Comments on: ABC TV head quits with drama up but production out

By: Bean Lynn

Bean Lynn — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:13:07 +0000

I think Kim has done a marvellous job, dragging Auntie kicking and screaming (or at least some at the ABC) into the 21st century. And the evidence is the quality of Australian programming that is now being broadcast. Well done Kim - you’ll be sorely missed.

By: JennyB

JennyB — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 06:46:26 +0000

The”outsourcing model” has been a huge bonus for audiences, and the only “critics” of this model are internal. It makes no sense for the ABC to make drama in-house. If it does, it has to fully fund the cost of production and is unable to access Screen Australia, state film funding bodies, or the producer tax offset. When it outsources production, it therefore pays (in the case of adult drama) about one-quarter the cost of production, or (in the case of children’s drama, one-fifth. It is also freed up to work with the widest possible range of creative producers all over Australia. The audience therefore gets the benefit - many more high quality productions including Rake, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Jack Irish telemovies, Paper Giants, Dance Academy, etc. The argument that when the ABC is commissioning from independent producers it loses editorial input and is supporting “commercial” activity, which is somehow improper, is never properly scrutinised by media commentators because the issues are not understood. Kim Dalton should be commended for having the courage to attempt to transform the ABC for the benefit of audiences - the stakeholders that really matter.

By: Jan Forrester

Jan Forrester — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 04:39:04 +0000

ps thanks Kim.

By: Jan Forrester

Jan Forrester — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 04:38:33 +0000

If Redfern Now is an example of outsourced Oz drama, bring it on. I’ve never understood the opposition to the national broadcaster outsourcing drama, even when I worked there. Allows for experiments - some work, some don’t. As a taxpayer I see a great role for the ABC to be a catalyst, via commissioning decisions, co-productions and some risk taking, to strengthening the independent sector as well as ABC programs.I DO want more docos, so lets argue the case. And we have some great independent documentary makers. I’d love a natural history unit back too, that’s about policy decisions and consequent allocation of resources.

By: paddy

paddy — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 03:07:11 +0000

When someone actually claims Q&A as one of his biggest triumphs???…..It’s probably a good thing he’s moving on.

By: Holden Back

Holden Back — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:35:54 +0000

I know it’s good for Matt Peacock to frame the debate in terms of popular content, but Spicks and Specks (despite a slated comeback) and The New Inventors had actually run their respective courses and were looking a bit tired. And I’m speaking as a fan of both shows.

What is next as a in-house productions and their predicted success or failure is harder to mount a positive argument about.