program is rebroadcast on radio partners in PNG,
Cook Islands and Solomon Islands, increasing its
reach in key Pacific markets.
• Food and lifestyle: Launched in 2013,
Fashion Asia is a weekly show engaging with
the region’s interest in fashion, highlighting both
Australia’s interest in the region and its young,
multicultural society. Chefs on Tour was produced
in partnership with the Victorian Agribusiness
Council. The documentary follows a group of
Malaysian chefs touring Victoria’s rural areas
tasting and cooking the local food.
• English Language Learning: Social media
remained an important tool for enhancing audience
engagement and a vital platform for content and
promotion. Australia Plus social media accounts
across key platforms including ‘Australia Plus Learn
English’, have a community of over two million fans
and followers.
• Business and Finance News: Australia
Network increased business programming to
provide a mix of business news in addition to
specific programs targeting business migrants
and telling their stories of success in Australia.
Dragon’s Footprints explored the stories of six
successful Chinese-Australian migrants and was
broadcast on Australia Network and through
syndication partners.
International Distribution
The distribution of the ABC’s international
broadcasting services is coordinated through a
combination of traditional broadcast channels, a
growing digital presence and new syndication and
co-production partnerships with local media in
target markets.
Syndication partners, such as Detik.com (Indonesia),
MNC TV (Indonesia), Beijing TV and Doordarshan
(India) provided new channels for Australian content.
Local partners also selected and promoted stories
that link back to ABC International services.
In 2013–14 the Pacific Beat program was syndicated
to partners in the Pacific market, including the National
Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea,
Radio Vanuatu, Samoa Quality Broadcasting and
Radio Cook Islands. English language learning content
is presented daily on Myanmar’s national broadcaster
Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV).
International Development
ABC International Development works to support
the development of robust media institutions in the
Asia-Pacific region. It is a self-funding enterprise with
39 staff (including 23 locally-engaged staff) based in
Cambodia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
and Australia.
ABC International Development offers assistance in
the form of strategic advice, training and mentoring,
technical support and secondments. The core goals
of these activities are to support communications for
development in partner countries, and increase the
demand for better governance. These goals align with
the strategic direction of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade, the principal source of funding for
ABC International Development.
The work that is undertaken in the region reflects
the ABC’s strengths in public broadcasting,
educational broadcasting, emergency broadcasting,
rural/agricultural broadcasting and organisational
management and our commitment to regional
relationships, as an active member of Asia-Pacific and
global media bodies.
In 2013–14, International Development continued
major programs with Papua New Guinea’s National
Broadcasting Corporation, three of Cambodia’s
Provincial Departments of Information, and the Pacific
Media Assistance Scheme, which is a long‑term
program to support the media in 14 Pacific countries.
In partnership with the Burnet Institute, ABC
63
International Development commenced a radio pilot
initiative in Myanmar to assist the national broadcaster
MRTV to produce radio programs aimed at providing
maternal health information to women living in
rural communities.
ABC International Development also contributes
to academic research partnerships to further
understanding and knowledge in the Asia-Pacific
region. This research, combined with the existing
knowledge of locally based teams, helps to drive
programs, solutions and initiatives that are more
relevant, targeted, effective and measurable.
International Relations
The ABC’s International Relations department
facilitates interaction between the ABC and public
broadcasters, media and broadcasting associations
around the world. Through these relationships the
ABC aims to raise the profile of public broadcasting,
support other broadcasters in the region and to
participate in the policy debate on matters relevant to
public broadcasters.
ABC International represented the Corporation at
a number of regional conferences including; the
Asia‑Pacific Broadcasting Union’s (ABU) General
ABC Chairman James Spigelman and Executive Vice
President of SMG, Madame Wang Jianjun, present
the signed agreement at a ceremony at ABC Ultimo.
Photo: Anastasia Konstantelos.
Assembly in Vietnam, the ABU Planning and
Strategy Group meeting in Myanmar, the ABUAIBD’s Pacific Islands Media Partnership workshop
in Samoa, the Group of 7 (G7) conference in France,
the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of
Asia (CASBAA) conference in Hong Kong and the
Association of International Broadcasters (AIB) Awards
in London.
ABC Commercial creates, distributes and markets content and products for
commercial return. It aims to enhance and extend the audience experience of
the ABC while maximising revenue return to the ABC.
The ABC hosted international delegations from
media organisations from Cambodia, China, Canada,
Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Mauritius, Malaysia,
India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Africa, Tonga, Fiji,
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
ABC Commercial is responsible for the management
of a range of businesses which create, licence
and market products and services related to ABC
programming and Charter activities. ABC Commercial
is responsible for the development of new revenue
streams for the Corporation.
ABC Retail
ABC Retail comprises ABC Shops, ABC Shop Online
and ABC Centres located across metropolitan and
regional Australia. In 2013–14, ABC Retail worked to
position the ABC Shop as the destination for quality
entertainment and customer experiences. It has
implemented a revised retail strategy which focuses
on transitioning the network from its traditional
reliance on DVD and CD formatted product to a
broader retail offering encompassing toys, general
merchandise, clothing and books.
Financial performance
In 2013–14, there was a
730 % increase
across ABC International
social media communities
including Facebook, Twitter
and Chinese Weibo
In 2013–14, ABC Commercial achieved a full year
net profit of $1.5 million, a 36% increase on the
previous year. This was the first time in four years
that ABC Commercial has not experienced a decline
in net profit.
Over the reporting period, changes made to the
organisational structure in the Retail Head Office
have been consolidated. These changes have been
designed to enable ABC Retail to focus on operations
in order to drive sales and traffic. ABC Retail
continued to review the locations of ABC Shops and
ABC Centres, prioritising locations that performed or
have the potential to provide future revenue.
The increase in net profit was primarily due to an
improvement in the retail business and significant
growth in digital sales, in particular an increase in
successful ‘business to business’ Subscription Video
on Demand partnerships.
ABC and Shanghai Media Group deal
ABC Commercial: Contribution to ABC net revenue
In April 2014, recognising the ABC’s long term co-operation
with Chinese media partners, the State Administration of
Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) presented the ABC
with a significant and unprecedented opportunity to
establish an online commercial portal in China. The portal
will be designed to deliver a broader range of Australian
content to partner Chinese media organisations, aimed to
promote Australian business, tourism and education, as
well as share drama and children’s programming. Chinese
authorities also invited ABC International to establish
a base in Shanghai with approval to represent and sell
media, enter into co-productions and media joint ventures,
and to generate sponsorship and advertising.
A proportion of the ABC’s funding comes from its
commercial activities.
On 4 June, ABC Chairman Mr James Spigelman and
the Executive Vice President of SMG, Madame Wang
Jianjun signed the agreement at the ABC Ultimo Centre,
NSW, in front of a high-level Chinese delegation and
ABC Executives.
64 Consumer experiences
ABC Commercial
contributed
9 830
2002–03
15 148
2003–04a
2004–05
16 191
2005–06
19 198
10 717
2005–06
17 404
2006–07b
2008–09
$1.5 million
to ABC net revenue
18 786
c
2009–10d
7 925
2010–11d
2011–12d
5 535
1 066
2012–13d
13 755
1 478
2013–14d
0
2 000
4 000
6 000
8 000 10 000 12 000 14 000 16 000 18 000 20 000
$ (thousands)
a. Includes new departments within the then ABC Enterprise Division –
Content Sales and Resource Hire.
b. Excludes Screenrights.
c. Excludes ABC Resources Hire and includes interest.
d. Includes interest.
65
ABC Retail experienced significant growth in the
audio, clothing, toy and general merchandise
categories during the year, contributing to an
overall improvement in the financial performance
of ABC Shops, ABC Centres and ABC Shop Online.
In 2013–14, average monthly visitors to ABC Shop
Online increased by 7.9% to 399 167 (from 370 000
in 2012–13). As part of the broader organisational
restructure within ABC Retail, the ABC Shop Online
support structure was incorporated into Retail Head
Office. Combined with a change in management, this
integration contributed to an improvement in both
sales and net profit for ABC Shop Online.
During the reporting period, ABC Retail undertook
a review of the ABC Shop loyalty program, VIP, to
leverage the opportunities presented by the program’s
considerable customer membership base. As part
of that review, a new-look loyalty program will be
launched in the next financial year.
ABC Digital Business
Development
ABC Digital Business Development is responsible
for distributing, licensing and building stand-alone
products and services for mobile, online and
emerging platforms.
In October 2013, ABC Digital Business Development
transitioned the online brain training program Active
Memory from its initial beta phase to its full public
launch. Active Memory was developed in partnership
with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental
Health and the University of Melbourne. The program
provides paying subscribers with a brain training
program that is designed to exercise four critical
brain functions: memory, flexibility, attention and
knowledge. Active Memory is underpinned by an
innovative statistical algorithm which analyses the
user’s performance data and creates a personalised
training program of games that adapts as the user
progresses. The data generated by the users will
be used by the research partners to undertake a
three‑year research study into the affects of brain
training on human cognition. This research is being
funded by the Australian Research Council.
In 2013–14, ABC Digital Business Development
continued to provide technology and development
support for business units within ABC Commercial.
Digital Business Development worked with ABC
Retail to deliver new features, stability enhancements
and platform improvements to the ABC Shop Online
website. Work was undertaken to update the asset
management system which underpins the way Video
Entertainment and Distribution delivers content to new
platform partners.
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ABC Commercial’s self-funded production Stop at
Nothing: the Lance Armstrong Story was launched at
the European Film Market in Berlin in February 2014.
The film subsequently screened at two film festivals
in the United Kingdom. The program has been sold
for broadcast to television networks in Sweden,
Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, and the UK
(BBC). The ABC has licensed the title to leading digital
platform Netflix, and has also secured deals which will
see the feature film broadcast on cable and satellite
pay television services across the United States,
Canada, Latin America, New Zealand, Israel, and
Central Europe. The film was released on DVD and as
a digital download in the Australian market following
its broadcast on ABC Television in early July 2014.
141.6%
55 million
Percentage increase in
number of music tracks
purchased via download
Number of ABC music tracks
streamed online
ABC Music and Events
Events
Music and Audio
Over 75 000 children around Australia were
entertained by Bananas in Pyjamas, Miffy and The
WotWots at ABC For Kids events at shopping centres,
festivals and community events during the year.
The Play School concert series also continued touring
nationally through metro and regional Australia. An
estimated 100 000 people attended the concerts,
each of which featured two presenters as well as Big
Ted, Little Ted, Humpty and Jemima. Following its
success in 2012–13, the second Good Game Live
event was held at the EB Games Expo at the Sydney
Showgrounds in October 2013.
ABC Music is Australia’s largest independent record
label. It releases music across a broad range of genres
from classics and jazz through to country and kids.
In 2013–14, ABC Music released 183 titles: 86 titles
for ABC Classics; and 97 titles for Contemporary
(including 33 ABC for Kids titles). triple j Like a Version
Nine reached the number one position on the overall
Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)
chart, a first for an ABC Music release. The Hottest
100 Volume 21, which debuted at number one
on the ARIA compilation chart, sold over 64 000
copies, making it the best selling ABC Music
release in 2013–14.
ABC Music’s ABC for Kids label continued to be the
number one selling label for children in Australia.
The volume of music purchased via download, either
single tracks or albums, increased significantly in
2013–14. The number of tracks downloaded increased
by 141.6%, and the number of albums downloaded
increased by 133.0%. There was similar growth in the
volume of music streamed through services such as
Spotify and Rdio. The number of ABC Music tracks
streamed increased to over 55 million, a 46.6%
increase from 2012–13 levels. At the same time as the
significant growth in digital music consumption, there
was a decline in CD sales of 14.5%.
ABC Music titles were recognised in the 2013 ARIA
Awards, with seven awards from 22 nominations
across 10 categories (see page 224). ABC Music
won all four Fine Arts ARIAS in 2013.
In 2013–14, ABC Audio released—through its license
agreement with Bolinda—31 new titles in physical and
digital formats; 26 re-published (or “backlist”) titles
in digital format; and 13 ABC re-published titles in
physical formats.
ABC Publishing and Licensing
Publishing
ABC Books publishes in partnership with Harper
Collins Publishers Australia. ABC Magazines publishes
a range of digital and print titles.
During the year, ABC Books continued to commission
and acquire titles that aligned with the mix of quality
programming on the ABC and the interests of the
ABC audience. ABC Books aims to be the publisher
of choice for all ABC talent and this was reflected in
the publication of books from ABC News’ Zoe Daniel,
ABC Classic FM’s Emma Ayres, ABC Television’s Poh
Ling Yeow, and ABC Local Radio’s Carl Curtain, along
with books from other identities who have a profile on
or through the ABC, such as Shane Jacobson and
Jennifer Stackhouse.
The bestselling adult titles in 2013–14 were
ABC delicious. Love to Cook by Valli Little, the
maritime Australian history Cook by Rob Mundle,
Shane Jacobson’s memoir The Long Road to
Overnight Success, and the third edition of Sarah
Edelman’s book on cognitive behaviour therapy,
Change Your Thinking.
story?
you think you know this
you don't.
2/06/14 9:50 AM
67
Sales of children’s books were led by backlist titles
that have sold strongly over months—and in some
cases, years—on the market. Top selling titles
included Truly Tan by Jen Storer; Play School’s
much loved Nursery Rhyme Treasury; the picture
book There’s a Monster Under My Bed Who Farts
from Australian author Tim Miller and illustrator Matt
Stanton; and The Enormous Book of Hot Jokes for
Kool Kids by Andy Jones, which was first published
over 10 years ago.
In 2013–14, ABC Magazines published, in both
physical and digital formats, the ABC delicious food
magazine (11 monthly editions), ABC Gardening
Australia (12 monthly editions) and ABC Organic
Gardener (six bi-monthly editions). Circulation of
ABC delicious and ABC Gardening Australia declined
in 2013–14 consistent with the overall decline in
the magazine market. The ABC released a range
of diaries, calendars and mooks (book-magazine
hybrids) across these titles.
ABC Magazines released three magazine annuals
in 2013–14: triple j (in digital and physical formats);
ABC Footy (AFL); and ABC Cricket. In 2014, ABC
Magazines also increased the number of editions of
each its two key children’s titles—The Octonauts and
Giggle and Hoot & Friends magazine—from one issue
per year to four.
ABC Commercial:
Gross revenue
by activity
The ABC generates
revenue from a wide
range of business
activities.
Music Publishing 0.3%
Other Revenue 0.2%
Classical Music 1.9%
Library Sales 2.1%
Magazines 2.9%
Licensing
ABC Licensing creates consumer products derived
from ABC programming.
Licensing continued to deliver strong sales throughout
the year, with Giggle and Hoot merchandise remaining
a focus. The core Giggle and Hoot merchandise
range—sleepwear, apparel, underwear, plush toys,
back to school merchandise, footwear, headwear,
hair accessories, and card—was extended to include
products such as games, showbags and a new
Jimmy Giggle plush toy. The Giggle and Hoot brand
continued to be stocked in major retailers including
ABC Shop, Target, Big W, Myer and Toys R Us.
During the reporting period Licensing launched a
range of new products designed for adults, including
the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Cluedo Board
Game, and Miss Fisher and Rake greeting cards,
mugs, magnets and notebooks. ABC Licensing
entered into a new arrangement with a manufacturer
to print T-shirts on-demand for popular ABC brands
and characters, including triple j, Rake, Beached Az,
Ja’mie Private School Girl and Jonah from Tonga.
Video Entertainment and
Distribution (VED)
Sales and Business
Development (SBD)
Video Entertainment and Distribution acquires and
sells video content under the ABC DVD and ABC
for Kids labels as physical DVD products in Australia
and New Zealand, and through a range of digital and
online partners within Australia and internationally.
ABC Sales and Business Development manage
the sale of ABC produced and acquired content
across digital, library sales, footage, audio and stills
categories, to broadcasters and other organisations
within Australia and internationally.
In 2013–14, VED’s digital business experienced
growth resulting in a significant increase in net profit.
A number of key Subscription Video on Demand
(SVOD) partnerships for Australia and New Zealand
contributed to this success, including partnerships
with Quickflix, Telecom NZ, Fetch, Google Play and
Dendy Films.
In 2013–14, the Content Sales business was
restructured to consolidate all of ABC Commercial’s
international sales and acquisition activities. The new
unit was re-named Sales and Business Development.
DVD and digital distribution activities continued to
expand, with 158 new titles released on DVD, six new
titles released on Blu-Ray, and 245 new programs
uploaded to iTunes. Sales on iTunes Australia grew by
35% in 2013–14, half of which was content distributed
under the Commercial’s ABC For Kids label.
Sales and Business Development experienced
significant growth in content licensing to digital
platforms, and particularly to subscription digital
platforms. Major sales were secured with Netflix in
the United States for the feature documentary Stop
at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story and for the
children’s animation title Figaro Pho. Licences were
also sold to Hulu in the United States for Figaro Pho
and the comedy series, Upper Middle Bogan (re-titled
Bess of Both Worlds for international distribution).
Sales and Business Development experienced
a decline in content sales in 2013–14. This
was attributed to a number of long-standing,
high‑volume clients in Asia and the Pacific
changing their programming strategies and
acquiring substantially less content from the ABC
than in previous years.
Events 0.4%
Spoken Word 0.5%
Content
Licensing 1.4%
Licensing 0.9%
Digital 0.3%
In November 2013, the ABC launched a unique
“business to business” program in conjunction with
physiotherapist Anna-Louise Bouvier. Happy Body
at Work is a multimedia, digital workplace health and
safety education program that is available for license
to businesses and workplaces.
Contemporary
Music 5.2%
Program
Sales 3.7%
Books
0.4%
DVD/Digital
Entertainment 13.1%
Retail 66.6%
69
3
The ABC engages Australian children like Felix in
educational and entertaining content, and provides it on
the devices they are using.
INSIDE
THE ABC
From content delivery to training and development,
the ABC is investing in the people and infrastructure
necessary to meet its Charter obligations.
Contents:
Editorial quality
72
Infrastructure and operations
75
People79
84
Corporate services
88
The ABC is constantly looking for innovative ways to make
and deliver content for all Australians. By fostering a culture of
innovation, the ABC can be agile and adapt new technologies
to provide ABC services to audiences when they want on the
platform and device they choose.
Nine-year-old Felix, Sydney, NSW.
Inside the ABC
71
Editorial quality
The ABC Editorial Policies are the principles and standards which are applied
across the Corporation to maintain high-quality output and performance.
Editorial Review Two—Breadth of Opinion and
Impartiality in Select TV Current Affairs Coverage of
the Asylum Seeker Issue
ABC Editorial Policies
Gerald Stone, veteran current affairs producer and
former SBS Board member, conducted a review
of selected coverage of asylum seeker issues on
7.30 and Lateline. The review identified four items
(out of 97 separate pieces of content) that raised
editorial concerns. As a result of those concerns,
recommendations for improvement were made. The
recommendations led to the revision of the Impartiality
Guidance Note, and to the rollout of staff training and
other measures.
The ABC Editorial Policies and associated guidance
outline the principles and set the standards that
govern ABC content and are a day-to-day reference
for content makers. They are critical to the ABC’s
ability to meet its statutory obligations and the
expectations of audiences. They also form the basis of
the ABC Code of Practice, which the ABC provides to
the industry regulator, the Australian Communications
and Media Authority (ACMA). In addition, they
give practical shape to statutory obligations in the
ABC Act, in particular the obligations to: provide
services of a high standard; maintain independence
and integrity; and ensure that the gathering and
presentation of news and information is accurate and
impartial according to the recognised standards of
objective journalism.
Management of
editorial matters
The ABC Editorial Policies and processes are
overseen by the Head of Editorial Policy. The Head
of Editorial Policy is a newly created position,
reporting directly to the Managing Director. It was
created in 2013 following the abolition of two former
roles—the Director of Editorial Policies and the
Manager of Editorial Quality Training—as part of
a broader restructure of the management of ABC
Editorial Policies.
As well as providing advice and overseeing the
continuous development and revision of editorial
standards and guidance, the Head of Editorial Policy
provides training to staff and content teams around
the country, provides advice as required to the
Managing Director, and reports to the ABC Board.
The Editorial Policy Group, chaired by the Head
of Editorial Policy, brings together editorial policy
specialists and other senior staff from content‑making
divisions, Legal, and Audience and Consumer
Affairs. It is responsible for providing advice to
the Corporation in relation to the interpretation
72 and application of the ABC Editorial Policies, and
the ongoing review and revision of those policies.
On a day to day basis, editorial advice is provided by
editorial policy specialists within each content-making
division, following the longstanding procedure for
upward referral.
Review of editorial
performance, principles
and standards
Editorial Reviews
In December 2013, ABC Chairman James Spigelman
announced the introduction of regular, independent
editorial reviews as part of the Board’s responsibility to
monitor the quality and integrity of ABC content. The
reviews are consistent with the ABC’s commitment
to transparently, regularly assessing its output, and
identifying ways to improve.
Editorial Reviews involve an assessment of selected
ABC content by an independent external reviewer.
The content is assessed against a range of criteria,
including different aspects of the ABC Editorial
Policies and other yardsticks of quality.
The subject of each review and the choice of reviewer
are considered by the Board and approved by the
ABC Chairman.
Editorial Reviews One and Two are available at http://
about.abc.net.au/reports-publications/
Editorial guidance
In 2013–14, the ABC made two revisions to the ABC
Editorial Policies (one of which also involved a revision
to the ABC Code of Practice), and issued a number of
new and revised editorial Guidance Notes.
Section 11 of the ABC Editorial Policies (Advertising
and Sponsorship restrictions) was amended to extend
the general ban on advertising to the ABC’s digital
media services. This change was made following the
amendment of the ABC’s enabling legislation in March
2013 to include a specific reference to the provision of
digital media services.119
The Television Program Classification Associated
Standards are part of the ABC Editorial Policies
(and the ABC Code of Practice). They were
amended in 2013–14 to reflect the move of
children’s programming from ABC1 to ABC3.
New Guidance Notes covering the following topics
were issued:
In 2013–14, two Editorial Reviews were completed.
At 30 June 2014, two Editorial Reviews
were in progress.
• Advertising and Sponsorship for ABC Commercial
Editorial Review One—ABC Radio Interviews with the
Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition during
the 2013 Federal Election Campaign
• Operating Official Social Media Accounts
Andrea Wills, formerly of the BBC and the ABC,
conducted a review of radio interviews with the Prime
Minister and the Opposition Leader in the lead up to
the 2013 Federal Election. The reviewer found that
the ABC achieved impartiality across the sample of
items reviewed, but made suggestions about ways
to improve content.
Revisions were also made to Guidance Notes relating
to: impartiality; moderation; and managing external
funding in broadcast television.
• Chequebook Journalism/Paying for Interviews
• Competitions and Prizes
• Removing Online Content.
The ABC Code of Practice is set out in
Appendix 5 (page 205).
The ABC Editorial Policies and Guidance Notes are
available at http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abcis-run/what-guides-us/our-editorial-policies/
Corrections and clarifications
In 2013–14, as part of the ABC’s commitment to
upholding editorial standards, the ABC expanded its
existing Corrections page on its website to deliver
a broader Corrections and Clarifications page. The
page brings together in one place the corrections
and clarifications made to ABC content across radio,
television and digital platforms, whether as a result of
complaints or for any other reason. Where possible,
links to the original content are provided.
Since the launch of the page in March 2014,
31 corrections or clarifications have been posted to
the page. Entries ranged from correction of minor
factual errors to correction or clarification of programs
which had attracted significant public interest
or concern. In 2013–14, two programs attracted
some interest about the ABC’s compliance with its
editorial standards:
• In September 2013, The Hamster Decides
broadcast a skit which referred to Mr Chris
Kenny, a journalist and columnist for The
Australian newspaper. The Managing Director
issued an apology to Mr Kenny. The Australian
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
investigated the matter and found a breach of the
ABC Code of Practice (see page 117).
• In October 2013, Catalyst broadcast “The Heart
of the Matter”, a two-part program dealing
with statins, cholesterol and heart disease.
Following a number of complaints, the ABC’s
independent Audience and Consumer Affairs Unit
investigated the programs. While acknowledging
the importance of public health issues relating to
the efficacy of heart disease treatment and the
contrasting opinions of highly-qualified scientists,
the Audience and Consumer Affairs unit concluded
that some parts of the program breached ABC
standards on impartiality. Accordingly, the
programs were removed from the ABC website.
The investigation report is publicly available on the
ABC’s website: http://about.abc.net.au/wpcontent/uploads/2014/05/Catalyst-Heart-ofthe-Matter-ACA-Investigation-Report.pdf
In 2013–14, there was considerable discussion and
public debate about the ABC’s coverage of important
news stories, including asylum seeker issues and
the Australian Government’s program of spying on
Indonesian government officials.
119. ABC Act, s.6(1)(ba); s.31(4)–(8).
Inside the ABC
73
Editorial quality
In relation to one specific story dealing with allegations
by asylum-seekers that they were mistreated by
Australian navy personnel, the ABC stood by its
reporting of the allegations but acknowledged that the
stories could have been better expressed.
In relation to the allegations of Australian spying on
senior Indonesian political figures, the ABC stood by
the story and the importance of covering the issue.
The ABC takes its editorial standards very seriously
and will always carefully examine any concerns or
complaints and correct or apologise where necessary.
The ABC also has an obligation to report on significant
public issues which can sometimes challenge,
upset or offend. The ABC does not shrink from
that obligation.
Election coverage review
Whenever a Federal, State or Territory election
is called, the ABC convenes an Election
Coverage Review Committee (ECRC) to monitor
the ABC’s coverage to ensure compliance with
editorial standards.
The ECRC is made up of representatives from the
relevant content divisions, as well as legal and editorial
policy advisors, marketing and audience staff and
complaints handlers. The Committee is chaired by the
Head of Editorial Policy.
The ECRC was convened for the Federal Election
which was held in September 2013.120 The ABC
commissioned external share-of-voice data which
indicated broad and balanced coverage of the major
and minor parties. Across the campaign, the external
share-of-voice count measured: 40% to the Labor
Party; 39.4% to the Coalition; 8.1% to the Greens;
and the remainder spread across a range of smaller
parties and independents.
The ECRC Chair also administers the ABC’s
allocation of free broadcast time to political parties
during election campaigns. Under this arrangement,
the ABC makes allocations of free broadcast
time on ABC Radio and Television during Federal,
State and Territory election campaigns for party
political purposes.
Over the course of the election campaign,
979 written complaints were received, 32% fewer
than for the 2010 Federal Election. Of the complaints
received, 51% involved allegations of bias. Of those,
48% alleged that the ABC favoured the Labor
Government in its coverage, while 42% alleged the
ABC favoured the Coalition (see page 116).
In 2013–14, two State Elections were held
simultaneously in South Australia and Tasmania.
Two separate ECRCs were established which met
weekly throughout the campaigns. In both cases,
the external share-of-voice data commissioned
by the ABC demonstrated a balance of coverage
across the campaigns and only a small the number
of complaints were received across the election
period (15 complaints in Tasmania and eight in
South Australia).
120.T he 2013 Federal ECRC was convened prior to the appointment of the Head
of Editorial Policy, and was chaired by the Director, Legal and Business Affairs.
The Operations Group provides and maintains many of the critical
resources needed to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the
ABC’s core business.
Technology
In 2013–14, work continued on the ABC-wide
Information, Communication and Technology (ICT)
Roadmap, focussing on enterprise technology
architecture that will enable and support the
achievement of the ABC’s strategic goals and guide
future capital investment.
Work commenced in 2013–14 on an Integrated Media
System (IMS) to replace three core broadcast systems
used by over 60% of ABC employees for scripting
and production of news, radio production and
broadcasting and video production. The IMS project
is a key technology project, designed to improve
content sharing capability and streamline workflow
and end-to-end processes. During 2013–14, the ABC
increased its use of cloud computing services in order
to streamline future infrastructure requirements This
will include transitioning to cloud-based file sharing
and exploring how other cloud‑based tools can further
enhance digital collaboration across the corporation.
The ABC completed the implementation of the
Television Content Central Ingest system, providing
a critical building block in the transition from tape
to digital workflows. The system centrally stores live
studio recordings and “recorded” material which can
be accessed across the network for viewing, and
transferred into editing applications for production.
The existing ICT environment continued to be
supported, maintained and refreshed while new
technology solutions and opportunities were pursued.
The ABC has made a significant investment in
upgrading the local network capacity in each capital
city to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet
business demand. Network capacity in regional
offices has also been a focus, as more output is being
generated in regional locations.
Transmission and distribution
of ABC services
The last analog television transmission services
were decommissioned in December 2013, marking
the completion of the analog television switch‑off.
At 30 June 2014, the ABC’s digital network reached
98.62% of Australians from 421 transmitters
(see page 77).
On 18 November 2013, the ABC entered into an
agreement with Broadcast Australia to assume control
of ten self-help digital television services. These
services had been established by local councils
or community groups where ABC digital television
coverage deficiencies existed. Subject to the approval
of the licence holder, the ABC assumed control of the
services and became responsible for their operation
and maintenance.
On 16 January 2014, the ABC entered into an
agreement with Broadcast Australia to establish a new
digital television service for Sunshine Coast South,
providing local viewers with ABC coverage that is
equivalent to that of commercial broadcasters.
In conjunction with Broadcast Australia, the ABC
completed the national rollout of ABC NewsRadio
transmitters to regional centres with populations in
excess of 10 000. Over 70 new transmitters have been
constructed since the project commenced in 2007,
making ABC NewsRadio the third largest national
radio network in population reach and transmitter
numbers after Local Radio and Radio National.
Inside the ABC
75
98.62%
ABC Distribution and Transmission Network Performance
ABC Service
No. of
Transmitters
(See Note 1)
Target
%
Broadcast Australia
Transmission Network
(See Note 2)
2013–14
%
2012–13
%
Total Network
Availability
(See Note 3)
2013–14
%
2012–13
%
Total “On-Air”
Availability
(See Note 4)
2013–14
%
2012–13
%
Classic FM
68
99.83
99.93
99.94
96.48
94.30
99.81
99.82
Triple J
58
99.82
99.95
99.95
98.99
95.77
99.80
99.80
Local Radio
242
99.79
99.88
99.87
98.07
97.83
99.72
99.71
NewsRadio
13
99.89
99.97
99.98
97.39
98.62
99.74
99.84
99.66
Radio National
257
99.74
99.84
99.81
98.57
98.69
99.71
Analog TV
76
99.75
99.79
99.77
99.70
99.38
99.71
99.63
Digital TV
421
99.77
99.94
99.94
98.28
98.50
99.77
99.80
71
99.83
99.96
99.97
97.12
97.25
99.84
99.78
5
99.98
100.00
100.00
98.56
99.48
99.81
99.92
NewsRadio Extension
Digital (DAB) Radio
Analog Radio by State and Territory
NSW/ACT
159
99.80
99.89
99.89
98.60
97.80
99.80
99.72
NT
38
99.71
99.81
99.77
99.10
99.46
99.52
99.63
Qld
188
99.76
99.87
99.85
99.25
99.18
99.73
99.72
SA
43
99.79
99.91
99.83
92.60
97.26
99.75
99.65
99.77
Tas
37
99.81
99.87
99.89
96.99
97.63
99.59
Vic
67
99.82
99.88
99.87
96.77
89.71
99.74
99.74
WA
106
99.75
99.88
99.87
98.83
99.13
99.76
99.70
On 10 December 2013, the last of the analog television services
were switched off, marking the end of 57 years of analog television
broadcasting in Australia.
In line with the closure of the analog terrestrial transmission network, the
Remote Area Satellite Broadcasting Service (RABS) ended at midnight
on New Year’s Eve 2013. This service provided ABC1 television and
several ABC Radio services to rural and remote Australian audiences
beyond the terrestrial transmission network and in reception black
spots. It was replaced by the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST)
service which broadcasts the majority of the ABC’s digital television
and a number of radio services. VAST is also the primary method of
delivering ABC radio content to regional radio transmitters across
Australia. At June 2014, there were approximately 220 000 households
using the VAST service to access ABC television and radio services.
The analog television switch off is part of the Digital Dividend process
to release radio frequency spectrum. In 2013–14, 53 ABC television
transmitters were re‑tuned or replaced on the spectrum, the final stage
in realising the Digital Dividend.
ABC Broadcasting Coverage
as at June 2014
Proportion of the population able to receive transmissions from ABC broadcasting services
Digital Television by State and Territory*
NSW/ACT
96
99.78
99.95
99.96
98.73
98.29
99.77
99.83
NT
15
99.76
99.98
99.99
99.74
99.64
99.78
99.69
Qld
112
99.76
99.94
99.92
99.25
98.55
99.74
99.78
SA
32
99.77
99.95
99.95
98.15
98.97
99.86
99.83
Tas
42
99.76
99.93
99.88
97.71
98.04
99.74
99.74
Vic
53
99.77
99.91
99.93
97.19
99.08
99.73
99.85
WA
71
99.76
99.95
99.96
97.63
98.16
99.82
99.75
*Figures do not include DAB+
Notes:
1.
Number of Transmitters: The number of transmitters includes
both analog and digital television and radio. If a transmitter was
operational during the period for one or more days it is included
within the report. The analog radio by State and Territory numbers
exclude the NewsRadio extension transmission services reported
separately above.
2.
Broadcast Australia Transmission Network (ABC Transmission
Provider): The transmission network performance is reported by
Broadcast Australia as a contracted deliverable and is measured
against the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for each service,
network or sub national network. The data is regularly reviewed and
authenticated by the ABC as detailed in contract management plans.
4.
Total “On-Air” Availability: The figures show “off-air” occurrences
where no service was provided due to faults and/or maintenance
activity. The majority of maintenance activity is undertaken at night so
as to lessen the impact on audiences.
Digital Television (includes
Double J and ABC Jazz)
During the reporting period analog television transmission services
ceased in Australia with the final ABC Television analog service switching
off in Melbourne on 10 December 2013.
As a result of ongoing compliance checks conducted by the ABC in
2013–14, minor adjustments have been made to the reported 2012–13
data provided by Broadcast Australia to ensure accuracy.
Australia
NSW/ACT
Vic
Qld
WA
SA
Tas
NT
98.62%
99.07%
99.50%
98.03%
97.53%
99.23%
97.79%
83.15%
ABC Local Radio
99.58%
99.84%
99.94%
99.69%
99.10%
99.74%
99.64%
84.24%
triple j
96.09%
97.75%
98.40%
94.64%
90.89%
95.38%
96.32%
70.63%
ABC Radio National
99.00%
99.47%
99.72%
98.78%
97.14%
99.67%
99.31%
84.33%
ABC Classic FM
96.55%
98.17%
98.46%
95.69%
91.70%
95.62%
96.32%
70.63%
ABC NewsRadio
96.51%
98.14%
97.82%
94.10%
94.06%
97.88%
95.68%
74.84%
Digital Radio
56.70%
50.27%
71.42%
41.72%
76.86%
74.11%
0.00%
0.00%
0.75%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.04%
0.14%
0.00%
74.72%
Domestic Shortwave
Proportion of the population able to receive ABC digital television transmissions
General Comments:
3.
Total Network Availability: The table shows the impact of all
outages on the overall network. This reflects all faults across the
transmission networks regardless of severity or cause or whether
subject to an SLA or not. The vast majority of these faults are services
not meeting full specification such as lower transmission power as
agreed by the ABC on a case by case basis.
76 of Australians reached
by the ABC’s digital
television network
Digital Television switch off
Australia
NSW/ACT
Vic
Qld
WA
SA
Tas
NT
2013–14
98.62%
99.07%
99.50%
98.03%
97.53%
99.23%
97.79%
83.15%
2012–13
98.53%
98.98%
99.50%
97.98%
97.53%
99.23%
97.73%
78.00%
2011–12
97.97%
98.54%
99.19%
97.21%
96.71%
98.94%
97.04%
74.05%
2010–11
97.93%
98.54%
99.18%
97.02%
96.71%
98.94%
97.04%
74.05%
2009–10
97.83%
98.54%
99.18%
96.95%
96.71%
98.23%
96.37%
72.57%
2008–09
97.66%
98.46%
99.18%
96.67%
95.88%
98.23%
96.37%
72.57%
2007–08
97.30%
98.45%
99.18%
96.19%
93.57%
97.85%
95.98%
72.57%
2006–07
97.02%
98.23%
98.93%
95.73%
93.52%
97.85%
93.77%
72.56%
Note: Population derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011 Census data.
Inside the ABC
77
Production resources
and facilities
In 2013–14, 1.1 million hours of labour were supplied
internally to program areas to deliver national, local
and regional news, sport and other programs. The
2013 Federal Election was a broadcast highlight for
2013 (see page 58).
During the year, the ABC produced a number of
milestone outside broadcasts: the triple j One Night
Stand in Mildura, Victoria; Q&A programs around
Australia as well as in Indonesia, India and China; the
Royal Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge;
the international search for MH370; and the single
biggest broadcasting event of the year, ANZAC Day.
Emergency broadcasting services were provided
during devastating bushfires in the outer western
regions of Sydney in October 2013 and during
Cyclone Ita in Queensland in April 2014.
The ABC’s extensive archives were utilised in support
of a range of ABC activities. This included Big Name
No Blanket, Keating and When the Beatles Drove us
Wild on Television and Background Briefing and Rear
Vision on Radio.
There were continued improvements in the delivery
of television and radio services across Broadcast
Operations and MediaHub. Continued television
service improvements saw on-air faults fall for the
third consecutive year, from 263 in 2012–13 to 257
in 2013–14. Faults-per-hour of broadcast were lower
than at any time recorded in the ABC’s television
history. In 2013–14, there was a total of 183 fault-free
days across all television services (186 in 2012–13).
Total radio faults (all networks and local services) fell in
2013–14 to 994 incidents (from 1 190 in 2012–13).
People
Available labour and facilities spare capacity was
sold to the market, generating a net return of
$300 000 (a decrease of $1.35 million from 2012–13).
The reduction in revenue was the direct result of
significantly reduced market demand. In addition, a
high level of ABC television production activity in NSW
impacted potential sales revenue, as facilities were
largely unavailable for external hire.
The ABC is a diverse organisation with staff working across Australia and the
world. The success of the Corporation is built on the commitment, creativity
and skills of its people.
Capital works
In 2013–14, the ABC employed 5 444 people across
every State and Territory, equivalent to 4 679 full time
employees. The majority of staff were content makers.
In 2013–14, the ABC commenced construction of
the ABC’s new Melbourne premises in Southbank.
In March 2014, the project received local planning
approvals from the Victorian State Government and
Melbourne City Council, and progressed to the initial
stages of demolition and construction. The Southbank
facility will accommodate staff and facilities currently
located at three sites across the city in a design
that integrates the new building with the existing
premises to create a single, contemporary workspace.
Co-location of the ABC’s operations in Melbourne
will further encourage engagement with audiences
in the city; enable content creation, re-use and
delivery; streamline processes and workflows; and
facilitate improved flexibility by providing integrated
and sustainable systems to keep the ABC on-air
and online.
Sustainability is a key consideration for the project,
which is targeting a Green Star rating for the office
design and a 4.5 star energy rating for the base
building (see page 103).
In 2013–14, the ABC’s People and Learning Division
was restructured. Services were grouped differently
to better align with the ABC’s strategic priorities,
with a focus on advising and providing solutions
and support to employees and managers. Business
Partners are teamed with the business to support
the delivery of key content priorities and corporate
projects by providing advice and support about
change management, employee relations and training.
As part of the restructure, the division was renamed
ABC People.
For the third year running, the ABC was recognised
as Australia’s most attractive employer at the
annual Randstad awards, which measures
employer attractiveness.
ABC values and
workplace behaviour
The ABC strives to foster a values-based culture,
incorporating its values—Integrity, Respect,
Collegiality and Innovation—into all aspects of
its organisational behaviour.
The ABC Values, and Values-based behaviour, are
embedded in the Performance Management system
for all ABC Executives. The Executive Behavioural
Framework is a values-based capability framework
linked to how Executives achieve their performance
objectives. The inclusion of the Framework provides
an opportunity to measure how the ABC Values
are translated into appropriate behaviours and
enables feedback to be given on the way Executives
demonstrate the values in action.
In 2013–14, the ABC’s Bullying, Harassment and Other
Workplace Behaviours Policy was reviewed following
amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 regarding
bullying, which came into effect on 1 January 2014.
Information sessions on the legislative changes and
the policy were delivered to managers and Work
Health and Safety Committees and will continue to be
provided in the next financial year.
Different areas across the ABC, including the
Operations Group actively promoted and recognised
values-based behaviour with recognition programs
and awards for employees who best exemplified
ABC Values in action.
ABC employees: Full-time equivalent
“Full-time equivalent” positions account for all employees, including those
who work part-time or have other flexible working arrangements.
2013–14
4 679
2012–13
4 664
2011–12
4 603
2010–11
4 599
2009–10
4 557
2008–09
4 535
2007–08
4 499
2006–07
The ABC employed the
full-time equivalent of
4
67
9
people
4 461
2005–06
4 345
2004–05
4 298
Inside the ABC
79
People
Training and development
ABC Memorial Project
In July 2013, the ABC Board and Managing
Director commissioned the Staff Memorial
project to acknowledge the men and women
from across the ABC’s history that lost their
lives in service of the story, the ABC and the
Australian people.
The ABC consulted with friends and relatives
to craft biographies that feature on a dedicated
website. Commemorative plaques were
installed and dedication events were held
in August 2013 to coincide with the second
anniversary of the Lake Eyre helicopter crash.
Events were held in all capital cities, with staff,
family members and friends in attendance.
ABC Designer Daniel Mee developed the flame
design which adorns the plaques by turning the
ABC logo on its side. He used the blank spaces
within the logo to create an image that invokes
what is both missing but still an important part
of the ABC. For more information
visit http://www.abc.net.au/corp/memorial
Technologies training
The ABC provided a range of training and
development opportunities focused on both strategic
and operational priorities. Training and development
was provided via classroom-based courses and
seminars, on-the-job projects, coaching sessions, and
remotely using webinars and eLearning packages.
Formal structured training was offered across a range
of skill areas including digital skills, editorial quality,
leadership and management, technical operations,
cross-media production, and health and safety.
In 2013–14, the ABC prioritised the design and
delivery of development programs that supported
major change initiatives, such as the ABC
Newsgathering Project (see page 54).
The Regional Training Initiative continued in 2013–14
after a successful pilot program in 2012–13. News and
radio staff from seven regional stations across the
country participated in the four day program, designed
to strengthen regional, cross‑divisional teams to
develop content-gathering and multiplatform skills.
A breakdown of training provided in 2013–14 by
category, duration and participation is available at
http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/
what-guides-us/corporate-responsibility/
Total Training Hours
Over 53 000 hours of structured training were
delivered in 2013–14, supported by less formal
development activities such as eLearning, mentoring
programs, scholarships and master-classes.
Classification
Female
Male
Total
Administrative/
Professional
3 015.6
1 050.8
4 066.4
Content Maker
18 235.9
18712.0
36 947.9
1 107.2
7 486.8
8 594.0
232.8
29.3
262.1
1 609.9
1 694.7
3 304.6
24 201.4
28 973.6
53 175.0
Technologist
Retail
Senior Executive
Total
Digital skills training encompassed training on a
range of topics including broadcast technologies,
multi‑platform production and video journalism.
This training enabled staff to keep up-to-date with
technological changes and to incorporate new tools
and platforms into their work. Over 189 training
events were delivered to more than 1 000 staff in this
category, with courses ranging from satellite uplinks
training to social media.
Editorial training
Editorial training remained a priority across the
Corporation in 2013–14. The Editorial Leadership
course ran for the second year in 2013–14 and was
attended by 35 editorial decision makers from across
the country. The program focused on strengthening
editorial leadership at the ABC to support the consistent
application of high editorial standards. The Radio
division ran two dedicated Editorial policies months,
supported by regular panel discussions with managers
and editorial leaders via webinar. Editorial training was
also delivered to content makers across News, Television
and Innovation via webinar, conference presentations,
classroom sessions and online.
Leadership Training
In 2013–14, a total of 86 ABC employees participated
in targeted leadership and management training,
with an additional 35 employees attending editorial
leadership programs (see above).
Leadership
training
programs
Foundations of
Leadership
State
Female
Male
Total
NSW
8
6
14
Vic
9
5
14
SA
8
3
11
25
14
39
10
TOTAL Foundations of
Leadership Program
Leadership
Development
Program
NSW
7
3
Vic
1
0
1
SA
1
0
1
WA
1
1
2
ACT
1
1
2
TOTAL Leadership
Development Program
11
5
16
NSW
8
6
14
Vic
1
1
2
9
7
16
Advanced
Leadership
Development
Program
TOTAL Advanced
Leadership Development
Program
Strategic Media
Leadership
Program
NSW
9
3
12
Vic
1
2
3
10
5
15
TOTAL Strategic Media
Leadership Program
The Advanced and Strategic Leadership program
was attended by 31 employees in 2013–14, selected
through the ABC talent management process.
The new Foundations of Leadership course, aimed
at those beginning their leadership career, was
attended by 39 employees from seven divisions.
Over 40 online programs were delivered via the
ABC eLearning portal, “ABC Connect”, as well as
275 webinar training sessions, a 300% increase on
webinar-based training from 2012–13. Employees also
accessed more informal programs such as ‘just in
time’ learning aids, on the job coaching and mentoring
to support their development.
Inside the ABC
81
People
Indigenous employment
and diversity
The ABC is required by s.9(2) of the EEO Act to
report its performance annually for the period
1 September to 31 August. The ABC’s Equity and
Diversity Annual Report is submitted to the Minister for
Communications and tabled in parliament.
Indigenous employment remained a priority for the
ABC in 2013–14. At 30 June 2014, 1.98% of ABC
staff were Indigenous, just short of the 2% target
set in the Reconciliation Action Plan 2013–15 (RAP).
This increase is due to new approaches to recruitment
and employment marketing; a renewed careers
website; working closely with ABC managers to create
more targeted positions; and extending the ABC’s
reach into Indigenous communities. Future plans
include working with Indigenous employees on career
planning, learning and development and strategies for
staff retention.
Number of Indigenous employees
2013–14
2013–14
% of
target
2012–13
2012–13
% of
target
ACT
1
0.54%
2
1.05%
NSW
53
2.15%
39
1.65%
NT
12
9.45%
9
7.38%
Qld
11
2.52%
9
2.20%
SA
6
1.72%
6
1.69%
Tas
1
0.65%
1
0.66%
Vic
9
1.12%
3
0.38%
WA
2
0.80%
1
0.41%
Overseas
–
–
–
–
95
1.98%
70
1.50%
Total ABC
Information about the ABC’s performance and
reporting against targets in RAP is at page 126.
Diversity
The ABC is required by the Equal Employment
Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987
(the EEO Act) to develop a program designed
to eliminate discrimination and promote equal
opportunity for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander People, people form a non-English speaking
background, and people with disabilities.
The ABC’s Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 sets
out the strategies the Corporation will pursue to
achieve its objectives relating to equity and diversity.
The Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 is based on
three key themes:
Current and historical Equity and Diversity Annual
Reports are available on the ABC’s website:
http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/
reports-and-publications/
In 2013–14, the implementation of the Equity and
Diversity Plan objectives and strategies across the
Corporation has been supported by active Divisional
leadership and increased participation by dedicated
local diversity groups. Specific efforts were directed to
the key area of Indigenous recruitment and retention,
and increasing the focus on cultural diversity content
and employment. One of the major initiatives for
increasing cultural diversity was the introduction of
an online tool for content makers and policy makers
that provides a range of resources to support
services and a workforce that reflects the broader
Australian community.
ABC employees: Distribution by region
Distribution of staff by division shows how
the ABC is allocating its resources within its
internal structure.
The distribution of staff by region demonstrates the
ABC’s localism, as well as the spread of employment
opportunities offered by the ABC.
ABC
Commercial 5.62%
Television 7.67%
The ABC Enterprise Agreement 2013–16 was certified
by the Fair Work Commission on 29 October 2013.
The finalisation of the Agreement was the result of
consultation and negotiation with the Community and
Public Sector Union (CPSU) and Media Entertainment
Arts Alliance (MEAA) (as bargaining representative
for employees).
The Agreement sets the terms and conditions of
employment for approximately 4 000 employees,
who are classified as Content Makers, Technologists
or Admin/Professionals. It aims to strike a balance
between providing fair working conditions and
achieving a sustainable and affordable cost-base
for the future.
The new Agreement includes: changes to the amount
paid and eligibility for meal allowances to reduce
expenditure on meal allowances; the introduction
of NAIDOC leave for Indigenous staff as part of the
ABC’s commitment to enhancing the understanding of
Indigenous heritage and culture; and the introduction
of two weeks paid leave for supporting partners
following the birth of a child.
• Being Audience Focused
• Being Audience Accessible.
WA 5.24%
ABC
International 2.09%
ABC
Resources
19.58%
Technology
7.72%
Audience &
Marketing
2.17%
ACT 3.85%
NSW
51.31%
Vic 17.15%
Tas
3.11%
SA
6.90%
Radio
21.57%
News
22.48%
People
1.42%
Innovation 1.68%
Industrial instruments
• Being Inclusive
82 ABC employees: Distribution by division
Business
Services
4.27%
Communications
Networks
.45%
Corporate
Management*
3.27%
Qld 9.18%
Overseas .64%
NT 2.61%
* Includes Corporate Affairs, Corporate Strategy and
Planning, Legal and Business Affairs, Managing Director’s Office and
Office of the Chief Operating Officer
three-quarters of ABC
staff were employed in content
making divisions
The ABC employed staff in
every State and Territory
ABC employees: Distribution by job group
The ABC employs staff across five broad categories, each of which
performs an important function in the ABC’s operations.
Administrative/
Retail
730
Content Maker
Retail Staff
Senior Executive
Technologist
3 059
172
65%
of ABC employees
were directly involved
in content making
339
379
Inside the ABC
83
Management of WHS
In 2013–14, the ABC continued to develop a Work Health
and Safety (WHS) Management Framework, designed
to facilitate a proactive and systematic approach to
WHS management based on Australian Standards 4801
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
and which complies with all applicable WHS laws. The
WHS Management Framework will be finalised and
implemented in 2014–15.
Health and Safety Induction
In February 2014, the ABC introduced an online
induction module for new employees. The module
incorporates WHS responsibilities, and information
about the ABC’s Discrimination, Bullying and other
Workplace Behaviours Policy. The induction is
accessible via the internet to enable new starters
to familiarise themselves with WHS responsibilities
and ABC policies before they commence their
employment. This induction replaced the former
Day One OHS and Workplace Behaviours Induction
and the ABC Online Induction programs.
In 2013–14, there was a 96% compliance rate with
WHS induction requirements (compared with 88%
in 2012–13).121
Work
Related
Incidents
%
of total
No treatment required/
no injury
45
19
Near hit incident/
no treatment required
44
18
Dangerous occurrence
5
2
First aid treatment only
66
27
Personal injury/illness—
Off work for one day or less
54
22
Serious personal injury/illness—
Off work for two days or more
26
11
Medical treatment as an inpatient
in a hospital
3
1
Fatality
–
–
243
100
Incident Severity
Total
2013–14
work
related
incidents
ABC Commercial
20
16
ABC International
1
0
0%
ABC People
1
1
100%
103
90
87%
0
–
–
21
18
86%
Communication
Networks1
1
100%
Corporate Management*
3
3
100%
Innovation
1
0
0%
Legal and Business Affairs
1
1
100%
30
21
70%
5
100%
ABC Resources
Audience and Marketing
Work-related incidents
ABC Worksafe is the ABC’s database for recording
all WHS incidents, including those involving visitors,
contractors and ABC employees. In 2013–14, a total
of 271 incidents were reported in ABC Worksafe. Of
the 271 incidents reported, 243 were categorised as
“work-related” (compared with 237 in 2012–13).122
Of the 243 work-related incidents reported in 2013–14,
10 were notifiable incidents and Comcare was notified
accordingly.123 An incident is notifiable to Comcare if
it results in death, medical treatment as an inpatient
in a hospital, immediate treatment for a serious injury,
infection with a prescribed illness, or if it involves
a dangerous occurrence. The ABC must ensure
that notification is made to Comcare immediately
after becoming aware that a notifiable incident
has occurred.
Business Services
News
Office of the COO 5
†
80%
Radio
29
24
83%
Technology
18
18
100%
9
9
100%
243
207
85%
Television
Total
*Including Managing Director’s office, Board Secretariat, Corporate
Affairs, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Editorial Policies, and
Audience and Consumer Affairs.
† Including Capital Works, Corporate Development and Group Audit.
121.2013–14 performance reflects 95% compliance with Day One OHS and
Workplace Behaviours Induction Program (for employees commencing
between 1 July 2013 and 31 January 2014) and 99% compliance with
the Online Induction Module (for employees commencing between
1 February and 30 June 2014).
122.28 non-work related incidents consisted of 10 reported incidents
commuting to work; 11 personal illness reports; three motor vehicle
accident/insurance reports; two incidents outside of allocated recess
period; and two incidents reported twice.
123.A total of 13 incidents were notified by the ABC. Three were downgraded
by Comcare as not notifiable.
84 Work
related
incidents
%
signed off Signed off
Work health and safety: Incident severity
Serious personal injury/
illness—off work for
two days or more 11%
Medical treatment as an
inpatient in a hospital 1%
No treatment required/
no injury 19%
Personal injury/
illness—off
work for one
day or less
22%
Near hit incident/
no treatment
required
18%
First aid treatment
only 27%
Dangerous
occurrence 2%
90%
of reported
incidents resulted in only
1 day off work or less
Once an incident is notified in ABC Worksafe, the
nominated manager is responsible for managing
the incident, investigating the root causes and
contributing factors surrounding the incident, and
implementing reasonably practicable WHS risk control
measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring
in the future. As at 30 June 2014, these steps had
been completed in 85% of the work-related incidents
which occurred in 2013–14.
124.A total of 64 claims were accepted in 2013–14, including 25 which
related to incidents that occurred in previous reporting periods.
Workers’ compensation claims
Of the 243 work-related incidents reported in 2013–14,
39 resulted in claims for workers’ compensation
which were accepted by Comcare (compared with
43 in 2012–13).124
Analysis of the workers’ compensation claims
accepted in 2013–14 shows the majority of injuries
(61.5%) continue to be body stressing, which includes
all musculo-skeletal disorders such as occupational
overuse and manual handling injuries. A decreasing
number of falls, trips and slips were reported in
2013–14 resulting in fewer claims for that incident
group (compared with 2012–13).
The number of mental stress claims has decreased
significantly compared with previous years. The costs
of mental stress claims are high relative to other claim
types and therefore represent a significant percentage
of total workers compensation costs for the ABC. The
two claims covered in the “other and unspecified”
mechanism of injury category are vehicle accidents.
One of the claims has involved an extended period off
work which contributed to the relatively high average
costs of claims.
Notices and investigations
Comcare has the power to conduct an investigation
at an ABC workplace at any time to ascertain whether
the requirements of WHS legislation are being
complied with, regarding a breach or suspected
breach, or concerning an incident or dangerous
occurrence that occurred.
During 2013–14, Comcare conducted one inspection
as a result of a Comcare notified incident. In
May 2014, an ABC worker fell from a two-metre
scaffolding and sustained serious injuries resulting in
hospitalisation. Comcare was notified of the incident.
The ABC’s preliminary investigation report identified
the contributing factors to the incident and made
recommendations to improve procedures relevant
to the activity that was being undertaken when the
incident occurred. This included reviewing guidance
material for Working at Heights and ensuring all ABC
workers were consulted about risks and risk controls.
Following an investigation, Comcare advised that they
were satisfied the ABC had taken appropriate steps to
prevent a re-occurrence of a similar incident.
No Prohibition Notices, Provisional Improvement
Notices or Non-disturbance Notices were served
on the ABC during 2013–14. At 30 June 2014, there
were no outstanding actions arising from or relating to
previous years.
Inside the ABC
85
Number of claims by mechanism of incident group
ABC Workers’ Compensation premium rates
ABC performance against Australian government agencies combined
Average
cost-to-date
(2013–14)†
2013–14*
2012–13*
2011–12*
2010–11*
Falls, trips and slips of a person
$1 658
6
15
18
19
Hitting objects with a part of the body
$3 248
3
3
7
6
$79
2
3
6
5
Mechanism of Incident
Major Groups
Being hit by moving objects
$0
–
1
–
1
Body stressing
Sound and pressure
$8 257
24
32
54
49
Heat, electricity and other
environmental factors
$1 605
1
1
–
1
1
Chemicals and other substances
$0
–
2
–
Biological factors
$0
–
–
–
–
$38 709
1
4
3
5
Mental stress
Other and unspecified
$9 812
2
3
2
5
All claims
$7 127
39
64
90
92
*The data is immature and the ultimate number and cost of accepted claims may differ from the data reported as new claims may be lodged in a later
period. Claims data is accurate as at 30 June 2014.
†Claim costs are based on estimates available at 30 April 2014.
All claims
Average cost-todate (2013–14)†
2013–14*
2012–13*
2011–12*
2010–11
$7 127
39
64
90
92
Premium rates
2014–15
2013–14
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
ABC premium rates
1.68%
1.63%
1.74%
1.32%
1.06%
Premium rates—all Australian Government
agencies combined
2.12%
1.81%
1.77%
1.41%
1.20%
Health and Safety
Committees
Health and Safety Committees are established in
each State and Territory. Health and safety is also
monitored nationally by three committees which
focus on specific operational areas: the National
ABC Resources WHS Committee; National Radio
WHS Committee; and the National Technology WHS
Representative Committee.
Membership of the State and Territory WHS
Committees is in accordance with the current ABC
Health and Safety Management Arrangements. WHS
performance reports are circulated to the State and
Territory WHS Committees to provide greater visibility
of overall ABC performance as well as local WHS
incidents and activities.
*The data is immature and the ultimate number and cost of accepted claims may differ from the data reported as new claims may be lodged
in a later period. Data is accurate as at 30 June 2014.
† Claim costs are based on estimates as 30 June 2014
Workers’ compensation
premiums
In April 2014, the ABC premium rate for 2013–14 was
revised down from 1.63% to 1.48%. This revision
was in response to the developments in the lifetime
cost estimates for ABC employees who suffered
compensable injuries in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The
revised rate also reflects the ABC’s improved WHS
and rehabilitation performance during the premium
calculation period.
The ABC was due to receive a bonus of $662 500
resulting from the revision of the 2013–14 premium
rate. However, Comcare have imposed a contribution
on all agencies to restore the central premium pool to
full funding, resulting in the imposition of a $999 923
penalty on the ABC.
The ABC workers’ compensation premium for
2014–15, incorporating the penalty amount, is
$7.9 million (compared with $7.2 million in 2013–14).
The overall premium rate for all Commonwealth
agencies increased to 2.12% for 2014–15 to
meet costs associated with the increase in the
number of claims for psychological injury and the
continuing increase in duration of time off work and
medical costs.
Inside the ABC
87
Corporate services
The ABC’s corporate functions are performed by specialist groups across
a number of Divisions.
Corporate Strategy
and Planning
In June 2014, the ABC established a new Corporate
Strategy and Planning Division. The Division is
responsible for leading the development and
implementation of corporate strategy, policy
formulation and planning for the ABC.
In the context of reduced funding and the need
to transform the ABC to remain relevant in the
changing media landscape, the Division will drive
decision‑making on key priorities. It will oversee
the planning process to ensure alignment between
investment and the Corporation’s strategic objectives.
The Division implements the Corporation’s strategic
agenda through major cross-divisional projects.
It plays a central role in shaping decision-making
around critical issues within the ABC, including the
evaluation of expenditure priorities.
Corporate Strategy and Planning provides advice to
the Corporation on external technological innovations
and international trends in broadcasting and digital
media to inform decision making on the current
and future directions of the ABC. It also supports
the activities of a number of the cross-divisional
management and advisory bodies including the
Audience Strategy Group, the Digital Council and the
Bonner Committee.
The priority of Corporate Strategy and Planning
will be to drive the development, planning and
implementation of corporation-wide projects, including
business transformation. It will focus on project
management, including developing robust governance
and reporting mechanisms and ensuring timely
delivery against outcomes.
Submissions
In 2013–14, the ABC made six submissions
to Government Departments, Parliamentary
committees and review bodies on a range of topics.
These included submissions to the Department
of Communications on Digital Radio Policy, the
Australian Law Reform Commission’s issues paper
on Privacy in the Digital Era, and Senate Committee
inquiries into the current investigative processes and
powers of the Australian Federal Police in relation to
non-criminal matters.
Corporate Affairs
The Managing Director, Mark Scott AO, spoke to
and participated in many forums and discussions
during 2013–14, including addressing the American
Chamber of Commerce in Sydney on 25 July 2013
on the subject of “The ABC in the Media Ecosystem”;
speaking on “The New Age of Public Diplomacy” at
the launch of the Sydney Globalist Volume IX Issue II
at the University of Sydney on 17 March 2014; and
delivering “New Journalism for a New Public” to the
Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of
Melbourne on 1 April 2014.
ABC Chairman James Spigelman AC QC addressed
the National Press Club on 11 December 2013 where
he presented “Contemporary Challenges of the ABC”.
The Managing Director’s and Chairman’s
speeches are publicly available at:
http://about.abc.net.au/speeches/
Corporate Governance
Information about the ABC’s corporate governance is
provided in section 5 (see page 112).
State and Territory Directors
The State and Territory Directors represent the
ABC at a local level across Australia. They play an
important external role in communicating the ABC’s
strategic objectives, liaising with stakeholders, as well
as building relationships with local communities and
providing a central point of contact.
In 2013–14, State and Territory Directors managed
a number of projects including establishing a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau
of Meteorology and an ABC Staff Memorial project
(see page 80).
The Directors oversee the business of the ABC in their
regions to promote and facilitate whole‑of‑business
and cross-divisional outcomes in line with strategic
goals. They chair or make significant contributions
to ABC national bodies, including the Trauma and
Resilience Committee, the Election Coverage Review
Committee and the Executive Risk Committee.
They also chair local Leadership teams, WHS
Committees, Workplace Giving Committees and
Green@Work Committees.
They actively support the ABC’s Reconciliation Action
Plan, with involvement in the work of the Bonner
Committee, leadership of local Indigenous Working
Groups, building relationships with local Indigenous
communities, developing employment opportunities
and coordinating local activities for both Reconciliation
Week and NAIDOC Week.
The State and Territory Directors co-ordinate local
emergency work and chair Emergency Planning
Committees, leading any emergency response, as
well as maintaining contact with external emergency
agencies, ensuring that protocols are in place for
emergency broadcasting and business continuity.
21 000 kms
Distance travelled by the ABC
Exhibition Trailer, across five states
and at 13 events
Connecting with Australian families
A crowd of more than 20 000 people attended
the ABC Family Fun Day at Parramatta, NSW on
12 May 2014. Visitors joined in at the free concert
which featured Jimmy Giggle, Bananas in Pyjamas,
Play School, Bajo and Hex, and the ABC3 crew.
702 ABC Sydney Weekends presenter Simon
Marnie kicked off the Outside Broadcast at 9 am.
The ABC Shop, Exhibition Trailer and Meet and Greet
spots all drew large crowds throughout the day.
The event helped the ABC to connect with
audiences beyond the regular content offering, and
also highlighted the ABC’s role as an emergency
broadcaster, with SES and Fire Rescue NSW
crews sharing information about preventing and
responding to emergency situations.
To enhance relationships with local communities,
State and Territory Directors participate in or chair
external advisory committees, boards, trusts and
foundations. Directors host community forums where
the ABC gathers first-hand feedback from audiences,
particularly those in regional Australia.
In March 2014, the ABC established a new Audience
and Marketing Division to centralise research and
marketing activities, provide greater internal focus
on key ABC brands, and co-ordinate cross-platform
marketing campaigns.
Audience Research
In 2013–14, the ABC subscribed to a range of
quantitative services to measure audiences. The
Corporation also commissioned a range of quantitative
and qualitative research to help inform strategy,
programming, scheduling and marketing decisions, and
to gauge audience attitudes to its services.
Information about the ABC’s audiences in 2013–14 is
in Section 2, Audience Experiences (page 26).
Jimmy Giggle delights fans at the ABC Family Fun
Day in Parramatta. Photo: Anastasia Konstantelos.
Inside the ABC
89
Corporate services
Corporate Marketing
Legal
The ABC undertakes a range of corporate marketing
activities and community engagement initiatives. In
April 2014, the ABC held the inaugural ABC Family
Festival in Parramatta, NSW which attracted more
than 20 000 people (see page 89).
ABC Legal provides a comprehensive range of legal
services to the Corporation including pre-publication
advice on a 24-hour, seven-days-per-week basis;
conducting litigation on behalf of the Corporation;
providing advice on contractual and rights issues,
regulatory regimes and the statutory obligations
of ABC divisions. ABC Legal also provides advice
on legal aspects of policy issues and develops
submissions to parliament, government and other
organisations about law reform including the ALRC’s
Copyright and the Digital Economy Inquiry reviewing
the exceptions and statutory licensing regimes in the
Copyright Act 1968.
In 2013–14, the ABC continued to be the Foundation
Media Partner for TEDxSydney, serving as the host
broadcaster in 2014. Thirty different speakers shared
their stories with a live audience of 2 200 in the
Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House. The event
was streamed live on the ABC Big Ideas website and
the program was broadcast on ABC1 after the event.
The ABC Exhibition Trailer is an interactive vehicle
showcasing ABC products and services. In 2013–14,
the Trailer travelled over 21 000 km. It covered five
states, exhibited at over 13 events and visited 24
schools. “ABC Weeks” is a new initiative for the
Exhibition Trailer introduced in 2013–14. These
events involved the Exhibition Trailer spending a
week at a location, featuring talent, workshops and
presentations. “ABC Weeks” were conducted at
three locations around Australia in 2013–14: Ipswich
State High School in Queensland in July 2013;
Kirrawee High School in NSW in December 2013; and
Westmead Children’s Hospital in NSW in March 2014.
In 2013–14, the ABC continued to conduct public
tours at ABC Centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,
Darwin, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. School groups,
seniors, international delegations and public servants
were among the 13 055 visitors to ABC sites. At the
ABC’s largest site at Ultimo, NSW, the program is
delivered with the assistance of 19 volunteer tour
guides, many of whom are former ABC employees. The
tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the ABC
produces and presents content, and gives participants
an insight into the history and role of the ABC.
90 In 2013–14, ABC Legal contracted over 100 television
productions and assisted with many contracts in key
operational areas including building construction;
management and maintenance; acquisition of
broadcast equipment; music, book and magazine
publishing; and delivery of ABC content via the
ABC’s domestic and international transmission and
distribution networks. Legal assisted with the ABC’s
extensive trademark portfolio and ABC Commercial’s
first feature film, Stop at Nothing: the Lance
Armstrong Story.
ABC Legal provided strategic advice to ABC
Innovation on the ABC’s online education portal
initiative, ABC Splash, as well as its long form journal,
The Brief. ABC Legal also supported ABC Television
Multiplatform on a range of issues regarding the online
UGC portal, ABC3 RAWR, including privacy and
protection of children online.
Legal continued its media law training program,
which is aimed at minimising the ABC’s exposure
to legal proceedings, while enabling stories to be
told, by delivering a series of specialised media
law workshops for journalists and content-makers
across all ABC divisions. The program covers topics
such as contempt of court and defamation. Legal
also provided copyright and competitions training to
relevant staff.
Business Affairs
Business Affairs is responsible for negotiating
the rights and deal terms required by the ABC in
content produced, commissioned and acquired
by the ABC including ABC International, as well
as associated rights required by ABC Commercial.
Business Affairs works in consultation with, but
independently of, the ABC output divisions and
continues to play an important role in maintaining
good corporate governance.
In 2013–14, Business Affairs continued to work closely
with ABC Television to review financial and rights deal
terms to deliver value for money for the ABC in its
acquired and commissioned content, securing the
necessary rights for the ABC’s broadcast and digital
strategy and appropriately managing the business
and production risks. The ABC has implemented new
industry terms of trade for commissioned content—
the SPAA Terms of Trade 2013—ensuring fairness
and transparency in the ABC’s dealings with the
independent production industry.
Business Affairs negotiated ABC Television’s
commissioning deals and talent agreements for
180 new commissions across drama, comedy,
entertainment, indigenous, arts, factual, sport and
children’s and has finalised over 500 acquisition
contracts. Negotiations include the new BBC
acquisitions deal which will commence in July 2014;
the rights to a range of World War One centenary
anniversary programs, such as The War that Changed
Us and Anzac Girls; and the rights to critically
acclaimed programs such as The Code and recent
series of Redfern Now. Business Affairs provided
advice on a number of format deals taking ABC
programs to the United States.
2013–14 saw a significant growth in online comedy
and entertainment programming, including iview
exclusives and previews. Business Affairs supported
ABC Television in implementing new deal terms for this
innovative programming as well as reviewing content
delivery methods. Business Affairs has also supported
Australia Network to enhance its channel content to
include unique content specifically commissioned
for the network, as well as securing a broad range of
rights to meet its international online strategy.
Lawyers assisted the Radio, News and Television
divisions on a large number of matters including
the renewal of the Cricket Australia radio rights;
providing advice on complex rights issues during the
ABC’s coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics and
Paralympics; advising on the Sydney New Years Eve
Fireworks coverage; and ensuring international news
agency arrangements were in place for the ABC’s
cross-platform needs, including with CNN and the
BBC. In 2013–14, ABC Legal provided pre-publication
advice on a number of controversial programs,
including for Four Corners, Lateline, 7.30, Background
Briefing, Compass, Australian Story and The Checkout
and documentaries such as the Family Confidential
and Dumb Drunk and Racist series.
Inside the ABC
91
4
92 The ABC shares stories from Australians like Linda
and Lyn through its community activities as well as in
programs and content.
CORPORATE
RESPONSIBILITY
The role of the Corporate Responsibility report is to
provide an assessment of the ABC’s performance
against the high standards it has set for itself for
corporate citizenship, social responsibility and
environmental sustainability.
Contents:
in a broadcasting context
Environmental responsibility
94
96
98
104
The ABC recognises the impact that its operations have on the
environment and the community, and is committed to monitoring
and reporting on its performance in these areas. This means
actively seeking to minimise the ABC’s environmental footprint,
and maximise engagement with Australian communities.
Linda Najinga (front) and Lyn Narlbidgrrka at the Jamalak Festival by ABC Alice
Springs Producer, Emma Sleath. Warruwi, South Goulburn Island, Northern Territory.
About the ABC
93
98%
2.8%
Percentage drop in ABC
energy consumption
Consumption saved as a
result of lighting upgrades
Percentage of fleet vehicles with
a GVG rating of 10 or more
Management of
Corporate Responsibility
Reporting performance
Stakeholder inclusiveness
Materiality
The ABC reports its corporate responsibility and
sustainability performance each financial year in the
Annual Report, and on the Corporate Responsibility
website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abcis-run/what-guides-us/corporate-responsibility/
The ABC uses the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and the associated
Media Sector Supplement document to report its
performance.125 The GRI framework provides a
common language for organisations to measure
and report their sustainability performance so that
stakeholders are able to view a more complete picture
of the organisation’s financial and non-financial
activities and performance. The Media Sector
Supplement contains guidance on reporting key
aspects of sustainability performance that are relevant
and meaningful to the media sector.
The ABC provides opportunities for its audiences
and other stakeholders to input to the content and
sustainability related subjects of the Corporation.
The outcome of this engagement informs the
report content.
A detailed materiality analysis was conducted in
2010–11. Each year the ABC reviews and updates
the materiality analysis. In 2013–14, the relative
importance of each indicator in the materiality analysis
was determined according to the extent to which it:
In 2013–14, mechanisms for engaging with external
stakeholders included:
• contributed to the successful implementation of
corporate strategy or reinforced ABC Values;
• engagement through social media
• presented an opportunity for the ABC to
manage its impacts or affect the priorities of
its stakeholders;
In 2013–14, the ABC commenced a review of the
framework for achieving the environmental targets of
the Corporation. The outcomes of the review will be
used to update the strategies and priorities relevant to
reducing the ABC’s environmental footprint.
• ABC Feedback Forums.
Percentage of ABC1 prime time
programming that was captioned
The ABC contributes significant social value to the
Australian community. The ABC is committed to
conducting its day-to-day activities with integrity,
and maintaining the trust of the community.
Being responsible is a goal in the ABC Strategic
Plan 2014–16.
The Corporate Governance department is responsible
for the management and coordination of the ABC’s
corporate responsibility efforts. Responsibility for
implementing and demonstrating corporate social
responsibility rests with every employee and manager
across the Corporation.
A number of senior management positions within the
ABC include a reference to corporate responsibility
priorities in their roles, including: Head Corporate
Governance; Director Business Services; Equity
and Diversity Manager; Green @ Work National
Coordinator; Work Health and Safety Manager;
Manager Risk and Insurance; and the State and
Territory Directors.
The ABC’s Corporate Responsibility Policy reinforces
the ABC’s commitment to acting ethically and
responsibly in all areas of its operations. In 2013–14,
the Policy was reviewed and updated. The Policy
outlines the ABC’s commitment to key principles
of corporate social responsibility, which include
adhering to relevant laws and regulations, respecting
human rights, being accountable and transparent,
as well as engaging with both internal and external
stakeholder groups.
The Corporate Responsibility Group (CRG) met on
two occasions in 2013–14. Meetings covered topics
related to the ABC’s sustainability reporting and
measurement of environmental impacts. The group
considered how the ABC could address areas of
corporate responsibility representing the greatest risk
to the corporation and the greatest opportunity for
improvement in performance.
20 734kWh
• the annual Newspoll ABC Appreciation Survey
(see page 26)
• formal audience contacts and complaints
processes (see page 115)
• online feedback mechanisms specific to ABC
content areas
• ABC Advisory Council processes (see page 128)
Other than references to the activities of ABC
International, the report is limited to domestic
operations within the direct control of the ABC.
Sustainability information about the ABC’s investments
in MediaHub Australia Pty Limited, Freeview Australia
Limited, and National DAB Licence Company
Limited are not included in the report. Any additional
limitations to the scope or completeness of particular
data are identified within the reported data.
• emerged as important to stakeholders;
• was recognised as a risk in the corporate
risk process;
• constituted a future challenge for the media and
broadcasting sector;
• was regularly reported by others in the industry; and
• was recognised by experts or the scientific
community as a risk for sustainability.
The review included a scan of performance against
the ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16, the ABC’s updated
corporate risk profile, outcomes from stakeholder
engagement processes, developments relevant
to the media sector, and relevant submissions
to government.
Scope and boundary
Additional corporate responsibility and sustainability
information and a GRI Content Index is available
on the ABC’s website: http://about.abc.net.au/
how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/corporateresponsibility/
57.1%
Contact
The ABC welcomes feedback on the 2014 Corporate Responsibility
Report. Comments, questions or feedback can be addressed to:
Corporate Social Responsibility Project Manager
+61 2 8333 1500
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007
Corporate.responsibility@your.abc.net.au
125. GRI Guidelines Version G3.1.
95
Corporate responsibility in
a broadcasting context
Protecting freedom
of expression
due to non‑captioned music clips within the RAGE
program, broadcast late on Friday nights and early
on Saturday mornings.
Freedom of expression is enshrined in the ABC
Editorial Policies. Article 19 of the United Nations’
Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises
freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
The ABC’s commitment to impartiality and diversity
of perspectives reflects the need for a democratic
society to deliver diverse sources of reliable
information and contending opinions.
In 2013–14, 87% of news content broadcast on
ABC News 24 in prime-time was captioned. When
it is available, news content includes signing for the
hearing impaired.
In pursuing impartiality, the ABC is guided by
the following:
• a balance that follows the weight of evidence;
• fair treatment;
• open-mindedness; and
• opportunities over time for principal relevant
perspectives on matters of contention to
be expressed.
The ABC seeks to balance the public interest in
disclosure of information and freedom of expression,
with respect for privacy.
Improving access to
content and services
In 2013–14 the ABC continued to take steps to
improve the accessibility of its content and services.
Improving access for people
with a hearing impediment
Captioning is the process by which speech or scenes
are described in text for viewing on screen. Closed
captioning indicates the availability of text that can
be activated by users if required. The ABC provides
a closed captioning television service on ABC1, ABC2,
ABC4Kids, ABC3 and ABC News 24. Over 10 000
hours of first-run programming across all channels
was captioned.
In prime-time (6 pm – midnight), the ABC exceeds the
captioning requirements set out in the Broadcasting
Services Amendment (Improved Access to Television
Services) Act 2012. In 2013–14, the ABC captioned
more than 90% of prime-time television content on all
channels: 98% of programs on ABC1; 99% on ABC2;
94% on ABC4Kids; and 95% on ABC3.
Between 6 am and midnight, the ABC captioned
94% of all programs broadcast, short of the 95%
target for the year. The shortfall was almost entirely
96 The ABC provided greater access to special
events by captioning over 30 hours of ANZAC Day
content, including marches and memorial services.
This content was live-captioned by a team of
12 stenographers and three captioners, assisted by
support staff. The ABC also commenced captioning
sport including the Winter Paralympics in Sochi; the
West Australian Football League (WAFL), the Victorian
Football League (VFL) the Northern Territory Football
League (NTFL); and the Shute Shield.
Closed captions are available on the ABC’s internet
television service, iview. In 2013–14, all prime-time
ABC1 and ABC2 content, including all news and
current affairs, was captioned on iview. The ABC
captioned a range of content which premiered on
iview prior to broadcast, including Jonah Of Tonga;
Fresh Blood; and Daters. An increased amount
of children’s content was captioned on iview, with
a focus on ABC3 co-productions. In 2013–14,
captioning was available on iview for Bushwhacked,
Dance Academy, Nowhere Boys, Good Game SP,
and Prank Patrol (Road Trip).
In 2013–14, the ABC received a small number of
complaints about its captioning service (see page 116).
Improving access for people
with a visual impairment
The ABC has continued to improve the accessibility of
online content and services, and is working towards
becoming AA compliant in line with the Federal
Government’s commitment to the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0).
The 2013 redesign of the iview website in HTML5
improved accessibility of that site for people with
a visual impairment.
Access to ABC Shops
and products
Shop counters are designed to meet the needs of
customers in wheelchairs. ABC Shop design and
layouts are approved by local councils prior to opening
to ensure they meet the appropriate legislative and
regulatory requirements for each location.
The ABC has given an undertaking to the Australian
Human Rights Commission to always attempt to
source products that have closed captions (where the
Australian distributor has the authorship rights to allow
for this). This requirement has been included in ABC
Retail’s terms of trade with suppliers. The majority of
ABC DVDs (excluding pre-school titles) have closed
captions. The availability of closed captioned DVDs is
clearly signposted in all ABC Shops and Centres.
ABC Retail staff are required to be familiar with
the Welcoming Customers with Disabilities
handbook, published by the Australian Network
on Disability. The handbook includes specific
guidelines for assisting customers with disabilities
in a retail environment. ABC Shops are referred to
in the handbook as being a supportive shopping
environment for customers with disabilities.
Protecting young or
vulnerable audiences
The ABC Editorial Policies and associated Guidance
Notes contain principles and standards relating to
Harm and Offence, Children and Young People and
Public Access and Participation.
In 2013–14, new Guidance Notes were issued for Harm
and Offence, and the television classification standards
in the ABC Editorial Policies (and in the ABC Code of
Practice) were adjusted following the move of children’s
programming from ABC1 to ABC3 (see page 73).
All ABC Television content is classified by trained
classifiers and appropriate viewer information is
supplied with programs that some audience members
may find confronting. Content for adults is only
broadcast in adult classification time zones. News and
current affairs programs include appropriate warnings
prior to broadcasting violent or potentially disturbing
images or coarse language. News programs observe
cultural protocols when dealing with images or stories
about Indigenous people who have died.
The ABC has created safe destinations for younger
television audiences on ABC4Kids and ABC3.
Content on these channels is specifically targeted
and appropriate for younger audiences. Promotion
of content during children’s classification time zones
is also targeted appropriately. A small number of
complaints (nine) were received relating to the suitability
of promotions during children’s viewing times, and at
other times that children may have been viewing.
The ABC4Kids and ABC3 websites are also designed
as safe destinations for younger audiences, where
audience participation is closely monitored and
pre‑moderated. Participation in online services
(such as chat rooms) is limited by tools that restrict
the type and extent of content that can be posted on
the website, including children’s names and photos.
Publication of personal and identifying information
about schools or sports teams is monitored by
trained moderators.
Content for children on ABC Splash is carefully
selected and is consistent with the ABC Editorial
Policies. All user-generated content and live chats
are moderated by an editorial team.
All DVDs are classified by the Classification Board and
display appropriate warnings or guides. CDs display
appropriate warnings related to language and content.
The ABC contracts the management of events to third
party promoters. The event management agreements
require promoters to warrant that each event will be
safe and fit for purpose, and will be conducted in
accordance with all relevant laws, including those
related to work health and safety. The promoters
are required to undertake appropriate Working with
Children Checks, and to provide evidence to the ABC
that the checks have been conducted satisfactorily.
Improving digital literacy
ABC Open is a unique initiative which, as well as
enabling Australians in rural and regional areas to share
their stories on ABC platforms, provides opportunities
for them to develop digital media skills. In 2013–14,
ABC Open producers held more than 2 440 workshops
and small group multimedia training sessions, attracting
more than 11 200 attendees (see page 36).
To facilitate this level of activity, ABC Open has
partnered with a diverse range of regional partners,
including libraries, museums, historical societies,
councils, educational institutions, local clubs and
associations, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Island groups, art galleries, disability and health
services and festivals.
The ABC’s education portal, ABC Splash, enables
the Corporation to share its extensive archive of
educational content, and to engage with teachers
and students using the digital technologies that are
increasingly available in classrooms and homes
(see page 36).
In 2013–14, the ABC conducted a series of Splash
Live events through the education portal ABC Splash.
The events involved live, hosted webcasts that
were streamed into homes and classrooms around
Australia. Students and teachers developed their
digital skills through live, moderated chat streams.
Participants were able to generate and contribute
content as part of the event.
97
95%
1484
876 kL
2.8%
In 2013–14 the ABC continued to implement a
range of initiatives designed to contribute to its
environmental sustainability.126
Lighting upgrades were undertaken at the
following locations:
The use of blended E10 fuels is reported in the
emissions table (see below). The renewable ethanol
content of the fuel is not reported separately.
Emissions
Percentage of paper purchased
that contains recycled content
Tonnes of carbon offset
by ABC trees planted
• Albany, WA—general office lighting replaced
with LEDs (estimated to reduce the electricity
consumed by 29%);
Energy
In 2013–14, the ABC’s total energy consumption
decreased by 4 711GJ or 2.8% from 2012–13 levels.
Energy consumption
2013–14*
Total GJ
2012–13†
Total GJ
%
change
NSW
70 174
70 268
–0.1%
ACT
5 503
5 427
1.4%
Vic
29 767
31 889
–6.7%
Qld
14 190
14 786
–4.0%
SA
18 666
18 937
–1.4%
WA
9 563
10 164
–5.9%
Tas
7 961
8 671
–8.2%
NT
5 306
5 699
–6.9%
161 128
165 839
–2.8%
Total ABC
* Figures reported in 2013–14 are based on 99% actual billed electricity consumption
and 1% forecast consumption. Gas consumption is based on 68% actual
consumption and 32% forecast consumption.
† 2012–13 data is actual billed electricity and gas consumption.
In 2013–14, the ABC sought to implement a range
of initiatives to improve energy consumption. The
nature of the ABC business, in particular the reliance
on technology, necessarily involves high levels of
energy consumption. This is reflected in the energy
use figures for New South Wales and in Victoria
where there is a significant concentration of the ABC’s
workforce.
The ABC continued to convert fluorescent and
halogen lights to energy-efficient light emitting diode
(LED) light fittings at sites across the country. The new
LED’s are estimated to save 20 734kWh per annum,
equivalent to a saving of approximately $4 260.
• Canberra, ACT—Exit and corridor lights replaced
with LEDs; LED lights installed in fire stairs
(estimated to reduce the electricity consumed
by 69%);
• Hobart, Tasmania—field crew garage lights
replaced with LEDs (estimated to reduce the
electricity consumed by 85%);
• Launceston, Tasmania—Dichroic lights installed in
the radio studio (estimated to reduce the electricity
consumed by 42%);
• Burnie, Tasmania—Office lighting replaced
with LEDs (estimated to reduce the electricity
consumed by 72%); and
• East Perth, WA—House and studio lighting was
replaced with LEDs (estimated to reduce the
electricity consumed by 70%).
ABC Retail installed LED lighting at a number of
sites and upgraded in-store screens from plasma
televisions to liquid crystal display (LCD) screens,
which are more energy efficient.
Upgrading outdated systems provided an opportunity
to explore ways to reduce energy consumption. In
Hobart, the office heating and cooling system was
upgraded; energy efficient chillers and fans were
installed and the electric boiler was replaced with a
gas one; all of which are expected to deliver significant
electricity savings over the coming years.
Solar hot water systems are installed at ten sites:
Brisbane and Gold Coast (Queensland), Port Pirie
(South Australia), Launceston (Tasmania), Albany and
Broome (Western Australia), Canberra (Australian
Capital Territory), Alice Springs (Northern Territory),
Port Macquarie and Newcastle (New South Wales).
The impact of the ABC’s solar hot water usage on
energy consumption is not measured.
Amount of rainwater
collected at ABC sites
Decrease in Greenhouse
Gas Emissions
In 2013–14, the ABC’s GHG emissions decreased by
2.8% over 2012–13 levels. Most of the ABC’s carbon
emissions—approximately 80%—is directly related to
electricity consumption.
The ABC does not directly source energy from other
renewable energy sources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Unit of
measure
ment
Raw Figures
Categories
2013–14
2012–13
Electricity
(total)
37 869 720
38 715 003
Gas (total)
14 794 615
15 995 579
Green Power
0
Automotive
diesel (nontransport)
10 000
2013–14 tCO2-e
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
GHG
tCO2-e
39 322
0
34 496
5 616
40 111
692
821
0
149
0
0
0
0
0
2
29
0.0%
5 767 41 110
–2.6%
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
GHG
tCO2-e
kWh
0
33 791
5 532
MJ
595
0
97
0
0
0
0
10 000
L
Other Buildings
%∆
tCO2-e
2012–13 tCO2-e*
27
0
2
29
27
0
621
33 791
5 631
40 043
847
34 496
–2.0%
970 –28.6%
3 173
3 733
L
5
0
0
5
6
0
0
6
–15.0%
E10
114 374
133 631
L
238
0
39
277
279
0
45
324
–14.4%
Automotive
gasoline
(petrol)
279 681
285 972
L
640
0
51
691
654
0
52
706
–2.2%
0
0
L
LPG
Automotive
diesel (car)
Passenger vehicle
Automotive
diesel
(transport)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
883
0
90
973
939
0
98
1 036
–6.1%
202 502
194 960
L
546
0
41
588
526
0
40
566
3.9%
Automotive
gas (petrol)
0
0
L
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Aviation
turbine fuel
85 854
90 753
L
220
0
17
237
232
0
18
250
–5.4%
766
0
58
824
759
0
58
816
1.0%
2 271
33 791
5 779
40 357
2 545
34 496
Other Transport
Green Fleet
(off set)
All categories
–1 484
–1 424
4.2%
5 922 41 538
–2.8%
*2012–13 is actual GHG emissions.
126.Data in tables may not sum due to rounding.
99
Waste and recycling
The ABC disposed of 6 452m3 of waste from its
capital city sites in 2013–14, compared with 5 997m3
in 2012–13. Total recycled waste was approximately
2 940m3 representing 45.6% of total waste disposed.
Approximately 3 512 m3 of waste was sent to landfill.
Overall, the proportion of waste recycled, and waste
going to landfill, was similar to 2012–13.
Waste is made up of secure waste, co-mingled
recycling, recycled paper and cardboard, and landfill.
Waste disposal data is currently reported for capital
city sites only, based on billing information received
from the ABC’s waste disposal contractors.
All capital city sites have co-mingled recycling facilities
as well as recycling of batteries, fluorescent tubes
and printer cartridges. Mobile phone recycling is
in place at all capital city sites and some regional
sites. E-waste recycling of old computer hard drives,
screens, cables and other technological equipment is
available at all capital city sites.
In 2013–14, a sustainable catering kit was made
available for hire at ABC Ultimo for staff functions.
This prevented the purchase of over 2 500 disposable
items, contributing to savings in terms of both cost
and waste.
During refurbishments and rebuilding of offices the
ABC endeavours to recycle as much old material as
possible. During the refurbishment of the RN offices at
Ultimo, New South Wales 92% (29 m³) of construction
waste was recycled rather than sent to landfill. During
the building upgrade at Albany, Western Australia,
20% (65 m³) of materials were recycled rather than
sent to landfill.
Materials consumed
2013–14
2012–13
Copy Paper
Volume purchased (reams)*
% of total copy paper
purchased containing more
than 50% recycled content
Paper recycled†
29 501
30 700
95%
86%
172 m 3
139m3
967
1 180
Toner
Quantity (units purchased)‡
% recycled material in
toner purchased
19%
29%
Number of toner and other
print consumables disposed of
by recycling
1 844
2 062
Volume of toner and other print
consumables disposed of by
recycling (tonnes)
1.3
1.5
42.9
39.4
Mobile Phones
Volume recycled or diverted
from landfill § (kilograms)
Recycled Waste and Landfill Waste
2013–14*
2012–13*
% change
Recycled
m3
Landfill
m3
Recycled
m3
Landfill
m3
Recycled
m3
Landfill
m3
NSW
831
1 133
730
880
13.9%
28.7%
ACT
108
168
50
248
114.8%
–32.3%
Vic
458
1 017
521
960
–12.1%
5.9%
Qld
223
388
154
305
45.1%
27.3%
SA
897
35
905
35
–0.8%
–1.8%
WA
145
282
121
288
19.8%
–2.2%
Tas
111
324
107
365
4.4%
–11.2%
NT
166
166
154
175
7.9%
–4.9%
2 940
3 512
2 741
3 256
7.2%
7.9%
Total ABC
* All data is actual billed waste disposal.
Materials
The ABC has taken a number of steps to reduce the
use of paper and other resources, for instance:
In 2013–14, the ABC purchased 29 501 reams
of paper of which 95% contained over 50%
recycled content. The ABC’s environmental program
Green@Work ran several campaigns to raise
awareness about the impact of alternative materials
choices (see page 103).
• Television Marketing has moved their paper and
DVD based publicity guides to an online publicity
portal with electronic file delivery.
The ABC negotiated a new agreement for the
provision of mobile phone recycling. The arrangement
will deliver better information about the volume of
mobile phones recycled.
100 • The process for managing production
rights information has moved to an electronic
file-based system with folder sharing across
relevant departments. Work is continuing on
file-based pathways for other production areas
such as cameras, through to playout and archive.
• Production areas are working to reduce their
reliance on tape-based workflows by migrating
to electronic file based systems.
* Based on supplier purchasing reports.
† Based on waste billing data.
‡ Purchase information is based on supplier reports.
§ Data is obtained from annual collection reports provided by the
ABC’s service providers.
Environmental sustainability
in the supply chain
Where appropriate, tender documentation and
evaluation criteria required information about
suppliers’ corporate responsibility (including
environmental) commitments and practices.
Mandatory environmental standards (ES1 and ES2)
of the Federal Government’s ICT Sustainability Plan
2010–2015 are applied to all ABC procurements of
ICT equipment.
All ABC magazines are printed under ISO 14001
Environmental Certification. In addition, the Organic
Gardener magazine is printed on Forest Stewardship
Certified (FSC) from Mixed Sources paper.
All ABC Harper Collins black and white book titles
on paper, such as paperbacks and non-pictorial items,
are printed on paper manufactured from wood grown
in sustainable plantation forests. The fibre source
and manufacturing processes meet recognised
international environmental standards and
carry certification.
Travel and transport
The nature of the ABC’s operations, in particular
its news and current affairs activities, necessitates
frequent domestic and international travel. ABC
staff travelled a total of 26 412 407km by air in
2013–14, compared to 23 324 606km in 2012–13,
a 13% increase.
In 2013–14, domestic fleet vehicles travelled
4 227 585km, a decrease of 9.7% from
4 680 534km in 2012–13. Of the 408 vehicles
in the fleet:
• Seven (1.7%) are hybrid vehicles; and
• 233 (57.1%) have a Green Vehicle Guide (GVG)
rating of 10 or more.
In 2013–14, the ABC’s consumption of fuels directly
related to transport was 685 584L, a decrease of
3.3% from 2012–13 (709 049L). Fuel consumption
(LPG, E10, Petrol, Diesel and Aviation turbine) is
reported at page 99.
In 2013–14, 1 484 tonnes of the ABC’s fleet related
GHG emissions were offset through arrangements
with the not-for-profit organisation, Greenfleet.126
The ABC encourages staff to use sustainable travel
methods to get to and from work such as walking,
cycling or taking public transport. End-of-trip facilities
for staff including secure bike parking, showers and
lockers are provided at most capital city and some
regional sites. Information about public transport is
provided on the ABC intranet.
In 2013 the ABC conducted a survey of staff
travel in all capital city sites. It provided extensive
data on staff commuting habits and led to an
increase in the number of bicycle spaces from
eight to 24 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory,
and the installation of new lockers in Ultimo,
New South Wales.
The ABC continues to support and promote National
Walk to Work Day and National Ride to Work Day
with staff participating at many capital city and some
regional sites.
127.Emissions were offset by the planting of 5 539 trees. The number of trees
planted is a reasonable estimate made by Greenfleet of the number of trees
required to be initially planted to sequester the total quantity of carbon
purchased and takes into account that not all trees initially planted will survive
due to the natural survival rate of trees. Accordingly, trees that do not survive
following initial plantation may not necessarily be replanted.
101
Water consumption
In 2013–14, the ABC collected rainwater from 28 tanks
in locations around the country. Metering on the
tanks indicated that a total of 876kL of rainwater was
collected over the year. Harvested rain water was used
for toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling tower supply.
In 2013–14, the ABC’s water consumption was 74 902 kL, similar to 2012–13.
Water consumption at capital city sites
2013–14* kL
NSW
2012–13†
kL
39 678
39 635
0.1%
622
624
–0.3%
–6.5%
ACT
Vic
9 002
9 629
Qld
3 259
2 998
8.7%
SA
9 391
9 431
–0.4%
WA
9 259
8 587
7.8%
Tas
2 265
2 737
–17.3%
NT
1 426
1 265
12.7%
74 902
74 906
0.0%
Total ABC
Capital works
% change
In March 2014, the ABC commenced construction on
the Melbourne Accommodation Project in Southbank.
The new facility will collocate staff that are currently
located across three sites into one integrated facility
in Melbourne.
The ABC has set a number of environmental targets
for the development around energy and water
consumption, indoor environment quality, materials
and environmental management. The building design
and location aims to minimise motor vehicle travel by
providing infrastructure for staff and visitors which
encourages, walking, cycling and public transport use.
The design will maximise natural air-flow and lighting,
passive heating and the efficient use of electricity,
gas, water as well as water storage tanks and efficient
stormwater treatment.
* 2013–14 data is based on 56.3% actual consumption and 43.7% forecast consumption.
† 2012–13 data is actual consumption.
Rainwater collection at ABC sites
Location
NSW
Orange
Port Macquarie
Wollongong
Wagga Wagga
WA
East Perth
Total
Capacity
(kL)
Capacity
(L)
Quantity
2 100
1
2.1
500
6
3.0
750
3
2.3
2 200
1
2.2
8 775
2
17.6
11 000
2
22.0
Broome
10 000
1
10.0
SA
Port Pirie
10 000
1
10.0
Vic
Sale
13 000
1
13.0
Bendigo
24 500
1
24.5
4 500
1
4.5
25 000
6
Gold Coast
5 000
Longreach
10 000
NT
Alice Springs
Qld
Brisbane
191
2012–13
Metered
Collections (kL)
184
32
31
150.0
628
486
1
5.0
26
41
1
10.0
876
742
276.1
Total
* Metered collections are rounded to the nearest kL. Not all sites have metered collections.
102 2013–14
Metered
Collections
(kL)*
In 2013–14, the ABC implemented cloud computing
services, to enable large amounts of data to be stored
in a way that is energy efficient and will streamline
future infrastructure requirements (see page 75).
The ABC has been upgrading the local network
capacity in each capital city to ensure there is
sufficient capacity to meet business demands for the
next three to four years, without the need for a major
capital investment. Newer technology utilised in this
area is increasing capacity significantly without a
correspondingly significant energy increase. A further
major focus of the past year has been increasing
the network capacity for the ABC’s regional offices,
recognising that there is considerably more output,
especially video, being generated from the sites.
The ABC’s Heritage Strategy was prepared in
accordance with s341ZA of the Environmental
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(Cth) (the EPBC Act). The EPBC Act sets out the
ABC’s responsibilities to protect and conserve the
Commonwealth Heritage values of places which it
owns or controls. In 2013–14 the ABC commenced
a review of its Heritage Strategy.
Green@Work
The Green@Work program coordinated various
campaigns and events throughout the year to raise
awareness amongst staff on how they can lessen their
impact on the environment.
National ‘Switch Off’ campaigns over Easter,
Christmas and New Year generated awareness about
the actions staff can take to be more energy efficient
in their working environment. Electricity usage at
ABC sites was measured over the duration of the
campaigns to show staff the difference their efforts
can make in reducing the ABC’s electricity use. During
2013–14 the ABC reduced its electricity use by over
4% during each campaign period when compared to
the same period in the previous year.
Other events were organised to raise environmental
awareness and promote sustainability beyond
the workplace:
• The ABC, in partnership with their stationery
supplier, held sustainable product expos in most
capital city sites during the first half of 2014. This
was a chance for ABC departmental buyers to
learn about recycled and recyclable alternatives to
everyday stationery products and papers. Expos
were held in Ultimo, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin,
Perth and Adelaide.
• A lunchtime gardening workshop in Ultimo, New
South Wales led by Gardening Australia presenter
Costa Georgiadis demonstrated to staff how they
can grow their own vegetables in containers at
home and how to reduce waste.
• The third annual Green Week in Ultimo, New South
Wales was a collaboration between the ABC,
University of Technology, Sydney and Ultimo
TAFE. A range of events were held to educate and
inform staff and students about the environment,
including a photo competition, various films,
market days and a rooftop garden tour.
• Staff community gardens in Ultimo (NSW),
Adelaide (SA), Perth (WA), Melbourne (Vic),
Brisbane (Qld), Canberra (ACT) and Hobart (Tas)
provided staff with the opportunity to learn organic
gardening techniques.
103
$104 627
Amount contributed through
the ABC’s charitable Workplace
Giving program
The ABC has a long history of contributing social
value to the communities in which it operates.
It does this through activities such as emergency
broadcasting, Community Service Announcements
that support Australian communities, and contributing
to the development of media organisations in the
Asia‑Pacific region.
ABC in the Community
Community Service
Announcements
The ABC broadcasts announcements about
community issues or events which are in the
public interest, subject to the ABC Editorial Policies
Standard 9 (Public access and participation).
Due to its localisation and immediacy, radio is the
primary medium for the ABC to broadcast Community
Service Announcements.
Examples of Community Service Announcements
broadcast in 2013–14 include:
• Throughout the year Local Radio broadcast a
number of Community Service Announcements
on how to prepare for and what to do in
emergency situations.
• In October 2013, ABC Local Radio supported the
Great Garage Sale Trail initiative nationally through
a range of activity including Community Service
Announcements. The initiative aims to encourage
people to recycle rather than adding to landfill.
• In December 2013, Community Service
Announcements on Local Radio promoted appeals
to raise funds and donations for those who are
less advantaged and in need during the festive
season. Local Radio worked in conjunction with
charities such as: The Samaritans, Foodbank, The
Salvation Army, Kids in Care and the Department
of Communities.
104 51.2%
Percentage of ABC workforce
that is female
Workplace giving
Humanitarian appeals
The ABC works with aid agencies during crises and
humanitarian aid appeals when it is appropriate and
possible to do so.
In 2013–14, the ABC raised awareness for disaster
relief in the Syrian Humanitarian Aid appeal, the Asian
Typhoon Recovery appeal, and in April 2014 the
Solomon Islands Flooding appeal.
In 2013–14, ABC employees raised $104 627 for
charities through the ABC’s Workplace Giving
program. This represented a 7.9% increase in
contributions over 2012–13. In addition, over $50 000
was donated by ABC employees as part of charitable
fund-raising events, including the Biggest Morning
Tea, Steptember, and the CEO Sleepout.
The ABC’s Role as
Emergency Broadcaster
Connecting with communities
Local Radio stations in affected communities
broadcast updates, emergency information and
warnings as required. Updates were provided on
television, social media, streamed online, and through
the ABC Emergency website. During the year, the
ABC updated its flagship app to include national
emergency announcements.
The ABC provides both community groups and
staff with the opportunity to jointly recognise
commemorative days which draw attention to
environmental, health or other community issues.
During 2013–14, regional and capital city offices
in each State and Territory took part in a variety
of activities related to Harmony Day, Green Week,
International Women’s Day, National Diabetes
Week, Reconciliation Week, National Indigenous
Literacy Week, Walk to Work, Ride to Work, and
NAIDOC Week.
1233 ABC Newcastle partnered with the Hunter
Institute of Mental Health to promote the Living
Well Community Forum at Newcastle City Hall on
4 June. The event attracted a capacity crowd of 800.
Craig Hamilton, Saturday Breakfast presenter, ABC
Grandstand sports commentator and mental health
advocate, was a guest speaker and driver of the
event. Other speakers included Newcastle Knights’
coach, Wayne Bennett and CEO of Hunter Institute
of Mental Health, Jaelea Skehan.
Emerging from a drive to increase the diversity on
the ABC’s airwaves, 612 ABC Brisbane ran a pilot
Community Correspondent program. The program
recruited people through a campaign that was
conducted on air, through social media and through
local press. The 30 Community Correspondents come
from a diverse range of backgrounds, demographics
and locations across Brisbane. The youngest
Correspondent was nine years old. Profiles of the
Community Correspondent are available at http://
abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/04/30/3995242.
htm?site=brisbane&section=competitions
During times of emergency the ABC provides an
important service to communities.
Emergency broadcasting
Emergency broadcasts in 2013–14 included:
• In October 2013, Local Radio stations in NSW
provided rolling coverage to the communities
affected by major fires in the Blue Mountains,
Lithgow, Central Coast and Southern Highlands,
with online producers rostered to provide social
media coverage 24-hours a day as required.
• In mid-January 2014, 891 ABC Adelaide provided
rolling coverage of four major fires at Eden Valley,
Ngarkat, Billiatt, Bangor and the Riverland in South
Australia over a 72-hour period. ABC North and
West provided overnight coverage for two days
following a flare up at the Bangor fire.
• In February 2014, flooding in the Kimberley area of
Western Australia and fires in Tasmania required
the local stations to drop out of national cricket
coverage for up to four hours each to provide
continuous warnings and updates.
During March and early April 2014, a number of other
incidents were monitored with alerts broadcast as
required. These included:
• Tropical Cyclone Gillian which threatened the
vulnerable community of Christmas Island. From
21–22 March, the local community radio station
switched to ABC North West (Karratha) coverage
which provided hourly warnings and interviews.
• Local Radio in Western Australia and Victoria
broadcast a range of alerts, emergency warnings
and total fire ban warnings in several regions in
their States experiencing fires.
• On 11 April, ABC Far North (Cairns) provided
emergency coverage around Tropical Cyclone
Ita which crossed the Queensland coast near
Cape Flattery as a category four cyclone. The
Standard Emergency Warning Signals (SEWS)
were broadcast as required by the Bureau of
Meteorology and rolling coverage provided at
the height of the emergency. The ABC Extra
digital service carried ABC Far North’s coverage,
also streamed online. The ABC Emergency website
published extensive information on what to do
‘before, during and after’ a cyclone.
In February 2014, 774 ABC Melbourne Mornings
devoted significant airtime to the mine fire in the
Victorian town of Morwell. Issues raised during the
broadcast formed key elements of the terms of
reference for the inquiry into the fire. ABC Gippsland
and 774 ABC Melbourne produced a joint program,
live from the Morwell Central Business District that
gave locals a forum to raise their concerns.
Contributing to
community resilience
The ABC’s expertise in emergency broadcasting
means that as well as the national emergency
broadcasting coverage provided across its platforms,
the ABC contributes to initiatives designed to raise
awareness and resilience in times of emergency.
• The ABC in South Australia met with SA Health
to assist with the framing of operational responses
to emergency situations, particularly aged
care facilities and formulating an emergency
response policy.
• The ABC Local Radio South Australia’s Regional
Content Director took part in a community
resilience exercise conducted by the State
Emergency Recovery Committee. All major
emergency and government agencies took
part in the exercise. The destruction of major
infrastructure in a remote township formed the
basis of the exercise.
• In August 2013, the ABC Local Radio Content
Manager Tasmania, spoke at the Tasmanian Fire
Service Conference in Launceston.
105
• In September 2013, ABC Local Radio Queensland
staged its first Emergency Week, which drew
attention to the importance of preparedness for
the storm season and complemented the Get
Ready Queensland campaign. The ABC worked
with the Brisbane City Council and Emergency
Management Queensland (EMQ).
• In October 2013, ABC Local Radio Tasmania
dedicated a day of broadcasting to fire
awareness and preparation.
Helping communities rebuild
In 2013–14, the ABC played an active role in the
physical and emotional recovery of communities
affected by emergencies. The ABC’s Local Radio
network provided opportunities for communities to
discuss and share the impact of an event, and to bring
survivors together to support their emotional recovery.
For instance:
• In December 2013, 702 ABC Sydney Mornings
presenter Linda Mottram broadcast live from the
Bells Line of Road, Lithgow and Mt Victoria region
to report on the aftermath in these areas and talk
with communities about their experiences and the
rebuilding and recovery phase now underway.
• In December 2013, Local Radio Weekends
presenter Simon Marnie broadcast live from
Winmalee High School in NSW as part of the
Community Recovery Picnic Day. The broadcast
included a community cricket match between
members of the Springwood Cricket Club,
Warrimoo and Valley Heights Rural Fire Service
(RFS) volunteers, Australian fast bowler Pat
Cummins, Phil Davis and Steve Coniglio from the
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) GIANTS Football
Club, Mitchell Allgood and Brenden Santi from the
Parramatta Eels.
• An idea suggested by a listener resulted in
702 ABC Sydney raising $29 000 for Blue
Mountain bushfire relief. An on-air auction of five
canvas prints of a photograph titled The Cricketers:
(see below).
• In May 2014, a Bushfire recovery Outside
Broadcast was mounted by Local Radio Western
Australia in Kalamunda, following the devastating
losses in the Perth Hills in January 2014. A large
live audience listened to personal stories, practical
information and descriptions about the way the
community rallied.
ABC International Development works to support
the development of robust media institutions in the
Asia‑Pacific region (see page 63).
Product Responsibility
Product information and labelling
The ABC ensures all products are appropriately labelled.
No changes to policy or practice regulating product
information or labelling were made during 2013–14.
Where it is appropriate, packaging displays
information about appropriate disposal of packaging.
Examples include:
“Warning! Plastic Bag can be dangerous.
To avoid danger of suffocation keep this bag
away from babies and children please dispose of all
packaging responsibly.”
“Dispose of all packaging ties before giving to your child.”
“Battery disposal notification symbol.”
ABC licensed merchandise packaging is clearly
marked if the packing is a potential hazard. Information
on DVD packaging is provided about the nature and
classification of the content, including running time;
aspect ratio; sound format; region encoding; number
of discs; and captioning information.
702 ABC Sydney has raised $29 000 for Blue
Mountain bushfire relief with yesterday’s on air auction
of five canvas prints of the poignant image, “The
Cricketers”. The prints were auctioned by presenters
in Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons, Drive and
Evenings programs.
Consistent with safety testing procedures for
toys (such as AS/NZS ISO 8124), products were
appropriately labelled. For instance, products which
contain small parts included a “Not suitable for
children under 18 months of age” warning.
“The Cricketers”, taken by ABC Local Radio’s John
Donegan, shows Warrimoo RFS volunteer fire fighters
enjoying a break with some backyard cricket in the
Blue Mountains. John spent much of the October
emergency in the Blue Mountains, capturing the
drama faced by both residents and fire fighters.
The Cricketers shows a lighter moment in what were
often difficult conditions.
Quality assurance
Warrimoo RFS enjoy a break from the October bushfires
out the back of Norman Lindsay House, Faulconbridge.
Photo: John Donegan.
106 Supporting Public
Broadcasters in the Region
All licensees of ABC branded merchandise have
contractual obligations to manufacture high quality
products that meet Australian Standards applicable
to the product. Children’s products are Safety Tested
to the Standards AS/NZS ISO 8124 parts 1, 2 and 3
if applicable. Products aimed at adults may also be
required to be tested to relevant standards. Licensees
are required to provide certificates to prove the test
results. If there are no applicable Australian Standards
or testing procedures for a product aimed at children,
the ABC requires that licensees or manufacturers
perform tests that conform to American or European
testing, to safeguard product safety and quality.
Licensees test for colourfastness, shrinkage and
flammability of apparel products. These products are
required to meet retailer’s individual standards.
Product complaints and recalls
During the reporting period ABC Commercial
developed a comprehensive procedure for managing
customer complaints regarding ABC branded/
licensed product. The procedures set in place
guidelines for ABC Commercial to follow in the event
of a complaint that may prompt a product recall and
establish the broad steps that need to be taken for the
product recall to be initiated. Once a product recall
has been initiated the Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission guidelines are followed.
In 2013–14, ABC Retail updated their Policy and
Procedures Manual to codify and specify the actions
which retail staff must take when a complaint is made
regarding a product which may be faulty or have
caused harm or injury.
There were no product recalls during the
reporting period.
Protecting Privacy
Information about the ABC’s compliance with privacy
obligations is set out at page 115.
in the workplace
Values at work
The ABC is committed to demonstrating values-based
leadership, fostering the attitudes and behaviours that
contribute to a safety conscious, creative and vibrant
working environment that fosters innovation.
In 2013–14 a new online induction module was
developed to promote ABC values, work health
and safety responsibilities, and the new bullying
and workplace behaviours policy. The induction is
accessible to all new starters before they join the ABC
(see page 84).
Specific divisional activities have been utilised to
promote ABC values in action. For instance, the
Technology division ran team sessions on Creating a
Positive Workplace Culture, to explore how the ABC
Values and workplace behaviours are embedded in
how they do business.
107
Workplace health and safety
Information about workplace health and safety
management and performance is set out at page 84.
Dealing with significant change
In 2013–14, the ABC implemented two significant
projects which involved fundamental changes to
structures and workflows—the Vertical Integration
project and the Newsgathering Project. The Vertical
Integration project redistributed the centralised pool
of production operations resources staff into the
News and Television divisions. The Newsgathering
Project involved a fundamental transformation of the
structures and focus of the News Division to better
meet the needs of audiences.
The People Division teamed up with partners across
the corporation to develop ways to manage change
and the impact on employees. Assistance included
change and communications planning, targeted
training and development initiatives, and organisation
design. Consultation with staff and unions was
conducted as required.
Information about the Vertical Integration and
Newsgathering Projects is provided at page 53.
Mental health in the workplace
In 2013–14 the ABC appointed a new Employee
Assistance Provider (EAP) following a public
tender process. The EAP provides solution-based
counselling sessions for a range of personal
and work related issues to ABC staff and their
immediate families.
The ABC is aware of the potential risks to the
mental health of employees who are involved in the
production of news and current affairs, particularly
when dealing with stories which are confronting or
distressing. Trauma Awareness training was provided
in 2013–14 to twelve staff members, including new
Cadets. Surviving Hostile Environments training was
provided in conjunction with the external company
Dynamiq to 15 employees.
In August 2013 the ABC hosted a one day forum for
journalists on ‘Reporting Responsibly on the Royal
Commission into Institutional Responses to Child
Sexual Abuse’. The forum was part of an initiative
aimed at promoting accurate, ethical and informed
coverage of the issues. The forum was funded
by the Dart Centre Asia-Pacific and supported by
the Mindframe National Media Initiative, the Media
Entertainment and Art Alliance, and the ABC.
108 The ABC also offered workshops aimed at building
resilience to all staff covering the Royal Commission
into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
In October 2013, the CEO of Sane Australia,
Jack Heath, was invited to share his insights into
mindfulness and fostering positive mental health in the
workplace. The session was recorded and streamed
live for staff who were unable to attend.
Diversity in the workplace
Whilst the ABC is not governed by the Workplace
Gender Equality Act 2012, the gender equality
indicators in that legislation provide a useful
benchmark for monitoring gender equality.
Additional information about equity and diversity
is at page 82.
The overall proportion of men and women employed is
consistent across the ABC, and is relatively
evenly balanced. The higher number of women
working in the retail group is reflected in the lowest
salary ranges.
Gender composition
Men
% of
total
Number
% of
total
Number
ABC Board*
3
37.5%
5
62.5%
Executive Director
6
50.0%
6
50.0%
2 787
51.2%
2 657
48.8%
ABC Workforce
Women
Salary
range
Men
Number
% of
Total
Number
% of
Total
Over $145 000
98
1.8%
161
3.0%
$130 001–$145 000
78
1.4%
112
2.1%
$115 001–$130 000
114
2.1%
148
2.7%
$100 001–$115 000
236
4.3%
293
5.4%
$85 001–$100 000
470
8.6%
580
10.7%
$70 001–$85 000
836
15.4%
815
15.0%
$55 001–$70 000
639
11.7%
400
7.3%
$40 001–$55 000
259
4.8%
130
2.4%
57
1.0%
18
0.3%
2 787
51.2%
2 657
48.8%
< $40 000
Total
Gender profile
Women
Remuneration
The ABC has developed a range of initiatives to
help increase the level of Indigenous employment
(see page 82).
Flexible working arrangements
In 2013–14, flexible working arrangements were
available and utilised by staff to support family or
caring responsibilities. A total of 241 employees took
parental leave in 2013–14, comprising 235 women
and six men.
* Includes the Managing Director.
Composition of the ABC’s workforce by
classification, location and gender
Women
Number
Men
% of
total
Number
% of
total
29.7%
Administrative/
Professional
579
70.3%
245
Content Maker
1 760
49.0%
1 829
51.0%
Retail
235
80.8%
56
19.2%
Senior Executive*
157
45.1%
191
54.9%
56
14.3%
336
85.7%
2 787
51.2%
2 657
48.8%
Technologist Total
Section 12 of the ABC Enterprise Agreement
2013–2016 makes specific provision for Individual
Flexibility Arrangements to be entered into.
Continuous learning and
skills development
Over 9 000 staff attended over 2 000 training events
that were delivered internally, externally, online
and via webinar, totalling 54 270 participant hours.
In line with industry trends and emerging approaches
to learning, there was significant shift from formal
classroom based courses to more flexible methods
of delivery, as well as an increase in informal training.
Examples include:
• ABC development teams ran a number of
‘hackathon’ events through the year, where those
involved in software development and computer
programming collaborate to understand a problem
or develop solutions. Events included a detailed
analysis of the ABC search data and work on a
custom tool to help ABC website owners achieve
website best practice.
• ABC Shops continued to run Accredited Training
programs delivered by the Australian Retailers
Association Retail Institute in both Certificate
IV in Retail Management for Shop Managers
and Certificate III in Retail Operations for Shop
Assistants. Three Shop Managers and 10 Shop
Assistants successfully completed their respective
courses in 2013–14. Small, informal workshops
were conducted to familiarise ABC Magazines’
staff and external magazine publishers with the
Guidance Note: Advertising and Sponsorship—
ABC Commercial.
• The ABC provided a number of internal training
opportunities across content and operation areas
of the ABC, as well as in Marketing and Technology
for Indigenous staff. The ABC partnered with the
Australian Film and Television and Radio School
(AFTRS) to provide Indigenous staff at the ABC
with access to AFTRS short courses.
Additional information about training and development
is at page 80.
* Senior Executive includes the Managing Director and Divisional Directors.
Under the ABC’s Leave Policy, additional leave may
be available to employees to meet particular needs. In
addition to entitlements to personal leave and parental
leave, employees may apply for Miscellaneous Paid
Leave or Leave Without Pay.
Staff volunteers at the Lunar New Year broadcast.
Photo: Anastasia Konstantelos.
109
The ABC is a platform for Australians like the Life Savers
at Secret Harbour in WA to share their stories.
5
GOVERNANCE
The ABC is accountable to all Australians for the
delivery of high-quality media content in an efficient
and responsible way. The ABC’s strong governance
framework ensures it fulfils its formal obligations as a
statutory corporation.
Contents:
112
Performance against the
ABC Strategic Plan118
Government outcomes
121
ABC advisory bodies
126
The ABC recognises its responsibility to the Australian people
as a publicly-funded broadcaster, and adopts high standards of
corporate governance. By setting meaningful and measurable
strategic goals, the ABC can assess its performance and
consistently deliver a valued and valuable service to all Australians.
The Ten, ABC Open contributor Steven Powell. Secret Harbour, WA.
About the ABC
111
The ABC Board and management apply a corporate governance framework
that aims to balance the ABC’s performance as a creative media organisation,
on the one hand and its need to comply with the formal obligations of
a statutory corporation on the other.
Enabling legislation
ABC corporate objectives, strategies, policies
and activities derive from the requirements of the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983
(“ABC Act”). In particular, s.6 of the Act—the ABC
Charter—outlines the functions of the Corporation and
s.8 lays out the duties of the Board (see Appendix
1, page 196). The ABC Act expressly provides for
both the editorial and administrative independence
of the Corporation, thereby investing the Board with
considerable discretion. In acknowledgement of that
independence, the ABC accepts the obligation to
meet the highest standards of public accountability.
Governance and
management processes
Board Governance
The roles and responsibilities of the Board are
described on page 10.
The ABC Board held six meetings during 2013–14.
The Audit and Risk Committee met on five occasions
and the Finance Committee met on four occasions.
The Human Resources Committee did not meet
during 2013–14, as all pertinent matters were dealt
with by the full Board. Further information about
the ABC Board and its Committees is provided in
Appendix 2 (see page 197).
Management Processes
The Managing Director chairs a monthly meeting of
the ABC Executive, comprising Divisional Directors
and the Heads of specialist support units reporting
to him. This group also convenes briefly each
Monday morning.
The ABC’s governance framework includes a number
of executive and advisory groups which provide
guidance and leadership around areas such as digital
strategy, risk management, information technology,
work health and safety, and policy development.
Internal Audit
Group Audit provides an independent and objective
audit and advisory service which is designed to add
value and improve the Corporation’s operations.
Group Audit helps the ABC to achieve its objectives
by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach
to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk
management, control and governance processes.
In 2013–14, Group Audit completed scheduled
audits which included comprehensive, compliance,
information technology and project assurance audits.
Group Audit also performed unscheduled reviews at
the specific request of management and continued
to use technology to undertake continuous auditing
and monitoring of transactional data. As in previous
years, Group Audit used a combination of in-house
staff and external companies to deliver audits and
provide the most appropriate industry experience
and technical expertise.
Group Audit also provided guidance and advice to
ABC management and staff on good governance, risk
management, controls and policies. As part of the
ABC’s best practice arrangements, the Head Group
Audit met regularly with the Chair of the Audit and Risk
Committee during the course of the year in addition to
formal Committee meetings.
Further information is provided in Appendix 2
(see page 198).
The Audience Strategy Group, comprising the
Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and
Directors of content areas (Radio, News, Television
and Innovation) is responsible for coordinating the
ABC’s cross-divisional content strategy.
Fraud Control
In 2013–14, the ABC updated its Fraud Control Plan
for 2014–2016 to ensure the Corporation met the
requirements of the Commonwealth Fraud Control
Guidelines. It promoted awareness of its fraud control
measures, including the Confidential Fraud Hotline.
The Corporation also participated in the annual ABC
Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines Annual
Reporting Survey, which was administered by the
Australian Institute of Criminology.
The Managing Director is satisfied that the ABC has
prepared fraud risk assessments and fraud control
plans, and has in place appropriate procedures and
processes relating to fraud prevention, detection,
investigation, reporting and data collection, which
meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Fraud
Control Guidelines.
Risk Management
The ABC conducts a review of the ABC’s
Corporate Risk Profile of strategic risks twice
annually to ensure they adequately reflect the current
operating environment. The review is conducted by
the Executive Risk Committee, which comprises
representatives from each Division. The outcome of
that review is discussed and endorsed by the ABC
Executive and the Audit and Risk Committee.
Operational risks are identified and reviewed on
an ongoing basis, and may be proactive and relate
to planning activities, or reactive and relate to
incidents that have occurred. The operational risks
managed through this ongoing process provide a
day-to-day identification and reporting mechanism
within divisions.
The ABC participated in Comcover’s 2014 Risk
Management Benchmarking Survey of 135
government agencies, which rated the Corporation’s
risk management practices as “Structured”,
representing a score of 8.1 out of 10. The ABC
continues to maintain strong results when compared
to the average maturity level of overall Commonwealth
government departments and agencies, and in
relation to the ABC’s peer group.
operates within and supports the Corporation’s
broader governance, policy and risk management
framework to maintain and improve the planning and
response activity to adverse events that may impact
ABC people, facilities or operations. The Business
Continuity Management program aims to continually
improve the leadership, process and communications
requirements of the ABC emergency coordination,
crisis management and business continuity and
recovery processes. Understanding and effectively
managing these risks through the Business
Continuity Management program is part of the ABC’s
commitment to building organisational resilience.
Corporate Strategy Setting
Section 31A of the ABC Act requires the Board to
develop corporate plans that set out the strategic
direction for the ABC.
In 2013, the ABC developed a new three-year
Strategic Plan for the period 2013–16. The ABC
Strategic Plan 2013–16 was approved by the Board
and commenced on 1 July 2013.
The Strategic Plan 2013–16 continues to focus on the
six goals set out in the previous plan, which remain
an accurate reflection of the ABC’s Values, Charter
obligations and strategic direction:
• Audience-focused
• High-quality
• Innovative
• Values-based
• Efficient
• Responsible.
The Strategic Plan 2013–16 meets the requirements of
s.31B(1) of the ABC Act by setting out the objectives
of the Corporation; outlining the overall strategies
and policies that the Corporation will follow; including
a forecast of the revenue and expenditure of the
Corporation and its subsidiaries; and including
appropriate performance indicators and targets.
The ABC is committed to maintaining the stability and
resilience of its operations, as well as prioritising the
safety and wellbeing of employees during and after
any business disruption event. The ABC’s Business
Continuity Management program independently
Governance
113
Corporate reporting
and compliance
Compliance Reporting
In June 2008, the Department of Finance and
Deregulation issued Finance Circular No. 2008/5
relating to Commonwealth Authorities and Companies
Act 1997 (“CAC Act”) bodies in the general
government sector. The Circular requires the ABC
Board to report on compliance with the CAC Act,
CAC Orders 2011 and CAC Regulations 1997 and the
Corporation’s financial sustainability to the Minister of
Finance and Deregulation and the ABC’s responsible
Minister by 15 October each year.
To meet these requirements, the ABC
has established an internal compliance
reporting framework.
The Board signed and submitted the Compliance
Report relating to the 2012–13 reporting period before
the due date in October 2013.
Annual Report
The ABC is required by s.9 of the CAC Act to prepare
an annual report. The report must be submitted to the
responsible minister for presentation to the Parliament.
The ABC 2013 Annual Report was submitted to
The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for
Communications and was tabled in Parliament on
18 October 2013.
Report against the ABC
Strategic Plan
The ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16 sets out the
strategies which will be pursued in order to achieve
the ABC’s goals of being Audience Focused, High
Quality, Innovative, Values Based, Responsible and
Efficient. Assessment of progress is based on ten
performance areas, which reflect the key elements
of the ABC’s strategies.
Freedom of Information
Privacy
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (“FOI Act”) gives
the public the right to access documents held by the
ABC. During 2013–14, the ABC received 39 requests
for access to documents under the FOI Act.
In 2013–14, the ABC implemented changes to
policies and procedures in response to significant
amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 which came into
effect on 12 March 2014. Changes included updating
the ABC Privacy Policy to reflect the new Australian
Privacy Principles and implementing a new internal
Information Handling Policy.
Three requests were granted, three were granted in
part, 15 were refused, 15 were withdrawn or deemed
to be withdrawn, and one was dealt with outside of
the formal FOI process. Two requests were still being
processed at the end of the financial year. Of the
15 requests which were refused, three were outside
the scope of the FOI Act. Part II of Schedule 2 of the
FOI Act specifically excludes documents relating to
the ABC’s program material from the operation of
the FOI Act.
One matter was the subject of Internal Review. Access
to documents was refused on review on the basis that
the documents were program material and outside the
scope of the FOI Act.
In 2013–14, the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner finalised eight matters which were
the subject of Information Commissioner Review,
five of which related to applications made in previous
reporting periods. Of the eight matters, the OAIC
upheld the ABC’s decision in five matters; determined
not to undertake a review in two matters in two
matters; and closed one matter on the basis that
no documents existed.
In accordance with s.8(1) of the FOI Act, the ABC
has prepared an Agency Plan which describes how
the ABC will comply with the Information Publication
Scheme requirements set out in Part II of the FOI
Act. The ABC’s Agency Plan and Disclosure Log
are published on the ABC’s website: http://about.
abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/
freedom-of-information/
Performance against the ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16
is set out at page 118.
In November 2013, the ABC became aware of a
privacy breach which resulted in the disclosure of
personal information concerning approximately
100 ABC employees. An investigation determined that
the information had been inadvertently disclosed in
October 2012, and portions of that information were
subsequently published by a third party to the world
at large. Employees affected by the disclosure were
notified and steps were taken to contain the breach
and guard against similar breaches in future. The ABC
notified the Privacy Commissioner of the breach.
Audience contact
An important avenue for assessing the ABC’s
performance with its core constituency is through
audience feedback, including complaints.
Written complaints about issues such as factual
inaccuracy, bias or inappropriate content are referred
to the ABC’s Audience and Consumer Affairs unit.
Audience and Consumer Affairs is independent
of ABC program areas and can investigate written
complaints referring to possible breaches of the
ABC Editorial Policies or ABC Code of Practice.
The unit also coordinates responses to a range
of programming and policy enquiries.
The Reception Advice Line is the first point of
contact for viewers and listeners experiencing
technical problems receiving ABC television or radio.
A summary of audience contacts to the Reception
Advice Line is set out at page 124.
In 2013–14, Audience and Consumer Affairs logged
52 287 audience contacts, a 10.8% increase on the
47 205 contacts logged by Audience and Consumer
Affairs in 2012–13.
The profile of contacts reported by Audience and
Consumer Affairs reflects the particular remit of the
unit. Written complaints alleging a breach of the ABC
Code of Practice or ABC Editorial Policies received
elsewhere in the ABC are required to be referred to
Audience and Consumer Affairs in the first instance,
whereas requests, suggestions, praise and other
comments are not. This, and the unit’s specialist
complaints-handling focus, means that the proportion
of contacts received by Audience and Consumer
Affairs which are complaints will generally be higher
than the proportion received elsewhere throughout
the Corporation.
Summary of Contacts Received
Contact type
Email/Letter/Other
Number
%
Complaint
26 484
50.6
Request/Suggestion
19 607
37.5
Appreciation
4 112
7.9
Other
2 084
4.0
Total
52 287
100.0
Subject Matter of Contacts Received
Subject
Email/
Letter/Other
Requests for information, programs,
product availability and other matters
%
Total
21 691
41.5
Complaints about program standards,
scheduling and other matters
19 385
37.1
Appreciation of programs
and presenters
4 112
7.9
Party political bias
2 812
5.4
Bias (other than party political)*
2 038
3.9
Complaints of factual inaccuracy
1 439
2.7
810
1.5
52 287
100.0
Lack of balance
Total
* Includes claims of bias in relation to issues such as sport and religion.
Key concerns reflected in audience contacts
received by Audience and Consumer Affairs this year
included 1 175 complaints about the March 2014
redesign of the iview service. These were largely
about the useability of the new design, described
by complainants as less user-friendly, and about
technical bugs that affected some functionality such
as saving programs to viewers’ watchlists.
Governance
115
There were 979 complaints about the ABC’s coverage
of the 2013 Federal Election, 51% of which were
allegations of bias. Of these, 48% alleged that
coverage favoured the Government, 42% alleged
that the Opposition was favoured and 10% were
unspecified or alleged other bias.
Audience and Consumer Affairs logged 800
complaints in relation to promotions. Concerns
included that promotions were too intrusive
(particularly television promotions shown during end
credits and those broadcast in-program) and that
some programs were not broadcast as promoted.
period in 2012 to test technical feasibility. Funding
was only provided to cover the trial period, and
there were a number of technical difficulties with
the trial. The ABC does not consider that the failure
to provide audio description services amounted
to discrimination (whether direct or indirect) under
the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The ABC
advised the AHRC of its willingness to participate
in a conciliation process with the AHRC and
the complainants.
Timeliness
There were 542 complaints about the ABC’s 2013
New Year’s Eve coverage. The vast majority of these
complaints were in relation to the general quality of
the broadcast.
Audience and Consumer Affairs seeks to reply to
all contacts requiring response within 30 days of
receipt, in accordance with the timeliness standard
for complaint handling that is specified in the ABC’s
Complaint Handling Procedures.
Of the 26 484 complaints received, 4 850 were claims
of party political or other bias, 810 alleged lack of
balance and 1 439 were claims of factual inaccuracy.
These complaints related to a broad range of ABC
programs and services.
In 2013–14, ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs
responded directly to 14 775 audience contacts.
Of these, 13 073 (88.5%) received responses
within 30 days.
Accessibility complaints
The ABC received some complaints during
2013–14 regarding closed captioning and
audio description services:
• Closed captioning—107 complaints were made
about closed captioning of television programs in
the reporting period. These included complaints
about the quality of captions as well as complaints
about a failure to provide captions on various
programs. Seven of the complaints investigated
by Audience and Consumer Affairs resulted in
findings that the ABC had failed to satisfy the
requirements set out in the Broadcasting Services
Act (1992). The ACMA advised that it finalised
one investigation into a complaint about closed
captioning; no breach was found.
• Audio description—The Australian Human Rights
Commission (AHRC) notified the ABC that they
accepted 21 complaints regarding the lack of
on-going audio description on ABC Television
programs. The ABC received funding to conduct
a trial of the audio description service for a limited
116 Complaint outcomes
During 2013–14, 26 666 written complaints were
finalised by Audience and Consumer Affairs. The
unit provided a personal response to 8 014 of these
complaints (comprising 8 228 issues), of which 6 518
(81.3%) received responses within 30 days. 12 244
complaint contacts were referred to other areas of the
Corporation for direct response and no substantive
response was required for 6 408 complaint contacts.
These 8 014 responses to complaints sent by
Audience and Consumer Affairs this year includes two
distinct groups of complaints:
• complaints investigated by Audience and
Consumer Affairs which alleged breaches
of the ABC Editorial Policies or ABC Code of
Practice; and
• complaints about matters of personal preference
which do not raise issues of compliance with
the ABC’s editorial standards, and for which
Audience and Consumer Affairs provide an
audience liaison service.
Australian Communications
and Media Authority
This latter group of complaints makes up the larger
number of the total. As these complaints do not go
to the ABC’s editorial standards, they are not formally
investigated and are not capable of being upheld.
During 2013–14, 2 717 complaint issues were
investigated. A total of 202 (7.4%) were upheld
in cases where Audience and Consumer Affairs
determined that ABC editorial standards had not been
met. A further 300 issues were resolved (11.0%) after
the relevant content area took prompt and appropriate
action to remedy the cause of the complaint.
All findings in relation to upheld and resolved complaints
are brought to the attention of the senior editorial staff
responsible. In 2013–14, actions taken in response
to upheld and resolved complaints included written
apologies to complainants; on-air corrections;
counselling or other action with staff; removal of
inappropriate content or correction of material on ABC
Online; and reviews of and improvements to procedures.
Summaries of upheld and resolved complaints are
published on abc.net.au as individual complaints
are finalised, providing timely access to complaint
decisions. The ABC also publishes a quarterly
statistical overview of audience contacts on
its website.
Members of the public who complain to the ABC
about matters covered by the ABC Code of Practice
and who are dissatisfied with the ABC’s response,
or who do not receive a response to their complaint
within 60 days, may seek review from the Australian
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
During 2013–14, the ACMA advised the ABC that
it had finalised investigations into 59 such matters
(compared with 47 in 2012–13).
In one case in 2013–14, the ACMA found a breach of
the ABC Code of Practice:
• Harm and offence: ACMA concluded that a
segment on The Hamster Decides which contained
a manipulated image of journalist Mr Chris Kenny
was intrinsically likely to have caused a high
level of offence which was not justified by the
editorial context.
The ACMA was satisfied with actions taken by
the ABC and did not invoke its further statutory
powers that allow it to recommend that the ABC
take further action.
Commonwealth Ombudsman
The Ombudsman’s office did not notify the ABC
of any investigations into the ABC’s handling of
complaints commenced or finalised during the
current reporting period.
Written complaints finalised:
Response required
from A&CA
Number
%
Number
%
Response made
within 30 days
6 518
81.3
8 014
30.1
Response made
within 60 days
7 881
98.3
12 244
45.9
Referred to other areas for direct response
No response required
Total written complaints finalised
6 408
24.0
26 666
100%
Governance
117
ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16
The ABC is required by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983
to prepare corporate plans which outline the overall strategies and policies
that the Corporation will follow to achieve its objectives and fulfil its functions.
This report documents the ABC’s progress using ten performance areas.
The ABC’s performance is reported on two levels:
Reach of ABC Services
across all platforms
Community perceptions
and industry recognition
Objective: Maintain a combined national audience
reach of between 70% and 75%.
Objective: Strengthen perceptions about the ABC
and increase industry engagement and recognition.
Progress summary: The ABC’s combined national
audience reach across Television, Radio and Online is
measured and reported annually. As at 30 June 2014,
combined reach was 71% (compared with 73.0% at
30 June 2013).
Progress summary: The Newspoll ABC
Appreciation Survey demonstrates strong public
sentiment towards the ABC. The ABC received in
excess of 200 awards during the reporting period,
and continued to engage with industry to extend
the ABC’s reputation as an innovation leader in the
Australian media.
• Dashboard summary—a high level indication of progress, expressed
as a marker indicating a place on a ‘traffic light’ panel.
• Television reach (see page 39)
• Performance—Progress of aspects relevant to the performance area
is summarised with reference to relevant data and information.
• Online reach and visitors (see page 29).
• Radio reach (see page 49)
Levels of audience
engagement
Reach of ABC services
Objective: Increase audience engagement with
content across platforms.
Audience engagement
Progress summary: In 2013–14, there was a
growth in audience engagement with ABC content
online, on mobile devices, and across major social
media platforms compared with 2012–13. iview
usage across all platforms, particularly mobile,
continued to increase.
Content quality and impact
Community perceptions/industry engagement
• Online and mobile (see page 29)
• iview (see pages 32 and 33)
• Social media (see page 34).
Creativity and innovation
Assessment of content
quality and impact
Compliance with standards
Objective: Deliver high quality, distinctive content
which has an impact.
Training and development
Progress summary: Levels of Australian content on
Radio and Television are both high, an important point
of distinction for the ABC. Perceptions of quality are
measured and reported annually through the Newspoll
ABC Appreciation Survey.
Health and safety
Indigenous Employment and Diversity
• Levels of Australian content (see pages 39,
40 and 42)
• Perception of quality and impact (see page 26)
Levels of revenue from non-appropriation sources
• Editorial reviews (see page 72).
• Community perceptions (see page 26)
• Advisory Council feedback (see page 202)
• Audience contacts (see page 115)
• Awards and recognition (see page 221).
Assessment of creativity
and innovation
Objective: Experiment with new content, formats,
talent and business processes
Progress summary: Examples of the ways in which
the ABC has demonstrated creativity, innovation and
experimentation are referred to throughout the Report.
Future reporting aims to also identify the process
for enabling experimentation, and the ways in which
potential success or failure is identified and managed.
• Internal experimentation (see pages 33, 34 and 56).
Compliance with appropriate
and recognised standards
Objective: Apply best practice standards of financial,
corporate and environmental responsibility.
Progress summary: The ABC continued to apply
high standards to all aspects of its financial and
corporate responsibilities. A breach of the Privacy Act
1988 discovered in November 2013 relating to the
inadvertent release of confidential salary information
led to an investigation and strengthening of systems
and processes for handling confidential information.
• Accounting standards (see page 132)
• Governance (see page 112)
• Corporate responsibility (see page 94).
Key
Assessment of overall performance:
Improvement required 118
Within acceptable range AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Achieves or exceeds
Governance
119
Government outcomes
ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16
Availability and
effectiveness of training and
development activities
Performance against targets
set in the RAP and Equity
and Diversity Plan
Objective: Provide training and development to meet
business needs and build capabilities.
Objective: To reach (and exceed) equity, diversity
and reconciliation targets.
Progress summary: Training delivery was prioritised
to align with ABC strategic priorities and operational
requirements during the reporting period. Measures
of the business impact of training and development
activities are being developed and will be included in
future reports.
Progress summary: Equity, diversity and
reconciliation plans are in place. Indigenous
employment at 30 June 2014 was 1.98% (against a
target of 2%). Gender representation is balanced in
terms of employment numbers, but less balanced
across salary ranges. Performance against the ABC’s
Reconciliation Action Plan and Equity and Diversity
Plan is reported separately, based on different
reporting periods.
• Training opportunities (see page 80).
Health and safety
performance
Objective: Achieve the highest standards of health
and safety
Progress summary: Compliance with WHS
induction programs was 96%. The majority of
work‑related incidents in the reporting period were
not serious, requiring one day or less off work. Injury
frequency and severity rates improved compared to
the same period in the previous year.
• Induction compliance (see page 84)
• Work-related incidents (see page 84)
• Injury rates (see page 84)
• Comcare investigations, recommendations and
notices (see page 85).
• Reconciliation Action Plan (see page 126)
The ABC is granted annual appropriations from the Australian
Government, and is required to measure its performance in terms of
four specified outcomes.
The ABC is an agency within the portfolio of the
Department of Communications. As at 30 June 2014,
the responsible Minister was The Honourable
Malcolm Turnbull.
During the reporting period, Senator The Honourable
Anthony Albanese also served as responsible
Minister (for the then Department of Broadband,
Communications and the Digital Economy).
• Equity and Diversity Plan (see page 82)
Outcome 1
Levels of revenue from
non‑appropriation sources
Informed, educated and entertained audiences—
throughout Australia and overseas—through
innovative and comprehensive media and related
services. Outcome 1 is delivered through three
programs: ABC Radio, ABC Television and Online.
Objective: To maximise the revenue obtained from
non-appropriation sources.
Progress summary: ABC Commercial achieved a
full-year net profit of $1.5 million which was reinvested
in content and programming. Revenue from the sale of
spare capacity of production resources and facilities
declined significantly in 2013–14.
Measure: Levels achieved in 2013–14 compared with
results in 2012–13.
Performance: The ABC’s overall five metropolitan
city reach in 2013–14 was 4.7 million compared with
4.5 million in 2012–13.
Metropolitan Average
Weekly Reach
2013–14
2012–13
Sydney
1 439 000
1 423 000
Melbourne
1 493 000
1 420 000
Brisbane
667 000
654 000
Adelaide
415 000
402 000
Perth
664 000
624 000
4 678 000
4 523 000
Five-City Metropolitan
Source: Nielsen & Gfk from S1 2014. Based on Mon–Sun 5.30am – midnight.
Program 1.1—Radio
The Objective of this Program is to provide distinctive
radio programs that serve all local and regional
communities throughout Australia, and satisfy diverse
audience needs, nationally and internationally.
• ABC Commercial (see page 65)
KPI: Radio share
• Facilities (see page 78).
Performance: The ABC’s overall five metropolitan city
share in 2013–14 was 24.4%, compared with 24.2%
in 2012–13.
2013–14
%
2012–13
%
Sydney
23.0
23.5
Melbourne
24.4
23.7
Brisbane
23.7
23.7
Adelaide
26.1
25.5
Metropolitan Share
KPI: Radio Reach
Perth
27.6
26.2
Five-City Metropolitan
24.4
24.2
KPI: International reach
previous years and based on available research in
particular countries.
Performance: Available metrics indicate overall
increases in reach of international broadcasting
services (see page 60).
KPI: Audience/Community Appreciation
Measure: Percentage of people who consider the
quality of programming on ABC Radio is good in
2013–14 compared with results in 2012–13.
Performance: According to the ABC Newspoll
Appreciation Survey 2014, the majority of Australians
describe the quality of programming on ABC Radio
as “good” (61% in 2013–14 compared with 64%
in 2012–13).
Source: Nielsen and Gfk from S1 2014.
121
Governance
Government outcomes
KPI: Levels and mix of Australian content
Measure: Levels of Australian music on those radio
networks which broadcast music.
Performance: All radio networks that broadcast music
have a strong commitment to Australian music and
have set annual targets. In 2013–14, all radio networks
other than ABC Dig Music exceeded their annual
target. ABC Dig Music underwent a 6-month period of
redevelopment during the year prior to its relaunch as
Double J in April 2014. Since its launch, Double J has
broadcast 35% Australian music.
TOTAL ABC
Daytime (6 am to 6 pm)—Free-to-air share
2013–14
2012–13
%
%
Sydney
27.2
23.7
Melbourne
25.2
25.1
Brisbane
26.4
23.8
Adelaide
28.0
24.6
People
Metropolitan Share
Perth
26.9
24.1
Five-City Metropolitan All
26.5
24.3
%
%
Regional Share
55.8
56.9
Melbourne
60.8
61.8
27.1
Brisbane
58.8
59.2
25.3
Adelaide
65.4
65.1
33.7
Perth
58.5
60.1
Performance: 38.7% of ABC4Kids and ABC3 (31.0%
of ABC2 and ABC3), the same as in 2012–13.
27.9
All Metropolitan
59.1
59.9
KPI: State/Local Television
TOTAL ABC
Regional Reach
%
%
Southern NSW
63.5
63.7
Northern NSW
61.4
61.2
Victoria
67.0
68.5
Queensland
61.3
64.0
Tasmania
67.7
69.2
Regional All
63.2
64.2
46.3
41.1
Southern NSW
31.1
27.4
ABC Local Radio
25%
36.7
33.5
Northern NSW
31.0
29.9
ABC Classic FM
30%
32.3
30.6
Victoria
27.8
47.3
Queensland
27.0
Tasmania
35.7
Regional All
29.7
40%
37.3
42.3
25%
32.5
31.5
ABC Country
25%
28.8
30.2
KPI: Editorial Standards—Quality assurance
Measure: Results of Editorial Policy Assurance
surveys relating to news and information on
ABC Radio.
Source: OzTAM Metropolitan and Regional TAM Consolidated Data.
In primetime (6 pm to midnight), total ABC
Television (ABC1, ABC2, ABC3 and ABC News 24)
five metropolitan city free-to-air share in 2013–14
was 18.1%, compared with 17.8% in 2012–13.
Performance: See Editorial Quality, page 72.
Regional free-to-air share in the primetime timeslot in
2013–14 was 20.1% compared with 19.5% in 2012–13.
KPI: Editorial Standards—
Complaints management
TOTAL ABC
Primetime (6 pm to midnight)—Free-to-air share
Measure: Efficiency of complaints
management measured by performance
against statutory timelines.
Performance: See page 116.
2013–14
2012–13
%
%
Sydney
18.4
18.0
Melbourne
18.2
17.8
People
Metropolitan Share
Program 1.2—Television
Brisbane
17.7
17.0
The Objective of this Program is to present television
programs of wide appeal and more specialised
interest that contribute to the diversity, quality
and innovation of the industry generally.
Adelaide
18.4
18.0
Perth
17.8
18.9
Five-City Metropolitan All
18.1
17.8
%
%
Southern NSW
20.2
18.8
Northern NSW
23.2
22.0
KPI: Television Share
Performance: In daytime (6 am to 6 pm), total ABC
Television (ABC1, ABC2, ABC3 and ABC News 24)
five metropolitan city free-to-air share in 2013–14 was
26.5%, compared with 24.3% in 2012–13. Regional
free-to-air share in the daytime timeslot was 29.7% in
2013–14, compared with 27.9% in 2012–13.
Regional Share
Metropolitan Reach
Source: OzTAM and RegionalTAM consolidated data.
quality of programming on ABC Television is good in
2013–14 compared with results in 2012–13.
Performance: According to the Newspoll ABC
describe the quality of programming on ABC
Television as “good” (78% in 2013–14, the same
as in 2012–13).
Measure: Percentage of state/local “breakout”
television broadcast hours in 2013–14 compared
with 2012–13.
Performance: Of the 10 937 total ABC1 television
hours, 2 249 hours (20.6%) were unduplicated,
state‑based, first-run television broadcast hours,
the same as in 2012–13.
Program 1.3—Online
The Objective of this Program is to engage audiences
through new media services including the internet and
emerging broadband and mobile platforms.
KPI: Online Reach
Performance: ABC Online’s monthly reach in the
active Australian internet population averaged 23.1%
in 2013–14 (22.6% in 2012–13), with a peak of 26.3%
in September 2013.
quality of content on ABC Online is good in 2013–14
compared with 2012–13.
Performance: According to the Newspoll ABC
describe the quality of content on ABC Online as
“good” (90% in 2013–14, compared with 86%
in 2012–13).
18.7
18.1
Queensland
16.3
16.7
Tasmania
25.1
25.6
Regional All
20.1
19.5
Measure: Percentage of Australian children’s
television programs on ABC2 and ABC3 in 2013–14
compared with 2012–13.
Victoria
Source: OzTAM Metropolitan and Regional TAM Consolidated Data.
KPI: Australian Children’s Content
ABC Television.
128.In October 2013, ABC Dig Music commenced a 6-month period of
redevelopment. The service was relaunched as Double J on 30 April 2014.
122 TOTAL ABC
Average weekly
These results reflect the hours broadcast from the
Sydney transmitter, comprising national and local New
South Wales transmission. Figures may differ slightly
in other States and Territories as a result of varying
levels of local content.
Sydney
25%
ABC Jazz
Performance: 6 pm – midnight: 47% on ABC 1
(43% in 2012–13); 6 am – midnight: 51% on ABC 1
(47% in 2012–13)
%
ABC Radio National
47.7
Performance: Average weekly reach in the five
metropolitan cities for total ABC Television (ABC1,
ABC2, ABC3 and ABC News 24) was 59.1%
compared with 59.9% in 2012–13. Average weekly
Regional reach was 63.2% (compared with 64.2% in
2012–13).
2012–13
2012–13
40%
Measure: Percentage of first-run Australian content in
2013–14 compared with 2012–13.
%
2013–14
ABC Dig Music/
Double J127
KPI: Australian Content
2013–14
Target
triple j
KPI: Television Reach
Measure: Efficiency of complaints
management measured by performance
against statutory timelines.
Governance
123
Government outcomes
Outcome 2:
KPI: Total podcasts
Measure: Levels achieved in 2013–14 compared
with 2012–13.
Performance: 71 million ABC podcasts were
downloaded in 2013–14 compared with 66 million in
2012–13.
KPI: Total vodcasts
Audiences’ access to ABC satellite and analog
terrestrial radio and television transmission services
is, at a minimum, maintained year-on-year through the
management of Transmission Service Agreements.
Outcome 2 is delivered through one program.
Program 2.1—Analog Terrestrial
Transmission Services
Measure: Levels achieved in 2013–14 compared
with 2012–13.
Performance: Vodcast data is not available due to
changes in video content file types.
ABC Online.
The Objective of this Program is to provide ABC
satellite and analog terrestrial transmission services
through the effective management of Transmission
Service Agreements.
The unit assists the public to improve their ABC
television and radio reception, responds to broader
ABC transmission enquiries and works with the
ABC’s transmission providers to identify and resolve
transmission faults.
KPI: Transmission performance as reported
by Broadcast Australia
Measure: Levels of Total Network Availability and
Total “On-air Availability” in 2013–14 compared
with 2012–13.
Performance: Performance in 2013–14 was similar
to 2012–13. See ABC Distribution and Transmission
Network aggregated performance, page 76.
KPI: Number of analog terrestrial
transmission services
Outcome 3:
Measure: Number in 2013–14 compared
with 2012–13.
Performance:
Audience access to ABC digital television services is
provided, in accordance with Government‑approved
implementation policy, through the rollout and
maintenance of the associated distribution and
transmission infrastructure. Outcome 3 is delivered
through one program.
2013–14
Measure: Efficiency of complaints management
measured by performance against statutory and
ABC‑imposed timelines.
76
708
8
8
718
792
International Radio
Total
KPI: Digital classroom
Measure: Level of audio/video clips, hours of
contemporary educational content and number of
interactive educational activities.
Performance:
2013–14
2012–13
Number of video clips
1 070
685
Number of audio clips
77
80
Hours of
educational
content
0
710
Analog Television
Domestic Radio
Approximately
129 hours* Approximately
83 hours
Interactive educational activities† 274
*Based on 6.5 minute average per media item.
†Includes games in the library collection, student collections and
teacher resources.
220
2012–13
During the reporting period, analog television
transmission ceased as part of the digital television
conversion scheme. The remaining 76 analog
television services were switched off during 2013–14.
KPI: Audience contacts via the
ABC Reception Advice Line
Performance: The ABC monitors audience responses
to transmission issues via its Reception Advice Line
(RAL). In 2013–14, this unit received the following
television and radio services enquiries:
2013–14
2012–13
Total number of
emails received
2 404
2 901
Total number of
letters received
15
26
Total number of telephone
enquiries received
21 696
22 782
Total enquiries
24 115
25 709
831 669
939 500
Total number of hits to the
RAL website
Program 3.1—Access to Digital
Television Services
KPI: Terrestrial facilities operate within the limits
set by the relevant Transmitter Licence and the
approved Implementation Plan
Measure: All facilities meet the requirements.
Performance: This target was achieved.
KPI: The number of digital terrestrial television
facilities in operation against the approved
Implementation Plans
Measure: Number of facilities in operation and in test
mode compared to approved Implementation Plans.
Performance: There was one approved
implementation plan and 421 digital terrestrial services
in operation as at the end of June 2014, including one
Temporary Infill Service. There were no facilities were
in test mode.
Outcome 4:
Audience access to ABC digital radio services is
provided, in accordance with Government-approved
implementation policy, through the roll-out and
maintenance of the associated distribution and
transmission infrastructure. Outcome 4 is delivered
through one program.
The Objective of this Program is to implement the
rollout of digital television transmission services.
Program 4.1—Access to Digital
Radio Services
KPI: Degree to which the Australian
population has access to ABC digital
television transmissions
The Objective of this Program is to implement the
roll-out of digital radio transmission services to the five
mainland state capital cities.
Measure: 2013–14 results compared with 2012–13.
KPI: Degree to which the five mainland state
capital cities have access to ABC digital
radio transmissions
Performance: The coverage of ABC digital television
transmissions by percentage of the population was
as follows:
2013–14
%
2012–13
%
Measure: 2013–14 results compared with 2012–13.
Performance: Digital radio services continued in the
five mainland state capital cities throughout 2013–14.
Australia
98.62
98.53
NSW/ACT
99.07
98.98
Vic
99.50
99.50
KPI: Terrestrial facilities operate within the limits
set by the relevant Transmitter Licence and the
approved Implementation Plan
Qld
98.03
97.98
Measure: All facilities meet the requirements.
WA
97.53
97.53
SA
99.23
99.23
Performance: This target was achieved.
Tas
97.79
97.73
NT
83.15
78.00
Notes: 2012–13 and 2013–14 population was derived from Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011 Census data.
The coverage percentages are for Managed Services provided by
Broadcast Australia for which the ABC holds an apparatus licence.
Note: these figures reflect both analog and digital transmission contacts
Governance
125
Advisory bodies
The Bonner Committee is the ABC’s primary advisory body on issues relating
to Indigenous staff, content and communities. It is responsible for monitoring
progress against the ABC’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2013–15.
The Bonner Committee
The Committee comprises a geographically‑diverse mix of Indigenous and
non‑Indigenous staff. The Committee’s Chair is responsible for providing advice to
the Managing Director in relation to issues of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff and relationships with Indigenous communities.
Neville Bonner
The Committee met four times during the reporting period. The Bonner Committee
discussed and considered a range of issues, including progress against RAP
targets, advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment in the ABC,
developing cultural protocols for content makers dealing with Indigenous communities,
communicating Indigenous achievement within the Corporation and appropriate
coverage of Indigenous ceremonies in news stories.
The Committee is named after the late Neville Bonner AO, who was an ABC Board Director from 1983–91
and Australia’s first Indigenous Senator.
Reconciliation Action Plan
In 2013–14, the ABC continued to pursue the
commitments in RAP. The RAP commits the ABC to a
set of concrete objectives and actions that acknowledge
and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
and their heritage and culture, as well as increasing
employment opportunities and developing content that
is about, created by, or features Indigenous Australians.
The RAP operates on a calendar year basis. The ABC
reported its performance most recently for the period
1 January to 31 December 2013. The RAP and the
ABC’s performance reports are also published on the
Corporation’s website: http://about.abc.net.au/
how-the-abc-is-run/our-plans/.
At 30 June 2014, the ABC had made good progress
against the actions identified in the RAP, particularly in
the area of employment.
To support the achievement of the ABC’s Indigenous
employment objects established in the RAPO, the ABC
is implementing an Indigenous Employment Strategy.
The strategy includes actions intended to attract and
retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees,
including development of strategic partnerships and
relationships with secondary and tertiary institutions. At
30 June 2014, the ABC employed 95 Indigenous staff,
representing 1.98% of the workforce. The Corporation
anticipates reaching and exceeding the 2% target early
in the next financial year (see page 82).
126 The ABC continued its project of installing plaques in
ABC offices, designed and produced by Indigenous
artists, to acknowledge the traditional owners of the
land on which the building stands. In 2013–14, work
was initiated to develop an ABC Editorial Policies
Guidance Note to provide advice regarding Indigenous
content and coverage of Indigenous issues.
The ABC developed and broadcast a broad range
of programming across both of television and radio
programs featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, perspectives or issues (see pages 40 and 52).
Consistent with the ABC’s commitment to broadcasting
content which reflects Australia’s cultural diversity, the
ABC continued to find opportunities for Indigenous
employees to perform on-air roles, as well as in broader
content‑making areas.
The RAP focuses on building relationships and community
links. The ABC’s State and Territory Directors continued
to develop partnership and projects with Indigenous
communities and organisations across the country. The
ABC’s procurement policies and procedures were reviewed
to explicitly refer to the use of Indigenous suppliers.
A range of activities and events were organised to
recognise NAIDOC Week 2013 and Reconciliation
Week 2014 in each State and Territory. The ABC’s
pop-up digital radio station was used to create ABC
NAIDOC and ABC Reconciliation, which broadcast for
the duration of each week (see page 52). Local Radio
are producing station IDs incorporating Indigenous
language wherever possible.
The RAP 2013–15 comprises the following 25 initiatives across four key areas of focus:
Respect
• Support the Bonner Committee,
the ABC’s Indigenous advisory
group, which monitors and
coordinates the ABC’s
Reconciliation Action Plan
• Provide staff with ongoing
access to the “Indigenous
Culture in the ABC” program
• Use appropriate cultural
protocols including
Acknowledgement or Welcome
to Country at events
• Adopt appropriate cultural
protocols for content makers
• Continue to recognise and
participate in NAIDOC Week
• Establish an Indigenous site on
the ABC Intranet to provide a
unified source of information in
relation to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander staff and issues
• Install signage and other
physical recognition of the
traditional owners of land and
the contribution of Indigenous
ABC staff in the public foyers and
reception areas of ABC offices.
• Develop a framework to
maximise retention of
Indigenous employees
Relationships
• Contribute to the growth
of Indigenous employment
opportunities in the wider
media industry.
• Create opportunities to build
strategic partnerships and
projects with Indigenous
communities and relevant
external organisations, with a
focus on regional opportunities.
Opportunities—Content
• Develop opportunities with
Indigenous suppliers
• Demonstrate a stronger
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander presence
in ABC content, including
regional content, and in
subsequent scheduling and
marketing/promotion
• Improved integration of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people into the
content‑making process,
including new projects
• Target and develop Indigenous
on-air presenters
• Develop internal and external
communication to improve
awareness of Indigenous
achievement and activity
in the ABC.
• Recognise and participate in
Reconciliation Week.
Tracking Progress
and Reporting
• The Bonner Committee
will monitor and report on
RAP actions
• Contribute to Reconciliation
Australia’s RAP Impact
Measurement Questionnaire
• Divisional Indigenous Reference
Groups (IRGs) will continue
to meet
• State and Territory Indigenous
Working Groups (IWGs)
continue to operate
• The ABC will refresh the RAP.
Opportunities—
employment
• Implement the ABC Indigenous
Employment Strategy
• Undertake activities to increase
the number of Indigenous
employees at the ABC to 2%
within two years (end 2014) and
exceed that target in 2015
• Undertake “pipeline” activities to
increase awareness of potential
jobs and careers at the ABC
among Indigenous secondary
and tertiary students
• Provide career development
opportunities for
Indigenous employees
Reconciliation Week launch at ABC Ultimo. Photo: Anastasia Konstantelos.
Governance
127
Advisory bodies
The ABC Advisory Council was established in 1983 under the provisions of
Section 11 of the ABC Act to provide advice to the Board on matters relating
to the Corporation’s broadcasting programs.
The role of members and functions of the ABC
Advisory Council is to:
• Either on its own initiative or at the request of the
ABC Board, advise the Board on matters relating
to the Corporation’s broadcasting programs;
• Provide a broad representation of Australian
community concerns and interests in relation
to programming;
ABC Advisory Council
The 12 members of the Advisory Council are
appointed by the Board. Applications to join the
Council are invited through promotions on ABC Radio,
Television and Online and advertisements in the press
in September and October each year.
The members of the Advisory Council for 2013–14
bring to discussions a wide range of experience
and perspectives, as well as consultation with
the communities they represent. The Council is
made up of:
Ms Joan McKain, Convenor (Lake Cathie, NSW)—
Ms McKain retired from the ABC in March 2010.
She was with the Corporation for 17 years, and held
senior executive positions in the areas of Corporate
Governance and International Relations.
Mrs Melissa Cadzow (Glenside, SA)—Mrs Cadzow
runs two IT companies specialising in developing
software and internet solutions for business and
government. She has been in the IT industry for over
20 years.
Mr Gideon Cordover (Leichhardt, NSW)—
Mr Cordover is an actor. In addition to his acting work,
he is developing strategy and policy for Dying with
Dignity NSW as their Communications Coordinator.
Mr Scott Cowans (Ellenbrook, WA)—Mr Cowans
runs an IT consultancy business. He has held
positions with Microsoft, Julia Ross and IBM.
Ms Kate Duncan (Coburg North, Victoria)—
Ms Duncan is a Youth Music Development Officer
for the Darebin City Council. She develops and
facilitates music programs for young people aged
12–25 within the Darebin community. She oversees
a youth‑run record label and a youth events
organising committee.
Mrs Charmaine Foley (Noosa Heads,
Queensland)—Mrs Foley is a small business operator.
She was the Queensland Coordinator for the Council
for Aboriginal Reconciliation in 1997 and 1999.
Ms Foley is a former Maroochy Shire Councillor
and urban planner.
Ms Kez Hall (Darwin, NT)—Ms Hall is a public servant
in Darwin. She is an Indigenous Territorian and has
extensive experience in Indigenous affairs. Ms Hall has
a background in health and medical research.
Mrs Rena Henderson (Preston, Tasmania)—
Mrs Henderson is a house design consultant. She is a
trained sociologist and has been a field interviewer
for the ABS, providing data for the Institute of
Family Studies.
Mr Nakul Legha (Gungahlin, ACT)—Mr Legha is
studying economics and law at the Australian National
University (ANU). He is Vice President of the ANU
Law Students’ Society and the College of Law Faculty
Representative on the ANU Students’ Association.
• Analyse and consider reports and papers in
relation to programming provided by the ABC;
• Facilitate communication between the community
and the ABC Board;
• Within the framework of the Council’s annual work
plan, carry out consultation seeking community
views on ABC programming initiatives; and
• At its discretion, hold interest group meetings from
time-to-time.
The Council met three times during the year—
in Sydney, NSW (in December 2013 and March
2014) and in Perth, WA (in July 2013). It provided
feedback to the ABC Board on a wide range of the
Corporation’s programs and services.
Either the ABC Board Chairman or the Managing
Director, or both, met with the Advisory Council at
the meetings held in NSW. ABC Divisional Directors
also met with the Council to discuss key areas
of interest including radio, television, online and
audience research.
At the request of the Managing Director, Council
members undertook detailed consultations with their
communities on the following issues:
• Science—the impact and scale of the ABC’s
science content and the role of the ABC in relation
to controversial science issues.
• Sport—ABC sports coverage and focus areas
generally, as well as specific views on issues
including the ABC’s coverage of local sport;
changes to cricket programming; and how
audiences consume ABC sports coverage.
• Rural—programs and platforms being used to
tell stories of rural Australia and to connect with
Australians living in rural areas.
The Advisory Council’s recommendations and
commendations for the year, together with responses
from ABC management, are reported in Appendix 4
(page 202).
Ms Heron Loban (Oxley, Queensland)—Ms Loban
is a Senior Lecturer in Law and Director of the Centre
for Appropriate Technology. In her role with the Centre
for Appropriate Technology, she advocates for the
technological needs of Indigenous people.
Mr Rob Ryan (Holland Park East, Qld)—Mr Ryan is
the Assistant Regional Director, Child Safety and Youth
Justice, Department of Communities, Queensland.
He regularly presents his findings to organisations
such as the Australian Association of Social Workers,
the Commission for Children and Young People and
Child Guardian, and the Australasian Statutory Child
Protection Learning and Development forum.
Mr Ben Spence (Narrabri, NSW)—Mr Spence is
a Senior Manager for Disability and Home Care
Services for Northern NSW. He has extensive
practical experience in operational, strategic,
management and board positions in government
and community‑based organisations.
Standing (left to right): Charmaine Foley, Heron Loban, Nakul Legha, Rena Henderson, Kez Hall, Scott Cowans, Ben Spence.
Seated (left to right): Gideon Cordover, Kate Duncan, Joan McKain (Convenor), Rob Ryan, Melissa Cadzow.
129
Governance
The ABC is universally available to all Australians, like
Andreas from Mildura.
6
FINANCIAL
PERFORMANCE
The ABC has a duty to use its funding efficiently and
effectively. Good financial management is essential
for the ABC to deliver its Charter obligations and
provide maximum benefit to Australians.
Contents:
Financial summary
Independent auditor’s report
Financial statements
132
136
138
Across all demographics, the ABC gives Australians the opportunity
to create and share their own stories. The ABC is embracing the
democratisation of content creation, offering a unique environment
in which to connect, learn and contribute, in a way that is open
and accessible.
Andreas by ABC Open Producer Lara Van Raay. Mildura, Victoria.
131
Financial Performance
Financial summary
24%
1.36
TOTAL ABC
BILLION
PERCENTAGE
DECREASE
ABC Source of funds
The ABC receives funding from different sources, the majority coming from
the Federal Government.
assets
in real funding since 1985-86
$ millions
MILLION
PROGRAM
rights
merchandising
Digital Television Transmission
Digital Radio Transmission
Equity Injection
27.3
INCOME FROM
3.9
Australia Network Revenue
4
4
4
23
23
50
21
21
11
MILLION
MILLION
INCOME FROM
program sales
royalities
ABC Commercial Revenue
Other Revenue
30
26
30
2013—14 Budget
Split of actual expenditure broadly represents how the ABC allocates its funds by function.
Other 11.4%
Radio Broadcast 18.8%
(including News)
Support
Services
8.5%
Acquisition 4.7%
Transmission 18%
118
111
120
2013—14 Actual
Completion of Annual
Financial Statements
ABC Split of Actual Expenditure
International
Converged
Media
3.1%
Government Funding
78.4
INCOME FROM
MILLION
80
80
76
109
109
115
Analog Transmission
Independent
17.7
SPENT ON
Innovation 1.6%
861
861
869
General Appropriation
Television Programs
Produced (including News
and captioning)
33.9%
Over
75%
of the ABC’s
expenditure
is on making
and distributing
content
On 25 July 2014, the Board approved the signing of
the 2013–14 Financial Statements and the Australian
National Audit Office (ANAO) issued an unqualified
audit opinion.
Financial Outcome 2013–14
As in previous years, the ABC operated within
its total sources of funds and revenue from
Government for the 2013–14 financial year.
Sources of Funds 2013–14
The ABC was allocated $1 077.2 million in the May
2013 Federal Budget.
The ABC also received $158.5 million from other
sources, including ABC Commercial.
The chart “ABC Source of Funds” depicts the
ABC’s budgeted funds for the various categories
against actual sources for 2013–14 and its
budgeted sources for 2014–15.
The ABC was
allocated
1.07
billion
$
billion in the 2013
Federal Budget
2014—15 Budget
Application of Funds
The chart “ABC Split of Actual Expenditure” broadly
represents how the ABC allocated its funds by
function in 2013–14.
The Year Ahead
Revenue from Government
In the May 2014 Federal Budget, the Government
announced a 1% ongoing reduction to the ABC’s
funding base as part of its ABC and SBS efficiency
savings measure. The 1% reduction was described
as a ‘down payment’ on the ABC and SBS Efficiency
Study announced in January 2014.
Funding provided to the ABC in May 2014 Budget
included increases in previously announced Triennial
Funding initiatives, with an additional $2.1 million
for Enhanced News Services, and $7.0 million for
Digital Delivery of Content. Funding also included
$50 million of previously announced loan funding for
the Melbourne Accommodation Project.
133
Financial summary
The ABC’s funding for the 2014–15 financial year is:
$m
Total revenue from Government per Outcomes
1, 2, 3 and 4 and including equity injection/loan
Less Analog Transmission funds
Less Digital Television Transmission funds
Less Digital Radio Transmission funds
Less Loan funds
Total Revenue from Government
1 113.6
76.1
115.0
3.8
50.0
868.7
The chart “ABC Revenue from Government by
Output” broadly represents the ABC’s budgeted
appropriation of funds by output for the 2014–15
financial year.
In the May 2014 Federal Budget the Government also
announced the termination of the Australia Network
Service contract with the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with a total reduction of
$196.8 million over the next nine years, including a
reduction of half the previously budgeted funding for
2014–15. The Australia Network revenues are not
included in the ABC’s Revenue from Government
appropriations, but are instead received as contract
of service revenues directly from DFAT.
Budget Strategy
Five year analysis
The Government’s 1% efficiency reduction to
base funding and cessation of the Australia
Network contract have placed great pressure
on ABC budgets.
This comes on top of the continuing pressures from
decline in contributions from ABC Commercial and
ABC Resource Sales due to deteriorating market
conditions, as well as increases in insurance,
employer superannuation, and rights and
royalty costs.
With the Government still to announce the full impact
on funding of the ABC and SBS Efficiency Study, the
ABC faces an uncertain budget environment.
Comparative Revenue
from Government
The 2014–15 operational revenue from Government
of $869 million represents a decrease in real
funding of $274 million or 24.0% since 1985–86, as
depicted in the chart “ABC Operational Revenue
from Government”.
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2012
$’000
2011
$’000
2010
$’000
1 228 021
166 435
1 061 586
1 167 877
158 853
1 009 024
1 179 929
173 134
1 006 795
1 134 969
181 361
953 608
1 101 074
184 260
916 814
87
1 053 853
(2 311)
1 023 700
ABC Operating
Cost of Services
Operating Revenue
Net Cost of Services (a)
Share of surplus/(deficit) from jointly
controlled entities
(1 732)
955 516
468
915 058
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2012
$’000
2011
$’000
2010
$’000
358 534
1 001 127
1 359 661
253 252
51 318
304 570
1 055 091
314 343
976 657
1 291 000
242 107
35 081
277 188
1 013 812
228 804
1 012 702
1 124 506
224 033
28 907
252 940
988 566
234 548
985 096
1 219 614
225 608
20 590
246 198
973 446
237 927
1 004 396
1 242 343
241 338
24 161
265 549
976 774
Financial Position
Current Assets
Non-Current Assets
Total Assets
Current Liabilities
Non-Current Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Total Equity
(2 317)
997 403
Ratios
Current Ratio (b)
Equity (c)
1.42
78%
1.30
79%
1.02
88%
1.04
80%
0.99
79%
(a)Net cost of services is cost of services less operating revenue.
(b)Current assets divided by current liabilities.
(c)Equity as a percentage of total assets.
ABC Revenue from Government by Outcome
ABC Operational Revenue from Government
This graph shows how funding is allocated to six specified
Programs which relate to four Outcomes. Performance against
these Outcomes for 2013–14 is reported at page 192–4.
Including Capital indexed at 2013–14 levels, December 2013 6 months CPI Index –
24% reduction from 1985–86 to 2014–15.
1000
950
900
850
869
800
750
operational
revenue has
declined over time
700
650
14–15
13–14
12–13
11–12
10–11
09–10
08–09
07–08
06–07
05–06
04–05
03–04
02–03
01–02
00–01
99–00
98–99
97–98
96–97
95–96
94–95
93–94
92–93
91–92
600
86–87
ABC General 81.7%
1050 1 143
90–91
of Government
funding
was allocated to
content-related
activities
In real terms,
the ABC’s
1100
89–90
80%
1200
1150
88–89
Analog
Transmission
7.1%
Over
87–88
Digital Radio
Transmission
0.4%
The ABC operational revenue from Government graph demonstrates the
value of funding in real terms over time.
$ millions
Digital Television
Transmission
10.8%
Years
135
Independent auditor’s report
137
Financial Statements
Statement by the Directors and Chief Financial Officer
for the year ended 30 June 2014
In our opinion, the attached financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2014 are based on properly
maintained financial records and give a true and fair view of the matters required by the Finance Minister’s Orders
made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, as amended.
Statement by the Directors and Chief Financial Officer
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Changes in Equity
Cash Flow Statement
Schedule of Commitments
Schedule of Contingencies
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2. Events after the Reporting Period
3. Expenses and Revenue
4.Expenses
5. Own Source Income
6. Revenue from Government
7. Fair Value Measurements
8. Financial Assets
9. Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method
10. Non-Financial Assets
11.Payables
12. Interest bearing liabilities
13.Provisions
14. Cash Flow Reconciliation
15. Contingent Assets and Liabilities
16. Directors’ Remuneration
17. Related Party Disclosures
18.Officers’ Remuneration
19. Auditor’s Remuneration
20.Financial Instruments
21. Financial Assets Reconciliation
22.Assets Held in Trust
23.Reporting by Outcomes
24. Controlled Entities
139
140
141
142
143
144
146
147
161
162
163
164
165
165
169
170
172
177
177
178
179
180
180
180
182
184
184
192
192
192
194
In our opinion, at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Australian
Broadcasting Corporation will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
JAMES SPIGELMAN AC QC
Chairman
25 July 2014
MARK SCOTT AO
Managing Director
25 July 2014
DAVID PENDLETON FCPA
Chief Financial Officer
25 July 2014
139
Statement of Comprehensive Income
as at 30 June 2014
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
516 075
429 794
91 367
187 639
139
2 832
175
1 228 021
477 499
429 254
95 405
158 046
5
6 881
787
1 167 877
5A
5B
5C
124 106
6 997
27 381
158 484
125 982
7 504
24 674
158 160
5D
4G
5E
3 427
4 524
7 951
693
693
166 435
158 853
1 061 586
1 009 024
1 023 700
Notes
EXPENSES
Employee benefits
Suppliers
Depreciation and amortisation
Program amortisation
Finance costs
Write-down and impairment of assets
Net loss from disposal of assets
Net foreign exchange loss
Total expenses
OWN-SOURCE INCOME
Own-source revenue
Sale of goods and rendering of services
Interest
Other revenue
Total own-source revenue
Gains
Net gain from disposal of assets
Net foreign exchange gain
Reversals of previous asset write-downs and impairments
Net gains
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
5D
4G
Net cost of services
6
1 053 853
Share of surplus/(deficit) of jointly controlled entities
9
87
(2 311)
(Deficit)/Surplus
(7 646)
12 365
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Items not subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss
Changes in asset revaluation reserve
56 566
4 257
20.2B
(75)
79
Total other comprehensive income
56 491
4 336
Total comprehensive income
48 845
16 701
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
2013
$’000
8A
8B
8C
8D
9
4 813
14 392
194 100
5 817
17 958
237 080
5 850
16 083
131 450
5 477
17 871
176 731
10A
10B
10C
10D
10E
10F
661 393
253 945
36 287
12 024
143 144
15 788
1 122 581
646 512
248 919
35 347
15 000
153 932
14 559
1 114 269
1 359 661
1 291 000
11A
11B
70 044
51 513
121 557
74 609
54 732
129 341
12
20 000
20 000
-
13A
13B
160 613
2 400
163 013
145 422
2 425
147 847
304 570
277 188
NET ASSETS
1 055 091
1 013 812
EQUITY
Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained surplus
Total equity
119 495
653 125
282 471
1 055 091
127 061
596 634
290 117
1 013 812
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
358 534
1 001 127
253 252
51 318
314 343
976 657
242 107
35 081
ASSETS
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Other investments
Accrued revenue
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Total financial assets
Non-financial assets
Land and buildings
Infrastructure, plant and equipment
Intangibles
Assets classified as held for sale
Inventories
Prepayments
Total non-financial assets
Total assets
Total own-source income and gains
Items subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss
(Losses)/gains on cash flow hedging instruments
2014
$’000
Notes
LIABILITIES
Payables
Suppliers
Other payables
Total payables
Interest bearing liabilities
Loans
Total interest bearing liabilities
Provisions
Employee provisions
Other provisions
Total provisions
Total liabilities
141
Statement of Changes in Equity
Cash Flow Statement
Retained
surplus
2014
$’000
Opening balance
Balance carried
forward from
previous year
Adjusted opening
balance
Comprehensive
income
Net revaluation of
land and buildings
(Losses)/gains on
cash flow hedging
instruments
(Deficit)/surplus
for the period
Total
comprehensive
income
Transactions
with owner
Distributions
to owner
Return of capital
Contributions
by owner
Equity injection
Total transactions
with owner
Closing balance
as at 30 June
Asset revaluation
reserve
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
Contributed
equity
2014
$’000
Hedging
reserve
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
Total
equity
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
596 559
592 302
127 061
118 516
75
(4) 1 013 812
988 566
290 117 277 752
596 559
592 302
127 061
118 516
75
(4) 1 013 812
988 566
56 566
4 257
-
-
-
56 566
4 257
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(7 646)
12 365
-
-
-
-
(7 646)
12 365
56 566
4 257
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10 866)
(8 555)
(75)
-
(75)
-
-
79
(75)
79
-
(7 646)
12 365
48 845
16 701
79
-
(10 866)
(8 555)
-
-
-
-
3 300
17 100
-
-
3 300
17 100
-
-
-
-
(7 566)
8 545
-
-
(7 566)
8 545
282 471 290 117
653 125
596 559
119 495 127 061
-
75
2013
$’000
Inflows
(Outflows)
Inflows
(Outflows)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash received
Receipts from Government
Sales of goods and rendering of services
Interest
Net GST received
Realised foreign exchange gains
Other
Total cash received
1 053 853
109 974
6 915
46 863
37 964
1 255 569
1 025 200
130 460
7 390
34 653
79
32 068
1 229 850
Cash used
Employees
Suppliers
Realised foreign exchange losses
Finance costs
Total cash used
(500 616)
(660 850)
(75)
(1 161 541)
(482 499)
(631 548)
(6)
(1 114 053)
2013
$’000
290 117 277 752
-
2014
$’000
Notes
1 055 091 1 013 812
Net cash from operating activities
94 028
115 797
20 234
92 750
112 984
166
79 100
79 266
Cash used
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of investments
Total cash used
(65 083)
(155 400)
(220 483)
(60 782)
(142 799)
(203 581)
Net cash used in investing activities
(107 499)
(124 315)
3 300
20 000
23 300
17 100
17 100
(10 866)
(10 866)
(8 555)
(8 555)
Net cash used in financing activities
12 434
8 545
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1 037)
14
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash received
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from investments
Total cash received
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash received
Equity contributed by Government
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
Total cash received
Cash used
Return of capital
Total cash used
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
8A
27
5 850
5 823
4 813
5 850
143
Schedule of Commitments
Schedule of Commitments continued
as at 30 June 2014
as at 30 June 2014
2014
$’000
BY TYPE
Commitments receivable
Net GST receivable on commitments
Other receivables (1)
Total commitments receivable
Commitments payable
Capital commitments
Buildings (2)
Infrastructure, plant and equipment (3)
Total capital commitments
Other commitments
Operating leases (4)
Attributable to joint ventures (5)
Transmission networks and services (6)
Television programs and rights (6)
Other (6)
Total other commitments
Net commitments by type
BY MATURITY
Commitments receivable
One year or less
From one to five years
Over five years
Total commitments receivable
Commitments payable
Capital commitments
One year or less
Total capital commitments
(97 555)
(94 869)
(192 424)
2013
$’000
(103 434)
(333 858)
(437 292)
Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.
1.Other receivables comprise transmission, royalties, co-production commitments, resource hire, content licensing, media development support
initiatives, contract revenue and grants.
2.This comprises outstanding contractual commitments associated with the purchase or construction of buildings and building improvements
for freehold and leasehold properties.
3.This comprises outstanding contractual commitments associated with the purchase of infrastructure, plant and equipment, including
communications upgrades and technical equipment fit out.
4.Operating leases included are effectively non-cancellable and comprise:
12
9 661
9 673
494
11 568
12 062
45 302
8 800
775 609
74 777
99 799
1 004 287
46 452
6 269
936 855
82 922
125 524
1 198 022
821 536
772 792
(67 038)
(86 264)
(39 122)
(192 424)
(89 686)
(207 555)
(140 051)
(437 292)
9 673
9 673
12 060
2
12 062
Operating lease commitments
One year or less
Over five years
Total operating lease commitments
16 797
25 183
3 322
45 302
19 222
27 230
46 452
Other payables commitments
One year or less
Over five years
Total other payables commitments
289 939
458 715
210 331
958 985
346 924
554 610
250 036
1 151 570
Net commitments by maturity
821 536
772 792
Nature of Lease
General description of leasing arrangement
•Motor vehicles—business and
senior executive
-Fully maintained operating lease over 24/36 months and/or 40 000/60 000km; no contingent
rentals; no renewal or purchase options available.
•Property leases—office and
business premises
-Lease payments subject to increase in accordance with CPI or other agreed increment; initial
period of lease ranges from 1 year to 6 years; options to extend in accordance with lease.
5.Commitments arising from, in proportion, the Corporation’s 18% interest in Freeview Australia Limited and 50% interest in MediaHub
Australia Pty Limited.
6.Other payables commitments are covered by agreements and are associated with the supply of transmission services, satellite services,
purchase of programs and program rights.
The above schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
145
Schedule of Contingencies
Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements
as at 30 June 2014
Note
Quantifiable Contingencies
Contingent liabilities
Other guarantees (a)
Total contingent liabilities
15
2014
$’000
621
621
2013
$’000
985
985
The Corporation has no material contingent assets as at 30 June 2014 (2013 Nil).
Details of each class of contingent liabilities and contingent assets listed above are disclosed in Note 15:
Contingent Assets and Liabilities, along with information on significant remote contingencies and contingencies
that cannot be quantified.
The above schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in preparing the financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation (the “Corporation” or “ABC”) are stated to assist in a general understanding of these
financial statements.
The financial report for the Corporation for the year ended 30 June 2014 was authorised for issue by the
Directors on 25 July 2014.
1.1 Objectives of the Corporation
The Corporation is an Australian Government controlled not-for-profit entity. The objectives of the Corporation
are derived explicitly from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 and are:
• Objective 1—Ensure the Corporation’s independence, integrity and high standards;
• Objective 2—To be recognised as the leading Australian public media space where people engage with issues
and ideas;
• Objective 3—Deliver maximum benefit to the people of Australia through the effective and efficient delivery
of the Corporation’s services; and
• Objective 4—Sustain and grow the Corporation through high quality leadership and an environment of
responsibility and opportunity.
The Corporation is structured to meet four outcomes:
• Outcome 1—Informed, educated and entertained audiences throughout Australia and overseas through
innovative and comprehensive media and related services;
• Outcome 2—Audience access to ABC satellite and analog terrestrial radio and television transmission services
is, at a minimum, maintained year-on-year through the management of Transmission Service Agreements;
• Outcome 3—Audience access to ABC digital television services is provided, in accordance with Government
approved implementation policy, through the roll-out and maintenance of the associated distribution and
transmission infrastructure; and
• Outcome 4—Audience access to ABC digital radio services is provided, in accordance with Government
approved implementation policy, through the rollout and maintenance of the associated distribution and
transmission infrastructure.
The continued existence of the Corporation in its present form and with its present programs is dependent on
Government policy and on continued funding by Parliament for the Corporation’s administration and programs.
1.2 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements are general purpose financial statements and are required by clause 1(b) of Schedule 1
to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
The financial statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with:
• Finance Minister’s Orders (FMOs) for reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2013; and
• Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board
(AASB) that apply for the reporting period.
The Corporation’s financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the
historical cost convention, except for certain assets and liabilities which are at fair value. Except where stated,
no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or the financial position.
The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest thousand
dollars unless otherwise specified.
147
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies continued
1.2 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements continued
1.4 New Australian Accounting Standards continued
Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FMOs, assets and
liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position when and only when it is probable that future
economic benefits will flow to the Corporation or a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and
the amounts of the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured. However, assets and liabilities arising under
executory agreements are not recognised unless required by an accounting standard. Assets and liabilities that
are unrecognised are reported in the Schedule of Commitments or the Schedule of Contingencies (other than
unquantifiable or remote contingencies, which are reported at Note 15: Contingent Assets and Liabilities).
Adoption of New Australian Accounting Standard Requirements continued
AASB 2011–4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management
Personnel Disclosure Requirements. This removes the requirements to include individual key management
personnel disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. The ABC follows the disclosure requirements
as set in the FMOs, hence its disclosure requirements are governed accordingly.
Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard, income and expenses are
recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income when and only when the flow, consumption or loss
of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.
1.3 Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
Significant Accounting Judgements
In the process of applying the accounting policies listed in this note, the Corporation has taken the fair value
of freehold land to be the market value of similar locations and the fair value of freehold buildings to be the
depreciated replacement cost, as determined by an independent valuer.
AASB 2012–2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards Disclosures—Offsetting Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities (June 2012). AASB 7 is amended to increase the disclosures about offset positions,
including the gross position and the nature of the arrangements.
AASB 119 Employee Benefits. AASB 119 (reissued) introduces a single approach for the recognition and
measurement of defined benefit plans although this change is not applicable to the ABC. Of greater significance
to the ABC are the amended definitions of short-term and other long-term employee benefits. The change in
definition shifts the focus to when the benefit is expected to be wholly settled rather than when it is due to be
settled. This has implications for measurement of the annual leave benefit, on a discounted basis. It also changes
the presentation of employee benefit amounts for key management personnel. While measurement of the liability
may change, presentation of annual leave as a current liability will not.
Significant Accounting Estimates and Assumptions
The Corporation has applied the following estimates and assumptions:
AASB 2011–8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13. This Standard amends
existing fair value definitions, measurement requirements, disclosures and guidance located in other standards
to ensure consistency with AASB 13.
• Long service leave, as detailed in Note 1.11: Employee Benefits and disclosed in Note 13A
Employee provisions;
AASB 2011–10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 119 (September 2011).
This Standard makes consequential amendments to other standards arising from the reissued AASB 119.
• Provision for make good, as detailed in Note 1.12: Leases and disclosed in Note 13B Other Provisions;
• Valuation of properties, plant and equipment, as detailed in Note 1.22: Property (Land and Buildings),
Infrastructure, Plant and Equipment, Assets Held for Sale and disclosed in Note 10 Non-Financial Assets;
• Depreciation, as detailed in Note 1.22: Property (Land and Buildings), Infrastructure, Plant and
Equipment, Assets Held for Sale and disclosed in Note 4C Depreciation and amortisation and
Note 10 Non‑Financial Assets;
• Impairment of non-financial assets, as detailed in Note 1.23: Impairment of Non-Current Assets; and
• Program amortisation, as detailed in Note 1.25: Inventories and disclosed in Note 10 Non-Financial Assets.
No other accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a
material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next year.
1.4 New Australian Accounting Standards
Adoption of New Australian Accounting Standard Requirements
No accounting standard has been adopted earlier than the application date stated in the standard.
The following adopted requirements have affected the amounts reported in the current or prior periods or are
estimated to have a financial effect in future reporting periods.
AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement. AASB 13 has been issued to ensure consistency of fair value measurement
and disclosure. It provides a single set of rules for how to measure fair value but does not specify when fair value
should be applied as specified in the relevant Standard and the FMOs. The fair value hierarchy included within
AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement is extended to all measures of fair value. This
requires entities to classify fair value measurements into three levels of the fair value hierarchy. AASB 13 requires a
number of significant new detailed disclosures for assets and liabilities carried at fair value. Comparatives are not
required for the year ended 30 June 2014.
AASB 2012–7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements.
The objective of this Standard is to make amendments to: AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures; AASB 12
Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities; AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements; and AASB 127 Separate
Financial Statements. Only minor impacts are expected.
AASB 2012–10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards—Transition Guidance and Other Amendments.
The objective of this Standard is to make amendments to: AASB 1 First-time Adoption of Australian Accounting
Standards; AASB 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations; AASB 7 Financial
Instruments: Disclosures; AASB 8 Operating Segments; AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements; AASB 11
Joint Arrangements; AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities; AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement;
AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements; and AASB 102 Inventories. This takes effect for reporting periods
ending on or after 1 January 2013. The major impact on the ABC, being a not-for-profit organisation is to defer the
implementation of AASBs 10, 11 and 12 until 1 January 2014.
Other new, revised or amending standards or interpretations that are applicable to the current reporting period did
not have a material financial impact, and are not expected to have a future financial impact on the Corporation.
Future Australian Accounting Standard Requirements
The following new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been issued by the AASB but are
effective for future reporting periods. The impact of adopting these pronouncements, when effective, will not have
a material financial impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
AASB 9 Financial Instruments. AASB 9 incorporates the classification and measurement requirements for
financial liabilities, and the recognition and de-recognition requirements for financial instruments, in addition to the
classification and measurement requirements for financial assets (representing the first phase of a three phase
project to replace AASB 139). This takes effect for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements. AASB 10 introduces a new approach to determining which investees
should be consolidated. An investor controls an investee when the investor is exposed, or has rights, to variable
returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the
investee. It is expected to have minimal impact on the ABC. This takes effect for not-for-profit entities for reporting
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
149
1.4 New Australian Accounting Standards continued
1.6 Reporting by Outcomes and Segments
Future Australian Accounting. Standard Requirements continued
AASB 11 Joint Arrangements. This standard defines a joint arrangement as one where two or more parties are in
a contractual agreement which binds them and gives them joint control over the joint arrangement. The standard
distinguishes between joint operations whereby the controlling parties have contractual rights and obligations to
individual assets and liabilities and joint ventures whereby the controlling parties have rights to the net assets of the
arrangement. This takes effect for not-for-profit entities for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
A comparison by outcomes relevant to the Corporation is presented in Note 23: Reporting by Outcomes. Any
intra-government costs are eliminated in calculating the actual budget outcome for the Government overall.
AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities. AASB 12 contains the disclosure requirements for entities
that have interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and/or unconsolidated structured entities.
This takes effect for not-for-profit entities for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
The Corporation principally provides a national television, radio and digital media service within the broadcasting
industry. It is therefore considered for segmental reporting to operate predominantly in one industry and in one
geographical area, Australia.
1.7 Revenue
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when:
• the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer;
AASB 128 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (2011). Limited amendments have been made,
including the application of AASB 5 Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations to interests in
associates and joint ventures and how to account for changes in interests and joint ventures. This takes effect for
not‑for‑profit entities for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
• the Corporation retains no managerial involvement or effective control over the goods;
AASB 2010–7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB (December 2010). This adds
the requirements in AASB 139 in relation to the de-recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities to
AASB 9. AASB 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes two primary measurement
categories for financial assets; amortised cost and fair value. The basis of classification depends on the entity’s
business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. The Standard applies to
reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised at fair value of the consideration received net of the amount of GST
upon delivery of the goods to customers.
AASB 2011–7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the Consolidation and Joint Venture
Standards. This standard gives effect to many consequential changes to a number of standards arising from
the new consolidation and joint arrangements standards. This takes effect for not-for-profit entities for reporting
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
• the revenue and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and
• it is probable that the economic benefit associated with the transaction will flow to the Corporation.
Revenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the
reporting date. Revenue is recognised when:
• the amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and
• the probable economic benefits with the transaction will flow to the Corporation.
The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs
incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction.
Credit sales are on normal commercial terms.
AASB 2012–3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards—Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities (June 2012). The amendments to AASB 132 clarify when an entity has a legally enforceable right to set
off financial liabilities permitting entities to present balances net on the Statement of Financial Position. This takes
effect for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due, less
any impairment allowance for bad and doubtful debts. The collectability of debts is reviewed at the balance date.
Provisions are made when the collectability of debt is no longer probable.
AASB 1055 Budgetary Reporting. This standard requires reporting of budgetary information by not-for-profit
entities within the General Government Sector (however, comparative information is not required). In particular,
the original budget presented to Parliament, variance of actuals from budget; and explanations of significant
variances are required. For-profit entities are excluded, as are Public Financial Corporations, Public Non-Financial
Corporations and universities. This takes effect for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014.
Subsidies, grants, sponsorships and donations are recognised on receipt unless paid to the Corporation for a
specific purpose where recognition of revenue will be recognised in accordance with the agreement.
Other new, revised or amending standards or interpretations that were issued and are applicable to
future reporting periods are not expected to have a material financial impact on the Corporation in future
reporting periods.
1.5 Foreign Currency Transactions
The Corporation enters into foreign currency hedging arrangements to protect its purchasing power in relation
to foreign currency exposures. Revenues and expenditures denominated in foreign currencies are converted to
Australian dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction, or at the hedged rate.
Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method as set out in AASB 139 Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement.
Parliament appropriates monies to the Department of Communications, which is then distributed to the
Corporation and recognised as revenue from Government. The full amount received in respect of departmental
outputs for the year is disclosed in Note 6: Revenue from Government. Revenues from Government receivable are
recognised at their nominal amounts.
1.8 Gains and losses
Sale of Assets
Gains or losses from disposal of assets are recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.
All gains and losses are taken to profit or loss with the exception of forward exchange contracts that are classified
as cash flow hedges used to hedge highly probable transactions. Gains and losses on cash flow hedges held at
balance date are taken to equity.
1.9 Grants
All monetary foreign currency balances are converted to Australian dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at
balance date. Monetary assets and liabilities of overseas branches and amounts payable to or by the Corporation
in foreign currencies are translated into Australian dollars at the applicable exchange rate at balance date.
Most grant agreements require the Corporation to perform services or provide facilities, or to meet eligibility
criteria. A liability in respect of unearned revenues is recognised to the extent the services or facilities have not
been provided or eligibility criteria have not been met.
The Corporation receives grant monies from time to time.
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1.10 Transactions with the Government as Owner
1.11 Employee Benefits continued
Where the Corporation is required to return unspent funds to the Government and this return is discretionary,
amounts returned are recognised as a return of equity in the year in which the Minister agrees to the return amount.
Superannuation continued
The Corporation makes employer contributions to the employee defined benefit superannuation schemes at
rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government of the superannuation
entitlements of the Corporation’s employees. The Corporation accounts for the contributions in the same manner
as contributions to defined contribution plans.
Equity Injections
Amounts appropriated by the Parliament as equity injections are recognised as contributed equity in accordance
with the FMOs.
Other Distributions to Owners
The FMOs require that distributions to owners be debited to contributed equity unless it is in the nature of
a dividend.
The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June 2014 represents outstanding contributions at the end
of the period.
1.12 Leases
Contributions
Income is measured at the fair value of the contributions received or receivable. Income arising from the
contribution of an asset to the Corporation is recognised when the entity obtains control of the contribution or the
right to receive the contribution, it is probable that the economic benefits comprising the contribution will flow to
the Corporation and the amount of the contribution can be measured reliably.
A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the
lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets.
1.11 Employee Benefits
Operating lease rentals are not segregated between minimum lease payments, contingent rents and sublease
payments, as required by AASB 117 Leases, as these components are not individually material.
Liabilities for services rendered by employees are recognised at the reporting date to the extent that they have
not been settled. Liabilities for short-term employee benefits (as defined in AASB 119 Employee Benefits) and
termination benefits expected to be wholly settled within twelve months are measured at their nominal amounts.
The nominal amount is calculated with regard to the rates expected to be paid on settlement of the liability.
All other employee benefit liabilities are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be
made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.
Leave
The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has
been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by
employees is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.
The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration at the estimated salary rates that will
apply at the time the leave is taken, including the employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the
leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination.
The liability for long service leave for the Corporation has been determined by reference to the work of an actuary,
PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities Ltd, as at 30 June 2014. The liability for long service leave represents the
present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by the Corporation resulting from employees’
services provided up to the balance date. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account
attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.
An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains
substantially all such risks and benefits. Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis which is
representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.
Lease incentives taking the form of ‘free’ leasehold improvements and rent holidays are recognised as liabilities.
These liabilities are reduced by allocating lease payments between rental expense and reduction of the liability.
Provision for Make Good
A provision for make good exists when the Corporation has an obligation to ‘make good’ leased properties at the
end of the lease term. As many of the leases are negotiable, the Corporation has determined the provision as set
out below.
Retail leased premises
A provision has been recognised for retail leases where the Corporation is obligated per the lease agreement to
make good the site or where the Corporation believes there is some probability that it will incur costs to make
good the site. The provision is calculated based on the estimated average cost to make good each site, plus an
allowance for inflation.
Other leased premises
A provision has been recognised for other leases where the Corporation is obligated per the lease agreement
to make good the site or where the Corporation believes there is some likelihood that it will incur costs to
make good the site. The provision is calculated based on the estimated cost to make good each site, plus an
allowance for inflation.
1.13 Borrowing Costs
Superannuation
Employees are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), Public Sector Superannuation
Scheme (PSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan Scheme (PSSap) or another
non‑Commonwealth Superannuation fund.
All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.
The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap and other
non‑Commonwealth funds are defined contribution schemes.
The Cost approach, more specifically depreciated replacement cost, is the basis for valuing the buildings, fit-out
and site improvements as they are typically specialist in nature as they are typically built with broadcasting in
mind. This also applies to the Corporation’s plant and equipment which is specialised in nature.
The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is
settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported by the Department of Finance’s
administered schedules and notes.
1.14 Fair Value Measurement
The Corporation has adopted the following general policies relating to the fair value treatment of non-current assets.
The Market approach is the basis for valuing the land component of ABC property because it is possible to base
the fair value on recent sales of comparable sites. The Corporation’s valuers have detailed these reference sites in
individual valuation reports for each property.
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1.14 Fair Value Measurement continued
1.16 Financial Assets continued
Generally the fair value of the Corporation’s financial assets and liabilities (excluding long term loans) is deemed
to be their carrying value. The fair value of long term loans is the net present value of future discounted
cash‑flows arising.
Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss continued
At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Corporation formally designates and documents the hedge
relationship to which the Corporation wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and
strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the
hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the Corporation will assess the hedging
instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flow
attributable to the hedged risk.
1.15 Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are recognised at their nominal amounts. Cash and cash equivalents include:
• cash on hand; and
• cash at bank and short term deposits with an original maturity of 3 months or less that are readily convertible
to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.
1.16 Financial Assets
The Corporation classifies its financial assets in the following categories:
• financial assets at fair value through profit or loss;
• held-to-maturity investments;
• available-for-sale financial assets; and
• loans and receivables.
The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial
recognition. Financial assets are recognised and derecognised upon trade date.
Effective Interest Method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating
interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated
future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis except for financial assets that are recognised at fair value
through profit or loss.
Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss
Financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) where the
financial assets:
a) have been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future;
b) are derivatives that are not designated and effective as a hedging instrument; or
c)are parts of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Corporation manages together and has a
recent actual pattern of short-term profit-taking.
Assets in this category are classified as current assets.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss
recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest earned on
the financial asset. The Corporation’s financial assets in this category are forward exchange contracts which are
derivative financial instruments. Gains and losses on these items are recognised through profit or loss except if
they are classified as a cash flow hedge where they are recognised in the hedging reserve within equity.
Derivatives
Forward exchange contracts are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which the contract is entered into
and are subsequently revalued to reflect changes in fair value. Forward exchange contracts are carried as assets
when their net fair value is positive and as liabilities when their net fair value is negative.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, the Corporation’s hedges are classified as cash flow hedges when
they hedge exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable either to a particular risk associated with a
recognised asset, liability or to a highly probable forecast transaction.
Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are
assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial
reporting periods for which they were designated.
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the cash flow hedge is recognised directly in equity, while the
ineffective portion is recognised in profit or loss.
Amounts taken to equity are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such
as when hedged income or expenses are recognised or when a forecast sale or purchase occurs. When the
hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, the amounts taken to equity are transferred to the initial
carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability.
If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, amounts previously recognised in equity are
transferred to profit or loss. If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without
replacement or rollover, or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, amounts previously recognised in equity
remain until the forecast transaction occurs. If the related transaction is not expected to occur, the amount is
taken to profit or loss.
Held-to-Maturity Investments
Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity dates that the Corporation
has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity investments in accordance
with AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Held-to-maturity investments are recorded
at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment, with revenue recognised on an effective
yield basis.
Surplus cash has been invested into short term investments with maturities at acquisition date of greater than
three months. These investments are included as ‘other receivables’.
Loans and Receivables
Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in
an active market are classified as loans and receivables in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments:
They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the Statement of Financial
Position date. These are classified as non-current assets. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate.
Trade receivables are normally settled within 30 days unless otherwise agreed and are carried at amounts due,
less an allowance for impairment.
Impairment of Financial Assets
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at each balance date.
Financial assets held at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables or held to
maturity investments held at amortised cost, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the
asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original
effective interest rate.
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1.16 Financial Assets continued
1.21 Acquisition of Assets
Impairment of Financial Assets continued
The carrying amount is reduced by way of an allowance account. The loss is taken to the Statement of
Comprehensive Income.
Assets are recorded at cost at the time of acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes
the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken.
Bad and doubtful debts
The Corporation makes a specific provision for debts considered doubtful by conducting a detailed review of
material debtors, making an assessment of the likelihood of recovery of those debts and taking into account
past bad debts experience. Bad debts are written off when identified.
1.17 Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified as ‘other financial liabilities’ in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments:
Other Financial Liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.
The fair value of loans from Government is deemed to be the initial principal amount.
Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with
interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating
interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated
future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
Loans are classified as current liabilities unless the Corporation has the unconditional right to defer settlement for
at least 12 months after the Statement of Financial Position date.
Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are recognised as assets at their fair value,
at acquisition date.
1.22 Property (Land and Buildings), Infrastructure, Plant and Equipment,
Assets Held for Sale
Asset Recognition Threshold
Purchases of property, infrastructure, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the Statement
of Financial Position.
Purchases costing less than $2 000 are expensed in the year of acquisition except where they form part
of a project or group of similar items, which are significant in total.
Basis of Revaluation
Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment are carried at fair value. Fair values for each class of asset
are determined as shown below.
Asset Class
Fair Value Measured at
Freehold Land
Freehold Buildings
Leasehold Land
Leasehold Buildings
Leasehold Improvements
Market value
Depreciated replacement cost
Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the
goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced). Standard ABC settlement terms
are 30 days commercial.
Following initial recognition at cost, property, infrastructure, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less
subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
1.18 Repairs and Maintenance
Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not materially
vary, with the assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depends upon
the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.
Maintenance, repair expenses and minor renewals which do not constitute an upgrade or enhancement of
equipment are expensed as incurred.
1.19 Joint Ventures
Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method in accordance with AASB 128 Investments in Associates
and Joint Ventures and the FMO. Further details relating to joint ventures, to which the Corporation is a party,
are provided in Note 9: Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method.
1.20 Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities
Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Statement of Financial Position but are
disclosed in the Schedule of Contingencies and Note 15: Contingent Assets and Liabilities. They may arise from
uncertainty as to the existence of an asset or liability, or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the
amount cannot be reliably measured.
Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are
disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.
Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the
heading of revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same
asset class that was previously recognised through profit or loss. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are
recognised directly through profit or loss except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment
for that class.
Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the
asset and the asset restated to the revalued amount.
Depreciation
Depreciable property, infrastructure, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual
values over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements
are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the
unexpired period of the lease.
Depreciation rates (useful lives) and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are
recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate.
157
1.22 Property (Land and Buildings), Infrastructure, Plant and Equipment,
Assets Held for Sale continued
1.23 Impairment of Non-Current Assets continued
Depreciation continued
Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are initially based on the following useful lives:
Leasehold land—long term
Buildings on freehold land
Leasehold buildings
Leasehold improvements
2014
2013
99 to 120 years
50 years
Life of Lease (up to 50 years)
5 to 50 years
3 to 15 years
99 to 120 years
50 years
Life of Lease (up to 50 years)
5 to 50 years
3 to 15 years
The aggregate amount of depreciation and amortisation allocated for each class of asset during the reporting
period is disclosed in Note 4C: Depreciation and amortisation.
Assets Held for Sale
Assets held for sale are stated in the Statement of Financial Position at the lower of carrying value or fair value less
costs to sell.
Recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use
is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic
benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset
would be replaced if the Corporation were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated
replacement cost.
1.24 Intangible Assets
The Corporation’s intangibles comprise software for internal use, broadcast licences and spectrum provided by
the Australian Government.
Software is initially recognised at cost and amortised on a straight-line basis over anticipated useful lives between
3–8 years (2013 3–8 years). These assets are assessed for indications of impairment. The carrying amounts of
impaired assets are written down to the lower of their net market selling price or depreciated replacement cost.
The Corporation’s right to use broadcast licences and spectrum are held at their fair value.
1.25 Inventories
Impairment losses are recognised for any initial or subsequent write-down of assets classified as held for sale to
their fair value less costs to sell.
Inventories held for resale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Inventories not held for resale
are valued at the lower of cost, adjusted for any loss in service potential, based on the existence of a current
replacement cost that is lower than the original acquisition cost or other subsequent carrying amount.
Any gains for subsequent increases in fair value less costs to sell for assets classified as held for sale are
recognised only to the extent that they are not in excess of the cumulative impairment losses that have been
recognised in accordance with AASB 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations or
previously in accordance with AASB 136 Impairment of Assets. If any assets classified as held for sale no longer
meet the criteria under AASB 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, the Corporation
will cease to classify the asset as held for sale. Non-current assets that cease to be classified as held for sale are
measured at the lower of:
Produced Programs
Television programs are produced for domestic transmission and include direct salaries and expenses and
production overheads allocated on a usage basis to the program. Production overheads not allocated to
programs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. External contributions received in respect of
co-production of television programs are offset against production costs which are recorded as Inventories in the
Statement of Financial Position.
a.the carrying amount before the asset was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation,
amortisation or revaluations that would have been recognised had the asset not been classified as held
for sale; and
b. the recoverable amount at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.
1.23 Impairment of Non-Current Assets
The cost of produced television program inventory is amortised as follows:
• News, Current Affairs and Live Programs—100% on first screening;
• Factual and Entertainment programs based on current topics—100% on first screening;
• Childrens, Education and Movies—straight line over three years from completion of production;
• All other programs not covered above—90% first screening and 10% second screening or in third year; and
All non-current assets except:
• Programs not shown within three years of completion or purchase to be amortised 100% in year three.
• inventories;
The costs of programs produced for Radio are expensed as incurred. Such programs are normally broadcast
soon after production, stock on hand at any time being minimal.
• assets arising from employee benefits;
• financial assets that are within the scope of AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement; and
• non-current assets (or disposal groups) classified as held for sale in accordance with AASB 5 Non-current
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations;
are subject to an assessment as to indicators of impairment under AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.
At the reporting date, the Corporation has assessed whether there are any indications that assets may
be impaired.
Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment
made if the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.
Purchased Programs
Purchased program inventory is amortised in accordance with the policy noted above or over the rights period of
the contract (whichever is lesser).
Subsequent sales of residual rights are recognised in the period in which they occur.
Write-down of Merchandise Inventory
The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses of inventory are recognised
as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of
inventories arising from an increase in the net realisable value will be recognised as a reduction in the amount of
inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.
159
2. Events after the Reporting Period
1.25 Inventories continued
Australia Network Service
Write-down of Inventory Held for Distribution
When inventories held for distribution are distributed, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognised as
an expense. The amount of any write-down of inventories for loss of service potential, and all losses of inventories
are recognised as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any
write-down of inventories arising from a reversal of the circumstances that gave rise to the loss of service potential
will be recognised as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the
reversal occurs.
On 13 May 2014, the ABC received a notice of termination from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(DFAT) concerning the contract to deliver the Australia Network Service, consisting of Radio Australia, the
Australian Network TV Service and multimedia digital services. This notice was a termination for convenience
requiring the ABC to deliver the service until 18 September 2014.
1.26 Provisions
The Federal Budget, without any consultation with the ABC, provided DFAT with $10 588 000 to fund the
operation of the service up until 18 September 2014, and to reimburse the ABC for any monies that have been
Legally Committed for Expenditure in accordance with the contract, which is entitled Funding Agreement for the
Provision of a Multiplatform International Media Service.
Provisions are recognised when the Corporation has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a
past event, where it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to
settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
1.27 Taxation
Income tax
The Corporation is not subject to income tax pursuant to Section 71 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Act 1983.
The Corporation’s controlled entities, Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd and The News Channel Pty Limited, while
subject to income tax, have been inactive since the year ended 30 June 2000 up to and including 30 June 2014.
The Corporation’s equity interests in MediaHub Australia Pty Limited, Freeview Australia Pty Limited and
National DAB Licence Company Limited are subject to income tax.
Under the terms of the contract, the ABC was entitled to recover any amounts that had been Legally Committed
for Expenditure from DFAT, subject to the appropriation of funds being made available to DFAT for the purpose of
reimbursing the ABC.
DFAT, without reference to, or assistance from the ABC, determined that $4 588 000 would be provided in relation
to the continuation of the service to 18 September 2014, and $6 000 000 would be made available to reimburse
the ABC for any Legally Committed Expenditure.
As at 25 July 2014, the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), acting on behalf of DFAT, has approved $3 041 126
for reimbursements related to Legally Committed Expenditure, being $1 389 000 in relation to Program Inventory,
and $1 652 126 in relation to various contracts.
This leaves an amount of $2 958 874 outstanding and available to offset other Legally Committed Expenditure,
including redundancy costs. Separately, the AGS has indicated that redundancy costs will only be considered for
reimbursement once the actual redundancy payments have been made to employees. The ABC estimates that
the redundancy costs associated with the closure of the service will be around $10 700 000.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, gains, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except where the amount of
GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances, the GST
is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the revenue or expense.
In view of the gap between the amount available from DFAT, and the estimated redundancy payments for the
Australia Network staff, the ABC reached agreement with DFAT on 9 July 2014 to permit the service to be closed
ahead of the 18 September 2014 date, with savings achieved through the early termination, able to be applied
against the shortfall in termination costs. Work to achieve an early closure is currently underway within the ABC.
Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included.
On 14 July 2014, the ABC entered into consultation with staff over the final closure of the Australia Network
Service, including associated redundancies. This consultation is continuing.
The net amount of GST receivable from the ATO is included as a financial asset in the Statement of Financial
Position while any net amount of GST payable to the ATO is included as a liability in the Statement of
Financial Position.
Cash flows are included in the Cash Flow Statement on a net basis. The GST components arising from investing
and financing activities which are recoverable from or payable to the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.
Commitments and contingencies are disclosed on a net basis. Net GST commitments recoverable from,
or payable to the ATO are disclosed.
161
3. Expenses and Revenue
4. Expenses
Notes
Expenses
Artist fees
Auditor's remuneration
Communications
Computer costs
Consultants and contractors
Employee benefits
Finance costs
Freight
Incidental expenses
Legal costs
Materials and minor items
Merchandising and promotion
Operating leases and occupancy
Program rights
Repairs, maintenance and hire
Satellite and transmission
Transmission services
Travel
Website and video production
Workers' compensation premiums
Write-down and impairment of assets
Net loss from disposal of assets
Net foreign exchange loss—non-speculative
Total expenses
Own-source income
Co-production revenue
Interest
Insurance settlement
Merchandising revenue
Net foreign exchange gain—non-speculative
Program sales
Rent and hire of facilities
Royalties
Subsidies, grants and contract revenue
Technology sales
Net gain from disposal of assets
Reversals of previous asset write-downs and impairments
Other
Total own-source income
19
4C
4A
4E
4B
4D
4B
4F
5D
4G
5B
5C
4G
5C
5D
5E
5C
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
3 781
227
24 512
7 608
31 372
91 367
516 075
139
1 084
4 226
2 413
9 877
66 421
31 529
187 639
17 727
17 833
34 016
146 892
17 916
5 598
6 762
2 832
175
1 228 021
3 983
223
23 132
7 385
26 984
95 405
477 499
5
1 033
4 024
2 580
13 106
66 002
31 262
158 046
13 840
17 404
37 281
151 310
16 001
5 664
8 040
6 881
787
1 167 877
56
6 997
78 394
3 930
11 628
27 265
22 254
2 833
3 427
4 524
5 127
166 435
223
7 504
125
79 999
693
4 649
13 138
26 585
21 355
1 388
3 194
158 853
1 061 586
1 009 024
1 023 700
6
1 053 853
Share of surplus/(deficit) of jointly controlled entities
9
87
(Deficit)/surplus
(7 646)
(2 311)
12 365
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
4A Employee benefits
Wages and salaries
Superannuation—defined contribution plans
Superannuation—defined benefit plans
Leave and other entitlements
Separation and redundancies
Other employee benefits
Total employee benefits
368 104
30 945
39 721
64 378
3 857
9 070
516 075
347 305
26 605
38 535
42 590
12 829
9 635
477 499
4B Suppliers
Goods—external parties
Services—external parties
Services—related entities
Operating lease rentals—minimum lease payments
Workers' compensation premiums
Freight
Total suppliers
105 859
290 036
8 980
17 073
6 762
1 084
429 794
104 357
293 561
5 217
17 046
8 040
1 033
429 254
4C Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation
Land and buildings
Total depreciation
31 973
7 612
42 265
81 850
35 650
9 156
41 302
86 108
Amortisation
Intangibles
Total amortisation
Total depreciation and amortisation
9 517
9 517
91 367
9 297
9 297
95 405
43 549
144 090
187 639
44 432
113 614
158 046
139
139
5
5
1 129
766
231
155
551
2 832
1 166
3 002
146
1 972
595
6 881
Notes
4D Program amortisation
Purchased
Produced
Total program amortisation
4E Finance costs
Loans from Department of Finance
Other finance costs
Total finance costs
20.2C
4F Write-down and impairment of assets
Impairment of:
Receivables and advances
Land and buildings
Assets under construction
Impairment of inventory held for sale
Total write-down and impairment of assets
4G Net foreign exchange loss
Non-speculative
Total net foreign exchange loss/(gain)
20.2B
175
175
(693)
(693)
163
5. Own Source Income
6. Revenue from Government
Notes
5A Sale of goods and rendering of services
Goods—external parties
Services—external parties
Services—related entities
Total sale of goods and rendering of services
Cost of sales of goods
5B Interest
Deposits
Total interest
5C Other revenue
Subsidies, grants and contract revenue (a)
Insurance settlement
Other
Total other revenue
5D Net gain from disposal of assets
Land and buildings
Total proceeds from sale
Carrying value of assets sold
Cost of disposal
Net gain from disposal of land and buildings
Total proceeds from disposal
Carrying value of assets disposed
Cost of disposal
Net loss from disposal of infrastructure, plant and equipment
Total net gain from disposal of assets
Total proceeds from disposal
Total carrying value of assets disposed
Total costs of disposal
Total net gain/(loss) from disposal of assets
5E Reversals of previous asset write-downs and impairments
Reversal of impairment losses for:
Land and buildings
Assets classified as held for sale
Total reversals of previous asset write-downs and impairments
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
109 589
12 884
1 633
124 106
111 233
14 664
85
125 982
57 646
57 082
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
6A Revenue from Government—Outcome 1
860 642
830 700
6B Revenue from Government—transmission revenue
Outcome 2—satellite and analog transmission
Outcome 3—digital transmission
Outcome 4—digital radio transmission
Total revenue from Government—transmission revenue
80 403
109 103
3 705
193 211
88 669
100 673
3 658
193 000
1 053 853
1 023 700
Total revenue from Government
20.2B
6 997
6 997
7 504
7 504
22 254
5 127
27 381
21 355
125
3 194
24 674
Revenue from Government was received from the Department of Communications (and previously the Department of Broadband, Communications
and the Digital Economy). As at 30 June 2014 the Corporation had returned $10 865 833 (2013 $8 555 207) as a repayment of capital related to
unspent transmission revenue in previous years.
7. Fair Value Measurements
The Corporation has adopted the amendment to AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures, which requires
disclosure of fair value measurements by level in accordance with the following fair value measurement hierarchy:
• Level 1—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
• Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,
either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and
20 000
(15 000)
(1 334)
3 666
-
234
(394)
(79)
(239)
166
(917)
(36)
(787)
20 234
(15 394)
(1 413)
3 427
166
(917)
(36)
(787)
3 000
1 524
4 524
• Level 3—inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The Corporation does not hold any assets or liabilities that are classified as Level 1 inputs (i.e. with reference
to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities). Consequently there have
been no recurring fair value measurements transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 for assets and liabilities
to 30 June 2014.
The fair values of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example over the counter
derivatives) are determined using valuation techniques. The Corporation uses a variety of methods and makes
assumptions that are based on market conditions at the end of each reporting period. The fair value of forward
exchange contracts are determined using a Level 2 technique based on the forward exchange rates at the end
of the reporting period. The fair value of forward exchange contracts at 30 June 2014 was a liability of $184 897
(2013 asset of $413 868).
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, financial assets and non-interest bearing financial liabilities
(with the exception of derivatives used for hedging) of the Corporation approximates their fair value and as such
they have been omitted from these disclosures.
-
(a)Subsidies, grants and contract revenue includes $20 802 000 (2013 $20 334 000) received from the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (DFAT) for the provision of Australia’s international television service, Australia Network.
165
7. Fair Value Measurements continued
The following tables provide an analysis of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value.
Note 7B Valuation technique and inputs for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements
Note 7A Fair Value Measurements
Level 2 and 3 fair value measurements—valuation technique and the inputs used for assets and
liabilities to June 2014
Fair value measurements at the end of the reporting period by hierarchy for assets and liabilities
to June 2014
Category
(Level 2 Fair value
or
2014
Level 3)
$’000
Fair value measurements at the
end of the reporting period
Fair value
$’000
Level 2 inputs
$’000
Level 3 inputs
$’000
Non-financial assets:
Land and buildings
Total non-financial assets
661 393
253 945
915 338
182 950
182 950
478 443
253 945
732 388
Total fair value measurement of assets in
915 338
182 950
732 388
Other payables (forward exchange contracts)
Total financial liabilities
290
290
290
290
-
Total fair value measurement of liabilities in
290
290
-
20 176
20 176
-
20 176
20 176
-
Financial liabilities:
Liabilities not measured at fair value in the
Statement Financial Position:
Total liabilities not measured at fair value in the
Valuation
technique(s)
Inputs used
Fair value measurement of assets in Statement of Financial Position
Land
2
182 950 Market comparability.
Recent sales
history for
comparable sites
as referenced
by independent
valuers.
Buildings
3
478 443 Depreciated
Cost to replace
replacement cost.
the asset given
its specialised
nature.
3
253 945 Depreciated
Carrying value.
Infrastructure,
replacement cost.
plant
and equipment
Fair value measurement of liabilities in Statement of Financial Position
The market
Other payables
2
290 Discounted cash flow.
forward
(forward
Future cash flows are
exchange rate
exchange
estimated based on
at the end of the
contracts)
the market forward
reporting period
exchange rates at the
as provided
end of the reporting
by the ABC's
period and the forward
contract rate, discounted overseas banking
services provider.
by the observable
yield curves of the
respective currency.
Financial liabilities not measured at fair value in Statement of Financial Position
Loans from
2
20 176 Discounted cash flow.
Cash flow
government
Future cash flows are
forecasts over
based on timing of
the contractual
contractual borrowing
period.
costs and the principal
repayment, discounted
by the government
Terminal
bond rate for a bond of
(principal) value.
equivalent length.
The discount
rate applied to
the cash flow
forecasts and the
terminal (principal)
value, being the
Commonwealth
Government
3 year bond rate
at 30 June 2014.
Range of
inputs
Relationship of
inputs to fair
value
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6% average
appreciation
over
contracted
forward rate.
The higher the
period end
market forward
rate, the higher
the fair value of
the liability.
$20 000 000
2.69%
The higher
the cash flow
forecast, the
higher the
fair value of
the liability.
The higher the
terminal value,
the higher the
fair value of
the liability.
The lower the
discount rate,
the higher the
fair value of
the liability.
167
8. Financial Assets
Note 7C Reconciliation for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements
Recurring Level 3 fair value measurements—reconciliation for assets to June 2014
Financial
assets
Total
Non-financial
assets
Total
2014
$’000
Opening balance
Total gains recognised in net cost of services (a)
Total gains recognised in other comprehensive income (b)
Purchases
Closing balance
-
a) These gains/(losses) are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income under the following;
• Write-down and impairment of assets;
• Net loss from disposal of assets;
• Net gain from disposal of assets; and
• Reversal of previous asset write-downs and impairments.
(b)T hese gains are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income under “Other Comprehensive Income—Changes in asset
revaluation reserve”.
There were no liabilities subject to recurring Level 3 fair value measurements for the year ended 30 June 2014.
2014
$’000
721 244
2 147
(81 651)
36 566
54 082
732 388
8A Cash and cash equivalents
Cash on hand or on deposit
Salary sacrifice funds
Public funds held by third parties
Total cash and cash equivalents
8B Receivables
Goods and services
Goods and services—related parties
Goods and services—external parties
Total receivables for goods and services
Other receivables
Net GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office
Other
Total other receivables
Notes
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
20.2A
4 469
344
4 813
5 235
293
322
5 850
20.2A
1 710
4 780
6 490
8
4 716
4 724
3 706
4 300
8 006
9 982
1 408
11 390
14 496
16 114
21
20.2A
Total receivables (gross)
Less impairment allowance account
Goods and services
Total impairment allowance
21
(104)
(104)
(31)
(31)
Total receivables (net)
14 392
16 083
Receivables are expected to be recovered in:
No more than 12 months
More than 12 months
Total receivables (net)
13 900
492
14 392
15 617
466
16 083
12 418
15 423
1 315
363
177
223
14 496
466
100
70
55
16 114
-
-
Receivables (gross) are aged as follows:
Not Overdue
Overdue by:
- 0 to 30 days
- 31 to 60 days
- 61 to 90 days
- more than 90 days
Total receivables (gross)
The impairment allowance account is aged as follows:
Not Overdue
Overdue by:
- 0 to 30 days
- 31 to 60 days
- 61 to 90 days
- more than 90 days
Total impairment allowance account
(104)
(104)
(31)
(31)
Reconciliation of the impairment allowance account
Opening balance
Amounts written off
Amounts recovered or reversed
Net increase recognised in deficit
Closing balance
(31)
27
(100)
(104)
(31)
30
5
(35)
(31)
For the year ended 30 June 2014, other receivables did not include forward exchange contracts held as cash flow
hedges (2013 $70 287) nor forward exchange contracts at fair value through profit and loss (2013 $300 557).
169
8. Financial Assets continued
8C Other investments
Held to maturity financial assets
Total other investments
9. Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method continued
Notes
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
20.2A
194 100
194 100
131 450
131 450
Other investments are all due to be settled within 12 months.
8D Accrued revenue
Goods and services
Interest receivable
Total accrued revenue
20.2A
5 515
302
5 817
5 257
220
5 477
Accrued revenues are all due to be settled within 12 months.
9. Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method
9. Investments in jointly controlled entities
MediaHub Australia Pty Limited
Freeview Australia Pty Limited*
National DAB Licence Company Limited*
Total equity accounted investments
Notes
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
20.2A
17 958
17 958
17 871
17 871
* Investment is rounded to Nil as it is less than $1,000.
Investments in equity accounted investments are not expected to be recovered in the next twelve months.
Summarised financial information of jointly controlled entities
MediaHub
$’000
Freeview
$’000
DAB
$’000
Total
$’000
2014
Financial assets
Financial liabilities
Net assets
22 134
23 557
3 941
41 750
442
432
10
1
1
22 577
23 557
4 373
41 761
Statement of comprehensive income
Income
Expense
Surplus
21 926
21 669
257
2 975
2 975
-
6
6
-
24 907
24 650
257
129
42
87
-
-
129
42
87
2013
Financial assets
Net assets
11 668
31 041
1 194
41 515
279
24
294
9
7
6
1
11 954
31 065
1 494
41 525
Statement of comprehensive income
Income
Expense
Deficit
12 834
19 511
(6 677)
1 999
1 999
-
6
6
-
14 839
21 516
(6 677)
Share of deficit of jointly controlled entities
Share of net deficit before tax
Income tax benefit
Share of deficit of jointly controlled entities after tax
(3 338)
(1 027)
(2 311)
-
-
(3 338)
(1 027)
(2 311)
Share of surplus of jointly controlled entities
Share of net surplus before tax
Income tax expense
Share of surplus of jointly controlled entities after tax
No dividends were received from any of these entities in 2014 (2013 Nil).
MediaHub Australia Pty Limited
MediaHub Australia Pty Limited (MediaHub) is a joint venture between the Corporation and WIN Television
Network Pty Ltd (WIN) to operate a custom designed play-out facility for television presentation. Both the ABC
and WIN own an equal number of ordinary shares in MediaHub.
Freeview Australia Limited
Freeview Australia Limited (Freeview) is a joint venture between many of Australia’s free-to-air national and
commercial television broadcasters to promote consumer adoption of free-to-air digital television within Australia.
The ABC holds 160 $0.11 shares (2013 $0.11 shares) equating to an 18% (2013 18%) share in Freeview, with
four (2013 four) other broadcasters each also holding an 18% (2013 18%) share in Freeview, with the remaining
shares held by a further two (2013 two) broadcasters.
National DAB Licence Company Limited
National DAB Licence Company Limited (DAB) is a joint venture between the Corporation and Special Broadcasting
Services (SBS) to hold the digital radio multiplex licence. Both the ABC and SBS each hold one $1 share in DAB.
DAB is not a party to any of the service contracts for the provision of digital radio and does not receive the funds
for digital radio operations/broadcast from the Government as these are paid directly to the Corporation and SBS.
171
10. Non-Financial Assets
10. Non-Financial Assets continued
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
10A Land and buildings
Freehold land
Fair value
Total freehold land
161 688
161 688
157 471
157 471
Buildings on freehold land
Fair value
Accumulated depreciation
Total buildings on freehold land
382 549
(7 273)
375 276
387 436
(16 698)
370 738
21 277
(15)
21 262
16 873
(157)
16 716
Leasehold land
Fair value
Total leasehold land
Leasehold buildings
Fair value
Total leasehold buildings
66 777
(127)
66 650
67 593
(1 954)
65 639
Fair value
Total leasehold improvements
49 791
(14 540)
35 251
Total land and buildings excluding capital work in progress
660 127
645 437
1 266
1 075
661 393
646 512
Capital work in progress at cost—Land and buildings
Total land and buildings
10B Infrastructure, plant and equipment
Fair value
Total infrastructure, plant and equipment excluding capital work in progress
Capital work in progress at cost—Infrastructure, plant and equipment
Total infrastructure, plant and equipment
605 292
(400 417)
204 875
51 321
(16 448)
34 873
599 154
(391 896)
207 258
49 070
41 661
253 945
248 919
Revaluations were conducted consistent with the policy in Note 1.22 Property (Land and Buildings), Infrastructure,
Assets Held for Sale and with Note 7 Fair Value Measurements. McGees Property undertook independent
valuations for all freehold land and buildings throughout Australia as at 31 December 2013. Leasehold buildings
and improvements and Infrastructure, plant and equipment are carried at the Directors’ determination of fair value.
Table A1
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, infrastructure and plant and
equipment (to June 2014)
As at 1 July 2013
Gross book value
and amortisation
Net book value as at
1 July 2013
Additions by purchase or
internally developed
Revaluations and
impairments recognised
in other comprehensive
income
Revaluations recognised
in the operating result
Depreciation
Write-down and
impairment
Disposals
Transfers/reclassifications
30 June 2014
Carrying amount as
at 30 June 2014
represented by:
Gross book value
Accumulated
depreciation and
amortisation
Closing net book value
as at 30 June 2014
Land
Buildings
on
freehold
land
Leasehold
buildings and
improvements
Total
buildings
Total
land and
buildings
Infrastructure,
plant and
equipment
Total
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
174 344
387 436
(157)
(16 698)
118 914
506 350
(18 402)
(35 100)
680 694
(35 257)
599 154
1 279 848
(391 896)
(427 153)
174 187
370 738
100 512
471 250
645 437
207 258
852 695
-
5 252
723
5 975
5 975
40 507
46 482
20 000
31 147
5 419
36 566
56 566
-
56 566
(199)
265
(31 774)
2 735
(7 612)
3 000
(39 386)
3 000
(39 585)
(42 265)
3 000
(81 850)
(538)
(10 500)
(9)
(343)
(219)
343
(228)
-
(766)
(10 500)
(231)
(394)
-
(997)
(394)
(10 500)
182 950
375 276
101 901
477 177
660 127
204 875
865 002
182 965
382 549
116 568
499 117
682 082
605 292
1 287 374
(14 667)
(21 940)
(21 955)
(400 417)
(422 372)
101 901
477 177
660 127
204 875
865 002
(15)
182 950
(7 273)
375 276
A revaluation increment of $19 999 687 (2013 $1 070 236) for land, an increment of $31 146 645
(2013 $3 173 810) for buildings on freehold land and an increment of $5 419 243 (2013 $13 176) for leasehold
buildings and improvements were credited to the asset revaluation reserve and included in “Changes in
asset revaluation reserve” within Other Comprehensive Income and in Reserves within the Statement of
Financial Position.
A revaluation increment of $265 587 (2013 Nil) for buildings on freehold land and an increment of
$2 734 701 (2013 Nil) for leasehold buildings and improvements were credited as gains within the operating
deficit and included in “Reversal of previous asset write-downs and impairments” within the Statement of
Comprehensive Income.
173
Table A2
Table A3
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, infrastructure and plant and
equipment (2012–13)
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of intangibles (2013–2014)
Land
As at 1 July 2012
Gross book value
and amortisation
1 July 2012
Buildings
on
freehold
land
Leasehold
buildings and
improvements
Total
buildings
$’000
$’000
$’000
188 154
407 472
(44)
(12 984)
119 260
Total
land and
buildings
Infrastructure,
plant and
equipment
Total
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
526 732
714 886
605 410
(31 356)
(381 650)
(413 006)
(18 328)
(31 312)
1 320 296
188 110
394 488
100 932
495 420
683 530
223 760
907 290
-
8 579
11 884
20 463
20 463
25 858
46 321
1 070
3 174
13
3 187
4 257
-
4 257
Additions by purchase or
internally developed
Revaluations and
impairments recognised
in other comprehensive
income
Revaluations recognised
in the operating result
Depreciation
Write-down and
impairment
Disposals
(178)
(35 472)
(9 156)
(44 628)
(44 806)
(41 302)
(86 108)
(14 815)
(31)
(3 002)
(159)
(3 002)
(190)
(3 002)
(15 005)
(146)
(917)
5
(3 148)
(917)
(15 000)
30 June 2013
174 187
370 738
100 512
471 250
645 437
207 258
852 695
174 344
387 436
118 914
506 350
680 694
599 154
1 279 848
Carrying amount as
at 30 June 2013
represented by:
Gross book value
Accumulated
depreciation
and amortisation
Closing net book value
as at 30 June 2013
As at 1 July 2013
Gross book value
Accumulated depreciation and amortisation
Net book value as at 1 July 2013
82 651
(50 811)
31 840
82 651
(50 811)
31 840
4 489
(9 517)
26 812
4 489
(9 517)
26 812
86 962
(60 150)
26 812
86 962
(60 150)
26 812
Additions by purchase or internally developed
Amortisation
Net book value as at 30 June 2014
Carrying amount as at 30 June 2014 represented by
Gross book value
Closing net book value as at 30 June 2014
Total
$’000
Table A4
(157)
174 187
(16 698)
370 738
(18 402)
(35 100)
100 512
471 250
10C Intangibles (a)
Computer software at cost
Accumulated amortisation
Total intangibles excluding capital work in progress
Capital work in progress at cost—Intangibles
Total intangibles
(35 257)
(391 896)
(427 153)
207 258
852 695
645 437
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
86 962
(60 150)
26 812
82 651
(50 811)
31 840
9 475
3 507
36 287
35 347
(a)T he Corporation holds the right to use licences provided by the Australian Government in the broadcast of analogue and digital television and
radio. These are held at fair value and due to the conditions attached to these licences, which are asset specific, their fair value is determined on
the basis of discounted future cash flows. The Corporation has assessed its licences and considers that their fair value is Nil (2013 Nil).
No intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months.
174 Computer
software
$’000
Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of intangibles (2012–13)
Computer
software
$’000
Total
$’000
As at 1 July 2012
Gross book value
Net book value as at 1 July 2012
77 613
(41 514)
36 099
77 613
(41 514)
36 099
Additions by purchase or internally developed
Amortisation
Write-down and impairment
Net book value as at 30 June 2013
5 038
(9 297)
31 840
5 038
(9 297)
31 840
Carrying amount as at 30 June 2013 represented by
Gross book value
82 651
(50 811)
82 651
(50 811)
Closing net book value as at 30 June 2013
31 840
31 840
Table B
Assets under construction
Land
Buildings
on
freehold
land
$’000
$’000
Leasehold
Total
Total
Infrastructure, Intangibles
buildings and buildings land and
plant and
improvements
buildings
equipment
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
Total
$’000
Carrying amount
at 30 June 2014
-
1 224
42
1 266
1 266
49 070
9 475
59 811
Carrying amount at
30 June 2013
-
1 067
8
1 075
1 075
41 661
3 507
46 243
175
10D Assets classified as held for sale
Land at carrying value (a)
Total assets classified as held for sale
11. Payables
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
12 024
12 024
15 000
15 000
The Corporation issued an open tender on 28 April 2014 for the sale of a property surplus to requirements
located at 51 Ferry Road, West End, QLD. Expressions of interest closed on 2 June 2014 and an unconditional
contract for the sale of the property was signed on 27 June 2014 for a sale price of $19 000 000 exclusive of
GST. A non‑refundable deposit of $1 900 000 has been paid into an escrow account, and the Corporation has
recognised the deposit as revenue and as an Other receivable. The remaining sale proceeds will be paid on
settlement which is due on 10 November 2014.
10E Inventories
Retail
Inventory held for sale
Provision for stock obsolescence
Total retail
Broadcasting consumables
Inventory not held for sale at cost
Total broadcasting consumables
15 867
(34)
15 833
14 543
14 543
Notes
11A Suppliers
Trade creditors
Total suppliers
20.2A
Supplier payables expected to be settled in:
More than 12 months
Total supplier payables
11B Other payables
Interest payable
Salaries and wages
Superannuation
Unearned revenue
Other payables
Total other payables
20.2A
20.2A
20.2A
20.2A
20.2A
Total other payables expected to be settled in:
More than 12 months
Total other payables
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
70 044
70 044
74 609
74 609
69 902
142
70 044
74 421
188
74 609
139
22 831
212
24 926
3 405
51 513
22 759
280
28 604
3 089
54 732
37 873
13 640
51 513
41 367
13 365
54 732
121 557
129 341
34
34
41
41
TV programs held for distribution
Purchased
Produced
In progress
Total TV programs held for distribution
26 885
64 238
36 154
127 277
26 989
51 577
60 782
139 348
Other payables includes forward exchange contracts held as cash flow hedges of $227 227 (2013 nil) and
forward exchange contracts at fair value through profit and loss of $62 465 (2013 nil).
Total inventories
143 144
153 932
12. Interest bearing liabilities
Inventories are expected to be recovered in:
More than 12 months
Total inventories
115 488
27 656
143 144
130 472
23 460
153 932
During 2014 $41 741 383 (2013 $42 956 018) of inventory held for sale was recognised as an expense.
During 2014 $1 722 214 (2013 $1 766 760) of inventory held for distribution was recognised as an expense.
10F Prepayments
Prepaid property rentals
Prepaid royalties
Other prepayments
Total prepayments
124
9 391
6 273
15 788
47
8 413
6 099
14 559
Total prepayments are expected to be recovered in:
More than 12 months
Total prepayments
12 392
3 396
15 788
10 477
4 082
14 559
Total payables
Notes
12. Loans
Loans from the Department of Finance
Total loans
Maturity schedule for loans:
Payable within one year
Payable in one to five years
Payable in more than five years
Total loans
20.2A
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
20 000
20 000
-
20 000
20 000
-
The balance above represents the first of three draw downs under a loan facility entered into with the Department
of Finance to cash-flow the construction of a purpose-built facility in Southbank, Melbourne. The total loan
facility is $90 million. Each drawdown is provided on a long term fixed interest rate basis and is repayable in full
at maturity. Interest is payable annually in arrears at anniversary date for each drawdown. This first drawdown is
at an interest rate of 3.02% and is payable in full on maturity at 8 April 2017.
177
13. Provisions
14. Cash Flow Reconciliation
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
13A Employee provisions
Annual leave (a)
Long service leave (b)
Total employee provisions
53 269
107 344
160 613
53 197
92 225
145 422
Employee provisions are expected to be settled in (c):
More than 12 months
Total employee provisions
144 258
16 355
160 613
125 408
20 014
145 422
(c)T he settlement of employee provisions is based on the individual employee’s entitlement to leave. Where an employee has a current entitlement
to leave (i.e. could apply to take that leave straight away), the value of that entitlement is included in the employee provisions expected to settle in
no more than 12 months. Where the ABC expects that an employee will eventually meet an entitlement for leave (i.e. at some time in the future),
but is not yet entitled to that leave, the value of the leave is included in the employee provision expected to settle in more than 12 months.
13B Other provisions
Make good
Total other provisions
2 400
2 400
2 425
2 425
Other provisions are expected to be settled in:
More than 12 months
Total other provisions
1 219
1 181
2 400
911
1 514
2 425
163 013
147 847
Total provisions
Reconciliation of the make good provision
Opening balance
Additional provision made
Amounts used
Amounts reversed
Unwinding of discount or change in discount rate
Closing balance
2 425
(17)
(90)
27
55
2 400
Cash and cash equivalents per:
Cash Flow Statement
Difference
2 486
137
(111)
(86)
(1)
2 425
4 813
4 813
-
5 850
5 850
-
Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities
Add revenue from Government
(b)Independent actuarial calculations for the Corporation were performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities Ltd as at 30 June 2014.
2013
$’000
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents between Statement
of Financial Position and Cash Flow Statement
(a)The calculation is based on the anticipated length of time taken for an employee to fully settle his/her leave entitlement.
2014
$’000
Adjustment for non-cash items
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangibles
Transfer to/(from) employee provisions
Transfer (from) other provisions
Impairment of:
- receivables and advances
- land and buildings
- infrastructure, plant and equipment
- inventories
(Gain)/loss from disposal of assets
Unrealised foreign exchange loss/(gain)
Changes in assets and liabilities
Decrease/(increase) in receivables
(Increase)/decrease in accrued revenue
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
(Decrease)/increase in supplier payables
(Decrease)/increase in other payables
Net cash from operating activities
(1 061 586)
(1 009 024)
1 053 853
1 023 700
81 850
9 517
15 191
(25)
86 108
9 297
(6 729)
(61)
1 129
766
386
551
(3 427)
100
1 166
3 002
2 118
595
787
(614)
1 457
(340)
(1 229)
10 237
(10 183)
(4 219)
94 028
(3 798)
4 375
2 336
(21 254)
9 804
13 989
115 797
179
15. Contingent Assets and Liabilities
17. Related Party Disclosures continued
2014
$’000
Contingent liabilities—guarantees
Balance at beginning of year
Net change during the year
Total contingent liabilities—guarantees
985
(364)
621
2013
$’000
985
985
The aggregate remuneration of non-executive Directors is disclosed in Note 16: Directors’ Remuneration
with remuneration of executive directors disclosed in Note 18: Officers’ Remuneration.
Transactions with entities in the wholly owned group
Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable
than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated.
The Corporation has provided guarantees and an indemnity to the Reserve Bank of Australia in support of bank
guarantees required in the day to day operations of the Corporation.
Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd and The News Channel Pty Limited
The companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Corporation that did not trade during the year to
30 June 2014.
Quantifiable Contingencies
The Corporation has no material contingent assets as at 30 June 2014 (2013 Nil).
The Corporation provided secretarial and accounting services for Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd and
The News Channel Pty Limited during the year free of charge.
Significant Remote Contingencies
The Corporation has no remote contingencies (2013 Nil).
Transactions with Joint Venture Entities
MediaHub Australia Pty Limited (MediaHub)
Two ABC employees are directors of MediaHub. Neither is remunerated nor do they receive any other benefits
from MediaHub.
Unquantifiable Contingencies
In the normal course of activities, claims for damages and other recoveries have been lodged at the date of this
report against the Corporation and its staff. The Corporation has disclaimed liability and is actively defending
these actions. It is not possible to estimate the amounts of any eventual payments which may be required or
amounts that may be received in relation to any of these claims.
The Corporation made payments to MediaHub totalling $8 489 633 (2013 $4 869 385) for user fees and other
services. The Corporation had made no capital contributions during the year to 30 June 2014 (2013 $1 849 580).
The Corporation received $1 632 830 (2013 $85 425) in service fees from MediaHub during the year.
16. Directors’ Remuneration
Remuneration received or due and receivable by Directors of the Corporation
Further, the Corporation has further commitments similar to the above transactions in future years.
2014
$
2013
$
597 031
515 143
Number
Number
The number of non-executive Directors of the Corporation included in these figures
are shown below in the relevant remuneration bands:
$0–$29 999
$30 000–$59 999
$60 000–$89 999
$180 000–$209 999
Total number of Directors of the Corporation
17. Related Party Disclosures
6
1
1
8
1
5
1
1
8
All transactions with MediaHub were at arm’s length.
Freeview Australia Limited (Freeview)
Two ABC representatives are directors of Freeview. Neither is remunerated nor do they receive any other benefits
from Freeview.
The Corporation contributes towards the operational costs of Freeview in proportion to its shareholding, and
may also provide other operational services to Freeview from time to time. The Corporation does not expect
to receive any material income from Freeview. As at 30 June 2014, the Corporation had contributed $520 692
(2013 $345 512) towards the operational costs of Freeview. These costs do not constitute a contribution of capital
and have been recognised directly in the Corporation’s Statement of Comprehensive Income.
All transactions with Freeview were at arm’s length.
National DAB Licence Company Limited (DAB)
Two ABC employees are directors of DAB. Neither is remunerated nor do they receive any other benefits from DAB.
Directors of the Corporation
The Directors of the Corporation during the year were:
As at 30 June 2014 the Corporation had made contributions of $2 800 (2013 $3 000) towards the operational
costs of DAB. These costs do not constitute a contribution of capital and have been recognised directly in the
Corporation’s Statement of Comprehensive Income.
• The Hon James Spigelman AC QC (Chair)
All transactions with DAB were at arm’s length.
• Cheryl Bart AO
• Jane Bennett
• Simon Mordant AM
• Matt Peacock
• Dr Julianne Schultz AM (retired 27 March 2014)
• Mark Scott AO (Managing Director)
• Steven Skala AO
• Prof Fiona Stanley AC
181
18. Officers’ Remuneration
18. Officers’ Remuneration continued
18A Expense recognised in relation to Officers’ employment
18B Average annualised remuneration packages for Officers employed at 30 June continued
Short-term employee benefits
Salary (including leave taken)
Performance bonus
Other
Total short-term employee benefits
2014
$
2013
$
2 647 426
311 000
83 261
3 041 687
2 358 429
350 221
91 063
2 799 713
392 631
8 073
39 129
439 833
Superannuation
Annual leave accrued
Long service leave
Total long-term employee benefits
-
348 288
3 481 520
3 492 579
Termination payments
Total Officers’ remuneration expenses
362 362
(12 311)
(5 473)
344 578
Notes
1.This table reports substantive officers of the Corporation who received remuneration in excess of $195 000 during the reporting period.
Each row is an averaged figure based on headcount for individuals in the band.
2. ‘Reportable salary’ includes the following:
a) gross payments (less any bonuses paid, which are separated out and disclosed in the ‘bonus paid’ column);
b) reportable fringe benefits (at the net amount prior to ‘grossing up’ to account for tax benefits); and
c) exempt foreign employment income.
3.The ‘contributed superannuation’ amount is the average actual superannuation contributions paid to senior executives in that reportable
remuneration band during the reporting period, including any salary sacrificed amounts, as per Officers’ payment summaries.
4. ‘Reportable allowances’ are the average actual allowances paid as per the ‘total allowances’ line on Officers’ payment summaries.
5.‘Bonus paid’ represents average actual bonuses paid during the reporting period in that reportable remuneration band. The bonus paid within
a particular band may vary between financial years due to various factors such as individuals commencing with or leaving the entity during the
financial year.
6.Various salary sacrifice arrangements were available to senior executives including superannuation, motor vehicle and expense payment fringe
benefits. Salary sacrifice benefits are reported in the ‘reportable salary’ column, excluding salary sacrificed superannuation, which is reported in
the ‘contributed superannuation’ column.
18C Other employees with gross payments above $195 000
Notes
1. Officers’ remuneration includes Officers concerned with or taking part in the management of the Corporation, including the Managing Director.
Average annual reportable remuneration paid
2014
2.The above table is prepared on an accrual basis. Therefore the performance bonus expenses disclosed above may differ from the cash
bonus paid in Table 18B.
No.
18B Average annualised remuneration packages for Officers employed at 30 June
Total remuneration:
2014
No.
Total remuneration:
$465 000–$494 999
$495 000–$524 999
$525 000–$554 999
$795 000–$824 999
1
2
2
1
Reportable
Salary
Contributed
Superannuation
Reportable
Allowances
Bonus
Paid
Total
Reportable
Remuneration
$
$
$
$
$
341 273
407 241
395 200
730 166
87 397
40 907
71 871
93 447
-
55 000
60 000
68 000
-
483 670
508 148
535 071
823 613
6
$195 000 to $224 999
$225 000 to $254 999
$255 000 to $284 999
$285 000 to $314 999
$315 000 to $344 999
$345 000 to $374 999
$375 000 to $404 999
$405 000 to $434 999
$435 000 to $464 999
$465 000 to $494 999
$525 000 to $554 999
2013
No.
Total remuneration:
$465 000–$494 999
$495 000–$524 999
$795 000–$824 999
Reportable
Salary
$
2
2
1
5
345 399
370 635
714 276
Contributed
Superannuation
$
Reportable
Allowances
$
65 551
59 938
91 116
Bonus
Paid
$
-
55 000
74 998
-
Total
Reportable
Remuneration
Contributed
Superannuation
Reportable
Allowances
Bonus
Paid
Total
$
$
$
$
$
174 270
197 662
231 142
252 131
281 980
315 324
343 256
366 203
381 730
408 656
495 652
31 212
36 423
32 323
45 813
44 086
42 656
26 264
29 320
60 877
38 737
30 877
22
18
-
1 883
4 125
3 286
7 200
5 000
15 750
24 500
21 500
-
207 387
238 210
266 769
305 144
331 066
357 980
385 270
420 023
442 607
468 893
526 529
2013
No.
$
465 950
505 571
805 392
69
28
21
5
5
4
4
4
1
2
1
144
Reportable
Salary
Total remuneration:
$195 000 to $224 999
$225 000 to $254 999
$255 000 to $284 999
$285 000 to $314 999
$315 000 to $344 999
$345 000 to $374 999
$375 000 to $404 999
$405 000 to $434 999
$435 000 to $464 999
$465 000 to $494 999
$675 000 to $704 999
$825 000 to $854 999
67
33
19
13
11
8
3
3
1
2
1
1
Reportable
Salary
Contributed
Superannuation
Reportable
Allowances
Bonus
Paid
Total
$
$
$
$
$
178 705
211 049
238 207
274 632
304 274
327 570
328 862
398 067
412 205
401 643
668 665
696 310
26 140
24 595
27 948
22 940
23 925
23 706
19 313
22 127
41 507
41 615
18 065
40 252
13
211
-
3 121
3 159
3 750
3 808
2 455
6 338
40 750
29 835
90 226
207 966
238 816
269 905
301 380
330 654
357 614
388 925
420 194
453 712
473 304
686 730
826 788
162
183
18. Officers’ Remuneration continued
20. Financial Instruments continued
18C Other employees with gross payments above $195 000 continued
The above table includes 14 employees (2013 48 employees) who terminated during the year and who received
a total of $986 171 (2013 $3 202 566) in termination payments.
20.2 Categories of Financial Instruments
Notes
20.2A Categories of Financial Instruments
Financial Assets
Held-to-maturity:
Term deposits with an original maturity date greater than 90 days
Total
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
8C
194 100
194 100
131 450
131 450
Loans, receivables and cash:
Goods and services receivables
Other receivables
Accrued revenue
Total
8A
8B
8B
8D
9
4 813
6 490
4 300
5 817
17 958
39 378
5 850
4 724
1 037
5 477
17 871
34 959
6.‘Bonus paid’ represents average actual bonuses paid during the reporting period in that reportable remuneration band. The ‘bonus paid’ within
a particular band may vary between financial years due to various factors such as individuals commencing with or leaving the entity during
the financial year.
Fair value through profit and loss (designated):
Forward exchange contracts
Total
8B
-
371
371
7.Various salary sacrifice arrangements were available to other highly paid staff including superannuation, motor vehicle and expense payment
fringe benefits. Salary sacrifice benefits are reported in the ‘reportable salary’ column, excluding salary sacrificed superannuation, which is
reported in the ‘contributed superannuation’ column.
Carrying amount of financial assets
233 478
166 780
12
11A
11B
11B
11B
11B
11B
20 000
70 044
139
22 831
212
24 926
3 115
141 267
74 609
22 759
280
28 604
3 089
129 341
11B
290
290
-
141 557
129 341
1. ‘Total remuneration’ includes part-time arrangements
2.This table reports staff:
a)who were employed by the entity during the reporting period;
b)whose reportable remuneration was $195 000 or more for the financial period; and
c)were not required to be disclosed in Tables A, B or director disclosures. Each row is an averaged figure based on headcount for individuals
in the band.
3.‘Reportable salary’ includes the following:
a)gross payments (less any bonuses paid, which are separated out and disclosed in the ‘bonus paid’ column);
b)reportable fringe benefits (at the net amount prior to ‘grossing up’ to account for tax benefits); and
c)exempt foreign employment income.
4.The ‘contributed superannuation’ amount is the average actual superannuation contributions paid to staff in that reportable remuneration band
during the reporting period, including any salary sacrificed amounts, as per individuals’ payment summaries.
Notes
5.‘Reportable allowances’ are the average actual allowances paid as per the ‘total allowances’ line on individuals’ payment summaries.
19. Auditor’s Remuneration
Remuneration to the Auditor-General for auditing the financial statements
for the reporting period
2014
$
2013
$
228 950
222 500
KPMG has been contracted by the Australian National Audit Office to provide audit services to the Corporation
on their behalf. In 2014, KPMG has earned additional fees of $16 350 (2013 $56 208) for services that were
separately contracted by the Corporation.
20. Financial Instruments
Financial Liabilities
At amortised cost:
Loans from Government
Trade creditors
Interest payable
Salaries and wages
Superannuation
Unearned revenue
Other payables
Total
Fair value through profit and loss (designated):
Total
Carrying amount of financial liabilities
20.1 Capital Risk Management
The Corporation manages its capital to ensure that it is able to continue as a going concern through aligning
operations with Government funded objectives. The Corporation’s overall strategy remains unchanged from
previous years with borrowings limited to operating and financing cash flows used to manage operations and
make loan repayments.
185
20.2 Categories of Financial Instruments continued
20.4 Fair Values of Financial Instruments
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
5B
4G
6 116
(175)
5 941
6 757
693
7 450
5B
881
881
747
747
Designated as fair value through profit and loss:
Foreign exchange (loss)/gains
Total designated as fair value through profit and loss
(75)
(75)
79
79
Net (loss)/gain at fair value through profit and loss
(75)
79
Notes
20.2B Net gains or losses from Financial Assets
Held-to-maturity
Interest revenue
Foreign exchange (loss)/gains
Net gain on held-to-maturity financial assets
Loans, receivables and cash
Interest revenue
Net gain from loans and receivables
Net loss from financial liabilities
The fair values of long term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on current
interest rates for liabilities with similar risk profiles. At 30 June 2014, the Corporation had drawn down a
$20 000 000 (2013 Nil) loan from the Department of Finance, maturing on 8 April 2017. This is part of a
$90 000 000 loan facility to cash-flow the construction of a purpose-built facility in Southbank, Melbourne.
The above methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values as summarised in the table below:
20.4A Fair value of financial instruments
Net gain from financial assets
20.2C Net gains or losses from Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities—at amortised cost
Interest and finance expenses
Net loss from financial liabilities—at amortised cost
The 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.
6 747
4E
8 276
(139)
(139)
(5)
(5)
(139)
(5)
Financial Assets
Total
Financial Liabilities
Total
Carrying
amount
2014
$’000
Fair
value
2014
$’000
Carrying
amount
2013
$’000
Fair
value
2013
$’000
-
-
371
371
371
371
20 000
290
20 290
20 176
290
20 466
-
-
20.3 Financial Risk Management
20.5 Credit Risk
The Corporation’s financial risk management policies and procedures are established to identify and analyse the
risks faced by the Corporation, to set appropriate risk limits and controls to monitor risks and adherence to limits.
The Corporation’s policies are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in the Corporation’s activities. There has been
no change in the policies from the previous year. Compliance with policies and exposure limits are reviewed by the
Corporation’s internal auditors on a continuous basis.
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial
loss to the Corporation.
To meet the Corporation’s financial risk management objectives, surplus cash is invested into short term,
highly liquid investments with maturities at acquisition date of greater than three months. These investments are
included as ‘other receivables’.
The Corporation has adopted a policy of only dealing with credit worthy counterparties and obtaining collateral
where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Corporation assesses
credit ratings through independent ratings agencies and if not available, uses publicly available financial
information and its own trading record to rate customers.
The Corporation’s Treasury function provides advice and services to the business, coordinates access to foreign
currency contracts and monitors and assesses the financial risks relating to the operations of the Corporation
through internal risk reports.
Where appropriate, the Corporation seeks to minimise the effects of its financial risks by using derivative financial
instruments to hedge its risk exposures. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Corporation’s policies
as approved by the Board of Directors, which provide written principles on foreign exchange risk, credit risk,
the use of financial derivatives and investment of funds.
The Corporation does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments,
for speculative purposes.
Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Corporation, which comprise cash and cash equivalents,
trade and other receivables, available-for-sale financial assets and derivative instruments.
The Corporation manages its credit risk by undertaking credit checks on customers who wish to take on credit
terms. The Corporation has policies that set limits for each individual customer. Ongoing credit evaluations are
performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable.
The Corporation has no material concentration of credit risk with any single customer as the Corporation has
a large number of customers spread across a range of industries and geographical areas.
The credit risk arising from dealings in financial instruments is controlled by a strict policy of credit approvals,
limits and monitoring procedures. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed and
approved by the Board of Directors.
The Corporation does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty. The credit risk
on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with credit
ratings of at least A- as assigned by Standard & Poors.
187
20.5 Credit Risk continued
20.6 Liquidity Risk continued
The Corporation’s maximum exposure to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised
financial assets is the carrying amount, net of allowance for doubtful debts, of those assets as indicated in the
Statement of Financial Position.
Maturities for financial liabilities at 30 June 2014
Credit exposure of foreign currency and interest rate bearing investments is represented by the net fair value
of the contracts, as disclosed.
Not Past Due
nor Impaired
Categories of financial instruments
Financial assets
Held to maturity financial assets
Other receivables
Accrued revenue
Carrying amount of financial assets
Not Past Due
nor Impaired
Past Due or
Impaired
Past Due or
Impaired
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
4 813
4 412
194 100
4 300
5 817
17 958
231 400
5 850
4 033
131 450
1 408
5 477
17 871
166 089
2 078
2 078
691
691
Ageing of financial assets that are past due but not impaired as at 30 June 2014
0 to 30
days
$’000
31 to 60
days
$’000
61 to 90
days
$’000
90 plus
days
$’000
Total
$’000
2014
Financial assets
Total past due but not impaired financial assets
1 315
1 315
363
363
177
177
119
119
1 974
1 974
2013
Financial assets
Total past due but not impaired financial assets
466
466
100
100
70
70
24
24
660
660
1 year
or less
$’000
1 to 2
years
$’000
2 to 5
years
$’000
>5
years
$’000
Total
$’000
2014
Trade creditors
Interest payable
Salaries and wages
Superannuation
Unearned revenue
Other payables
69 902
139
22 831
212
11 544
3 147
107 775
415
258
673
20 000
1 167
21 167
142
11 800
11 942
20 000
70 044
139
22 831
212
24 926
3 405
141 557
2013
Trade creditors
Interest payable
Salaries and wages
Superannuation
Unearned revenue
Other payables
74 421
22 759
280
15 786
2 542
115 788
462
226
688
1 167
321
1 488
188
11 189
11 377
74 609
22 759
280
28 604
3 089
129 341
The Corporation has no on demand financial liabilities.
20.6 Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with
financial liabilities.
The Corporation is dependent upon revenue from Government. At 30 June 2014, in excess of 86% (2013 86%)
of normal activities are funded in this manner, and without this revenue, the Corporation would be unable to meet
its obligations.
189
20.7 Market Risk
20.9 Interest Rate Risk
Market risk includes foreign currency risk, which is detailed in Note 20.8: Foreign Currency Risk, and interest
rate risk, which is detailed in Note 20.9: Interest Rate Risk.
Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate
because of changes in market interest rates.
The Corporation is not exposed to any other price risk on financial instruments.
The Corporation is typically not exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings, as all borrowings are at fixed
interest rates. The Corporation derives interest revenue from funds invested, which is impacted by interest rate
fluctuations. Although, the Corporation is not dependent on interest revenue to continue operations, the table
Note 20.7 Market Risk illustrates the impact of a 0.60% (2013 1.20%) movement in the interest rate, on interest
revenues. The change in interest revenue is proportional to the change in interest rates.
Market risk sensitivity analysis of the risk that the entity is exposed to at 30 June 2014
Effect on
Risk variable
Change in risk
variable
Profit and loss
%
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk
USD
USD
GBP
GBP
EUR
EUR
Interest revenue
Interest revenue
Equity
$’000
11.5%
-11.5%
11.5%
-11.5%
11.5%
-11.5%
0.6%
-0.6%
$’000
(208)
208
(229)
229
(32)
32
1 225
(1 225)
(614)
614
(357)
357
-
Market risk sensitivity analysis of the risk that the entity is exposed to at 30 June 2013
Change in risk
variable
Profit and loss
%
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Currency risk
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk
USD
USD
GBP
GBP
EUR
EUR
Interest revenue
Interest revenue
15.7%
-15.7%
15.7%
-15.7%
15.7%
-15.7%
1.2%
-1.2%
$’000
(481)
481
(289)
289
(27)
27
2 032
(2 032)
Specific Hedges
The Corporation enters into forward exchange contracts to cover specific foreign currency payments when
exposures of $50 000 or greater (equivalent) are entered into under a firm contract for goods or services involving
a specific foreign currency amount and payment date. Exposures are covered if they fall within a set period,
which can generally be a minimum of 3 months or maximum of 6 months subject to market conditions.
The balance of the hedging reserve in equity is zero, partly reflecting a net loss of $149 274 (2013 net gain of
$74 231) on specific hedges of foreign currency purchases as at 30 June 2014. The Corporation’s cash flow
hedges were all effective during the period.
The following table sets out the gross value to be received under forward exchange contracts, the weighted
average contracted exchange rates and the settlement periods of outstanding contracts for the Corporation.
Effect on
Risk variable
20.10 Hedging Instruments
Sell Australian
Dollars
Equity
$’000
(9)
9
(177)
177
-
The impact on the Corporation’s surplus is not material.
20.8 Foreign Currency Risk
Foreign currency risk refers to the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate
due to the changes in foreign exchange rates.
The Corporation’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates
arising from transactions and assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency that is not Australian dollars.
The Corporation enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge the foreign exchange rate risk arising from
some of these transactions. These forward exchange contracts are not designated as cash flow hedges.
Buy USD
Less than 1 year
Buy GBP
Less than 1 year
Buy EUR
Less than 1 year
Average
Exchange Rate
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
2013
6 666
1 921
0.9234
1.0300
1 676
1 392
0.5370
0.6465
3 312
1 125
0.6535
0.7508
General Hedges
The Corporation also enters into forward exchange contracts to cover foreign currency payments when exposures
less than $50 000 (equivalent) of a recurrent nature and with varying foreign currency amounts and payment
dates are incurred. General cover is typically held between 40% and 60% of estimated exposures for USD,
GBP and EUR subject to market conditions.
At balance date, the Corporation held forward exchange contracts to buy USD, GBP and EUR. Gains/
losses arising from general hedges outstanding at year end have been taken to profit or loss. The net loss of
$35 623 (2013 net gain $339 637) on general hedges of anticipated foreign currency purchases from July 2013
to June 2014 has been recognised at balance date through profit or loss.
The Corporation is exposed to foreign currency denominated in United States Dollars (USD), Great British Pounds
(GBP) and Euros (EUR).
The table at Note 20.7 Market Risk details the effect on the profit and equity as at 30 June 2014 from a 11.5%
(2013 15.7%) favourable/unfavourable change in the rate of the Australian Dollar (AUD) against the currencies to
which the Corporation is exposed, with all other variables held constant.
191
21. Financial Assets Reconciliation
23. Reporting by Outcomes continued
Financial Assets
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
237 080
176 731
8B
3 706
3 706
9 982
9 982
8B
104
31
233 478
166 780
Notes
Total financial assets as per Statement of Financial Position
Less: non-financial instrument components
Statutory receivables
Total non-financial instrument components
Add: impairment allowance account
Total financial assets as per financial instrument note
22. Assets Held in Trust
2014
$
Monetary Assets
2013
$
Ian Reed
Foundation
The Corporation is trustee for a foundation with accumulated funds
at 30 June as follows:
469 487
11 194
(33 973)
446 708
Total amount held at the beginning of the reporting period
Interest received
Payments
Total amount held at the end of the reporting period
577 601
17 399
(125 513)
469 487
Assets held in trust are monetary assets with monies received under formal trust arrangements. The trust was
established for the purpose of the education, encouragement, advancement and general promotion of potential
and aspiring writers of radio plays and dramas and is independently managed in accordance with the terms of
the trust deed.
Funds are held in authorised trustee investments, are not available for other purposes of the Corporation and
are not recognised in the financial statements.
23. Reporting by Outcomes
Note 23A Net Cost of Outcome Delivery
The Corporation’s cost of outcomes is determined through a process that identifies those costs and revenues
directly related to the provision of a particular outcome. The allocation of costs for Outcome 2, Outcome 3
and Outcome 4 consist of direct costs of dedicated analog and digital transmission functions. The costs for
Outcome 1 represent the costs of undertaking the Corporation’s general operational activities.
Outcome 1
Total Expenses
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Outcome 4
Total
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
1 051 566
989 051
77 702
85 657
95 431
90 207
3 322
2 962
1 228 021
1 167 877
Income from
non‑Government
sector
Other
Total income from
non-Government
sector
166 470
156 491
-
-
52
51
-
-
166 522
156 542
166 470
156 491
-
-
52
51
-
-
166 522
156 542
Net cost/
(contribution) of
outcome delivery
885 096
832 560
77 702
85 657
95 379
90 156
3 322
2 962
1 061 499
1 011 335
Note 23B Major Classes of Departmental Expenses, Income, Assets and Liabilities
by Outcome
The ABC’s assets and liabilities are attributed to Outcome 1 unless they can specifically be attributed
to Outcome 2, Outcome 3 or Outcome 4.
Note 23B Major Classes of Departmental Expenses, Income, Assets and Liabilities by Outcome
Outcome 1
Expenses
Employee benefits
Suppliers
Depreciation and
amortisation
Finance costs
Write-down and
impairment
of assets
Net loss from
disposal of assets
Net foreign
exchange loss
Total
Income
Revenue from
government
Sale of goods
and rendering
of services
Interest
Share of surplus/
(deficit) of jointly
controlled entities
Other revenue
Net gain from
disposal of assets
Net foreign
exchange gain
Reversals of previous
asset write-downs
and impairments
Total
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Outcome 4
Total
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
515 922
253 906
477 379
250 548
77 702
85 657
153
95 157
120
90 087
3 029
2 962
516 075
429 794
477 499
429 254
90 957
187 639
139
95 405
158 046
5
-
-
121
-
-
289
-
-
91 367
187 639
139
95 405
158 046
5
2 828
6 881
-
-
-
-
4
-
2 832
6 881
-
787
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
787
175
1 051 566
989 051
77 702
85 657
95 431
90 207
3 322
2 962
175
1 228 021
1 167 877
860 642
830 700
80 403
88 669
109 103
100 673
3 705
3 658
1 053 853
1 023 700
124 106
6 997
125 982
7 504
-
-
-
-
-
-
124 106
6 997
125 982
7 504
87
27 329
(2 311)
24 623
-
-
52
51
-
-
87
27 381
3 427
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3 427
-
-
693
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
693
4 524
1 027 112
987 191
80 403
88 669
109 155
100 724
3 705
3 658
4 524
1 220 375
1 180 242
(2 311)
24 674
193
Appendices
Appendices
23. Reporting by Outcomes continued
Note 23B Major Classes of Departmental Expenses, Income, Assets and Liabilities
by Outcome continued
Outcome 1
Assets
Cash and cash
equivalents
Trade and other
receivables
Other investments
Accrued revenue
Investments
accounted
for using the
equity method
Land and buildings
Infrastructure, plant
and equipment
Intangibles
Assets classified
as held for sale
Inventories
Prepayments
Total
Liabilities
Suppliers
Other payables
Loans
Provisions
Total
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Outcome 4
Total
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
2014
$’000
2013
$’000
4 813
5 850
-
-
-
-
-
-
4 813
5 850
14 381
158 608
5 817
16 062
99 472
5 477
7 074
-
6 301
-
11
27 696
-
21
24 996
-
722
-
681
-
14 392
194 100
5 817
16 083
131 450
5 477
17 958
661 393
17 871
646 512
-
-
-
-
-
-
17 958
661 393
17 871
646 512
250 606
36 287
248 722
35 347
-
-
1 434
-
197
-
1 905
-
-
253 945
36 287
248 919
35 347
12 024
143 144
15 237
1 320 268
15 000
153 932
14 121
1 258 366
62
7 136
92
6 393
468
29 609
330
25 544
21
2 648
16
697
12 024
143 144
15 788
1 359 661
15 000
153 932
14 559
1 291 000
69 469
51 380
20 000
163 013
303 862
72 982
54 547
147 847
275 376
6
6
740
740
503
133
636
886
185
1 071
66
66
1
1
70 044
51 513
20 000
163 013
304 570
74 609
54 732
147 847
277 188
1ABC Charter and Duties
of the Board
2ABC Board and
Board Committees
3ABC Organisation,
as at 30 June 2014
4ABC Advisory Council
5ABC Code of Practice
6ABC Television Content Analysis
7ABC Radio Networks
Content Analysis
8Promotion and Market Research
9 Performance Pay
10Consultants
11 Overseas Travel Costs
196
197
200
202
205
214
217
217
217
218
219
12 Reports Required by Legislation 220
13 Staff Profile
221
14Awards
221
15Television Transmission
Frequencies229
16Radio Transmission Frequencies 232
17Radio Australia and Australia
Network Transmission
and Distribution
237
18 ABC Offices
239
19 ABC Shops
245
Glossary248
Indexes249
24. Controlled Entities
Place of
incorporation
Beneficial
percentage
held by
economic
entity
Beneficial
percentage
held by
economic
entity
2014
2013
Ultimate parent entity:
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Controlled entities of Australian Broadcasting Corporation:
Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd
Australia
100%
100%
The News Channel Pty Limited
Australia
100%
100%
Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd and The News Channel Pty Ltd have been dormant since 2000 and have not
traded in the year ended 30 June 2014. As a result, consolidated financial statements for the ABC Group have not
been presented as the operations and results of the Corporation are reflective of those of the consolidated entity.
Appendices
195
Appendices
Appendix 1—ABC Charter and duties of the Board
From the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983
6 Charter of the Corporation
(1) The functions of the Corporation are:
(a)to provide within Australia innovative and
comprehensive broadcasting services of a high
standard as part of the Australian broadcasting
system consisting of national, commercial and
community sectors and, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, to provide:
(i) broadcasting programs that contribute to
a sense of national identity and inform and
entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity
of, the Australian community;
(ii) broadcasting programs of an
educational nature;
(b)to transmit to countries outside Australia
broadcasting programs of news, current
affairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment
that will:
(iii)the responsibility of the Corporation
as the provider of an independent
national broadcasting service to provide
a balance between broadcasting
programs of wide appeal and specialised
broadcasting programs;
(iv)the multicultural character of the Australian
community; and
(v) in connection with the provision of
broadcasting programs of an educational
nature—the responsibilities of the States in
relation to education; and
(b)the Corporation shall take all such measures,
being measures consistent with the obligations
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 broadcasting programs.
(3)The functions of the Corporation under
subsection (1) and the duties imposed on the
Corporation under subsection (2) constitute the
Charter of the Corporation.
(ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling
outside Australia to obtain information
about Australian affairs and Australian
attitudes on world affairs; and
(4)Nothing in this Section shall be taken to impose
on the Corporation a duty that is enforceable by
proceedings in a court.
(c) to encourage and promote the musical,
dramatic and other performing arts
in Australia.
Note: See also section 31AA (Corporation or
prescribed companies to be the only
providers of Commonwealth-funded
international broadcasting services).
(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 of the
Australian broadcasting system;
(ii) the standards from time to time
determined by the ACMA in respect
of broadcasting services;
8 Duties of the Board
(1) It is the duty of the Board:
(a)to ensure that the functions of the Corporation
are performed efficiently and with the
maximum benefit to the people of Australia;
(b)to maintain the independence and integrity of
the Corporation;
(c)to ensure that the gathering and presentation
by the Corporation of news and information
is accurate and impartial according to
the recognized standards of objective
journalism; and
(d) to ensure that the Corporation does not
contravene, or fail to comply with:
(i) any of the provisions of this Act or any
other Act that are applicable to the
Corporation; or
(ii) any directions given to, or requirements
made in relation to, the Corporation under
any of those provisions; and
196 broadcasting, or any matter of administration,
that is relevant to the performance of the
functions of the Corporation and requests the
Board to consider that policy in the performance
of its functions, the Board shall ensure that
consideration is given to that policy.
(e)to develop codes of practice relating to:
(i) encourage awareness of Australia and an
international understanding of Australian
attitudes on world affairs; and
(ba)to provide digital media services; and
Appendix 1—ABC Charter and duties of the Board continued
(i) programming matters; and
(ii) if the Corporation has the function of
providing a datacasting service under
section 6A—that service; and
to notify those codes to the ACMA.
(3)Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) is to be taken to
impose on the Board a duty that is enforceable by
proceedings in a court.
(2)If the Minister at any time furnishes to the Board
a statement of the policy of the Commonwealth
Government on any matter relating to
Appendix 2—ABC Board and Board Committees
ABC Board
Board Committees
Members and attendance at meetings
Human Resources Committee
The ABC Board held six meetings during 2013–14.
The Human Resources Committee considers
the remuneration of the Managing Director and
Executives, and the Managing Director’s annual
performance appraisal. The Committee did not
formally meet in 2013–14 as these matters were dealt
with in Board meetings.
Member
Meetings
attended
James Spigelman AC QC,
Chairman
6
Mark Scott AO,
Managing Director
6
Steven Skala AO
6
Julianne Schultz AM
(term ended 26 March 2014)
4
Cheryl Bart AO
6
Jane Bennett
6
Fiona Stanley AC
3
Simon Mordant AM
Matt Peacock,
Staff Elected Director
Finance Committee
The role of the Finance Committee is to assist the
Board and management of the ABC to optimise
the financial performance and efficiency of the
Corporation, consistent with stated objectives,
and to establish and maintain best practice
financial management services including
performance measurement.
The Finance Committee held four meetings
in 2013–14:
Meeting No. 3 2013
9 October 2013
Meeting No. 4 2013
5 December 2013
5
Meeting No. 1 2014
2 April 2014
6
Meeting No. 2 2014
30 May 2014
Requests made to the Board by the
Minister under s.8(2)
Meetings during 2013–14 were attended by
Cheryl Bart (Chair of the Finance Committee),
Julianne Shultz, Steven Skala and Simon Mordant.
In 2013–14, neither the Minister for Communications
nor the former Minister for Broadband,
Communications and the Digital Economy made any
requests to the Board under s.8(2) of the Australian
Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.
Appendices
197
Appendices
Appendix 2—ABC Board and Board Committees continued
Member
Cheryl
Bart AO
Steven
Skala AO
Julianne
Schultz AM
Simon
Mordant AM
Position
on
Committee
Meetings
eligible
to attend
Meetings
attended
Committee
Chairman
Director
4
4
4
4
Director
2
2
Director
4
3
All meetings were attended by the Managing Director
and the Chairman of the Board. In 2013–14, Board
members were invited to attend all ABC Finance
Committee meetings. Committee meetings are also
attended by the Chief Operating Officer and Director
of Business Services.
During the year the Finance Committee monitored
the ABC’s financial plans, budgets and budget
performance. It considered and endorsed the ABC’s
annual budget allocations for approval by the Board,
including the annual Capital Budget and Strategy.
The Committee undertook a market assessment
of the ABC’s insurance premiums, and reviewed
the controls and governance of the AusAID funded
International Development projects managed by the
ABC’s International Division. In 2013–14, the Finance
Committee reviewed ABC Commercial’s financial
performance and undertook a comprehensive review
of its retail operations.
Audit and Risk Committee
The Board is required to ensure that the functions of the
Corporation are performed with integrity, efficiency and
maximum benefit to the people of Australia (see s.8(1)(a)
and (b) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act
1983). In connection with the discharge of these duties,
the Audit and Risk Committee provides the Board with
assistance and advice on the ABC’s risk, control and
compliance framework and its external accountability
responsibilities. The Committee’s responsibilities are
detailed in its Charter and include:
• Assisting the Board to discharge its oversight
and governance responsibilities in relation to
the Corporation’s:
–– Internal Control Framework.
–– Financial Reporting and Management.
–– Risk Management.
• Providing a forum for communication between the
Board, senior management and both the internal
and external auditors.
• Monitoring and reviewing the independence,
integrity and objectivity of the Corporation’s internal
and external auditors.
• Monitoring and reviewing compliance with
standards of ethical behaviour expected within
the Corporation.
The Audit and Risk Committee held five meetings
in 2013–14:
Meeting No.3 2013
26 July 2013
Meeting No.4 2013
10 October 2013
Meeting No.5 2013
5 December 2013
Meeting No.1 2014
3 April 2014
Meeting No.2 2014
3 June 2014
Meetings during 2013–14 were attended by Steven
Skala AO (Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee),
Cheryl Bart AO, John Brown and Richard Rassi.
John Brown’s appointment as an external member
of the Audit and Risk Committee ended in July
2013. The Corporation expressed appreciation
for his valuable contribution during the term of
his appointment.
Richard Rassi was appointed to the Audit and Risk
Committee in October 2013 and is not a member of
the ABC Board.
Member
Steven
Skala AO
Cheryl
Bart AO
John Brown
Richard
Rassi
Meetings
eligible
to attend
Meetings
attended
Committee
Chairman
Director
5
5
5
4
External
Member
External
Member
1
1
4
4
In 2013–14 Board members were invited to attend all
ABC Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Committee
meetings were also attended by the Chief Operating
Officer, Head Group Audit and representatives of
the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and its
nominated representative KPMG. The Chairman of
the Board, the Managing Director and other members
of the Board also attended Committee meetings.
–– Legislative Compliance.
198 Position
on
Committee
Appendix 2—ABC Board and Board Committees continued
During 2013–14 the Audit and Risk Committee
received information papers related to ABC strategic
risks, risk management, the ABC Fraud Control
Plan and underlying risk assessment, internal and
external audit performance, business continuity,
the coordination of internal and external audit,
Corporation projects, compliance matters and
matters related to the preparation and finalisation
of Annual Financial Statements. In 2013–14 the
ABC’s processes were reviewed against the
ANAO Better Practice Guide on the Preparation of
Financial Statements by Public Sector Entities, which
confirmed they align with better practice.
At its meetings, the Audit and Risk Committee
endorsed the 2012–13 Annual Financial Statements
and monitored progress against the 2013–14
Audit Plan. During 2013–14, the Committee
considered the findings of audit reports and noted
the implementation of audit recommendations by
management, fraud awareness initiatives and fraud
investigations undertaken.
The Committee also dealt with matters related to, and
reports from, external audit and the Corporation’s
requirement to formally report on compliance with the
Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
During the year, the Committee met separately with
the ANAO and KPMG without management present.
During its meetings in 2013–14, the Committee
endorsed the revised Group Audit Charter and the
2014–15 Audit Plan for approval by the Board.
Group Audit
Group Audit provides an independent and objective
audit and advisory service which is designed to add
value and improve the Corporation’s operations.
Group Audit helps the ABC to achieve its objectives
by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach
to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk
management, control and governance processes.
Group Audit is responsible to the Audit and Risk
Committee for contributing to the achievement of the
Corporation’s goals and objectives by:
• Assisting management in evaluating processes
for identifying, assessing and managing the key
operational, financial and compliance risks of
the ABC.
• Assisting management in evaluating the
effectiveness of internal control systems,
including compliance with internal policies.
• Recommending improvements to the internal
control systems established by management.
• Playing an active role in developing and maintaining
a culture of accountability and integrity.
• Being responsive to the Corporation’s changing
needs, striving for continuous improvement
and monitoring integrity in the performance of
its activities.
• Facilitating and supporting the integration of risk
management into day-to-day business activities
and processes.
• Promoting a culture of self assessment and
adherence to high ethical standards.
Group Audit is responsible for generating and
implementing the ABC’s Audit Plan, which seeks
to ensure that audits focus on key areas of risk
to the Corporation. The Audit Plan is endorsed by
the Audit and Risk Committee and approved by
the Board annually.
In 2013–14 Group Audit performed unscheduled
reviews at the specific request of management
and continued to utilise technology to undertake
continuous auditing and monitoring of transactional
data. Group Audit also provided advice and
guidance on good governance, policies and controls,
and provided advice and input on a number of
key projects and initiatives being undertaken
by the Corporation. Group Audit also reviewed
the processes implemented by the Corporation
to support reporting requirements in respect of
compliance with the Commonwealth Authorities and
Companies Act 1997.
During 2013–14 Group Audit continued to operate
with a combination of in-house staff and outsourced
external providers. This provided access to expertise
in specialist areas and supplemented internal
resources and experience. The external providers
were appointed following an open market tender
conducted in the first half of 2012–13.
Coordination with external auditors
Group Audit continued to liaise with the ABC’s
external auditors, the ANAO and its nominated
representative, KPMG, who were reappointed during
2013–14. It sought advice on proposed areas of
focus, the identification of areas of potential external
audit reliance on Group Audit and to ensure that
there was minimal duplication of audit coverage.
The ANAO, KPMG and Group Audit developed a
Co-ordinated Audit Plan for 2013–14 highlighting
areas of audit coverage and reliance, as well as
audit coverage of ABC strategic risk and financial
reporting risk areas.
Appendices
199
Appendices
Appendix 3—ABC Organisation, as at 30 June 2014
Managing Director
Chief of Staff
Head, Audience and
Consumer Affairs
Head, Editorial Policies
Project Manager,
Work Health and Safety Mark Scott AO
Ann Chesterman
Kirstin McLiesh
Alan Sunderland
Linda Taylor
Director of Audience and
Marketing
Head, Marketing
(ABC Commercial)
Head, Marketing
(ABC International)
Head, Marketing (Radio)
Head, Marketing and
Promotions (Television)
Head, Research
and Marketing
Manager, Marketing and
Communications (News)
Manager, Marketing
(Innovation)
Leisa Bacon
Lisa Hresc
John Woodward
Warwick Tiernan
Diana Costantini
Lisa Walsh
Director of Innovation
Angela Clark
Head, Architecture
and Development
Ciaran Forde
Head, Digital Education
Annabel Astbury
Head, Online and Mobile Mark Dando
Head, Strategic Development Vacant
CEO of ABC International Chief Operating Officer
Head, Asia
Head, Digital Operations
Head, Pacific and Mekong
Manager, Policy and
International Relations
Network Controller,
Radio Australia
TV Controller,
Australia Network
Melissa Firth (Acting)
Natalie Waller
Sharon Ramsay-Luck
Lynley Marshall
Anne Milne
Clement Paligaru
David Hua
Domenic Friguglietti
Joanna Corbett
Ryan Egan
Patrick Emmett
Jessica Ellis
Regina Hoekstra
Claire M Gorman
Liz White
Director of Corporate Affairs Michael Millett
Head, Corporate Affairs
Sophie Mitchell
Head, Corporate Governance Judith Maude
Media Manager
Nick Leys
State/Territory Directors
200 Innovation
Natasha Nolland
Corporate Affairs
Director, ACT
Director, NSW Director of Corporate Strategy
and Planning
David Anderson
Head, Converged
Media Policy
Mark Tapley
Head, Strategic Policy David Sutton
ABC International
Robert Patterson
Cheryl Scroope
Christopher Smyth
Mark Bowling
Drew Radford (Acting)
Andrew Fisher (Acting)
Randal Mathieson
Mark Yates (Acting)
Corporate Strategy and Planning
Jane Wilson
ABC Commercial
Chief Financial Officer General Manager, Digital
Business Development
General Manager, Music
and Events
General Manager, Sales and
Business Development
General Manager, Video
Entertainment and
Distribution
Head, ABC Retail
Manager, Policy
Manager, Publishing
Director, NT
Director, Queensland
Director, SA
Director, Tasmania
Director, Victoria
Director, WA
Elizabeth McGrath
Peter Longman
Director of Legal and
Business Affairs
Deputy General Counsel
Deputy General Counsel
Head, Business Affairs Rob Simpson
Michael Martin
Jennifer Wright
Georgina Waite
News
Director of News Head, Budgets and
Governance
Head, Business
Head, Current Affairs
Head, News Content
Head, Newsgathering
Kate Torney
John Turner
Roland Clifton-Bligh
Bruce Belsham
Gaven Morris
Craig McMurtrie
Appendix 3—ABC Organisation, as at 30 June 2014 continued
Head, News Projects
Head, Operations
Head, Strategy and
Staff Development
Fiona Reynolds
Rebecca Matthews
Michele Fonseca
Operations
Chief Operating Officer
Head, Capital Works Head, Group Audit
Head, Operations Planning
David Pendleton
Mark Woodley
Alison Hamill
Michael Ward
Business Services
Director of Business Services Brian Jackson
Head, Corporate Treasury
and Performance
Measurement
Fulvio Barbuio
Head, Finance Gareth Thompson
(Acting)
Head, Financial Control Toni Robertson
Head, Human Resources
Operations
Greg Fromyhr
Head, Property Services
Aziz Dindar (Acting)
Manager, Capital Expenditure
and Planning
Tim Stubbings
Manager, Group Budgets
Philip Cahill
Manager, Policy and Projects Janet Kalivas
Manager, Procurement
Jagdeep Singh
Manager, Risk and Insurance Kylie McKiernan
Communication Networks
Director of Communication
Networks Head, Broadcast Network
Services Head, Transmission Network
Services
Manager, Spectrum
Regulatory Strategy
Adrian Potter
Marie Wines
Mark Spurway
Dilip Jadeja
ABC Resources
Director of ABC Resources
General Manager,
Resource Sales
Head, Broadcast Operations Head, Content Services
Head, Production Planning
and Business
Manager, Strategy
and Projects
David Cruttenden
Patrick Austin
Mark Nealon
Mary Jane Stannus
Andrew Cavenett
Judy Grant
Technology
Director of Technology Ken Gallacher
Deputy Director
of Technology
Margaret Cassidy
Head, Information Technology
Services
Ping-Fai Tse
Head, Technical Services
Robert Hynen
Head, Technology
Architecture and
Development
Tony Silva
Manager, Business Continuity Stephen Flohr
Technology Business
Partner, News
Caleb Dunstan
Technology Business
Partner, Radio
Cathy Scanlon
Technology Business
Partner, Television
Roger Dunkerley
People
Director of People Samantha Liston
Rachel Simons
Vanessa MacBean
Head, Indigenous
Employment and Diversity Phillipa McDermott
Head, Learning Tina Osman
Head, Planning and
Performance
Charlie Naylor
Head, Policy, Communications
and Projects
Kate Marshall
Radio
Director of Radio Kate Dundas
Group Program Director Michael Mason
Head, Industry Policy and
Strategy
Jane Connors
Head, Multiplatform and
Content Development Linda Bracken
Head, Technology and
Digital Planning
Mark Bowry
Manager, ABC Classic FM Richard Buckham
Manager, Metropolitan
Local Radio
Jeremy Millar
Manager, ABC NewsRadio Helen Thomas
Manager, Policy Cathy Duff
Manager, Regional
Local Radio
Linda Bracken (Acting)
Manager, Radio National Deborah Leavitt
(Acting)
Manager, triple j Chris Scaddan
Appendices
201
Appendices
Appendix 3—ABC Organisation, as at 30 June 2014 continued
Appendix 4—ABC Advisory Council continued
Television
Director of Television: Q&A is looking for
opportunities to feature single guests rather than a
panel to enable in-depth questioning from audiences.
The program has traditionally adopted a single‑guest
format for significant political leaders such as the
Prime Minister. This format has also been used
successfully to feature guests such as Bill Gates and
Christine Lagarde.
Director of Television
Richard Finlayson
Head, Arts Katrina Sedgwick
Head, Business
and OperationsPaul Crockford
(Acting)
Head, Children’s Television Deidre Brennan
Head, Entertainment
Jon Casimir
Head, Factual
Phil Craig
Head, Fiction
Head, Indigenous
Head Programming, ABC1
and ABC2
Head, Sport and Events
Head, TV Content and
Creative Development
Head, TV Strategy and
Digital Products
Carole Sklan
Sally Riley
Brendan Dahill
Justin Holdforth
Stuart Menzies
Rebecca Heap
Appendix 4—ABC Advisory Council
In 2013–14, the ABC Advisory Council met
three times. It made two recommendations
and 21 commendations.
Advisory Council members
Member
Ms Joan McKain, Convenor (Lake Cathie, NSW)
Mrs Melissa Cadzow (Glenside, SA)
Mr Gideon Cordover (Leichhardt, NSW)
Mr Scott Cowans (Ellenbrook, WA)
Ms Kate Duncan (Coburg North, Victoria)
Mrs Charmaine Foley (Nambour, Queensland)
Ms Kez Hall (Darwin, NT)
Mrs Rena Henderson (Preston, Tasmania)
Mr Nakul Legha (Gungahlin, ACT)
Ms Heron Loban (Oxley, Queensland)
Mr Rob Ryan (Holland Park East, Queensland)
Mr Ben Spence (Narrabri, NSW)
Summary of recommendations,
responses and
commendations 2013–14
Recommendations
Recommendation R1/2/13—Depiction of
smoking on television
The Advisory Council recommends that the ABC
investigate the proliferation of cigarette smoking and
other drug use in television programs with a view to
ensuring that, as far as possible, any such depiction
is not gratuitous and can be justified by context.
Director of Television: ABC Television does not
believe there has been a proliferation of cigarette
smoking or other drug use in its programs, and
is confident that depictions of such activities are
justified by context.
202 There is a difficult balance to be struck by program
makers between the danger of encouraging
potentially damaging habits, particularly among the
young, and the need to realistically reflect the range
of public attitudes and behaviour. The ABC considers
that in drama, comedy and factual programs, there
are cases where depictions of smoking or drug use
are essential to a character or story.
In making judgements about the suitability of
programs for particular audiences and classification
time zones, ABC Television’s classifiers take note of
smoking and drug use, particularly when programs
are directed at a younger audience. ABC Television
also takes note of the requirements of the Tobacco
Advertising Prohibitions Act 1992.
The Associated Standard on Television Program
Classification contains specific guidelines for drug
use at each classification level, which are carefully
applied by the ABC’s classifiers. Depictions of
smoking and other drug use are also captured
within Section 7 (Harm and Offence) of the ABC
Editorial Policies.
Depictions which promote or encourage drug
use are not permitted at any classification level.
In practice, this often means that content will include
the depiction of the drug users experiencing negative
consequences or living in bleak circumstances; in this
way, drug use is neither glorified nor advocated within
ABC Television content.
Recommendation R1/1/14—Q&A
Following the success of the Q&A program
featuring Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director
of the International Monetary Fund, the Advisory
Council recommends future Q&A programs
focus on single-issue topics with guests who have
extensive expertise.
Commendations
Science Forum
The ABC Advisory Council commends the
Western Australia State Director and ABC staff for
the outstanding Science Forum held in July 2013.
Professor Fiona Stanley and Professor Lyn Beazley
made a valuable contribution to the event which
involved an impressive array of guests. The Council
was pleased that Central Perth TAFE students were
invited to produce a video of the event.
The Checkout
The ABC Advisory Council commends the makers
of The Checkout for the well-researched programs
which meet the ABC’s Charter obligations of
informing, educating and entertaining Australians.
Adam Hills Tonight
The ABC Advisory Council commends Adam Hills
Tonight for innovative comedic ideas, clever use of
audience participation, and entertaining guests.
Cliffy
The ABC Advisory Council commends Cliffy, the
dramatisation of Cliff Young’s victory in the 1983
Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon. It was a
heart‑warming depiction of an epic accomplishment
by a unique Australian, featuring an Australian cast.
ABC On The Road (ABC Exhibition Trailer)
The ABC Advisory Council commends the work
of the ABC Exhibition Trailer team. Since its
launch, the Exhibition Trailer has exhibited at over
200 events nationally in more than 60 locations.
It has travelled around Australia eight times and
provided a valuable connection between the ABC
and Australian communities.
Recognition of Traditional Owners
The Advisory Council commends the Bonner
Committee and State and Territory Directors for the
national approach to reconciliation. The ABC has
recognised the traditional custodians of the land by
unveiling plaques at ABC offices in capital cities.
Four Corners—“Fashion Victims”
The Advisory Council commends Sarah Ferguson
and the Four Corners team for Fashion Victims.
This powerful documentary revealed the human cost
paid by workers engaged in garment manufacturing
in Bangladesh for fashion retailers in wealthy nations
such as Australia.
Autopsy on a Dream and The Dream
of Perfection
The ABC Advisory Council commends the ABC
for delivering the 1968 BBC documentary, Autopsy
on a Dream to Australian audiences together with
The Dream of Perfection. The two documentaries
marked the 40th anniversary of an iconic Australian
landmark, the Sydney Opera House.
2013 Federal Election coverage
The ABC Advisory Council commends the ABC for
its outstanding multi-platform coverage of the 2013
Federal election. The coverage fulfilled the ABC
Charter to inform, educate and entertain through
the variety of content, competent reporting and
presenting, and innovations such as Vote Compass
and Fact Check.
Management of the ABC
The ABC Advisory Council commends ABC
management for supporting the reporting of
surveillance by intelligence agencies. The story
was in the public interest and demonstrates the
independence of the ABC.
Redesign My Brain with Todd Sampson
production team of the Redesign My Brain with
Todd Sampson series. The series was engaging
and educational.
Redfern Now—Series 2
production team of Redfern Now, Series 2, which
explored controversial issues in a realistic manner.
The Council was impressed by the storylines, acting
and direction. Redfern Now, Series 1 and 2, have
made a valuable contribution to reconciliation.
Kakadu
production team of the Kakadu series, which
showcased the National Park using dramatic
cinematography. The series demonstrated the
continuing ecological and spiritual value of Kakadu.
Appendices
203
Appendices
Appendix 4—ABC Advisory Council continued
Appendix 5—ABC Code of Practice
Keating
First Footprints
The ABC Advisory Council commends Kerry O’Brien
and the production team of Keating. Kerry O’Brien’s
in-depth questioning enabled the audience to gain
an understanding of Keating’s political life, character
and personality.
producers of First Footprints. The groundbreaking
series drew on the knowledge of traditional owners
and the work of archaeologists to tell the story of
Australia’s first inhabitants. It is a valuable educational
resource which challenges some of the longstanding
misconceptions about Australia’s history and culture.
Current as at 30 June 2014; last updated
1 February 2014.
Dr Who
for being the home of Doctor Who in Australia
for all of its record-breaking 50–year history. The
ABC gave Whovians the chance to celebrate this
important anniversary with a live global simulcast,
a fast-tracked series, merchandise, events at ABC
Shops, hand‑picked classics on iview and the
commemorative exhibition at the ABC Ultimo Centre.
Whitlam: The Power and the Passion
for the production of Whitlam: The Power and the
Passion. The program was an informative and
engaging account of the Whitlam government
and serves as an important archive of Australian
political history.
John Clarke and Brian Dawe
The ABC Advisory Council commends John Clarke
and Brian Dawe for 25 years of excellent satirical
commentary on important issues facing the nation
each week.
Conversations with Richard Fidler
The ABC Advisory Council commends
Conversations with Richard Fidler for the quality
and breadth of the guest line-up and the diverse
selection of topics.
Summer Documentary Line-up
documentary team for the summer line-up, in
particular the strong component of Australian
content. Programs such as Lizard Kings,
The Kangaroo Gang, Possum Wars, Dingo: Wild
Dog at War and Hello Birdy were educational
and entertaining.
Australia Day programming
The ABC Advisory Council commends the ABC’s
Australia Day programming. The multi-platform
coverage provided a cohesive, respectful and
positive treatment of Australian cultural diversity,
history and events.
I. Regulatory Framework
The ABC Board is required, under section 8(1)(e) of
the ABC Act, to develop a code of practice relating
to its television and radio programming, and to notify
this code to the Australian Communications and
Media Authority (“the ACMA”).
A complaint alleging the ABC has acted
contrary to its Code of Practice in its television
or radio programming may be made to the ABC.
A complainant is entitled under section 150 of the
Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) (“the BSA”)
to take their complaint to the ACMA if, after 60
days, the ABC fails to respond to the complainant
or the complainant considers the ABC’s response
is inadequate.
Section 150 of the BSA empowers the ACMA to
investigate a complaint alleging the ABC has, in
providing a national broadcasting service, breached
its Code of Practice. The ACMA can decline to
investigate the complaint under section 151 of the
BSA if it is satisfied that the complaint does not relate
to the ABC Code of Practice, or that the complaint is
frivolous or vexatious or was not made in good faith.
The ACMA’s jurisdiction under sections 150-151
does not encompass the ABC’s print content or
content disseminated by the ABC over the internet
or through mobile devices. However, the ACMA has
separate jurisdiction under Schedule 7 of the BSA in
relation to content hosted on websites or transmitted
through mobile services where that content is
either “prohibited content”1 or “age‑restricted
content”2. The ACMA is empowered under Schedule
7 to require content service providers and content
hosts to remove or prevent access to these
types of content.
The ABC voluntarily complies with the Content
Services Code developed by the Internet Industry
Association and registered as an industry code with
the ACMA under clause 85 of Schedule 7 of the
BSA. The Content Services Code does not apply to
content delivered through online or mobile services
where that content has been previously transmitted
on radio or television.
Except as expressly provided by the BSA, the
regulatory regime established by the BSA does not
apply to the ABC: section 13(5) of the BSA, and
section 79 of the ABC Act.
II. Scope of the Code
The requirements of this Code are set out in the
sections dealing with Interpretation and Standards
in Part IV and the Associated Standard in Part V.
The Standards in Part IV apply to radio and
television programs broadcast by the ABC on its
free-to-air television or radio broadcasting services.
The Associated Standard in Part V applies only to
television programs broadcast by the ABC on its
domestic free-to-air television services.
This Code does not apply to any complaint which
the ABC had decided not to investigate or, having
accepted it for investigation, decided not to
investigate further, where the ABC was satisfied that:
• the complaint concerns content which is or
becomes the subject of legal proceedings;
• the complaint was frivolous or vexatious or not
made in good faith;
• the complaint was lodged with the ABC more than
six weeks after the date when the program was
last broadcast by the ABC on its free-to-air radio or
television services, unless the ABC accepted the
complaint for investigation after being satisfied that
it was appropriate to do so, having regard to:
–– the interests of the complainant in the subject
matter of the complaint;
–– the seriousness of the alleged breach;
–– the reason(s) for the delay;
–– the availability of the program content which is
the subject of the complaint; and
• any prejudice the delay may otherwise have on
the ABC’s ability to investigate and determine the
matter fairly; or
1. Prohibited content essentially involves content that is classified either as RC
(Refused Classification) or X18+. This includes real depictions of actual sexual
activity, child pornography, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use; and
age-restricted content.
2. Age-restricted content involves content classified as R18+ or MA15+ that is
delivered through a mobile device or through a service that provides audio or
video content for a fee. This type of content must be subject to a restricted
access system, i.e. measures put in place to protect children under the age of 15
from exposure to unsuitable material. This category of content includes material
containing strong depictions of nudity, implied sexual activity, drug use or violence,
very frequent or very strong coarse language, and other material that is strong
in impact.
Appendices
205
Appendices
Appendix 5—ABC Code of Practice continued
• the complainant does not have a sufficient
interest in the subject matter of the complaint,
where the complaint alleges a breach of Fair and
honest dealing (Standards 5.1–5.8) or Privacy
(Standard 6.1).
To avoid any doubt, the ABC intends that any
complaint falling within the terms of any one of the
above categories is not relevant to the ABC Code of
Practice, for the purposes of section 151(2)(b) of the
BSA. In effect, this means that only complaints which
the ABC has accepted for investigation in accordance
with the above criteria are eligible under this Code to
be reviewed and investigated by the ACMA.
III. Resolved Complaints
The ABC seeks to comply fully with the Code and to
resolve complaints as soon as practicable.
A failure to comply will not be a breach of the Code
if the ABC has, prior to the complaint being made to
the ACMA, taken steps which were adequate and
appropriate in all the circumstances to redress the
cause of the complaint.
To illustrate, a failure to comply with Standards 2.1
or 2.2 (Accuracy) will not be taken to be a breach
of the Code if a correction or clarification, which is
adequate and appropriate in all the circumstances,
is made prior to or within 30 days of the ABC
receiving the complaint.
IV. Principles and Standards
1. Interpretation
In this Code, the Standards must be interpreted and
applied in accordance with the Principles applying in
each Section. From time to time, the ABC publishes
Guidance Notes which do not in themselves impose
obligations on the ABC, but which may be relevant in
interpreting and applying the Code.
The Standards in Parts IV and V are to be interpreted
and applied with due regard for the nature of the
content under consideration in particular cases.
The ABC is conscious that its dual obligations—
for accountability and for high quality—can in
practice interact in complex ways. It can be a sign of
strength not weakness that journalism enrages or art
shocks. The Standards are to be applied in ways that
maintain independence and integrity, preserve trust
and do not unduly constrain journalistic enquiry or
artistic expression.
206 Appendix 5—ABC Code of Practice continued
2. Accuracy
3. Corrections and clarifications
Principles: The ABC has a statutory duty to ensure
that the gathering and presentation of news and
information is accurate according to the recognised
standards of objective journalism. Credibility depends
heavily on factual accuracy.
Principles: A commitment to accuracy includes a
willingness to correct errors and clarify ambiguous
or otherwise misleading information. Swift correction
can reduce harmful reliance on inaccurate
information, especially given content can be quickly,
widely and permanently disseminated. Corrections
and clarifications can contribute to achieving fairness
and impartiality.
Types of fact-based content include news and
analysis of current events, documentaries, factual
dramas and lifestyle programs. The ABC requires that
reasonable efforts must be made to ensure accuracy
in all fact-based content. The ABC gauges those
efforts by reference to:
• the type, subject and nature of the content;
• the likely audience expectations of the content;
• the likely impact of reliance by the audience on the
accuracy of the content; and
• the circumstances in which the content was made
and presented.
The ABC accuracy standard applies to assertions
of fact, not to expressions of opinion. An opinion,
being a value judgement or conclusion, cannot be
found to be accurate or inaccurate in the way facts
can. The accuracy standard requires that opinions be
conveyed accurately, in the sense that quotes should
be accurate and any editing should not distort the
meaning of the opinion expressed.
The efforts reasonably required to ensure accuracy
will depend on the circumstances. Sources with
relevant expertise may be relied on more heavily
than those without. Eyewitness testimony usually
carries more weight than second-hand accounts.
The passage of time or the inaccessibility of locations
or sources can affect the standard of verification
reasonably required.
The ABC should make reasonable efforts,
appropriate in the context, to signal to audiences
gradations in accuracy, for example by querying
interviewees, qualifying bald assertions,
supplementing the partly right and correcting the
plainly wrong.
Standards:
2.1 Make reasonable efforts to ensure that material
facts are accurate and presented in context.
2.2 Do not present factual content in a way that
will materially mislead the audience. In some
cases, this may require appropriate labels or other
explanatory information.
The ABC aims to present, over time, content that
addresses a broad range of subjects from a diversity
of perspectives reflecting a diversity of experiences,
presented in a diversity of ways from a diversity of
sources, including content created by ABC staff,
generated by audiences and commissioned or
acquired from external content-makers.
Standards:
Impartiality does not require that every perspective
receives equal time, nor that every facet of every
argument is presented.
3.1 Acknowledge and correct or clarify,
in an appropriate manner as soon as
reasonably practicable:
Assessing the impartiality due in given circumstances
requires consideration in context of all relevant
factors including:
a. significant material errors that are readily apparent
or have been demonstrated; or
• the type, subject and nature of the content;
b. information that is likely to significantly and
materially mislead.
4. Impartiality and diversity
of perspectives
Principles: The ABC has a statutory duty to ensure
that the gathering and presentation of news and
information is impartial according to the recognised
standards of objective journalism.
Aiming to equip audiences to make up their own
minds is consistent with the public service character
of the ABC. A democratic society depends on diverse
sources of reliable information and contending
opinions. A broadcaster operating under statute with
public funds is legitimately expected to contribute in
ways that may differ from commercial media, which
are free to be partial to private interests.
Judgements about whether impartiality was
achieved in any given circumstances can vary
among individuals according to their personal and
subjective view of any given matter of contention.
Acknowledging this fact of life does not change the
ABC’s obligation to apply its impartiality standard
as objectively as possible. In doing so, the ABC is
guided by these hallmarks of impartiality:
• a balance that follows the weight of evidence;
• fair treatment;
• open-mindedness; and
• opportunities over time for principal relevant
perspectives on matters of contention to
be expressed.
• the circumstances in which the content is made
and presented;
• the likely audience expectations of the content;
• the degree to which the matter to which the
content relates is contentious;
• the range of principal relevant perspectives on the
matter of contention; and
• the timeframe within which it would be appropriate
for the ABC to provide opportunities for the
principal relevant perspectives to be expressed,
having regard to the public importance of the
matter of contention and the extent to which it is
the subject of current debate.
Standards:
4.1 Gather and present news and information
with due impartiality.
4.2 Present a diversity of perspectives so that,
over time, no significant strand of thought or belief
within the community is knowingly excluded or
disproportionately represented.
4.3 Do not state or imply that any perspective is
the editorial opinion of the ABC. The ABC takes
no editorial stance other than its commitment to
fundamental democratic principles including the rule
of law, freedom of speech and religion, parliamentary
democracy and equality of opportunity.
4.4 Do not misrepresent any perspective.
4.5 Do not unduly favour one perspective
over another.
Appendices
207
Appendices
5. Fair and honest dealing
6. Privacy
Standards:
Principles: Fair and honest dealing is essential to
maintaining trust with audiences and with those who
participate in or are otherwise directly affected by
ABC content. In rare circumstances, deception or a
breach of an undertaking may be justified. Because
of the potential damage to trust, deception or
breach of an undertaking must be explained openly
afterwards unless there are compelling reasons not
to do so.
Principles: Privacy is necessary to human dignity
and every person reasonably expects that their
privacy will be respected. But privacy is not absolute.
The ABC seeks to balance the public interest
in respect for privacy with the public interest in
disclosure of information and freedom of expression.
7.1 Content that is likely to cause harm or offence
must be justified by the editorial context.
Standards:
Dealing with participants
6.1 Intrusion into a person’s private life without
consent must be justified in the public interest and
the extent of the intrusion must be limited to what is
proportionate in the circumstances.
5.1 Participants in ABC content should normally be
informed of the general nature of their participation.
7. Harm and offence
Standards:
5.2 A refusal to participate will not be overridden
without good cause.
Opportunity to respond
5.3 Where allegations are made about a person
or organisation, make reasonable efforts in the
circumstances to provide a fair opportunity
to respond.
Attribution and sources
5.4 Aim to attribute information to its source.
5.5 Where a source seeks anonymity, do not agree
without first considering the source’s motive and any
alternative attributable sources.
5.6 Do not misrepresent another’s work as your own.
Undertakings
5.7 Assurances given in relation to conditions
of participation, use of content, confidentiality or
anonymity must be honoured except in rare cases
where justified in the public interest.
Secret recording and other types of deception
5.8 Secret recording devices, misrepresentation or
other types of deception must not be used to obtain
or seek information, audio, pictures or an agreement
to participate except where:
a. justified in the public interest and the material
cannot reasonably be obtained by any other
means; or
Principles: The ABC broadcasts comprehensive
and innovative content that aims to inform, entertain
and educate diverse audiences. Innovation involves
a willingness to take risks, invent and experiment
with new ideas. This can result in challenging content
which may offend some of the audience some of the
time. But it also contributes to diversity of content
in the media and to fulfilling the ABC’s function to
encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and
other performing arts. The ABC acknowledges that a
public broadcaster should never gratuitously harm or
offend and accordingly any content which is likely to
harm or offend must have a clear editorial purpose.
The ABC potentially reaches the whole community,
so it must take into account community standards.
The ABC must also be able to provide content for
specific target audiences whose standards may differ
from generally held community attitudes. Applying
the harm and offence standard requires careful
judgement. Context is an important consideration.
What may be inappropriate and unacceptable in
one context may be appropriate and acceptable
in another. Coarse language, disturbing images or
unconventional situations may form a legitimate
part of reportage, debate, documentaries or a
humorous, satirical, dramatic or other artistic work.
Consideration of the nature of the target audience
for particular content is part of assessing harm and
offence in context, as is any signposting that equips
audiences to make informed choices about what they
see, hear or read.
b. consent is obtained from the subject or identities
are effectively obscured; or
c. the deception is integral to an artistic work and the
potential for harm is taken into consideration.
7.2 Where content is likely to cause harm or offence,
having regard to the context, make reasonable efforts
to provide information about the nature of the content
through the use of classification labels or other
warnings or advice.
7.3 Ensure all domestic television programs—with
the exception of news, current affairs and sporting
events—are classified and scheduled for broadcast in
accordance with the ABC’s Associated Standard on
Television Program Classification.
7.4 If inadvertent or unexpected actions, audio or
images in live content are likely to cause harm or
offence, take appropriate steps to mitigate.
7.5 The reporting or depiction of violence, tragedy
or trauma must be handled with extreme sensitivity.
Avoid causing undue distress to victims, witnesses or
bereaved relatives. Be sensitive to significant cultural
practices when depicting or reporting on recently
deceased persons.
7.6 Where there is editorial justification for content
which may lead to dangerous imitation or exacerbate
serious threats to individual or public health, safety
or welfare, take appropriate steps to mitigate those
risks, particularly by taking care with how content is
expressed or presented.
7.7 Avoid the unjustified use of stereotypes or
discriminatory content that could reasonably be
interpreted as condoning or encouraging prejudice.
8. Children and young people
Principles: The ABC aims to provide children and
young people (under the age of 18) with enjoyable
and enriching content, as well as opportunities for
them to express themselves. Children and young
people participate and interact with the ABC in
various ways—as actors, presenters, interviewees,
subjects, content makers and audience members.
The ABC has a responsibility to protect children
and young people from potential harm that might
arise during their engagement with the ABC and
its content. The ABC shares this responsibility with
parents/guardians and with the child or young person
him/herself. In particular, the ABC recommends that
parents/guardians supervise children and young
people’s access to content, their participation in
interactive services, and their exposure to news
and current affairs. It is not always possible to avoid
presenting content that may be distressing to some
audience members.
Standards:
8.1 Take due care over the dignity and physical and
emotional welfare of children and young people who
are involved in making, participating in and presenting
content produced or commissioned by the ABC.
8.2 Before significant participation of a child or
young person in content produced or commissioned
by the ABC, or in interactive services offered by the
ABC, consider whether it is appropriate to obtain
the consent of both the child/young person and the
parent/guardian.
8.3 Adopt appropriate measures wherever
practicable to enable children and young people,
or those who supervise them, to manage risks
associated with the child/ young person’s
participation with, use of and exposure to ABC
content and services designed for them.
8.4 Take particular care to minimise risks of exposure
to unsuitable content or inappropriate contact by
peers or strangers.
V. Associated Standard:
Television Program
Classification
Status of Associated Standard
This Associated Standard is approved by the ABC
Board and is binding. It is for consideration by
relevant editorial decision-makers when providing
advice on compliance and by complaints bodies
when dealing with complaints. The Associated
Standard is provided to assist interpretation of or
otherwise supplement the standard in the Editorial
Policies to which the Associated Standard relates.
This Associated Standard forms part of the Code of
Practice notified to the Australian Communications
and Media Authority under section 8(1)(e) of the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.
Key Editorial Standard
7.3 Ensure all domestic television programs—with
the exception of news, current affairs and sporting
events—are classified and scheduled for broadcast in
accordance with the ABC’s Associated Standard on
Television Program Classification.
Appendices
209
Appendices
Principles: The ABC applies the classifications listed
below to the broadcast of all its domestic television
programs with the exception of news, current affairs
and sporting events. The ABC classifications are
adapted from the Guidelines for the Classification
of Films and Computer Games issued by the
Classification Board made under the Classification
(Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.
The guiding principle in the application of the
following classifications is context. What is
inappropriate and unacceptable in one context may
be appropriate and acceptable in another. Factors
to be taken into account include: the artistic or
educational merit of the production, the purpose of
a sequence, the tone, the camera work, the intensity
and relevance of the material, the treatment, and the
intended audience.
Standards:
7.3.1 Television Classifications
G – GENERAL
(G programs may be shown at any time)
G programs, which include programs designed for
pre-school and school-aged children, are suitable for
children to watch on their own. Some G programs
may be more appropriate for older children.
The G classification does not necessarily indicate that
the program is one that children will enjoy. Some G
programs contain themes or storylines that are not of
interest to children.
Whether or not the program is intended for children,
the treatment of themes and other classifiable
elements will be careful and discreet.
Themes: The treatment of themes should be
discreet, justified by context, and very mild in impact.
The presentation of dangerous, imitable behaviour
is not permitted except in those circumstances
where it is justified by context. Any depiction of such
behaviour must not encourage dangerous imitation.
Violence: Violence may be very discreetly implied,
but should:
• have a light tone, or
• have a very low sense of threat or menace, and
• be infrequent, and
• not be gratuitous.
210 Sex: Sexual activity should:
• only be suggested in very discreet visual or verbal
references, and
Violence: Violence may be discreetly implied or
stylised and should also be:
• not contain a lot of detail, and
• mild in impact, and
• not be prolonged.
• not shown in detail.
Sex: Sexual activity and nudity in a sexual context
may be suggested, but should:
Artistic or cultural depictions of nudity in a sexual
context may be permitted if the treatment is discreet,
justified by context, and very mild in impact.
• not have a strong impact, and
• be very mild and infrequent, and
Verbal references to sexual activity should be discreet.
Language: Coarse language should be mild
and infrequent.
• infrequent, and
• not detailed, and
• not gratuitous.
PG – PARENTAL GUIDANCE
(Parental Guidance recommended for people
under 15 years)
Subject to the Implementation Guidelines at 7.3.2,
PG programs may be shown in accordance with
Time Zone Charts at 7.3.5.
PG programs may contain themes and concepts
which, when viewed by those under 15 years,
may require the guidance of an adult. The PG
classification signals to parents that material in this
category contains depictions or references which
could be confusing or upsetting to children without
adult guidance. Material classified PG will not be
harmful or disturbing to children.
Parents may choose to preview the material for their
children. Some may choose to watch the material
with their children. Others might find it sufficient to
be accessible during or after the viewing to discuss
the content.
Themes: The treatment of themes should be
discreet and mild in impact. More disturbing themes
are not generally dealt with at PG level. Supernatural
or mild horror themes may be included.
Nudity: Nudity outside of a sexual context should be:
In realistic treatments, depictions of violence that
contain detail should:
• be discreet, and
Language: Coarse language should:
Drug Use: The depiction of the use of legal
drugs should be handled with care. Illegal drug
use should be implied only very discreetly and be
justified by context.
Violence: Generally, depictions of violence should:
Drug Use: Discreet verbal references and mild,
incidental visuals of drug use may be included, but
these should not promote or encourage drug use.
Nudity: Nudity outside of a sexual context should
not be detailed or gratuitous.
In stylised treatments, depictions of violence may
contain more detail and be more frequent if this
does not increase the impact.
Verbal and visual references to sexual violence may
only be included if they are:
• discreet and infrequent, and
• strongly justified by the narrative or
documentary context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be discreetly implied.
M – MATURE
(Recommended for people aged 15 years and over)
Nudity in a sexual context should not contain a lot
of detail, or be prolonged.
Subject to the Implementation Guidelines at 7.3.2,
M programs may be shown:
Verbal references to sexual activity may be more
detailed than depictions if this does not increase
the impact.
• on weekdays that are school days, between noon
and 3.00 pm; and
• on any day of the week between 8.30 pm
and 5.00 am.
The M category is recommended for people aged
over 15 years. Programs classified M contain material
that is considered to be potentially harmful or
disturbing to those under 15 years. Depictions and
references to classifiable elements may contain detail.
While most themes may be dealt with, the degree of
explicitness and intensity of treatment will determine
what can be accommodated in the M category—the
less explicit or less intense material will be included
in the M classification and the more explicit or more
intense material, especially violent material, will be
included in the MA15+ classification.
Themes: Most themes can be dealt with, but the
treatment should be discreet and the impact should
not be strong.
Language: Coarse language may be used.
Generally, coarse language that is stronger, detailed
or very aggressive should:
Drug Use: Drug use may be discreetly shown.
Drug use should not be promoted or encouraged.
Nudity: Nudity outside of a sexual context may be
shown but depictions that contain any detail should
not be gratuitous.
MA15+ – MATURE AUDIENCE
(Not suitable for people under 15 years)
MA15+ programs may be shown between 9.00 pm
and 5.00 am on any day of the week.
MA15+ programs, because of the matter they contain
or because of the way it is treated, are not suitable for
people aged under 15 years.
Appendices
211
Appendices
Material classified MA15+ deals with issues or
contains depictions which require a more mature
perspective. This is because the impact of individual
elements or a combination of elements is considered
likely to be harmful or disturbing to viewers under
15 years of age. While most themes may be dealt
with, the degree of explicitness and intensity of
treatment will determine what can be accommodated
in the MA15+ category—the more explicit or more
intense material, especially violent material, will be
included in the MA15+ classification and the less
explicit or less intense material will be included in
the M classification.
Themes: The treatment of themes with a high
degree of intensity should not be gratuitous.
Violence: Generally, depictions of violence should
not have a high impact.
In realistic treatments, detailed depictions of violence
with a strong impact should:
• not be prolonged, and
Depictions of violence in stylised treatments may
be more detailed and more frequent if this does
not increase the impact.
Depictions of sexual violence are permitted only
if they are not frequent, prolonged, gratuitous
or exploitative.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied.
Depictions of nudity in a sexual context which
contain detail should not be exploitative.
Verbal references may be more detailed than
depictions, if this does not increase the impact.
Language: Coarse language may be used.
Coarse language that is very strong, aggressive or
detailed should not be gratuitous.
Drug Use: Drug use may be shown, but should
not be promoted or encouraged.
More detailed depictions should not have a high
degree of impact.
Nudity: Nudity should be justified by context.
7.3.2 Implementation Guidelines
7.3.5 Time Zone chart
Application of classifications to specific channels:
ABC TV CLASSIFICATION TIME ZONE
ABC2
• ABC4Kids—G only programming all day (5.00 am
to 7.00 pm)
ABC1 and ABC News24
Weekdays, School holidays, Public holidays
and Weekends
• ABC3—M programming will not apply between
12.00 pm and 3.00 pm.
The time zones for each program classification are
guides to the most likely placement of programs
within that classification. They are not hard and fast
rules and there will be occasions on which programs
or segments of programs appear in other time zones.
For example, a PG program or segment of a program
designed for teenage viewers could appear between
4.00 pm and 6.00 pm on a week day if that is the
time most suitable for the target audience.
There must be sound reasons for any departure from
the time zone for a program classification.
Programs which are serious presentations of moral,
social or cultural issues, may appear outside their
normal classification time zone, provided that a clear
indication of the nature of the content is given at the
beginning of the program.
Programs, including those having a particular
classification under the Classification Board’s
Guidelines for the Classification of Films and
Computer Games, may be modified so that they
are suitable for broadcast or suitable for broadcast
at particular times.
Broken Hill in New South Wales shares a time zone
with South Australia and ordinarily receives the ABC’s
SA TV services. Given the time zone difference, in the
rare cases when Broken Hill receives ABC NSW TV
services, some programs may be broadcast outside
their classification time zone.
7.3.3 Television Classification Symbols
The classification symbol of the PG, M or MA15+
program (except for news, current affairs or sporting
events) being shown will be displayed at the
beginning of the program.
Weekdays
7pm
G
G
PG
PG
M
M
MA
MA
6am 8.30am 12pm
3pm
4pm
6pm 8.30pm 9pm
5am
5am
G
G
PG
PG
M
M
MA
MA
6am
10am
12pm
3pm
4pm
6pm 8.30pm 9pm
5am
5am
G
G
PG
PG
M
M
MA
MA
ABC4Kids
Weekdays, School holidays, Public holidays
and Weekends
5am
5am
6am 8.30am 12pm
3pm
4pm
6pm 8.30pm 9pm
5am
School holidays/Public holidays
Weekends
5am
9pm
ABC3
Weekdays
School holidays/Public holidays
5am
8.30pm
6am
8.30am
12pm
3pm
4pm
6am 8.30am 12pm
3pm
4pm
6pm 8.30pm 9pm
5am
3pm
4pm
6pm 8.30pm 9pm
5am
Weekends
5am
7pm
G
G
PG
PG
M
M
MA
MA
6am
10am
12pm
The classification symbol of the PG, M or MA15+
program (except for news, current affairs or sporting
events) being promoted will be displayed during
the promotion.
7.3.4 Consumer Advice
Audio and visual consumer advice on the reasons for
an M or MA15+ classification will be given prior to the
beginning of an M or MA15+ program.
Appendices
213
Appendices
Appendix 6—ABC Television, Content Analysis
Appendix 6—ABC Television, Content Analysis continued
ABC1 program hours transmitted—24 hours July 2013 – June 2014
ABC1 program hours transmitted—6 pm – midnight July 2013 – June 2014
Australian
Arts and Culture
Children’s
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual
Indigenous
Movies
News
Religion and Ethics
Sport
Total Program Hours
% of Total Program Hours
Other*
Total Hours
% of Total Hours
First
Release
80
9
521
44
101
1 048
192
5
0
1 702
18
198
3 919
46.3%
Repeat
87
151
266
89
190
73
291
7
0
15
30
333
1 531
18.1%
Total
Australian
167
160
788
133
291
1 121
483
12
0
1 717
48
531
5 449
64.4%
296
5 745
66%
Overseas
First
Release
16
8
0
46
140
33
48
0
0
0
11
0
302
3.6%
Repeat
80
235
0
208
869
350
347
0
596
0
27
0
2 712
32.0%
Total
Total
Overseas
96
243
0
254
1 009
383
396
0
596
0
38
0
3 014
35.6%
3 014
34%
2013–14
263
403
788
387
1 300
1 503
878
12
596
1 717
86
531
8 464
100.0%
296
8 760
Australian
2012–13
329
624
788
460
961
1 530
999
8
462
1 578
94
613
8 447
313
8 760
Arts and Culture
Children’s
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual
Indigenous
Movies
News
Religion and Ethics
Sport
Total Program Hours
Other*
Total Hours
% of Total Hours
First
Release
52
0
216
43
101
103
94
3
0
344
18
15
988
47.1%
Repeat
5
0
97
21
70
21
21
0
0
0
0
5
240
11.4%
Total
Australian
56
0
313
64
171
124
115
3
0
344
18
20
1 227
58.5%
92
1 319
60%
Overseas
First
Release
16
0
0
43
133
32
45
0
0
0
0
0
269
12.8%
Repeat
21
0
0
29
278
97
167
0
9
0
1
0
601
28.6%
Total
Total
Overseas
37
0
0
72
411
129
211
0
9
0
1
0
870
41.5%
870
40%
2013–14
93
0
313
136
582
253
326
3
9
344
20
20
2 098
100.0%
92
2 190
2012–13
105
0
287
129
563
226
389
3
13
343
19
16
2 093
97
2 190
*Other: includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements.
Notes: This table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and NSW transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other
States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
ABC1 program hours transmitted—6 am – midnight July 2013 – June 2014
ABC2 program hours transmitted—6 am – 2 am July 2013 – June 2014
Australian
Arts and Culture
Children’s
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual
Indigenous
Movies
News
Religion and Ethics
Sport
Total Program Hours
Other*
Total Hours
% of Total Hours
First
Release
80
9
463
44
101
430
192
5
0
1 699
18
181
3 222
51.0%
Repeat
68
151
245
66
122
49
214
4
0
15
26
5
965
15.3%
Total
Australian
148
160
708
110
223
479
406
10
0
1 714
44
186
4 187
66.3%
258
4 445
68%
Overseas
First
Release
16
8
0
43
140
33
48
0
0
0
11
0
300
4.8%
Repeat
62
235
0
169
717
249
302
0
71
0
19
0
1 825
28.9%
Total
Total
Overseas
79
243
0
213
857
282
350
0
71
0
30
0
2 125
33.7%
2 125
32%
2013–14
227
403
708
323
1 080
761
756
10
71
1 714
74
186
6 312
100.0%
258
6 570
Australian
2012–13
274
624
680
384
790
695
887
6
118
1 571
70
192
6 292
278
6 570
Arts and Culture
Children’s
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual
Indigenous
Movies
News
Religion and Ethics
Sport
Total Program Hours
Other*
Total Hours
% of Total Hours
First
Release
3
126
0
9
25
63
1
2
0
1
0
36
266
3.8%
Repeat
6
832
0
25
77
295
7
2
0
9
0
0
1 253
18.0%
Total
Australian
9
958
0
34
102
358
7
5
0
10
0
36
1 519
21.8%
336
1 855
25%
Overseas
First
Release
17
190
0
111
20
47
22
0
0
0
0
0
408
5.9%
Repeat
65
3 327
0
535
527
256
314
0
13
0
0
0
5 037
72.3%
Total
Total
Overseas
82
3 517
0
646
547
303
336
0
13
0
0
0
5 445
78.2%
5 445
75%
2013–14
91
4 475
0
680
649
661
343
5
13
10
0
36
6 964
100.0%
336
7 300
2012–13
124
4 466
1
449
658
419
637
0
90
9
0
76
6 930
370
7 300
States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to the nearest whole number. The ABC2 transmission hours,
schedule and content varied in this reporting period and should not be used as a direct comparison to previous years. The end transmission time for
ABC2 of 2 am may vary, on average transmission closes at 2 am. These statistics are calculated until transmission closes.
Appendices
215
Appendices
Appendix 6—ABC Television, Content Analysis continued
Appendix 7—ABC Radio Networks, Content Analysis
ABC4Kids (ABC2) program hours transmitted—6 am – 7 pm July 2013 – June 2014
ABC Radio Networks Indicative Output by Genre 2013–14, Hours per Week
Australian
First
Release
Arts and Culture
Children’s
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual
Indigenous
Movies
News
Religion and Ethics
Sport
Total Program Hours
Other*
Total Hours
% of Total Hours
126
Repeat
Overseas
Total
Australian
832
958
First
Release
190
Repeat
3 321
Total
Total
Overseas
3 511
2013–14
2012–13
4 469
4 466
News and
Current Affairs
126
2.8%
832
18.6%
958
21.4%
276
1 234
26%
190
4.3%
3 321
74.3%
3 511
78.6%
3 511
74%
4 469
100.0%
276
4 745
ABC Local
ABC Local
ABC NewsRadio Radio (metro) Radio (regional)
triple j
4 466
279
4 745
Hours
per
Week
%
Hours
per
Week
%
Hours
per
Week
%
Hours
per
Week
ABC Radio
National
%
Hours
per
Week
ABC Classic FM
%
Hours
per
Week
%
6.6
3.9
98.7
58.8
35
20.8
35.0
20.8
38.2
22.7
6.5
3.9
Topical
Information
25.5
15.2
0
0
68
40.5
59.0
35.5
60.2
35.8
3.0
1.8
Specialist
Information
0
0
6.2
3.7
7.5
4.5
14.5
9.0
26.0
15.5
19.8
11.8
0
3.1
1.8
11.5
6.9
10.8
6.0
18.9
11.3
0
0
80.8
0
0.1
0
100
0
0
14.7
45.3
168
0
0
8.8
27.0
100
22
1.5
22.5
0
168
13
0.9
13.4
0
100
24
2.5
22.2
0
168
14.0
1.5
13.2
0
100
21.0
2.5
1.2
0
168
12.5
1.5
0.7
0
100
138.5
0.2
0
0
168
82.4
0.1
0
0
100
Arts and
0
Entertainment
Music
135.7
Education
0
Sport
0.2
Parliament
0
Total
168
Notes: This is only an indicative analysis of ABC Radio’s analogue output. It reflects one sample week of programming in June 2014. The analysis of ABC
Local Radio is generic only (this analysis based on the 612 ABC Brisbane metropolitan station and the ABC Tropical North (Mackay, Queensland) regional
station). It does not take into account station-to-station or seasonal program variations. The sample week reflects a Parliamentary sitting week for the
purposes of ABC NewsRadio. Does not include output from Radio Australia.
States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number. The ABC2 transmission hours,
schedule and content varied in this reporting period and should not be used as a direct comparison to previous years.
Appendix 8—Promotion and Market Research
ABC2 program hours transmitted—7 pm – 2 am July 2013 – June 2014
Australian
Arts and Culture
Children’s
Current Affairs
Documentary
Drama
Entertainment
Factual
Indigenous
Movies
News
Religion and Ethics
Sport
Total Program Hours
Other*
Total Hours
% of Total Hours
First
Release
3
0
0
9
25
63
1
2
0
1
0
36
140
5.6%
Repeat
6
0
0
25
77
295
7
2
0
9
0
0
422
16.9%
Total
Australian
9
0
0
34
102
358
7
5
0
10
0
36
561
22.5%
62
623
24%
Overseas
First
Release
17
0
0
111
20
47
22
0
0
0
0
0
218
8.7%
Repeat
65
4
0
535
527
256
314
0
13
0
0
0
1 714
68.8%
Total
Total
Overseas
82
4
0
646
547
303
336
0
13
0
0
0
1 932
77.5%
1 932
76%
2013–14
91
4
0
680
649
661
343
5
13
10
0
36
2 493
100.0%
62
2 555
2012–13
124
0
1
449
658
419
637
0
90
9
0
76
2464
Expenditure on market research and promotion
for 2013–14 was $11 633 979, compared with
$9 975 828 in 2012–13.
The Corporation uses advertising agencies and
market research organisations predominantly
for activities related to ABC Commercial, Radio,
Television and Australia Network.
2013–14
$
2012–13
$
Advertising
2 760 356
1 981 993
Market Research
5 577 322
5 143 826
Promotion
3 296 301
2 850 009
11 633 979
9 975 828
Total
Appendix 9—Performance Pay
The ABC paid bonuses to 193 executives totalling $1 318 484, an average of $6 832 per executive.
It paid bonuses to 98 non-executive employees totalling $234 444, an average of $2 392 per employee.
91
2 555
States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number. The ABC2 transmission hours,
schedule and content varied in this reporting period and should not be used as a direct comparison to previous years. The end transmission time for
ABC2 of 2 am may vary, on average transmission closes at 2 am. These statistics are calculated until transmission closes.
Appendices
217
Appendices
Appendix 10—Consultants
Appendix 10—Consultants continued
During 2013–14, the ABC spent $3 246 176 on consultancies, broken down as follows (payments to consultants
include amounts paid and payable as at 30 June 2014):
Consultant
Purpose of Consultancy
Below $10 000
Various
Sub total
Various
120 851
120 851
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
International development projects
Technical advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
10 000
10 606
11 520
11 666
12 000
12 420
12 800
13 685
14 791
15 200
15 246
15 300
15 390
15 748
15 894
17 241
17 355
18 514
19 071
19 200
21 600
22 074
23 581
26 454
26 595
27 200
29 073
30 000
30 490
39 000
39 190
39 800
49 980
698 684
$10 000– $50 000
R Hutchinson
MediaXpress Pty Ltd
IBM Australia Ltd
The Brain Company Pty Ltd
CEG Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
J-G Manguy
Access UTS Pty Ltd
Frontier Economics Pty Ltd
Steven Kyte Media
Risk & Injury Management Services Pty Ltd
CRS Australia
The Fulcrum Group Trust
Space Logic Trust
F Matafeo
Radio New Zealand Ltd
A Wills
Ellyett STO Ltd
Wandobah Pty Ltd
J Cornish & Associates Pty Ltd
V Anderson
Travel Management Solutions Aust. Pty Ltd
George Lombard Consultancy Pty Ltd
Bendelta Pty Ltd
The Collective Group Pty Ltd
Mercer Consulting Pty Ltd
E Wilson
Bates Smart Architects Pty Ltd
Salinger Consulting Pty Ltd
Risk Logic Pty Ltd
Gerald Stone Productions Pty Ltd
Butcher & Co Pty Ltd
S Mavoa
Lieasi Global Ltd
Sub total
Total $
Consultant
Above $50 000
Venture Consulting Pty Ltd
Stancombe Research & Planning Pty Ltd
Ernst & Young
The Brief Group Pty Ltd
P Graham
S Brown
James Goth Consulting Pty Ltd
MediaXchange Pty Ltd
J Auffray
L.E.K. Consulting
Cast Professional Services Pty Ltd
K Dalton
Gartner Australasia Pty Ltd
2nd Road Pty Ltd
Stamford Interactive
McGees Property Pty Ltd
Deloitte
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Sub total
Grand total
Purpose of Consultancy
Total $
Strategic advice
Finance, tax and other advisory services
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Strategic advice
Technical advice
Property valuation services
Strategic advice
Finance, tax and strategic advisory services
54 250
56 553
57 887
62 338
65 000
75 558
81 183
88 294
89 906
96 482
118 900
120 000
130 557
131 296
135 194
174 266
281 457
607 520
2 426 641
3 246 176
Appendix 11—Overseas Travel Costs
The total cost of overseas travel for 2013–14 was
$5.7 million, compared with $4.9 million in 2012–13.
ABC overseas travel costs
2013–14
($m)
2012–13
($m)
Travel allowances
and accommodation
2.4
2.1
Airfares
2.4
2.0
Other*
0.9
0.8
Total
5.7
4.9
* Other includes car hire, taxis, excess baggage, hire of personnel and equipment.
Appendices
219
Appendices
Appendix 12—Reports Required by Legislation
Appendix 13—Staff Profile
Reports required under s80 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act
Total ABC staff strength, June 2014
Section 80 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 requires the Corporation to report on the
following particular matters:
Division
s.80(a)
ABC Commercial
6.43
163.56
ABC International
1.05
14.30
64.01
421.85
29.80
57.01
60.05
34.65
195.79
Audience and
Marketing
0.80
67.47
1.00
6.00
3.50
3.50
Business Services
2.74
94.13
3.30
12.44
51.63
8.38
Particulars of each broadcast by the Corporation
during the year to which the report relates pursuant
to a direction by the Minister under subsection 78(1)
No such directions were received during
the year
s.80(c)
Particulars of any broadcast by the Corporation
during that year pursuant to a direction by the
Minister otherwise than under the Act
the year
s.80(d)
Particulars of any direction not to broadcast matter
that was given to the Corporation during that year
by the Minister otherwise than under the Act
the year
Communications
Networks
s.80(da)
Codes of practice developed under subsection 8(1)
See Appendix 5 (page 205)
Corporate
Management*
s.80(e)
Particulars of any request made to the Board by the
Minister during that year under subsection 8(2) and
the action (if any) taken by the Board in respect of
the request
Particulars of any gift, devise or bequest accepted
by the Corporation during that year
The Corporation received no gifts or
donations within the meaning of Section
80 of the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation Act 1983
s.80(f)
s.80(g)
s.80(i)
An assessment of the extent to which the operations
of the Corporation have achieved its objectives and
fulfilled its functions
See Strategic Objectives (page 23) and
Performance Against the ABC Strategic
Plan 2013–16 (page 118)
s.80(j)
Activities under subsection 25A
See Financial Statements (page 138)
s.80(k)
Particulars of any activities during the year of any
authorised business with which the Corporation is
associated under that subsection
See Section 3, Infrastructure and
Operations (page 75)
s.80(l)
Particulars of significant changes of transmission
coverage and quality
See page 76 and Outcomes 2 and 3
of Performance against Government
Outcomes (page 124)
Judicial Decisions and Reviews by Outside
Bodies (clause 17)
Matters referred to the Australian Communications
and Media Authority for review are noted in the
Corporate Governance section (page 112). No other
judicial decisions or decisions of administrative
tribunals were made in 2012–13 which had, or may
have, a significant effect on the ABC’s operations.
220 NSW
NT
Over
seas**
Qld
SA
33.94
10.48
3.00
122.52
65.62
440.66
2.00
6.73
Radio
24.58
433.51
44.26
146.29
Technology
12.03
234.00
10.89
14.61
Innovation
Total
2.00
4.00
66.94
Vic
WA
32.64
13.81
Totals
27.00
150.70
268.23
180.27 2 400.52
3.85%
51.31%
121.90
2.61%
Notes
9.19%
5.63%
97.85
2.09%
53.01
916.17
19.58%
17.32
2.00
101.59
2.17%
15.45
11.80
199.87
4.27%
21.00
0.45%
1.00
152.93
3.27%
78.67
1.68%
63.93
1 051.62
22.48%
3.21
1.00
16.19
67.33
41.86
163.87
5.60
66.66
1.42%
85.41
39.57
157.03
78.82 1 009.46
21.57%
16.46
13.33
41.84
17.46
360.62
7.71%
11.53
1.05
74.77
3.51
359.08
7.67%
145.79 802.05 245.34 4 678.84
100.0%
8.80
30.00 429.91 323.07
0.64%
%
263.31
72.74
2.93
30.65
52.34
Television
%
2.44
6.76
3.00
News
Tas
21.00
People
Particulars of any advice received by the Board
during that year from the ABC Advisory Council
Reports required under the Commonwealth
Authorities and Companies (Report of
Operations) Orders 2011
ABC Resources
ACT
6.90%
3.12%
17.14%
5.24% 100.00%
Gender Breakdown
1. Values in full-time equivalents.
2. Statistics current as at the end of the last pay period in 2013–14
(29 June 2014).
* Includes Corporate Affairs, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Legal
and Business Affairs, Managing Director’s Office and Office of the
Chief Operating Officer.
** Number of overseas employees does not include locally-hired staff.
Female
Male
Total
Head count
%
2 787
2 657
5 444
51.2%
48.8%
100.00%
Appendix 14—ABC Awards
International Awards
2014 ikids Awards
Indemnities and Insurance Premiums
for Officers (clause 19)
2013 Association for International Broadcasting
(AIB)—International Media Excellence Awards
The ABC has indemnified its officers and acquired
appropriate insurances from Comcover including
Directors and Officers liability insurance on terms and
conditions which are consistent with the provisions
of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies
Act 1997. The premium for the Directors and Officers
liability insurance was $412 669.
Children’s factual programme or series: ABC3,
My Great Big Adventure—Body Image
Best Game App (Tablet)—Kids 6 and up: Figaro
Pho—Fear Factory, Vishus Productions (in
association with the ABC)
Index of Annual Report requirements (clause 21)
An index of Annual Report requirements is provided
at page 251.
2013 Australian and New Zealand Mental Health
Service Media Awards
Best Website (Kids 6 and up): Dance Academy,
Series 3, Werner Film Productions (in association
with ABC, ZDF, ZDF Enterprises, ACTF)
Broadcast Media: Lynne Malcolm, RN, All in the
Mind, “I Hurt Myself—the Secrecy of Self Harm”
2014 International Digital Emmy Awards
2013 C21 FRAPA International Format Awards
2013 International Federation of Agricultural
Journalists Awards
Best scripted format: It’s a Date, Princess Pictures
(in association with the ABC)
Digital Program—Fiction: #7DaysLater
Star Prize for Broadcast Journalism—Television: Sean
Murphy, 7.30, “Freedom of Choice”
Appendices
221
Appendices
Appendix 14—ABC Awards continued
Star Prize for Broadcast Journalism—Audio: Nikolai
Beilharz, Country Hour, “Australia’s Wild Rice May
Help Feed the World”
Silver World Medal (Television—Regularly Scheduled
Entertainment Program): The Dr Blake Mysteries,
Season 1, December Media (in association with
the ABC)
National Awards
Silver World Medal (Television—Regularly Scheduled
Entertainment Program): Dance Academy, Series 3,
Werner Film Productions (in association with ABC,
ZDF, ZDF Enterprises, ACTF)
46th Annual Australian Writers Guild Awards
(The AWGIES)
Bronze World Medal (Television—Documentary/
Information Program): Foreign Correspondent,
“India on Trial”
Comedy—Situation or Narrative (Joint Winners):
A Moody Christmas, “Separate Seats”, Phil Lloyd
and Trent O’Donnell; Please Like Me, “Portuguese
Custard Tarts”, Josh Thomas with Liz Doran and
Thomas Ward
Star Prize for Broadcast Journalism—Online: Lucy
Barbour, Larissa Romensky, ABC Open/ABC Rural,
“Trappin’ Bitches Like a Lady”
2014 Kidscreen Awards
Programming—Kids Category, Best Companion
Website: Peleda, Vishus Productions (in association
with the ABC)
Programming—Tweens/Teens Category, Best OneOff, Special or TV Movie: Peleda, Vishus Productions
Programming—Tweens/Teens Category, Best
Companion Website: Dance Academy Series 3,
2014 New York Festival Radio Awards
Gold Radio Winner (Information/Documentary): RN,
“Will Kate Survive Kate?”
Silver Radio Winner (Information/Documentary):
Conversations with Richard Fidler
Bronze Radio Winner (Entertainment): RN, Diana
Jones and her Appalachian Roots
Bronze Radio Winner (Entertainment): RN,
Rare Collections
Bronze Radio Winner (Information/Documentary):
RN, 360 Documentaries, “Eat Pray Mourn—Crime
and Punishment in Jakarta”
2014 New York Festival Television and
Film Awards
Gold World Medal (Television—Documentary/
“Syria—Ibrahim’s War”
“India—23 Little Lives”
Silver World Medal (Television—News: Program):
Foreign Correspondent, “Israel—Prisoner X”
Information Program): Kakadu, Northern Pictures and
Beach House Pictures (in association with the ABC)
222 2014 PROMAXBDA Promotion, Marketing and
Design Awards—Global Excellence
2014 Andrew Olle Scholarship
Natalie Whiting
Television—Series: Rake, Series 2, “R v. Floyd”,
Andrew Knight
Bronze (Use of Original Music/Score): Difficult
Second Channel ABC2 Ident
Interactive Media: The Opera House Project,
Sam Doust
Gold (Consumer or Trade Print Ad—Channel):
The Vagina Diaries
Animation: The Adventures Of Figaro Pho, “Fear Of
Unfamiliar Toilets”, Bruce Griffiths, Vishus Productions
Gold (Art Direction and Design: Key Art/Poster
Campaign): Know the Story
Gold (Art Direction and Design: Press Kit): Ja’mie
Private School Girl Press Kit
Children’s Television (C Classification): Dance
Academy, “A Perfect Storm”, Samantha Strauss,
Bronze (Art Direction and Design: Press Kit): Loving
Every Minute 2014 Book
Children’s Television (P Classification): Guess How
Much I Love You: Follow Me, David Evans
Gold (Total Package Design: Print Only—Channel or
Program): Know the Story
2014 Annual Equity Ensemble Awards
Gold (Outdoor/Environmental/Transit Ad: Channel):
Know the Story
2013 Sichuan TV Festival
Gold Panda Award for Documentary—Best Long
Documentary: The Grammar of Happiness,
Essential Media and Entertainment (in association
with the ABC)
2013 Third Coast International Audio Festival
Director’s Choice Award: Jesse Cox,
Russell Stapleton and Claudia Taranto, RN,
360 Documentaries, “Keep Them Guessing”
2014 White House News Photographers’
Association Eyes of History
Video Photography—News Special Reports/Series
(1st place): Robert Hill, “Inside the NRA”
Video Photography—Lighting (3rd Place): Robert Hill,
“Guns and Farms Undercover”
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a
Drama Series: Redfern Now, Series 2, Blackfella
Films (in association with the ABC)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a
Comedy Series: Upper Middle Bogan, Series 1
2013 Australian Football Media Association
Media Awards
Most Outstanding Radio Caller: Gerard Whateley,
ABC Grandstand
2013 Australasian Performing Rights
Association (APRA) Screen Music Awards
Best Music for a Documentary: The A—Z of
Contemporary Art, Michael Lira, Published by Sonar
Music Pty Ltd
Best Music for a Mini-Series or Telemovie:
The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, Cezary
Skubiszewski, Published by Burberry Productions
Best Music for a Television Series or Serial:
Redfern Now, Series 2, Episode 4, “Stand Up”,
David McCormack/Antony Partos, Published by
Sonar Music Pty Ltd
Best Original Song Composed for the Screen:
Redfern Now, “Lonely Child”, David McCormack/
Antony Partos, Published by Sonar Music Pty Ltd
2014 Australasian Reporting Awards
Gold: ABC Annual Report 2012–13
2014 Australian Academy Cinema Television
Arts (AACTA) Awards
Best Television Comedy or Light Entertainment
Series: Please Like Me, Series 1
Best Children’s Television Series: Nowhere Boys,
Matchbox Pictures (in association with the ABC)
Best Television Drama Series: Redfern Now, Series 2,
Blackfella Films (in association with the ABC)
Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama:
Claudia Karvan, Time of Our Lives, Series 1,
JAHM Pictures (in association with the ABC)
Best Performance in a Television Comedy: Shaun
Micallef, Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL
Best Original Music Score in Television: Redfern Now,
Series 2, Episode 3, “Babe in Arms”, Blackfella Films
Best Costume Design in Television: Miss Fisher’s
Murder Mysteries, Series 2, Episode 1, “Murder
Most Scandalous”
Best Documentary Television Program:
Redesign My Brain
Best Cinematography in a Documentary: Kakadu,
Episode 4, Kakadu Productions/Beach House
Pictures (in association with the ABC)
Best Editing in a Documentary: Desert War,
Episode 1, “Tobruk”, Electric Pictures and Nutopia
Best Sound in a Documentary: Desert War,
Episode 1, “Tobruk”, Electric Pictures and Nutopia
Best Lead Actress in a Feature Film: Rose Byrne,
The Turning (in association with the ABC)
Best Television Theme: The Doctor Blake Mysteries,
Dale Cornelius, Published by Native Tongue
Music Publishing
Appendices
223
Appendices
2013 Australian Arts in Asia Awards
Best of Tablet: Play School Play Time
2013 Australian Screen Editors Guild Awards
2014 Citi Journalism Awards for Excellence
Digital and Film Award: Serangoon Road, Great
Western Entertainment (in association with the ABC)
Most Innovative Digital Product or Service—Content
Innovation: The Opera House Project
Best Editing in a Documentary Program:
David Banbury, Buckskin
Award for Excellence: Stephen Long, Four Corners,
“Betrayal of Trust”
2014 Australian Council for Agricultural
Journalists Awards
2014 Australian International Documentary
Conference (AIDC) Awards
Broadcast Media: Stephen Long, Four Corners,
“Betrayal of Trust”
Rabobank Australian Star Prize for Rural
Broadcasting: Peter Lewis, Landline,
“Born to be Wild”
ACCESS@AIDC Award: Kristy O’Brien
Best Editing in a Documentary Series: Lawrence
Silvestrin ASE, Desert War, Episode 1, “Tobruk”,
Electric Pictures and Nutopia (in association with
the ABC)
Rabobank Australian Star Prize for Broadcasting—
Television: Peter Lewis, Landline, “Born to be Wild”
Online: Cassandra Hough, Country Hour, “Drovers
head south for greener pastures”
Radio: Laura Poole, Country Hour, “Border tension
over OJD”.
2013 Australian Independent Records Label
Association (AIR) Independent Music Awards
Best Independent Country Album: Catherine Britt,
Always Never Enough, ABC Music
Best Independent Classical Album: Amy Dickson,
Catch Me If You Can, ABC Classics
2013 Australian Magazine Awards
Food and Entertainment Magazine of the Year:
Delicious, ABC/NewsLifeMedia
Best Direction in a Telemovie: Rowan Woods,
The Broken Shore
Finders Award: Catriona McKenzie, Satellite Boy
20th Australian Interactive Media Industry
Association Awards
Best of Websites and Online Services—
Entertainment: iview
Best of Smartphone:—Publisher: ABC Mobile
Flagship Apps
Best of Tablet—Entertainment: Play School Play Time
Children’s Television Production of the year:
The Dukes of Broztonia, Sticky Pictures
(in association with ABC)
Vocal Collaboration of the Year: Sara Storer with
John Williamson, Pozie, ABC Music
Male Artist of the year: Lee Kernaghan, Flying With
The King, ABC Music
Single of the Year: Lee Kernaghan, Flying With
The King, ABC Music
Top Selling Album of the Year: Lee Kernaghan,
Beautiful Noise, ABC Music
2013 Australian Production Design
Guild Awards
2013 Australian Sports Commission
Media Awards
2013 Crisis Intervention and Management
Australasia Awards
Design on a TV Drama: Dr Blake Murder Mysteries,
Carrie Kennedy, Adele Flere, Kate Russell and
Rob Molnar
Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual—
Radio: Gerard Whateley, ABC Grandstand
Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Crisis
Intervention: Ian Mannix
Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach—
Broadcast Media: Caitlin Shea and Roger Carter.
ABC Television
2013 Deadly Awards
2013 Australian Recording Industry Association
Awards (The ARIAs)
Best Children’s Album: Justine Clarke, A Little Day
Out, ABC Music
2013 Australian Teachers of Media Awards
(The ATOMs)
Best Comedy Release: triple j’s Tom and Alex,
The Bits We’re Least Ashamed Of, triple j/ABC Music
Best Indigenous Resource: Yagan, Spear Point
Productions (in association with the ABC)
Female Actor of the Year: Deborah Mailman,
Redfern Now, Series 1
Best Classical Album: Sally Whitwell, All Imperfect
Things: Solo Piano Music of Michael Nyman,
ABC Classics
Best Television Factual Series: Whitlam: The Power
and the Passion, Beyond Screen Production,
Bombora Film & Music Co., Screen Australia (in
2014 Donald McDonald Reuters
Foundation Scholarship
Best Documentary General: First Footprints, Contact
Films (in association with the ABC)
Best Actor—Supporting Role (joint winner):
Hugo Weaving, The Turning (produced in
Best Direction in a TV Drama Series: Redfern Now,
Series 2, Episode 2, “Starting Over”, Blackfella Films
Best Direction in a Documentary Series:
Nick Robinson, Kakadu, Episode 4, Kakadu
Productions/Beach House Pictures (in association
with the ABC)
Interactive Production of the year: dirtgirlworld,
mememe productions (in association with ABC)
Female Artist of the Year: Sara Storer, Lovegrass,
ABC Music
News: ABC Flagship App
2013 Australian Mobile Awards (Mobies)
Best Direction in a TV Comedy: Matthew Saville,
Please Like Me, Series 1, Episode 3, “Portuguese
Custard Tarts”
13th Screen Producers Australia Awards
Album of the Year: Sara Storer, Lovegrass, ABC Music
Documentary Television Production of the year:
Desert War, Electric Pictures (in association
with ABC)
2014 Australian Directors Guild Awards
Best Direction in a Children’s TV Program:
Daniel Nettheim, Dance Academy Season 3,
Episode 12 “A Perfect Storm”, Werner Film
Productions (in association with ABC, ZDF, ZDF
Enterprises, ACTF)
Best Editing in Television Drama: Katrina Barker,
Devil’s Dust, Part 2
42nd Country Music Awards of Australia
Best Jazz Album: The Idea of North, Smile, ABC Jazz
Best World Music Album: Joseph Tawadros,
Chameleons of the White Shadow, ABC Classics/
ABC Jazz
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: Paul
Kelly, James Ledger, Genevieve Lacey and ANAM
Musicians, Conversations With Ghosts, ABC Music/
Universal Music
ARIA Artisan Award for Engineer of the Year: Virginia
Read for Sally Whitwell’s All Imperfect Things
Best Docudrama (dramatised documentary):
Desert War, Electric Pictures and Nutopia
Television Show of the Year: Redfern Now, Series 1
Male Actor of the Year: Luke Carroll, Redfern Now,
Series 1
Kellie Riordan
2013 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
Best Actress—Supporting Role: Rose Byrne,
The Turning (produced in association with the ABC)
2013 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book
of the Year Awards
2014 Horticultural Media Association Australia
(HMAA) Laurel Awards
Younger Readers Honour Book: Glenda Millard and
Stephen Michael King, ABC Books/Harper Collins,
The Tender Moments of Saffron Silk
Paper publication: ABC Magazines,
Organic Gardener, Sept/Oct 2013
Book—General: Jennifer Stackhouse, Garden
Website—Category 3 (business of more than
3 people): ABC Magazines, Organic Gardener
Appendices
225
Appendices
TV—Technical: Angus Stewart, Gardening Australia,
“The Next Frontier”
TV—Environmental: Gardening Australia,
“Future Proofing Plants”
2014 Interactive Media Awards
Best in Class—Education: ABC Splash, ABC
and ESA
Best in Class—Education: Q.E.D: Cosmo’s
Casebook, ABC Splash, ABC and ESA
Outstanding Achievement—Science and Technology:
Zoom, ABC Splash, ABC
Outstanding Achievement—Games-playing: Zoom,
ABC Splash, ABC
2014 IT Journalism Awards (The Lizzies)
Best Video Program: Good Game
Best Tech Program: Marc Fennell, RN, Download
This Show
Best Young Tech Journalist: Carl Elliott Smith, RN,
Future Tense
2014 Logie Awards
Most Outstanding Public Affairs Report:
Foreign Correspondent, “Prisoner X”
Most Outstanding Children’s Television Program:
Nowhere Boys, Matchbox Pictures (in association
with the ABC)
Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or
Telemovie: Redfern Now, Series 2, Blackfella Films
Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM): Tim Gavel,
ABC Grandstand, service to the media as a sports
broadcaster, and to the community of the Australian
Capital Territory
Young Journalist of the Year—Television/Video
Journalism: Alexandra Fisher, “Born to Run”
2013 Northern NSW Journalism Awards
(the PRODIS)
2013 Women’s National Basketball League
Media Awards
Best Radio News/Current Affairs (Less than
20 minutes): Bruce Mackenzie, “Watergoat”
2014 Randstad Award Australia
Best Radio Coverage (WNBL): ABC North Queensland
2013 Sydney Design Awards
Best Television Coverage (WNBL): Angela Pulvirenti
and Amanda Roberts, Inside Edge
Installation Design—Set Design: Baenziger Coles,
Adam Hills Live
2013 Yooralla Media Awards
Sydney Morning Herald Couch Potato Awards
Radio—Less than 10 minutes: Nance Haxton, RN
Best News and Current Affairs: 7.30
Radio—More than 10 minutes: Lily Partland
Best Local Drama: Redfern Now, Series 2,
Blackfella Films (in association with the ABC)
State and Territory Awards
Best Local Miniseries/Telemovie: Paper Giants:
Magazine Wars
Most Attractive Employer Brand:
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
2013 Resilient Australia Awards
Australian Government/Multi-jurisdictional/Nationally
Significant: ABC Local Radio
2013 United Nations Association of Australia
Media Awards
TV Current Affairs: Margot O’Neill, Lateline, “Aged
Care Crisis”
2013 Australian Cinematographers Society
Awards (NSW/ACT)
Radio Documentary: Jemima Garrett, Chris Bullock
and Linda McGinness, Background Briefing,
“PNG Land Scandal”
Gold, TV Station Breaks/Promos: Tom Gleeson,
Redfern Now
Increasing Awareness and Understanding of
Children’s Rights and Issues: Matt Brown, Mathew
Marsic and Garth Thomas, Foreign Correspondent,
“Syria: Ibrahim’s War”
Promotion of Multicultural Issues:
Tim Soutphommasane and Amanda Smith,
RN, Mongrel Nation
2013 Walkley Awards
Outstanding Contribution to Journalism: Caroline Jones
Investigative Journalism: Trevor Bormann and Vivien
Altman, Foreign Correspondent, “Prisoner X”
TV/AV Weekly Current Affairs: Trevor Bormann and
Vivien Altman, Foreign Correspondent, “Prisoner X”
2013 Older People Speak Out Media
National Awards
TV/AV Daily Current Affairs: Suzanne Smith, Tony
Jones, John Bruce, Michael Doyle and Brant
Cumming, Lateline, “The Tipping Point”
2013 Publishers Australia Excellence Awards
Consumer Magazine of the Year (below 20 000
circulation): Limelight
2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List
Member of the Order of Australia (AM): Virginia
Haussegger, ABC News, significant service to the
community, particularly as an advocate for women’s
rights and gender equity, and to the media
226 New South Wales
Radio News: Felicity Ogilvie, AM, “‘Pontville Children”
Most Popular Actor (Silver Logie): Chris Lilley,
Ja’mie: Private School Girl
Best Feature Length Story: Jessica Hinchliffe, “Age
Shall Not Weary Him”
Sports Journalism: Caro Meldrum-Hanna, 7.30,
“The Essendon Files”, “Demons in Damage control”
and “The Cronulla Files”
Radio/Audio Documentary: Sarah Dingle, RN,
“Background Briefing”
Young Journalist of the Year—Radio/Audio
Journalism: Caitlyn Gribbin, AM, The World Today
and PM, “Miners Speak Out about Drug Culture”,
“Bundaberg Floods Helicopter Rescue”, and
“Farmers Desperate for New Drought Policy”
Gold, Current Affairs: Dan Sweetapple, Foreign
Correspondent, “Meet the Frackers”
Silver, Current Affairs: Louie Eroglu, Foreign
Correspondent, “Hunters”
Silver, TV Magazine, Lifestyle and Reality: Louie Eroglu,
Foreign Correspondent, “Revenge of the Nerds”
Best Local Comedy: Upper Middle Bogan, Series 1
Best Documentary Feature: Whitlam: The Power and
the Passion, Beyond Screen Production, Bombora
Film & Music Co., Screen Australia (in association
with the ABC)
Best Local Documentary Series: Keating:
The Interviews
Best Local Observational Reality Series: The Agony
Guide to Life
Best Light Entertainment: Gruen Plant, Series 3
Bronze, Louie Eroglu, Foreign Correspondent,
“Cry of Freedom”
Best Overseas Miniseries/Telemovie: Broadchurch
2014 Australian Institute of Architects NSW
Architecture Awards
2013 Northern Territory Media Awards
Adrian Ashton Prize for Writing and Criticism:
Janne Ryan, RN, By Design
2013 Kennedy Awards for Excellence in
NSW Journalism
Outstanding Radio Current Affairs: Peter Ryan
2013 New South Wales Premier’s
History Awards
Multimedia History Prize: First Footprints, Episode 1,
“Super Nomads”, Martin Butler and Bentley Dean,
Contact Films (in association with the ABC)
2013 New South Wales Premier’s
Literary Awards
Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature:
Katrina Nannestad, The Girl Who Brought Mischief,
(HarperCollins Publishers)
Betty Roland Prize for Scriptwriting: Kris Mrksa,
Devil’s Dust, Fremantle Media/ABC TV
Northern Territory
Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year:
Clare Rawlinson
TV/Radio—Best News Coverage: Jane Bardon,
“A Spoke in the Spin: Checking The Territory Politics
Roller Coaster”
TV/Radio—Best Current Affairs or Feature:
Clare Rawlinson, “Territorians from all Walks of Life:
Discovering their Stories”
All Media—Best Online Coverage: Clare Rawlinson,
“Territorians from all Walks of Life: Discovering
their Stories”
Queensland
2013 Australian Council of Educational Leaders
(ACEL) Fellowship and Leadership Awards
Media Award: Steve Austin, 612 ABC
Brisbane, Mornings
Appendices
227
Appendices
2013 Gold Coast Media Awards (The Maccas)
Victoria
Best Television News Story: David Lewis
Gold, Current Affairs: Robert Hill,
“Chongqing Murder”
Best Radio Feature Story: Nicole Dyer, ABC Coast
FM, Mornings, “The Death of Chris Walton”
Gold, TV Magazine, Lifestyle and Reality:
Greg Ashman, Dream Builds, “Flipped House”
Best Community Campaign: ABC Coast FM,
Homeless Connect Campaign
Gold, TV Magazine, Lifestyle and Reality:
Andrew Burch, Dream Builds, “Graffiti House”
2013 Queensland Clarion Awards
Silver, TV Magazine, Lifestyle and Reality:
Greg Ashman, Dream Builds, “Blackbox”
Awards (Vic/Tas)
Gold, News—Local/Regional: Peter Curtis,
“Old Business”
Best Breaking News Report—all media: Guy Stayner,
“Court Delays”
Best Report on Radio: Jon Faine, Daniel Ziffer and
Rebecca Ritters, 774 ABC Melbourne, Mornings,
“Former Parole Board Chair breaks silence”
Bronze, Current Affairs: Simon Winter, “Tasmania
Firestorm: Survival”
Western Australia
Gold, TV Magazine—Lifestyle and Reality: Peter
Curtis, “Olive May”
Best New Entrant to Rural Communications:
Olivia Garnett, Country Hour
Bronze, Telefeatures, TV Drama and Miniseries:
James Grant, The Time of Our Lives, Episode 10
Best News Coverage—Broadcast: Belinda
Varischetti, Country Hour “Emerald Gran Pool Costs
Growers Millions”
2013 Rural Media Association Awards
New Journalist of the Year: Elise Worthington,
Multi‑Platform Reporting
Silver, Current Affairs: Robert Hill, “Tibet on Fire”
Radio—Current Affairs, Documentary or Feature:
Annie Guest, Health Report, “Futile Medicine”
Silver, News—Local/Regional: Brant Cumming,
“Pygmy Possums”
Television—Current Affairs, Documentary or Feature:
Annie Guest, Health Report, “Futile Medicine”
Bronze, Neil Davis International News:
Brant Cumming, “Cyclone Evan”
All Media—Broadcast Interview: Caitlyn Gribbin,
The World Today, “Miners Speak Out About
Drug Culture”
Bronze, Neil Davis International News:
Brant Cumming, “Cyclone Evan Clean-Up”
2013 Rural Media South Australia Awards
Best TV or Video News Report: Daniel Oakes
Best Regional News Coverage Outside of Agriculture:
Tara De Landgrafft, Country Hour, “How has the
Royalties for Regions Scheme Changed the Bush?”
Photography: Photographic Essay: Lisa Clarke,
ABC Open, “The Bloody Truth About Pig Dogging”
Rural Journalist of the Year: Leah MacLennon
Best TV or Video Current Affairs Report Under 10
Minutes: James Bennett and Simon Winter, 7.30
2013 Western Australian Journalists’
Association Media Awards
Regional and Community—Broadcast Report (Joint
winner): Caitlyn Gribbin, The World Today, “Miners
Speak Out About Drug Culture”
Best Rural Journalist—Online: Nikolai Beilharz,
Country Hour
2013 Rural Press Club of Victoria Awards
Daily News Centenary Prize: Kirsti Melville and Meri
Fatin, RN, 360 Documentaries
Best Rural Journalist—Television: Leah MacLennon
2013 Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards
Best Rural Journalist—Radio: Laura Poole
Feature Film Script Award: Craig Monahan and Alison
Nisselle, Healing, Pointblank Films (in association with
the ABC)
2014 South Australian Media Awards
2014 Queensland Rural Press Club Excellence
in Rural Journalism Awards
Radio: Charlie McKillip, ABC Rural
South Australia
2013 Archbishop of Adelaide Media Awards
Radio citation: Stuart Stansfield, ABC Radio
South East
2013 Brand SA Regional Awards
Best Radio Broadcaster (Silver): Caroline Winter
Best TV Current Affairs or Feature: Vassil Malandris,
7.30, “Ceduna”
Reporting on Disability issues: Kirsten Veness, 7.30
Best Agricultural Story: Tim Lee, Ron Ekkel,
James Fisher and Corina Scott, Landline, “Milk Wars”
2014 Victoria Law Foundation Legal
Reporting Awards
Best Report on Television—Short form: Jeff Waters,
“Operation molto”
Best Online News Coverage: Belinda Varischetti,
Country Hour
Radio/Audio Journalism—Best News Story
or Feature: Kirsti Melville and Meri Fatin, RN,
360 Documentaries
Best Science and Environmental Report:
David Weber
Appendix 15—Television Transmission Frequencies
Best Radio News & Current Affairs or Feature:
Caroline Winter, “Holden Closure”
Digital television
2013 South Australian Press Club Awards
Best Radio Report: Matt Doran, “Plane Miss Wrap”
Best Television Current Affairs: Caroline Winter, 7.30,
“Fox Victim Calls for Court Changes”
Awards (SA/WA)
Tasmania
Gold, News—Local/Regional: Brant Cumming,
“Total Eclipse”
Mental Health Issues: Felicity Ogilvie
228 Young Journalist of the Year: Ashlynne McGhee
Best Coverage of Youth Affairs: Marcus Thompson,
ABC News/ABC Open, “Foster carer’s perspective”
Community Individual Award: Bruce Mellett, 1062
ABC Riverland
Gold, Current Affairs: Robert Hill, “Mongolia—
The Big Dig”
2013 Quill Awards for Excellence in
Victorian Journalism
36th Tasmanian Media Awards
Science, Environment and Health: Fiona Breen
Arts Reporting: Fiona Breen
Australian Capital
Territory
Canberra9A
Tuggeranong59
Weston Creek/Woden59
New South Wales
Adelong39
Albury North
31
Armidale32
Armidale North
7
Ashford59
Balranald40
Batemans Bay/
Moruya9A
Bathurst7
Batlow41
Bega31
Bombala47
Bonalbo53
Bourke6
Bowral/Mittagong47
Braidwood47
Broken Bay
37
Broken Hill
10
Captains Flat
56
Cassilis30
Central Tablelands
36
Central Western
Slopes12
Cobar6
Coffs Harbour
45
Condobolin64
Coolah55
Cooma Town
55
Cooma/Monaro29
Cowra62
Crookwell32
Deniliquin55
Dubbo58
Dungog59
Eden55
Glen Innes
59
Gloucester41
Goodooga7
Gosford37
Goulburn56
Grafton/Kempsey36
Hay41
Illawarra35
Inverell59
Ivanhoe8
Jerilderie55
Jindabyne59
Kandos56
Khancoban59
Kings Cross
30
Kotara37
Kyogle58
Laurieton60
Lightning Ridge
11
Lithgow31
Lithgow East
47
Manly/Mosman30
Manning River
7
Menindee41
Merewether37
Appendices
229
Appendices
Appendix 15—Television Transmission Frequencies continued
Appendix 15—Television Transmission Frequencies continued
Merriwa48
Mudgee56
Murrumbidgee
Irrigation Area
28
Murrundi41
Murwillumbah29
Narooma56
Newcastle37
Nowra North
66
Nyngan53
Oberon56
Port Stephens 30
Portland/Wallerawang56
Richmond/Tweed29
Stanwell Park
47
SW Slopes/E Riverina 46
Sydney12
Talbingo41
Tamworth54
Tenterfield58
Thredbo33
Tottenham47
Tumbarumba41
Tumut53
Ulladulla28
Upper Hunter
7
Upper Namoi
8
Vacy32
Wagga Wagga
55
Walcha48
Walgett40
Wilcannia9
Wollongong41
Wyong37
Young10
Tasmania
Acton Road
36
Barrington Valley
48
Bicheno36
Binalong bay
37
Burnie67
Cygnet44
Derby47
Dover58
Dover South
43
East Devonport
45
Geeveston58
Gladstone47
Goshen/Goulds
Country35
Hillwood47
Hobart8
Hobart City*
33
Hobart North/East
56
King Island 47
Launceston South
35
Lileah9
Lilydale47
Maydena42
Meander/Elizabeth
Town48
Montumana Link
59
NE Tasmania
41
New Norfolk
35
Orford36
Penguin45
Port Sorell
28
Queenstown/Zeehan47
Ringarooma Valley
29
Rosebery32
Savage River
47
Smithton31
St Helens
29
St Marys
53
Strahan41
Swansea47
Taroona45
Ulverstone45
Waratah54
Wynyard28
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
8
Batchelor41
Bathurst Island
11
Borroloola10
Daly River
7
Darwin30
Darwin City
41
Galiwinku10
Groote Eylandt
7
Jabiru7
Katherine8
Mataranka8
Nhulunbuy7
Pine Creek
10
230 Tennant Creek
9A
Queensland
Airlie Beach
39
Alpha7
Aramac8
Atherton67
Augathella7
Ayr45
Babinda42
Barcaldine7
Bedourie6
Bell55
Birdsville7
Blackall7
Blackwater47
Boonah42
Bowen Town
39
Boyne Island
56
Brisbane12
Cairns8
Cairns East
42
Cairns North
42
Camooweal7
Capella31
Cardwell48
Charleville11
Charters Towers
54
Clermont54
Cloncurry6
Collinsville35
Cooktown40
Cunnamulla11
Currumbin62
Darling Downs
29
Dimbulah42
Dirranbandi7
Dysart55
Eidsvold56
Emerald9
Esk39
Georgetown7
Gladstone East
33
Gladstone West
47
Gold Coast
62
Gold Coast Southern
Hinterland62
Goondiwindi56
Gordonvale42
Gympie62
Gympie Town
62
Herberton67
Hervey Bay
56
Hughenden8
Injune6
Jericho6
Julia Creek
11
Karumba7
Longreach10
Mackay10
Mareeba42
Meandarra47
Middlemount35
Miles63
Miriam Vale/Bororen 56
Mission Beach
56
Mitchell12
Monto57
Moranbah48
Moranbah Town
54
Morven8
Mossman40
Mount Garnet
35
Mount Isa
7
Mount Molloy
42
Moura53
Murgon41
Muttaburra11
Nambour62
Nebo54
Noosa/Tewantin62
Normanton8
Port Douglas
54
Proserpine52
Quilpie9
Ravenshoe42
Redlynch Valley
61
Richmond7
Rockhampton11
Rockhampton East 57
Roma8
Shute Harbour
47
Southern Downs
45
Springsure46
St George
12
Stuart46
Sunshine Coast North62
Sunshine Coast South39
Surat10
Tambo7
Tara56
Taroom10
Texas56
Theodore41
Thursday Island
9
Tieri54
Toowoomba55
Townsville31
Townsville North
46
Tully56
Wondoan47
Wangetti/Ellis Beach 42
Warwick56
Weipa6
Wide Bay
9A
Winton7
Yeppoon57
South Australia
Adelaide12
Adelaide Foothills
39
Andamooka7
Bordertown42
Burra35
Caralue Bluff
60
Ceduna/Smoky Bay 39
Clare47
Coffin Bay
44
Coober Pedy
7
Cowell36
Craigmore/Hillbank39
Hawker47
Keith38
Lameroo42
Leigh Creek 8
Naracoorte42
Pinnaroo38
Port Lincoln
49
Quorn47
Renmark/Loxton39
Robe/Kingston SE
38
Roxby Downs
40
South East
(Mt Gambier)
31
Spencer Gulf North 43
Streaky Bay
11
Tumby Bay
30
Victor Harbor
39
Waikerie47
Wirrulla9A
Woomera37
Wudinna31
Victoria
Alexandra60
Alexandra Environs 41
Apollo Bay
54
Bairnsdale56
Ballarat41
Bendigo29
Bonnie Doon
32
Bright31
Bruthen47
Cann River
12
Casterton54
Churchill49
Cobden59
Colac47
Coleraine47
Corryong32
Eildon34
Eildon Town
41
Ferntree Gully
47
Foster56
Genoa36
Goulburn Valley
37
Halls Gap
54
Hopetoun33
Horsham55
Kiewa41
Lakes Entrance
61
Latrobe Valley
42
Lorne58
Mallacoota56
Mansfield60
Marysville35
Melbourne12
Mildura11
Murray Valley
58
Myrtleford53
Nhill66
Nowa Nowa
51
Orbost37
Portland59
Rosebud60
Safety Beach
60
Selby47
Seymour53
South Yarra
60
Tawonga South
31
Upper Murray
9A
Upwey47
Warburton35
Warrnambool50
Warrnambool City
29
Western Victoria
6
Yea34
Western Australia
Albany43
Augusta46
Bridgetown45
Broome9
Bruce Rock
50
Bunbury36
Carnamah46
Carnarvon6
Central Agricultural 45
Cervantes47
Cue10
Dalwallinu49
Dampier28
Denham7
Derby9
Esperance9A
Exmouth7
Fitzroy Crossing
41
Geraldton41
Halls Creek
9
Hopetoun40
Jurien Bay
56
Kalbarri8
Kalgoorlie9A
Kambalda40
Karratha53
Katanning45
Kojonup50
Kununurra8
Kununurra East
40
Lake Grace
34
Laverton11
Leeman6
Leinster11
Leonora10
Mandurah/Waroona41
Manjimup58
Marble Bar
7
Margaret River
45
Meekathurra9
Merredin50
Mingenew46
Moora38
Morawa7
Mount Magnet
9
Mullewa46
Nannup31
Narrembeen50
Narrogin58
Newman6
Norseman6
Northam57
Northampton46
Onslow7
Pannawonica9
Paraburdoo9A
Pemberton32
Perth12
Port Hedland
8
Ravensthorpe10
Roebourne9A
Roleystone41
Southern Agricultural 11
Southern Cross
7
Tom Price
12
Toodyay47
Wagin38
Wongan Hills
47
Wyndham12
Yalgoo10
Notes: This appendix lists only terrestrial transmission services for which
an apparatus licence is held by the ABC. The ABC rebroadcasts some
services using transmission facilities provided under licence, such as the
Self-Help Broadcasting Reception Scheme (SBRS) and the Broadcasting
for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS). The ABC does not
control such services that are retransmitted under s.212 or s.212A of the
Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth).
Television transmitter statistics
ACT
3
NSW
92
NT
15
Qld
113
SA
32
Tas
42*
Vic
53
WA
71
Total
421
* Includes Hobart City Temporary Infill Service
Appendices
231
Appendices
Appendix 16—Radio Transmission Frequencies
Digital radio
Sydney206.352MHz
Brisbane206.352MHz
Adelaide206.352MHz
Melbourne206.352MHz
Perth206.352MHz
Analog radio
ABC Local Radio
Australian Capital
Territory
Canberra666
New South Wales
Armidale101.9
Ashford107.9
Batemans Bay/
Moruya103.5
Bega810
Bombala94.1
Bonalbo91.3
Broken Hill
999
Byrock657
Central Western
Slopes107.1
Cobar106.1
Cooma1602
Corowa675
Crookwell106.9
Cumnock
Central NSW
549
Dubbo95.9
Eden106.3
Glen Innes
819
Gloucester100.9
Goodooga99.3
Gosford92.5
Goulburn (Town)
90.3
Grafton738
Grafton/Kempsey92.3
Hay88.1
Illawarra97.3
Ivanhoe106.1
Jindabyne95.5
Kandos96.3
Kempsey684
Lightning Ridge
92.1
Lithgow1395
232 Manning River
95.5
Menindee97.3
Merriwa101.9
Mudgee99.5
Murrumbidgee
Irrigation Area 100.5
Murrurundi96.9
Murwillumbah720
Muswellbrook1044
Newcastle1233
Nyngan95.1
Port Stephens
95.9
Portland/
Wallerawang94.1
Richmond/Tweed94.5
SW Slopes/
E Riverina
89.9
Sydney702
Tamworth648
Taree756
Tenterfield88.9
Thredbo88.9
Tottenham99.3
Tumut97.9
Upper Hunter
105.7
Upper Namoi
99.1
Wagga Wagga
102.7
Walcha88.5
Walgett105.9
Wilcannia1584
Young96.3
Northern Territory
Adelaide River
98.9
Alice Springs
783
Bathurst Island
91.3
Borroloola106.1
Daly River
106.1
Darwin105.7
Galiwinku105.9
Groote Eylandt
106.1
Jabiru747
Katherine106.1
Mataranka106.1
Newcastle Waters 106.1
Nhulunbuy990
Pine Creek
106.1
Tennant Creek
106.1
Queensland
Airlie Beach
89.9
Alpha105.7
Atherton720
Babinda95.7
Bedourie106.1
Biloela94.9
Birdsville106.1
Boulia106.1
Brisbane612
Cairns (AM)
801
Cairns106.7
Cairns North
95.5
Camooweal106.1
Charleville603
Coen105.9
Collinsville106.1
Cooktown105.7
Croydon105.9
Cunnamulla106.1
Dimbulah91.7
Dysart91.7
Eidsvold855
Emerald1548
Georgetown106.1
Gladstone99.1
Glenden92.5
Gold Coast
91.7
Goondiwindi92.7
Greenvale105.9
Gympie95.3
Gympie (AM)
1566
Hughenden1485
Injune105.9
Julia Creek
567
Karumba106.1
Lakeland106.1
Laura106.1
Longreach540
Mackay101.1
Middlemount106.1
Miriam Vale
88.3
Mission Beach
89.3
Mitchell106.1
Moranbah104.9
Mossman639
Mount Garnet
95.7
Mount Isa
106.5
Mount Molloy
95.7
Moura96.1
Nambour90.3
Appendix 16—Radio Transmission Frequencies continued
Normanton105.7
Pentland106.1
Pialba—Dundowran
(Wide Bay)
855
Quilpie106.1
Rockhampton837
Roma105.7
Roma/St George
711
Southern Downs 104.9
Tambo105.9
Taroom106.1
Theodore105.9
Thursday Island
(Torres Strait)
1062
Toowoomba747
Townsville630
Tully95.5
Wandoan98.1
Weipa1044
Wide Bay
100.1
South Australia
Adelaide891
Andamooka105.9
Coober Pedy
106.1
Leigh Creek South 1602
Marree105.7
Mount Gambier
1476
Naracoorte1161
Port Lincoln
1485
Port Pirie
639
Renmark/Loxton1062
Roxby Downs
102.7
Streaky Bay
693
Woomera1584
Tasmania
Bicheno89.7
Burnie102.5
Devonport East
100.5
Fingal1161
Hobart936
King Island
88.5
Launceston City 102.7
Lileah91.3
NE Tasmania
91.7
Orford90.5
Queenstown/
Zeehan90.5
Rosebery106.3
Savage River/
Waratah104.1
St Helens
1584
St Marys
102.7
Strahan107.5
Swansea106.1
Waratah103.3
Weldborough97.3
Victoria
Alexandra102.9
Apollo Bay
89.5
Ballarat107.9
Bendigo91.1
Bright89.7
Cann River
106.1
Corryong99.7
Eildon98.1
Goulburn Valley
97.7
Horsham594
Latrobe Valley
100.7
Mallacoota104.9
Mansfield103.7
Melbourne774
Mildura/ Sunraysia 104.3
Murray Valley
102.1
Myrtleford91.7
Omeo720
Orbost97.1
Portland96.9
Sale828
Upper Murray,
Albury/Wodonga106.5
Warrnambool1602
Western Victoria
94.1
Western Australia
Albany630
Argyle105.9
Augusta98.3
Bridgetown1044
Broome675
Bunbury (Busselton) 684
Carnarvon846
Cue106.1
Dalwallinu531
Derby873
Esperance837
Exmouth1188
Fitzroy Crossing 106.1
Geraldton828
Halls Creek
106.1
Hopetoun 105.3
Kalbarri106.1
Kalgoorlie648
Karratha702
Kununurra819
Laverton106.1
Leonora105.7
Manjimup738
Marble Bar
105.9
Meekatharra106.3
Menzies106.1
Mount Magnet
105.7
Nannup98.1
Newman567
Norseman105.7
Northam1215
Pannawonica567
Paraburdoo567
Perth720
Port Hedland
603
Ravensthorpe105.9
Southern Cross 106.3
Tom Price
567
Wagin558
Wyndham1017
Yalgoo106.1
ABC Radio
National
Australian Capital
Territory
Canberra846
New South Wales
Armidale720
Balranald93.1
Batemans Bay/
Moruya105.1
Bathurst (City)
96.7
Bega/Cooma100.9
Bonalbo92.1
Bourke101.1
Broken Hill
102.9
Central Tablelands 104.3
Central Western
Slopes107.9
Cobar107.7
Condobolin88.9
Cooma (Town)
95.3
Crookwell107.7
Deniliquin99.3
Eden107.9
Emmaville93.1
Glen Innes
105.1
Gloucester102.5
Goodooga100.9
Goulburn1098
Grafton/Kempsey99.5
Hay88.9
Ivanhoe107.7
Jerilderie94.1
Jindabyne97.1
Kandos100.3
Lightning Ridge
93.7
Lithgow92.1
Manning River
97.1
Menindee95.7
Merriwa103.5
Murrumbidgee
Irrigation Area
98.9
Murrurundi104.1
Newcastle1512
Nowra603
Portland/
Wallerawang92.5
Port Stephens
98.3
Richmond/Tweed96.9
SW Slopes/
E Riverina
89.1
Sydney576
Tamworth93.9
Tenterfield90.5
Thredbo90.5
Tumut99.5
Upper Namoi
100.7
Wagga Wagga
104.3
Walcha90.1
Walgett107.5
Wilcannia1485
Wollongong1431
Young97.1
Northern Territory
Adelaide River
100.5
Alice Springs
99.7
Bathurst Island
92.9
Borroloola107.7
Daly River
107.7
Darwin657
Galiwinku107.5
Groote Eylandt
107.7
Jabiru107.7
Katherine639
Mataranka107.7
Newcastle Waters 107.7
Nhulunbuy107.7
Pine Creek
107.7
Tennant Creek
684
Queensland
Airlie Beach
93.1
Alpha107.3
Aramac107.9
Augathella107.7
Babinda94.1
Barcaldine107.3
Bedourie107.7
Birdsville107.7
Blackall107.9
Blackwater94.3
Boulia107.7
Bowen92.7
Brisbane792
Cairns105.1
Cairns North
93.9
Camooweal107.7
Capella107.3
Charleville107.3
Charters Towers
97.5
Clermont107.7
Cloncurry107.7
Coen107.5
Collinsville107.7
Cooktown107.3
Corfield107.3
Croydon107.5
Cunnamulla107.7
Darling Downs
105.7
Dimbulah93.3
Dirranbandi107.3
Dysart93.3
Eidsvold102.7
Emerald93.9
Georgetown107.7
Gladstone95.9
Glenden93.3
Gold Coast
90.1
Goondiwindi94.3
Greenvale101.9
Gympie96.9
Herberton93.1
Hughenden107.5
Injune107.5
Isisford107.7
Jericho107.7
Julia Creek
107.5
Karumba107.7
Lakeland107.7
Laura107.7
Appendices
233
Appendices
Longreach99.1
Mackay102.7
Meandarra104.3
Middlemount107.7
Miles92.1
Miriam Vale
89.9
Mission Beach
90.9
Mitchell107.7
Monto101.9
Moranbah106.5
Morven107.5
Mossman90.1
Mount Garnet
97.3
Mount Isa
107.3
Mount Molloy
97.3
Moura96.9
Muttaburra107.7
Normanton107.3
Pentland107.7
Quilpie107.7
Richmond107.7
Rockhampton103.1
Roma107.3
Springsure100.9
St George
107.7
Surat107.5
Tambo107.5
Taroom107.7
Theodore107.5
Thursday Island
107.7
Townsville104.7
Townsville North
96.7
Tully96.3
Wandoan98.9
Weipa107.3
Wide Bay
100.9
Winton107.9
South Australia
Adelaide729
Andamooka107.5
Ceduna/
Smoky Bay
107.7
Coober Pedy
107.7
Hawker107.5
Keith96.9
Leigh Creek South 106.1
Marree107.3
Mount Gambier
103.3
234 Quorn107.9
Renmark/ Loxton 1305
Roxby Downs
101.9
Spencer Gulf North106.7
Streaky Bay
100.9
Tumby Bay
101.9
Wirrulla107.3
Woomera105.7
Wudinna107.7
Tasmania
Bicheno91.3
Hobart585
Lileah89.7
NE Tasmania
94.1
Orford88.9
Queenstown630
Rosebery107.9
St Helens
96.1
St Marys
101.1
Strahan105.9
Swansea107.7
Waratah104.9
Weldborough98.9
Victoria
Albury/Wodonga990
Alexandra104.5
Bairnsdale106.3
Bright88.9
Cann River
107.7
Corryong98.1
Eildon97.3
Hopetoun (Vic)
88.3
Horsham99.7
Mallacoota103.3
Mansfield105.3
Melbourne621
Mildura/ Sunraysia 105.9
Nhill95.7
Omeo99.7
Orbost98.7
Portland98.5
Swifts Creek
103.5
Wangaratta756
Warrnambool101.7
Western Victoria
92.5
Western Australia
Argyle107.5
Augusta99.1
Broome107.7
Bunbury (Busselton)1269
Carnarvon107.7
Cue107.7
Dalwallinu612
Dampier107.9
Denham107.5
Derby107.5
Eneabba107.7
Esperance106.3
Exmouth107.7
Fitzroy Crossing
107.7
Geraldton99.7
Halls Creek
107.7
Hopetoun (WA)
106.9
Jurien107.9
Kalbarri107.7
Kalgoorlie97.1
Kambalda93.9
Karratha100.9
Kununurra107.3
Laverton107.7
Leeman107.3
Leonora107.3
Marble Bar
107.5
Meekatharra107.9
Menzies107.7
Merredin107.3
Mount Magnet
107.3
Mullewa107.5
Nannup98.9
Narembeen107.7
Newman93.7
Norseman107.3
Onslow107.5
Pannawonica107.7
Paraburdoo107.7
Perth810
Port Hedland
95.7
Ravensthorpe107.5
Roebourne107.5
Salmon Gums
100.7
Southern
Agricultural96.9
Southern Cross
107.9
Tom Price
107.3
Wagin1296
Wyndham107.7
Yalgoo107.7
ABC Classic FM
Australian Capital
Territory
Canberra102.3
Tuggeranong99.1
New South Wales
Armidale103.5
Batemans Bay/
Moruya101.9
Bathurst (City)
97.5
Bega/Cooma99.3
Broken Hill
103.7
Central Western
Slopes105.5
Goulburn (Town)
89.5
Grafton/Kempsey97.9
Illawarra95.7
Manning River
98.7
Murrumbidgee
Irrigation Area
97.3
Newcastle106.1
Richmond/ Tweed 95.3
SW Slopes/
E Riverina
88.3
Sydney92.9
Tamworth103.1
Upper Namoi
96.7
Wagga Wagga
105.9
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
97.9
Darwin107.3
Queensland
Airlie Beach
95.5
Brisbane106.1
Cairns105.9
Cairns North
94.7
Clermont104.5
Darling Downs
107.3
Emerald90.7
Gold Coast
88.5
Gympie93.7
Mackay97.9
Mount Isa
101.7
Nambour88.7
Rockhampton106.3
Roma97.7
Townsville101.5
Townsville North
95.9
Wide Bay
98.5
South Australia
Adelaide103.9
Adelaide Foothills 97.5
Mount Gambier
104.1
Renmark/ Loxton 105.1
Roxby Downs
103.5
Spencer Gulf
North104.3
Tasmania
Hobart93.9
NE Tasmania
93.3
Victoria
Ballarat
(Lookout Hill)
105.5
Bendigo92.7
Bright88.1
Goulburn Valley
96.1
Latrobe Valley
101.5
Melbourne105.9
Mildura/Sunraysia102.7
Murray Valley
103.7
Upper Murray
104.1
Warrnambool92.1
Western Victoria
93.3
Western Australia
Bunbury93.3
Central Agricultural 98.9
Esperance104.7
Geraldton94.9
Kalgoorlie95.5
Narrogin92.5
Perth97.7
Southern
Agricultural94.5
triple j
Australian Capital
Territory
Canberra101.5
Tuggeranong 95.9
New South Wales
Armidale101.1
Bathurst (City)
95.9
Bega/Cooma100.1
Broken Hill
102.1
Central Western
Slopes102.3
Goulburn (Town)
88.7
Grafton/Kempsey91.5
Illawarra98.9
Manning River
96.3
Murrumbidgee
Irrigation Area
96.5
Newcastle102.1
Richmond/Tweed96.1
SW Slopes/
E Riverina
90.7
Sydney105.7
Tamworth94.7
Upper Namoi
99.9
Wagga Wagga
101.1
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
94.9
Darwin103.3
Queensland
Brisbane107.7
Cairns107.5
Cairns North
97.1
Darling Downs
104.1
Gold Coast
97.7
Mackay99.5
Mount Isa
104.1
Nambour89.5
Rockhampton104.7
Townsville105.5
Townsville North
97.5
Wide Bay
99.3
South Australia
Adelaide105.5
Adelaide Foothills 95.9
Mount Gambier
102.5
Renmark/Loxton101.9
Spencer Gulf North103.5
Tasmania
Hobart92.9
NE Tasmania
90.9
Victoria
Ballarat
(Lookout Hill)
107.1
Bendigo90.3
Goulburn Valley
94.5
Latrobe Valley
96.7
Melbourne107.5
Murray Valley
105.3
Upper Murray
103.3
Warrnambool89.7
Western Victoria
94.9
Western Australia
Bunbury94.1
Geraldton98.9
Kalgoorlie98.7
Perth99.3
Southern
Agricultural92.9
NewsRadio
Australian Capital
Territory
Canberra103.9
Tuggeranong99.9
New South Wales
Armidale102.7
Batemans Bay/
Moruya100.5
Bathurst98.3
Bega/Cooma89.7
Broken Hill
104.5
Central Western
Slopes106.3
Deniliquin100.9
Gosford98.1
Goulburn99.9
Grafton/Kempsey90.7
Illawarra90.9
Inverell93.5
Lithgow91.3
Manning River
94.7
Mudgee101.1
Murrumbidgee
Irrigation Area
98.1
Newcastle1458
Port Stephens
95.1
Richmond/ Tweed 98.5
SW Slopes/
E Riverina
91.5
Sydney630
Tamworth91.7
Upper Hunter 104.9
Upper Namoi
101.5
Wagga Wagga
105.1
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
104.1
Darwin102.5
Katherine105.3
Queensland
Airlie Beach
93.9
Bowen96.7
Brisbane936
Cairns101.1
Cairns North
96.3
Emerald89.1
Gladstone96.7
Gold Coast
95.7
Gympie94.5
Mackay104.3
Mount Isa
104.9
Rockhampton105.5
Sunshine Coast
94.5
Toowoomba96.7
Townsville94.3
Townsville North
93.5
Warwick96.3
Wide Bay
97.7
South Australia
Adelaide972
Mount Gambier
105.7
Renmark/
Loxton93.9
Spencer Gulf
North 102.7
Tumby Bay
91.5
Tasmania
Burnie90.5
East Devonport
102.1
Hobart747
NE Tasmania
92.5
Appendices
235
Appendices
Victoria
Bairnsdale107.9
Ballarat94.3
Bendigo89.5
Colac104.7
Goulburn Valley
107.7
Horsham893
Latrobe Valley
95.1
Melbourne1026
Murray Valley
95.9
Portland97.7
Upper Murray
100.9
Warrnambool91.3
Western Victoria
91.7
Western Australia
Broome 106.9
Bunbury
(Busselton)1152
Carnarvon106.1
Esperance103.1
Geraldton101.3
Kalgoorlie100.3
Karratha104.1
Perth585
Port Hedland
94.9
Southern
Agricultural92.1
Wagin96.3
Appendix 17—Radio Australia and Australia Network
Transmission and Distribution
Domestic Shortwave
The frequencies used
by shortwave stations to
transmit are varied to obtain
optimum results.
Radio Australia Frequencies
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
4835
Katherine5025
Tennant Creek
4910
Notes: This appendix lists only terrestrial transmission services for which an apparatus licence is held by the ABC. The ABC rebroadcasts
some services using transmission facilities provided under licence, such as the Self-Help Broadcasting Reception Scheme (SBRS) and
the Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS). The ABC does not control such services that are retransmitted
under s.212 or s.212A of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth).
Radio transmitter statistics
Digital Radio
ABC Local Radio
ABC Radio National
ABC Classic FM
triple j
NewsRadio
Domestic Shortwave
Total
ACT
NSW
NT
Qld
SA
Tas
Vic
WA
Total
0
1
1
2
2
2
0
8
1
59
52
19
18
26
0
175
0
15
15
2
2
3
3
40
1
68
87
18
13
18
0
205
1
13
18
6
5
5
0
48
0
19
13
2
2
4
0
40
1
24
21
11
10
14
0
81
1
41
50
8
6
12
0
118
5
240
257
68
58
84
3
715
Radio English—24 hours
Tonga
Nuku’alofa
Cook Islands
Rarotonga
Kiribati
Tarawa
Fiji
Nadi
Suva
Ba
Labassa
Vanuatu
Port Vila
Santo
Solomon Islands
Honiara
Papua New Guinea Port Moresby
Lae
East Timor
Dili
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Siem Reap
Sihanoukville
Laos
Vientiane
Samoa
Apia
Palau
Koror
Federated States
Pohnpei
of Micronesia
Marshall Islands
Majuro
Radio English—Part rebroadcast
Nauru
Nauru
Vanuatu
Port Vila VBTC
Paradise FM
Cook Islands
88FM
Radio Cook
Islands
Papua New Guinea NBC network
Papua New Guinea FM100 network:
Lae
Kimbe
Kavieng
Goroka
Buka
Boregoro
Dimodimo
Samoa
103 FM
93 FM
90 FM
106.6 FM
106.6 FM
106.4 FM
106.6 FM
103 FM
103 FM
107 FM
101.9 FM
102.1 FM
106.4 FM
101.5 FM
101.5 FM
101.5 FM
96 FM
102 FM
91.5 FM
88.1 FM
98.5 FM
Solomon Islands
Tuvalu
Canada
Taiwan
Tonga
Languages other than English—rebroadcast
partner stations
Radio French
New Caledonia
French Polynesia
Wallis and Futuna
105.1 FM
98 FM
88 FM
630 AM
1 national
station and
19 provincial
100.3 FM
100.8 FM
100.3 FM
100.2 FM
100.8 FM
107.7 FM
107.1 FM
Samoa Quality
Broadcasting
89.9 FM
Honiara
1035 AM
Paoa FM
97.7/101.7 FM
Funafuti
100.1 FM
CBC Network
PCJ Taipei
95.5 FM
PCJ Kaoshaung
107.2 FM
Tonga
1017 AM
Broadcasting
Vanuatu
New Caledonia
1st FM Network
Polynesia 1st
FM Network
(National
broadcaster)
Polynesia
1st AM service
Hinifo
Mua/Hahake
Sigave
Sigave
Alo
Port Vila VBTC
Port Vila VBTC
Santo VBTC
Pidgin (Tok Pisin)
Papua New Guinea Madang
Lae
Kimbe
Kavieng
Goroka
Buka
Boregoro
Dimodimo
Vanuatu
Horeatoa
Port Vila
Santo
8 frequencies
across New
Caledonia
16 frequencies
across
Polynesia
738 AM
101.0 FM
100.0 FM
89.0 FM
90.0 FM
91.0 FM
98.0 FM
1125 AM
1179 AM
100.8 FM
100.3 FM
100.8 FM
100.3 FM
100.2 FM
100.8 FM
107.7 FM
107.1 FM
107.5 FM
1125 AM
1179 AM
Appendices
237
Appendices
Appendix 17—Radio Australia and Australia Network
Transmission and Distribution continued
Appendix 18—ABC Offices
Radio Australia Frequencies
Australian Broadcasting
Corporation
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5344
Managing Director: Mark Scott
continued
Solomon Islands
Radio Khmer
Cambodia
Radio Mandarin
China
Honiara
1035 AM
Phnom Penh
Siem Reap
Battambang
Baanteay
Meanchey
Kratie
Koh Kong
Kampot
Pailin
Rattanakiri
Kampong Cham
102 FM
102.9 FM
92.7 FM
Beijing
Shanghai Media
Group: Radio
Classical FM
774 AM
96.5 FM
98.5 FM
99.5 FM
99.7 FM
90.5 FM
89.5 FM
92.5 FM
94.7 FM
Radio Australia shortwave transmitters
Operated by Broadcast Australia:
Shepparton (Victoria)
Brandon (Queensland)
In addition, the ABC leases capacity on shortwave
transmitters in Palau, the United Arab Emirates and
Singapore. The ABC uses these transmission facilities
on a commercial basis for several hours each day to
broadcast Radio Australia to selected areas in Asia.
Satellite distribution—Australia Network
and Radio Australia
Australia Network and Radio Australia are distributed
together across the Pacific, south-east Asia, north
Asia and south Asia on the Intelsat 18, Intelsat 19 and
Intelsat 20 satellites. This makes the two networks
available to rebroadcasters and direct-to-home (DTH)
across the region.
Australia Network—rebroadcasts and
free-to-air transmitters
Australia Network has approximately 660 rebroadcast
partners, mainly cable operators, across the AsiaPacific region.
In addition, Australia Network operates a 24–hour
free-to-air transmitter in Vanuatu (Channel 12) and
accesses a 24-hour free-to-air transmitter in Solomon
Islands (UHF Channel 28 and VHF Channel 9a)
operated under agreement with the local telecom.
6
2
ABC Head Office
Corporate
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5305
Director: Leisa Bacon
Corporate Affairs
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5305
Director: Michael Millett
Corporate Strategy
and Planning
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5305
Director: David Anderson
ABC Commercial
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 3989
Director: Robert Patterson
Innovation
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 1558
Director: Angela Clark
ABC International
ABC Southbank Centre
120 Southbank Boulevard
Southbank VIC 3006;
GPO Box 9994
Melbourne VIC 3001;
Ph: (03) 9626 1500
Fax: (03) 9626 1552
CEO: Lynley Marshall
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5860
Director: Rob Simpson
News
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 4551
Director: Kate Torney
Operations
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 1777
Chief Operating Officer:
David Pendleton
ABC Resources
Southbank VIC 3006;
GPO Box 9994
Melbourne VIC 3001;
Ph: (03) 9626 1500
Fax: (03) 9626 1601
Director: David Cruttenden
Business Services
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5552
Director: Brian Jackson
Technology
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 3168
Director: Ken Gallacher
Communication Networks
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 4570
Director: Adrian Potter
Appendices
239
Appendices
Appendix 18—ABC Offices continued
People
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 5108
Director: Samantha Liston
Radio
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 2603
Director: Kate Dundas
Television
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1500
Fax: (02) 8333 3055
Director: Richard Finlayson
State Offices
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Cnr Northbourne and
Wakefield Avenues
Dickson ACT 2602;
GPO Box 9994
Canberra ACT 2601;
Ph: (02) 6275 4555
Fax: (02) 6275 4538
(Local Radio station:
666 ABC Canberra)
Territory Director:
Elizabeth McGrath
Local Content Manager ACT:
Andrea Ho
240 New South Wales
Sydney
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo 2007;
GPO Box 9994
Sydney NSW 2001;
Ph: (02) 8333 1234
Fax: (02) 8333 1203
702 ABC Sydney)
State Director: Peter Longman
Local Content Manager NSW:
Andy Henley
Bega
Unit 1, First Floor
The Roy Howard Building
Ayers Walkway
231 Carp Street
(PO Box 336)
Bega NSW 2550;
Ph: (02) 6491 6011
Fax: (02) 6491 6099
ABC South East)
RCM: Ian Campbell
Coffs Harbour
24 Gordon Street
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450;
Ph: (02) 6650 3611
Fax: (02) 6650 3699
ABC Mid North Coast)
RCM: Cameron Marshall
Dubbo
45 Wingewarra Street
(PO Box 985)
Dubbo NSW 2830;
Ph: (02) 6881 1811
Fax: (02) 6881 1899
ABC Western Plains)
RCM: Andrew Dunkley
Erina
T252, The Parallel Mall
Erina Fair Shopping Centre
Terrigal Drive
Erina NSW 2250;
Ph: (02) 4367 1911
Fax: (02) 4367 1999
(Local Radio stations:
92.5 ABC Central Coast,
702 ABC Sydney)
Local Content Manager NSW:
Andy Henley
Lismore
61 High Street
(PO Box 908)
Lismore NSW 2480;
Ph: (02) 6627 2011
Fax: (02) 6627 2099
ABC North Coast)
RCM: Justine Frazier
Muswellbrook
36A Brook Street
Muswellbrook NSW 2333;
Ph: (02) 6542 2811
Fax: (02) 6542 2899
ABC Upper Hunter)
Local Content Manager Newcastle:
Philip Ashley-Brown
Newcastle
Cnr Wood and Parry Streets
Newcastle West NSW 2302;
PO Box 2205
Dangar NSW 2309;
Ph: (02) 4922 1200
Fax: (02) 4922 1222
1233 ABC Newcastle)
Local Content Manager Newcastle:
Philip Ashley-Brown
Nowra
64 Bridge Road
(PO Box 1071)
Nowra NSW 2541;
Ph: (02) 4428 4511
Fax: (02) 4228 4599
97.3 ABC Illawarra)
RCM: Peter Riley
Orange
46 Bathurst Road
(PO Box 8549)
East Orange NSW 2800;
Ph: (02) 6393 2511
Fax: (02) 6393 2599
ABC Central West)
RCM: Brooke Daniels
Port Macquarie
51 Lord Street
(PO Box 42)
Port Macquarie NSW 2444;
Ph: (02) 6588 1211
Fax: (02) 6588 1299
ABC Mid North Coast)
RCM: Cameron Marshall
Tamworth
Parry Shire Building
470 Peel Street
(PO Box 558)
Tamworth NSW 2340;
Ph: (02) 6760 2411
Fax: (02) 6760 2499
ABC New England North West)
RCM: Jennifer Ingall
Wagga Wagga
100 Fitzmaurice Street
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650;
Ph: (02) 6923 4811
Fax: (02) 6923 4899
(Local Radio station: ABC Riverina)
RCM: Chris Coleman
Wollongong
13 Victoria St
Wollongong NSW 2500
(PO Box 973)
Wollongong NSW 2520;
Ph: (02) 4224 5011
Fax: (02) 4224 5099
97.3 ABC Illawarra)
RCM: Peter Riley
Northern Territory
Darwin
1 Cavenagh Street
Darwin NT 0800;
GPO Box 9994
Darwin NT 0801;
Ph: (08) 8943 3222
Fax: (08) 8943 3235
105.7 ABC Darwin)
Territory Director:
Christopher Smyth
Local Content Manager NT:
Simon Scoble
Alice Springs
Cnr Gap Road and Speed Street
Alice Springs NT 0870;
PO Box 1144
Alice Springs NT 0871;
Ph: (08) 8950 4711
Fax: (08) 8950 4799
783 ABC Alice Springs)
RCM: Stewart Brash
Katherine
Stuart Highway
Katherine NT 0850;
PO Box 1240
Katherine NT 0851;
Ph: (08) 8972 5711
Fax: (08) 8972 5799
106.1 ABC Katherine)
Local Content Manager NT:
Simon Scoble
Queensland
Brisbane
114 Grey Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101;
GPO Box 9994
Brisbane QLD 4001;
Ph: (07) 3377 5227
Fax: (07) 3377 5265
612 ABC Brisbane)
State Director: Mark Bowling
Local Content Manager QLD:
Jenny Brennen
Bundaberg
58 Woongarra Street
(PO Box 1152)
Bundaberg Qld 4670;
Ph: (07) 4155 4911
Fax: (07) 4155 4999
ABC Wide Bay)
RCM: Ross Peddlesden
Cairns
Cnr Sheridan and Upward Streets
(PO Box 932)
Cairns Qld 4870;
Ph: (07) 4044 2011
Fax: (07) 4044 2099
ABC Far North)
RCM: Debbie Kalik
Gladstone
Dahl’s Building
43 Tank Street
Gladstone Qld 4680;
Ph: (07) 4976 4111
Fax: (07) 4976 4199
ABC Capricornia)
RCM: Bridget Smith
Appendices
241
Appendices
Gold Coast
Cnr Gold Coast Highway and
Francis Street
(PO Box 217)
Mermaid Beach Qld 4218;
Ph: (07) 5595 2917
Fax: (07) 5595 2999
91.7 Coast FM)
Content Director: Trevor Jackson
Sunshine Coast
Level 1
15 Carnaby Street
(PO Box 1212)
Maroochydore QLD 4558;
Ph: (07) 5475 5000
Fax: (07) 5475 5099
90.3 Coast FM)
RCM: John Caruso
Longreach
Duck Street
(PO Box 318)
Longreach Qld 4730;
Ph: (07) 4658 4011
Fax: (07) 4658 4099
ABC Western Queensland)
RCM: Nicole Bond
Toowoomba
297 Margaret Street
(PO Box 358)
Toowoomba QLD 4350;
Ph: (07) 4631 3811
Fax: (07) 4631 3899
ABC Southern Queensland)
RCM: Vicki Thompson
Mackay
2 Wellington Street
(PO Box 127)
Mackay QLD 4740;
Ph: (07) 4957 1111
Fax: (07) 4957 1199
ABC Tropical North)
RCM: Craig Widdowson
Townsville
8–10 Wickham Street
(PO Box 694)
Townsville QLD 4810;
Ph: (07) 4722 3011
Fax: (07) 4722 3099
630 ABC North Queensland)
RCM: Cameron Burgess
Mt Isa
114 Camooweal Street
Mt Isa QLD 4825;
Ph: (07) 4744 1311
Fax: (07) 4744 1399
ABC North West Queensland)
RCM: Andrew Saunders
Rockhampton
236 Quay Street
(PO Box 911)
Rockhampton QLD 4700;
Ph: (07) 4924 5111
Fax: (07) 4924 5199
ABC Capricornia)
RCM: Bridget Smith
242 South Australia
Adelaide
85 North East Road
Collinswood SA 5081;
GPO Box 9994
Adelaide SA 5001;
Ph: (08) 8343 4881
Fax: (08) 8343 4402
Public Fax: (08) 8343 4896
(Local Radio station: 891 Adelaide)
State Director:
Drew Radford (Acting)
Local Content Manager SA:
Graeme Bennett
Broken Hill
(administered by
ABC South Australia)
454 Argent Street
(PO Box 315)
Broken Hill NSW 2880;
Ph: (08) 8082 4011
Fax: (08) 8082 4099
999 ABC Broken Hill)
RCM: Andrew Schmidt
Mount Gambier
Penola Road
(PO Box 1448)
Mt Gambier SA 5290;
Ph: (08) 8724 1011
Fax: (08) 8724 1099
ABC South East)
RCM: Stuart Stansfield
Port Augusta
6 Church Street
(PO Box 2149)
Port Augusta SA 5700;
Ph: (08) 8641 5511
Fax: (08) 8641 5599
1485 Eyre Peninsula and
West Coast)
RCM: Sarah Tomlinson (Acting)
Port Lincoln
1/60 Tasman Tce
(PO Box 679)
Port Lincoln SA 5606;
Ph: (08) 8683 2611
Fax: (08) 8683 2699
1485 Eyre Peninsula and
West Coast)
Port Pirie
85 Grey Terrace
(PO Box 289)
Port Pirie SA 5540;
Ph: (08) 8638 4811
Fax: (08) 8638 4899
639 ABC North and West)
Renmark
Ral Ral Avenue
(PO Box 20)
Renmark SA 5341;
Ph: (08) 8586 1300
Fax: (08) 8586 1399
1062 ABC Riverland)
RCM: Bruce Mellett
Tasmania
Hobart
ABC Centre
1–7 Liverpool Street
(GPO Box 9994)
Hobart TAS 7001;
Ph: (03) 6235 3217
Fax: (03) 6235 3220
936 ABC Hobart)
State Director:
Andrew Fisher (Acting)
Local Content Manager Tasmania:
Jocelyn Nettlefold
Burnie
81 Mount Street
(PO Box 533)
Burnie TAS 7320;
Ph: (03) 6430 1211
Fax: (03) 6430 1299
ABC Northern Tasmania)
Jocelyn Nettlefold
Launceston
45 Ann Street
(PO Box 201)
Launceston TAS 7250;
Ph: (03) 6323 1011
Fax: (03) 6323 1099
ABC Northern Tasmania)
Jocelyn Nettlefold
Victoria
Melbourne
Southbank VIC 3006;
GPO Box 9994
Melbourne VIC 3001;
Ph: (03) 9626 1600
Fax: (03) 9626 1774
774 ABC Melbourne)
State Director: Randal Mathieson
Local Content Manager:
Cath Hurley
Ballarat
5 Dawson Street South
Ballarat VIC 3350;
PO Box 7
Ballarat VIC 3353;
Ph: (03) 5320 1011
Fax: (03) 5320 1099
107.9 ABC Ballarat)
RCM: Dominic Brine
Bendigo
278 Napier Street
(PO Box 637)
Bendigo VIC 3550;
Ph: (03) 5440 1711
Fax: (03) 5440 1799
ABC Central Victoria)
RCM: Jonathan Ridnell
Horsham
Shop 3
148 Baillie Street
(PO Box 506)
Horsham VIC 3400;
Ph: (03) 5381 5311
Fax: (03) 5381 5399
ABC Western Victoria)
RCM: Jonathan Ridnell
Mildura
73 Pine Ave
(PO Box 10083)
Mildura VIC 3502;
Ph: (03) 5022 4511
Fax: (03) 5022 4599
ABC Mildura—Swan Hill)
RCM: Anthony Gerace
Morwell
20 George St
(PO Box 1109)
Morwell VIC 3840;
Ph: (03) 5135 2111
Fax: (03) 5135 2199
ABC Gippsland)
RCM: Sian Gard
Sale
340 York Street
(PO Box 330)
Sale VIC 3850;
Ph: (03) 5143 5511
Fax: (03) 5143 5599
ABC Gippsland)
RCM: Sian Gard
Shepparton
50A Wyndham Street
(PO Box 1922)
Shepparton VIC 3630;
Ph: (03) 5820 4011
Fax: (03) 5820 4099
(Local Radio Station:
ABC Goulburn Murray)
RCM: Gaye Pattison
Appendices
243
Appendices
Warrnambool
166B Koroit Street
(PO Box 310)
Warrnambool VIC 3280;
Ph: (03) 5560 3111
Fax: (03) 5560 3199
ABC South Western Victoria)
RCM: Dominic Brine
Broome
23 Hamersley Street
(PO Box 217)
Broome WA 6725;
Ph: (08) 9191 3011
Fax: (08) 9191 3099
ABC Kimberley)
RCM: Vacant
Karratha
DeGrey Place
(PO Box 994)
Karratha WA 6714;
Ph: (08) 9183 5011
Fax: (08) 9183 5099
ABC North West)
RCM: Alex Hyman
Wodonga
1 High Street
(PO Box 1063)
Wodonga VIC 3690;
Ph: (02) 6049 2011
Fax: (02) 6049 2099
ABC Goulburn Murray)
RCM: Gaye Pattison
Bunbury
72 Wittenoom Street
(PO Box 242)
Bunbury WA 6230;
Ph: (08) 9792 2711
Fax: (08) 9792 2799
ABC South West)
RCM: Tom Coull
Kununurra
114b Collibah Drive
(PO Box 984)
Kununurra WA 6743;
Ph: (08) 9168 4311
Fax: (08) 9168 4399
ABC Kimberley)
RCM: Vacant
Esperance
80b Windich St
(PO Box 230)
Esperance WA 6450;
Ph: (08) 9083 2011
Fax: (08) 9083 2099
ABC Goldfields—Esperance)
RCM: John Wibberley
Wagin
58 Tudhoe Street
Wagin WA 6315;
Ph: (08) 9861 3311
Fax: 08 9861 3399
558 ABC Great Southern)
RCM: Andrew Collins
Geraldton
245 Marine Terrace
(PO Box 211)
Geraldton WA 6531;
Ph: (08) 9923 4111
Fax: (08) 9923 4199
ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt)
RCM: Arthur Muhl
Overseas Offices
Western Australia
Perth
30 Fielder Street
East Perth WA 6000;
GPO Box 9994
Perth WA 6848;
Ph: (08) 9220 2700
Fax: (08) 9220 2727
720 ABC Perth)
State Director: Mark Yates (Acting)
Local Content Manager WA:
Deborah Leavitt
Albany
2 St Emilie Way
(PO Box 489)
Albany WA 6330;
Ph: (08) 9842 4011
Fax: (08) 9842 4099
ABC South Coast)
RCM: Andrew Collins
244 Kalgoorlie
Unit 3, Quartz Centre
353 Hannan Street
(PO Box 125)
Kalgoorlie WA 6430;
Ph: (08) 9093 7011
Fax: (08) 9093 7099
ABC Goldfields—Esperance)
RCM: John Wibberley
Auckland
Level 3
TVNZ Centre
100 Victoria St. West
Auckland New Zealand;
Ph: +64 9 916 7928
Fax: +64 9 309 3248
Bangkok
518/5 Maneeya Centre
Penthouse–17th floor
Ploenchit Road
Pathumwan District
Bangkok 10330 Thailand;
Ph: +66 2 652 0595
Fax: +66 2 254 8336
Beijing
8-121 Qi Jia Yuan
Diplomatic Compound
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100600 China;
Ph: +86 10 6532 6819
Fax: +86 10 6532 2514
Jakarta
Level 16 Deutche Bank
Jn Iman Bonjol 80
Jakarta 10310 Indonesia;
Ph: +62 21 390 8123
Fax: +62 21 390 8124
Jerusalem
5th Floor
J.C.S. Building
206 Jaffa Road
Jerusalem 91343 Israel;
Ph: +972 2 537 3557
Fax: +972 2 537 3306
London
2nd floor
4 Millbank
Westminster S W1P 3JA
London
United Kingdom;
Ph: +44 20 7808 1360
Fax: +44 20 7799 5482
Nairobi
Apartment 4,
Suswa Block
Longonot Place Apartments
Harry Thuku Road
Nairobi, Kenya
New Delhi
B3/24 Vasant Vihar
New Delhi 110057 India;
Ph: +91 11 2615 4307
Fax: +91 11 2614 2847
Port Moresby
Airvos Avenue
GPO Box 779
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea;
Ph: +675 321 2666 (321 2503)
Fax: +675 321 2131
Tokyo
NHK Hoso Centre
2-2-1 Jinnan
Shibuya-ku Tokyo
150-8001 Japan;
Ph: +81 3 3469 8089
Fax: +81 3 3468 8445
Washington
Suite 660
2000 M Street NW
Washington DC 20036 USA;
Ph: +1 202 466 8575
Fax: +1 202 626 5188
Appendix 19—ABC Shops
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Shop CF12
Canberra Centre
Canberra ACT 2600
Ph: (02) 6247 2941
Fax: (02) 6230 6478
Woden
Shop G47B
Westfield Shopping Centre
Woden ACT 2606
Ph: (02) 6282 0746
Fax: (02) 6282 3508
New South Wales
Bondi
Shop 1003 Level 1
Westfield
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Ph: (02) 9386 5582
Brookvale
Shop 110 Level 1
Warringah Mall Shopping Centre
Brookvale NSW 2100
Ph: (02) 9905 3758
Fax: (02) 9939 7834
Burwood
Shop 204 Level 1
Westfield Shoppingtown
Burwood NSW 2134
Ph: (02) 9744 5172
Fax: (02) 9715 2845
Erina
Shop T253 The Parallel Mall
Erina Fair
Erina NSW 2250
Ph: (02) 4367 6892
Fax: (02) 4367 0617
Campbelltown
Shop C029 Level 1
Macarthur Square
Campbelltown NSW 2560
Ph: (02) 4626 8624
Fax: (02) 4620 5007
Hornsby
Shop 3033/34
Hornsby NSW 2077
Ph: (02) 9482 3671
Fax: (02) 9476 0098
Castle Hill
Shop 28
Castle Towers Shopping Centre
Castle Hill NSW 2154
Ph: (02) 9899 3273
Fax: (02) 9894 5425
Macquarie
Shop 417
Macquarie Shopping Centre
North Ryde NSW 2113
Ph: (02) 9878 4253
Fax: (02) 9878 8027
East Gardens
Shop 325
East Gardens
152 Bunnerong Road
East Gardens NSW 2035
Ph: (02) 9349 3695
Fax: (02) 9349 7169
Miranda
Shop 1087/88 Level 1
Miranda NSW 2228
Ph: (02) 9524 4289
Fax: (02) 9542 8573
Appendices
245
Appendices
Appendix 19—ABC Shops continued
Newcastle
Shop 205 Upper Level
Charlestown Shopping Square
Charlestown NSW 2290
Ph: (02) 4943 9763
Fax: (02) 4920 9526
Penrith
Shop 150 Ground Level
Westfield Penrith Plaza
Penrith NSW 2750
Ph: (02) 4721 8299
Fax: (02) 4721 3613
Port Macquarie
Shop T07A
Settlement City
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Ph: (02) 6583 6085
Fax: (02) 6583 8134
Sydney
Shop 48 The Albert Walk
Queen Victoria Building
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9286 3726
Fax: 02 9262 7690
Tuggerah
Shop 2043a
Cnr Wyong and Gavenlock Roads
Tuggerah NSW 2259
Ph: (02) 4353 9305
Fax: (02) 4353 9475
Ultimo
The Foyer
ABC Ultimo Centre
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007
Ph: (02) 8333 2055
Fax: (02) 9333 1240
Wollongong
Shop 215/216
Wollongong Central
Shopping Centre
Wollongong NSW 2500
Ph: (02) 4227 6750
Fax: (02) 4227 6759
246 Queensland
Brisbane
Shop 240 Level 2
The Myer Centre
Brisbane QLD 4000
Ph: (07) 3003 1321
Fax: (07) 3211 1453
Cairns
Shop L01 153
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Cnr McLeod and Spence Streets
Cairns QLD 4870
Ph: (07) 4041 5392
Fax: (07) 4041 2046
Carindale
Shop 2063
Carindale Shopping Centre
Carindale QLD 4152
Ph: (07) 3398 1606
Fax: (07) 3324 9681
Chermside
Shop 253
Chermside QLD 4032
Ph: (07) 3359 1378
Fax: (07) 3359 1407
Helensvale
Shop 1055
Westfield Helensvale
Helensvale QLD 4212
Ph: (07) 5502 7936
Fax: (07) 5502 7583
Indooroopilly
Shop 3017
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre
Indooroopilly QLD 4068
Ph: (07) 3878 9923
Fax: (07) 3878 3126
Mackay
Shop GD 2422
Caneland Central
Cnr Victoria and Mangrove Roads
Mackay QLD 4740
Ph: (07) 4951 4004
Fax: (07) 4957 3853
Appendix 19—ABC Shops continued
North Lakes
Shop 1108
Westfield North Lakes
North Lakes QLD 4509
Ph: (07) 3491 6283
Fax: (07) 3491 6968
Robina
Shop 2047A
Robina Town Centre
Robina QLD 4226
Ph: (07) 5575 7260
Fax: (07) 5578 9236
Toombul
Shop 115/116
Centro Toombul
Toombul QLD 4012
Ph: (07) 3256 9592
Fax: (07) 3266 3060
Toowoomba
Shop GC0114
Grand Central Shopping Centre
Toowoomba QLD 4350
Ph: (07) 4638 1768
Fax: (07) 4638 2842
Townsville
Shop 132
Castletown Shoppingworld
Townsville QLD 4810
Ph: (07) 4724 0710
Fax: (07) 4724 0997
South Australia
Adelaide
Shop T027
The Myer Centre
Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8410 0567
Fax: (08) 8231 7539
Modbury
Shop 200
Tea Tree Plaza
Modbury SA 5092
Ph: (08) 8396 0000
Fax: (08) 8395 6645
Oaklands Park
Shop 2047 Level 2
Westfield Shoppingtown Marion
297 Diagonal Road
Oaklands Park SA 5046
Ph: (08) 8298 6350
Fax: (08) 8377 5253
Tasmania
Hobart
Shop 209B
Centrepoint
70 Murray Street
Hobart TAS 7000
Ph: (03) 6236 9972
Fax: (03) 6234 1734
Victoria
Chadstone
Shop B186 The West Mall
Chadstone Shopping Centre
Chadstone VIC 3148
Ph: (03) 9568 8245
Fax: (03) 9563 4802
Cheltenham
Shop 3026
Southlands
Cheltenham VIC 3192
Ph: (03) 9583 5589
Fax: (03) 9585 4601
Doncaster
Shop 1127
Westfield Doncaster
619 Doncaster Road
Doncaster VIC 3108
Ph: (03) 9840 6727
Fax: (03) 9840 7820
Forest Hill
Shop 132
Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre
270 Canterbury Road
Forest Hill VIC 3131
Ph: (03) 9894 7582
Fax: (03) 9878 6652
Fountain Gate
Shop 208/2
Westfield Fountain Gate
Fountain Gate VIC 3805
Ph: (03) 8794 8438
Fax: (03) 8794 9146
Geelong
Shop 137
Geelong Westfield
Shopping Centre
Geelong VIC 3220
Ph: (03) 5221 3785
Fax: (03) 5222 8591
Knox
Shop 3115
Knox Shopping Centre
425 Burwood Highway
Wantirna South VIC 3152
Ph: (03) 9800 4965
Fax: (03) 9837 5319
Maribyrnong
Shop 2072
Highpoint Shopping Centre
Maribyrnong VIC 3032
Ph: (03) 9317 4652
Fax: (03) 9317 5290
Melbourne
Shop 30010 Level 3
Emporium Melbourne
Shopping Centre
269 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9639 0564
Fax: (03) 9639 0589
Preston
Shop K28 Level 1
Northland Shopping Centre
50 Murray Road
East Preston VIC 3072
Ph: (03) 9471 4863
Fax: (03) 9470 5672
Ringwood
Shop L60
Eastland Shopping Centre
171–175 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood VIC 3134
Ph: (03) 9879 5094
Fax: (03) 9847 0956
Western Australia
Booragoon
Shop 75
Garden City Shopping Centre
Booragoon WA 6154
Ph: (08) 9315 9289
Fax: (08) 9315 2763
Cannington
Shop 1016
Westfield Shoppingtown Carousel
Cannington WA 6107
Ph: (08) 9451 6352
Fax: (08) 9451 7849
Karrinyup
Shop F124 Level 1
Karrinyup Shopping Centre
200 Karrinyup Road
Karrinyup WA 6018
Ph: (08) 9445 9233
Fax: (08) 9276 3086
Morley
Shop 173 Level 1
The Galleria Morley
Walter Road
Morley WA 6062
Ph: (08) 9276 7673
Fax: (08) 9276 3088
Perth
Shop 60 Gallery Level
Carillon City Arcade
Perth WA 6000
Ph: (08) 9321 6852
Fax: (08) 9481 3123
Appendices
247
Glossary
Index
Glossary
app or application—short
for “application software”,
particularly in the context of mobile
devices. An app is a computer
program designed to perform a
particular task or function, and
may be custom-built to meet a
specific need.
download—the transfer of data,
including audio and video files,
across the internet to the user’s
computer or mobile device for
later use. Unlike streamed files,
downloaded files reside on the
recipient’s computer.
portal—an online or mobile
website which aggregates content
into a single destination.
audio-on-demand—the provision
of audio files (e.g. radio programs
or pieces of music) over the internet
so that they begin playing shortly
after the user requests them.
Generally, the files do not remain on
the user’s computer after they have
been played.
Electronic Program Guide
(EPG)—A guide which provides
users of television, radio,
and other media applications
with continuously updated
menus displaying broadcast
programming or scheduling
information for current and
upcoming programming.
share—the percentage of the
listening/viewing audience tuned to
a particular service.
broadband—fast internet service
that allows rapid access to large
audio and video files.
first release—the first time a
program has been broadcast
in Australia.
catch-up—media content which is
made available on an on-demand
basis (e.g. through podcasts or
online streaming) following the
scheduled broadcast of the content
on traditional platforms.
five-city reach—the combined
audience reach of a television
service in the five cities of Adelaide,
Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth
and Sydney.
smart phone—an advanced
mobile telephone device that
allows the user to install and
run application software in order to
expand its capabilities.
Charter—the fundamental
operating responsibilities of the
ABC, as set out in Section 6
of the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation Act 1983.
convergence—major
communications platforms coming
together so that their once separate
functions overlap. For example,
video content that used to be
available only on television can now
be viewed easily over the internet.
co-production—a program
produced through an agreement
between the ABC and an outside
producer, and potentially others, to
jointly contribute money, facilities
and/or staff.
cross-media/cross-platform—
content produced for and delivered
on more than one media platform.
digital radio—the transmission of
a broadcast radio signal in digital
form, allowing more channels and
additional data to be carried in the
same spectrum as analog radio.
248 hashtag—a word or phrase
preceded by a hash sign (#), used
on social media sites such as
Twitter and Facebook to identify
messages on a specific topic.
interstitial—content that is not
a television program and is put to
air between programs. Interstitials
include station identification,
program promotions, crosspromotions for radio or new media
programming, ABC Commercial
merchandising and community
service announcements.
platform—a medium or
technology for content distribution.
The ABC’s primary platforms are
radio, television and the internet. It
also uses mobile telephone-based
platforms, such as SMS.
podcasting—the provision of
downloadable audio files so that
the user is able to “subscribe” to a
program and have their computer
or mobile device automatically
retrieve new files as they
become available.
reach—the total number of people
who have viewed, listened to
or visited a service over a given
time frame.
simulcast—simultaneous broadcast
of the same content in multiple
formats, such as radio and television,
as required by the Broadcasting
Services Act 1992.
social media—the generic term
for a diverse collection of online
technologies that allow users to
create, publish and share content
with one another, including blogs,
wikis (e.g. Wikipedia), “micro-blogs”
(e.g. Twitter), social networking (e.g.
Facebook) and photo and video
sharing sites (e.g. YouTube).
streaming—“real time” audioor video-on-demand that is
synchronised with a radio or
television broadcast.
user-generated content
(UGC)—media content created by
audience members and published
online or broadcast on radio
or television.
video-on-demand—the provision
of video content over the Internet so
that it begins playing shortly after
the user requests it. Generally, the
content does not remain on the
user’s computer or mobile device
after it has been played.
vodcasting—downloadable video
files so that the user is able to
“subscribe” to a program and have
their computer or mobile device
automatically retrieve new content
as it becomes available.
Compliance index – statutory
reporting requirements
The index below shows compliance with information
requirements contained in the Commonwealth
Authorities and Companies Act 1997, in particular
Part 2 of the Commonwealth Authorities (Annual
Reporting) Orders 2011.
Statutory Reporting Requirements
Reports required under s.80 of the Australian
Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 – refer to
Appendix 10
Requirements of s.9 the Commonwealth Authorities
and Companies Act 1997
Report of operations—24–91
Financial statements—138
Auditor General’s report—136
Requirements of the Commonwealth Authorities
(Annual Reporting) Orders 2011
Enabling legislation (including objectives
and functions)—112, 196
Index
The index is arranged alphabetically word by word.
References in bold indicate the primary reference.
References in italics indicate the reference appears
in a table, graphs or chart. A bold m following a
page reference indicates that the reference appears
in a map.
A
ABC Advisory Council—17, 128–9, 202–4
ABC Appreciation Survey—26–8, 53, 119, 121–3
ABC Board—
Committees—197–9
Members—11–13, 217
Role and duties—10, 17, 108, 112, 114, 196
ABC Charter—10, 22, 26–7, 60, 64, 112-13, 196
ABC Classic FM—4, 15, 49, 51, 67, 76-7, 122, 201, 217,
234–6
ABC Commercial—7, 65–9, 73, 83–4, 90–1, 107, 109,
120, 133–4, 200, 245
Responsible Minister—121
ABC Executive—10, 17, 18–21, 79, 80, 83, 108, 112,
217
Ministerial directions and other
statutory requirements—220
ABC International—5, 7, 8m, 15–16, 19, 54, 60–4,
83–4, 91, 94, 121, 124, 200, 237–8, 245
Information about directors—11-13
ABC Local Radio—4, 7–9, 14, 31, 48–9, 52, 55, 58,
76–7, 104–6, 122, 126, 201, 217, 232, 236
Outline of organisational structure—17
Statement on governance—112
Related entity transactions—N/A
Key activities and changes affecting
the agency—All Sections
Judicial decisions and reviews by outside
bodies—220
Obtaining information from subsidiaries—N/A
Indemnities and insurance premiums for
officers—220
ABC NewsRadio—52, 55, 58, 75, 76-7, 201, 217,
235–6
ABC Online and mobile—7, 6, 15, 26–7, 29–37, 47, 49,
51–8, 60, 62, 66, 90–1, 96–7, 100, 105, 119, 123
ABC Radio National (RN)—4, 31, 34, 49, 51, 55, 76–7,
122, 201, 217, 233–5
ABC Retail—5, 65–6, 96–8, 107, 109, 200, 245–7
ABC Shops—see ABC Retail
ABC Strategic Plan—10, 23, 94, 113–14, 118–20, 220
ABC Values—3, 23, 79, 95, 107, 113–14
apps /applications—4, 30, 33–4, 36
Appropriation—16, 118, 121–5, 133–4
see also funding
see also triennial funding
Appendices
249
Index
Index
arts—38, 40, 43, 51–4, 62–3, 67, 91, 196, 214–15
D
L
S
Audience and Consumer Affairs—17, 72–3, 115–17, 200
digital radio—4, 15, 48, 50, 52, 55, 77, 88, 125, 126,
133–4, 147, 165, 171, 232, 236
Legal Division—17, 72, 83–4, 90–1, 200
social media—14, 29, 33, 34–5, 45, 54–6, 60, 62–64,
73, 81, 95, 104–5, 119
audience research—89
Audit and Risk Committee—17, 112–13, 198–9
E
see also risk management
Editorial Policies—17, 54, 72–4, 81, 96–7, 104, 115–16,
126, 202, 209
audit, internal—see Group Audit
Australia Network—15–16, 54, 60–4, 91, 133, 134, 161,
200, 217, 237–8
Australian content—37, 39, 40, 42, 45–6, 60, 62–4,
119, 122
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)—133, 136–7,
198–9
education—30, 35, 36, 41, 63, 64, 69, 90, 97, 124, 159,
196, 200, 217
Editorial reviews—72–3
efficiency—15, 22, 122–4, 133–4, 197
Election Coverage Review Committee (ECRC)—74
emergency broadcasting—63, 78, 89, 105–6
awards—30, 40, 63–4, 67, 79, 119, 221–8
F
B
Federal Budget—15, 22, 37, 55–57, 133–4, 161
balance—27, 53, 74, 96, 115–16, 196
Federal Election—39, 54–6, 58–9, 62, 72, 74, 78, 116,
203
bias—74, 115–16
Board—see ABC Board
Bonner Committee—88–9, 126–7
business continuity—89, 113, 199, 201
Business Services Division—83–4, 94, 198, 201
C
Classic FM—see ABC Classic FM
Code of Practice—72–3, 97, 115–17, 205
Communications Networks Division—75–7, 83–4
community—26–8, 34, 37, 53-4, 62, 67, 75, 82, 89–90,
94, 104–6
Managing Director—11, 17, 72–73, 80, 83–4, 88, 108,
112–13, 126, 129, 197–8, 200
streaming/stream—4, 15, 35, 51–2, 57, 67, 90, 97, 105,
108
mobile—15–16, 29–37, 48–51, 55, 59–60, 62, 66, 100,
119, 123, 205
sustainability—78, 94, 98–103
N
national identity—14, 42, 58, 196
News Division—5–6, 8m, 14, 17, 27, 29, 53–7, 58, 60,
78, 80–81, 83–4, 90, 96, 101, 108, 112, 133, 159, 200,
244–5
NewsRadio—see ABC NewsRadio
O
Freedom of Information (FOI)—114
overseas travel costs—219
funding—14–16, 22, 35, 37, 53, 60, 63, 65, 73, 86, 88,
116, 133–5, 147, 161
P
see also Appropriation
G
Governance—10, 54, 63, 88, 91, 94, 110–29
Group Audit—17, 112, 198–9, 201
H
hours broadcast—42–3, 123, 214–16, 217
I
service announcements—104
independence—10, 72, 112, 147, 196, 198, 203, 206
complaints—73–4, 96–7, 107, 115–17, 122–4, 206
Indigenous—14, 36, 40, 43, 46, 52, 82, 89, 91, 97, 104,
109, 118, 120, 126–7, 201, 214–16
Corporate Plan—see ABC Strategic Plan
Innovation Division—17, 29–37, 53, 81, 83, 84, 90, 112,
200
Corporate social responsibility—92–110
international bureaux—8–9m, 244–5
see also Sustainability
iview—4, 15, 30–2, 33, 39–40, 42, 46, 51, 57, 91, 96,
115, 119, 204
250 State and Territory Directors—17, 88–9, 94, 126, 200,
203
fraud—113, 199
satisfaction—26–8
consultants—162, 218
M
Occupational health and safety (OHS)—see work
health and safety (WHS)
see also triennial funding
Charter—see ABC Charter
Local Radio—see ABC Local Radio
People Division—17, 79–87, 108–9, 201
podcast/podcasting—31, 34, 48–51, 124
R
Radio Australia—54, 60–4, 161, 237–8
Radio Division—4, 7, 8–9m, 14–15, 17, 26, 28, 31,
35–6, 48–52, 55, 58, 72–5, 76–7, 80–3, 84, 90,
104–6, 109, 112, 119, 121–2, 126, 132, 201, 232–6
RN—see ABC Radio National
reception—76–7, 115, 124–5, 232–6
relevance—26–8, 34, 53, 58, 126
reviews—54, 72–4, 95, 112, 117, 199, 220
risk management—112, 113, 155, 184, 186, 198–9
see also Audit and Risk Committee
T
Technology Division—17, 75, 83–4, 87, 98, 107, 109,
112, 201
Television Division—4, 6, 15, 17, 26–7, 28, 32, 34–5,
38–47, 55, 58, 74–8, 81, 83–4, 90-1, 96–7, 100,
108–9, 112, 115, 119, 122–3, 125–6, 132, 134, 159,
202, 213–16, 229–31
training—54, 63, 72, 80–1, 91, 97, 108–9, 118, 120
transmission—8–9m, 61m, 75, 76–7, 60, 124–5, 132,
133–4, 144, 147, 159, 162, 165, 192, 229–38
triennial funding—14, 53, 56, 133
triple j—4, 14, 31, 33, 34–5, 40, 50–1, 67–8, 76–8, 122,
217, 235–6
U
user-generated content—36, 97
V
Vote Compass—15, 54, 58, 203
W
workers’ compensation—85–7, 162
work health and safety (WHS)—17, 54, 84–7, 94, 97,
107, 112

ABC Annual Report 2014

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