In the wake of news that ABC is axing all but one of its Radio National music programs in 2017, a group of artists and music industry professionals are banding together for a massive push against the change.
In an open letter to ABC board members and the station’s ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie, the Hands Off Radio National Music Campaign has launched a scathing attack against the broadcaster’s decision.
The campaign boasts support from a long list of high profile artists and industry figures including Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Tim Freedman, Gurrumul, and many more, as well as organisations like APRA/AMCOS. A petition launched on November 14 has already attracted more than 12,000 signatures.
“As musicians and music industry professionals,” campaign representative Ruth Hazleton writes, “we are appalled by the decision taken by ABC management to scrap The Daily Planet, The Inside Sleeve, The Live Set and The Rhythm Divine, and to remove Jazztrack from Radio National.
“This decision was taken without proper industry and public consultation and must be reconsidered and reversed,” the letter adds. “The cuts deliver a fundamental blow to diverse, vibrant and independent sectors of the Australian music industry, which receive minimal national radio coverage elsewhere.
The group implores that the decision be re-examined, describing the programs as “the remaining windows for Australian artists to tell their stories about Australian life,” and also highlighting their financial significance.
“They support and underpin a music sector that, according to Music Australia, contributes between $4 and $6 billion to the Australian economy annually and which generates close to 65,000 jobs, over half of which are full-time.
“They are essential listening for those working in this vibrant industry and should not be discarded on the grounds of ratings.”
Citing the loss of the aforementioned programs, the campaign asks how ABC Radio will possibly be able to fulfil its mission – detailed in the station’s charter – to “reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community” and “encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia.”
“Collectively, [these programs] provide specialist, linear broadcasting of diverse music that is not broadcast nationally elsewhere with equivalent depth, breadth and expertise,” they state.
While Double J has received extra funding and the announcement of new programming in the wake of the RN cuts, the group don’t see the new additions as an adequate replacement for what’s being lost, especially considering the limitations of Double J’s digital-only format.
“While we value and admire Double J, we do not believe that it can fill the hole left by the cuts, despite additions proposed for 2017.”
“Double J is only available in digital format. We are deeply concerned about listeners in regional, rural and remote areas where the Internet and digital radio access is problematic at best.”
Concern has also been expressed for the affected broadcasters Lucky Oceans, Paul Gough, Geoff Wood and Alice Keath, “some of Australia’s most experienced, knowledgeable, passionate and intelligent musical minds.”
casting off of these irreplaceable staff members
ARIA award winning platinum artist Katie Noonan has lent her voice to the cause with an impassioned plea, believing the effects of the axing would be “catastrophic”, especially in remote areas.
“I simply can not fathom how anyone would have thought this was a good idea for the Australian people… In regional Australia these radio shows are literally the lifeline for cultural connectivity…
“Having been lucky enough to tour this great big country of ours many times, I know how absolutely vital these programs are to people’s lives… The catastrophic effects of these cuts will be enormous on multiple levels – this decision has simply not been thought through properly and absolutely needs to be reversed.”
Renowned author Tim Winton has also spoken out against the move, labelling it a “betrayal”.
“At a time when it seems every element of home-grown culture is under siege, it’s bewildering to see Radio National stripping music shows from its programming,” Winton remarks. “To musicians, composers, producers and listeners alike, this retreat feels like a betrayal, a signal that ABC management feels no need to repay the loyalty of its audience.
“For years Radio National has been a defender of Australian culture and a means by which new writers, players and composers find an audience.”
The campaign ultimately asks the ABC board and management to answer four fundamental questions about the cuts:
“Can you assure the listening public that the changes will not reduce the diversity of music styles played, the amount of new Australian music promoted, the number of Australian musicians profiled and the resources devoted to these activities?
“Will the changes reduce regional access to Australian music?
“Is the ABC confident the changes won’t reduce audiences for the genres covered by RN Music, or adversely impact the live music ecosystem for these musicians and their audiences?
“Has the ABC considered, in delivering on its charter, its responsibility to the broader music community and to the country, to contribute to an original, national musical culture and identity, to support viable careers and to support an important national industry, culturally and economically?”
The final request is clear.
“Finally, we again call on the ABC to review this ill-considered decision, as outlined in the petition statement, and to return The Daily Planet, The Inside Sleeve, The Live Set, The Rhythm Divine and Jazztrack to Radio National in 2017.
“It’s our ABC.”
For more information on the campaign and to sign the petition, you can visit the Save RN Music website.
