Kim Williams outlined an extensive list of areas for improvement and renewal in his first major speech as chair of the public broadcaster on Wednesday evening, a bid to restore the ABC after what he calls decades of fragmentation and dislocation.
The speech, delivered as the inaugural Redmond Barry address at the Victorian State Library on Wednesday night, served as a pitch for increased funding and his vision to make the ABC the country’s “national campfire”.
Kim Williams in conversation with former ABC presenter Maxine McKew after outlining his vision at the State Library of Victoria.Credit: Francine Schaepper
Williams called for greater government funding – or as he termed it, investment.
“We need to be tough-minded to achieve our goals and we need to measure performance reliably. Of course, achieving our goals will also take something else … Something you have probably guessed … investment.”
The speech offered Williams the opportunity to place his management and staff – some of them present in the room – on notice. The ABC can be guilty of self-congratulation misplacing robust self-assessment, resulting in underperformance, he said.
“No one enjoys being critical, but well-run organisations must be honest about their performance. And if we’re honest, there are important areas for improvement.”
Spruiking a united board, who were also in attendance amid two days of meetings in Melbourne, the former News Corp, Foxtel and Fox Studios chief said a renewed Radio National is vital as a standard-bearer for the ABC’s ethos and intellectual ambition.
Kim Williams (centre) with Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the announcement of his appointment in January.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
He also outlined an increase in “serious television documentaries”, expanded drama and comedy production, children’s and education programming and coverage of the arts, as well as remaining the most trusted source of news and truth for Australians.
“We deserve a great national audio service, one that demonstrates the power of the spoken word, the importance of clear thinking, and the sublime force of a wide range of Australian intellects. In this world of contested ‘truths’ and aggressive opinion, such a trusted source of analysis and pluralist deep thinking is sorely needed.
“Australians demand more and are voting with their podcasts.”
This week, the ABC fell to second on the list of trusted news organisations in the annual Digital News Report from the University of Canberra and Reuters, with hybrid public broadcaster SBS replacing it in the top spot.
Deputy chair Peter Tonagh, ABC managing director David Anderson and staff-elected director Laura Tingle, alongside complaints ombudsman Fiona Cameron were present for the ABC at the event, in an audience that included media professionals and federal ministers.
Publisher Morry Schwartz and his gallery-founding wife Anna were seen, as were the Library’s chief executive Paul Duldig and president Christine Christian, former federal Labor MP Barry Jones, barrister Robert Richter, KC, and prominent ABC presenter Geraldine Doogue.
Retired ABC journalist and former federal member for Bennelong Maxine McKew hosted the evening, preceded by drinks in the La Trobe Reading Room.
From left, minister for development, precincts and creative industries Colin Brooks, library president Christine Christian, ABC Chair Kim Williams and library chief executive Paul Duldig. Credit: Francine Schaepper
Williams’ “campfire” vision recalls former ABC managing director Mark Scott’s “town square” of 15 years ago, a prominent theme across his decade-long tenure.
The current chairman’s focus on programming may surprise some but is in keeping with his initial round of media interviews upon his appointment in January, which indicated a willingness to extend his influence beyond the boardroom.
He also hinted at a greater focus on the streaming service iView, and a move away from social media.
“Making iView into an even better streaming platform with a heavier ballast of Australian-produced content. Ditto with ABC-curated podcasts. We can offer better propositions in parallel to the commercial streaming services. Given the direction of technology and citizen behaviours and preferences, this is non-negotiable for the future of the ABC.
“I and my board colleagues believe strongly that the ABC must have a strong accountability framework that requires it to do better.”
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2024-06-20 01:26:03Z
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