So imagine my surprise when this email arrived, hilarious under a banner that promised “Real news, honest opinions.”
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“Good morning, Jon. I’m producing an hour-long Ninety Years of the ABC (tentative title) document for SkyNews / Foxtel / Flash platforms. Chris Kenny is presenting, and the show will be in late July.
“The goal of the program is to explore the extent to which the CBA is fit for purpose in the 2020s. There is no doubt that the CBA is one of our most important cultural institutions, but the national broadcaster is it serving all Australians effectively?
“Will the core topics in the program include why the ABC was formed? And the crucial service it offers in Australia; Does the ABC contribute positively or negatively to the national debate? And the general responsibility of the CBA to the voters and the general public. “
I declined.
“I don’t think it’s possible for Chris Kenny to come up with a balanced ABC assessment.”
Then I made some inquiries to former colleagues at my former workplace. Sky’s production team has been making its way through a list of ABC names, starting with Ita Buttrose, board president and CEO David Anderson. They both refused, though I don’t know their reasons.
They have approached many ABC alumni, with a similar reaction to mine. With so many rejections, the frustrated Sky producers drew up their wish list to the former morning presenter of local Melbourne radio. All notes to his team worker, who tried again:
“In the interests of fairness and transparency, may you reconsider whether I can guarantee that I will post the entire unedited interview on the Skynews website?”
Suffice it to say that I was not moved by this offer.
My animosity toward his chosen presenter, Chris Kenny, requires an explanation. He served as Ministerial Adviser to Alexander Downer and Malcolm Turnbull, and is a prolific columnist for The Australian. His on-air tasks for the cable TV network are just one part of his profile.
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For many years, he has constantly expressed resolute hostility to the national station. He has often accused the ABC of bias and joined a conga line of Murdoch media critics who insist the nation would be better served by a reduced ABC.
In what universe is he a suitable candidate to weigh “to what extent the CBA is fit for purpose during the 2020s”?
I have no doubt that Chris Kenny will simply confirm his well-formed views on a complex and diverse organization that, to the chagrin of the Murdoch empire, is constantly found as a beloved and trusted voice. While even the most passionate fans don’t claim the ABC to be perfect, the overwhelmingly positive role it plays in the life of the nation is unquestionable.
My other invitation this week was from ABC itself. The June 30 televised birthday party celebrating 90 years of excellence in television and radio promises to be a big, nostalgic one. Chris Kenny should tune in.