[csaa-forum] Re ABC/Late Night Live etc

[Virginia Madsen]

In answer to Warwick Mules concerns re the ABC. In general sense we all 
should be really worried as the ABC suffers from massive lack of funds, 
censorship from within and the usual attacks from everywhere else. (And 
Cultural Studies folk could do more I think to add their voices to the 
protest, in response to Warwick and Andrew Murphie in particular). A 
change in the culture as to the importance of the ABC has already 
wrecked havoc on the national broadcaster.

But, we need to have the facts as to "Late Night Live" and other 
idiosyncratic shows like "The Planet". I think my sources from within 
ABC Radio are reasonably good so will tempt fate by saying that there 
are no threats to Late Night Live; it is regarded as "a foundational 
programme" to RN and Philip Adams is not likely to be shifted by anyone 
in Management at RN. (Of course, if RN goes, or is restructured to such 
an extent - on the cards - that all we end up with is yet another 
"popular" flow radio format station, then you might expect the worst).

Re "The Planet", it is to come back in February (although with new name) 
and will be scheduled for day slot and night time slot. Lucky Oceans and 
team are all still there. I can't vouch for its content yet but I've 
heard it still will cover the world, the dark side, the light, the 
subterranean and obscure with Lucky Oceans there for most of it - when 
he's not playing his own music that is.

So, some things still go on. The bigger picture though looks decidedly 
more shaky for probably Australia's most important (at least 
historically) cultural institution.

This information shouldn't be understood as being against anyone writing 
letters of support for RN. My feeling here is they need it more than 
ever.

Cheers
Virginia Madsen



Dr Virginia Madsen
Visiting Research Associate
Vice Chancellor's Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (2002-2005)
School of Media, Film and Theatre
The University of New South Wales
U.N.S.W. Sydney, NSW 2052

Telephone +61 2 93856806
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