Strangling Aunty: Perilous Times for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

This book explores the transitions of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) under various types of organizational re-strategizing, governance, and political shifts. It examines how the ABC has lost its iconic status and strayed from its public charter, becoming politicized and trivialized. The book is a unique and timely contribution at a time of dwindling interest for the funding of public assets and has everyday applications for business organizations operating in the public sector.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1105 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Drawing on a wealth of academic research, statistics, and in-depth interviews with key Australian media figures, including current and former Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) staffers, this comprehensive book delves into the profound transformations undergone by the ABC over various periods of organizational re-strategizing, governance, and political shifts. The book offers the reader a comprehensive and authoritative account of how the ABC has relinquished its once-iconic status within Australian society and how it has strayed from its esteemed public charter, which granted the ABC a distinctive and vital role in informing, educating, and entertaining the Australian public.

Over the years, successive federal government funding cuts have resulted in significant staff reductions and service cuts, while the ABC has pursued a corporatist model that closely resembles the practices and structures of commercial media. This shift has led to the politicization and trivialization of the ABC, posing a serious threat to its continued existence.

In a time when public asset funding is dwindling worldwide, this book stands as a unique and timely contribution. It is the only book in the market that addresses the decline of the ABC and analyzes the underlying reasons for its demise within an organizational theoretical framework. The book is written with an educated general audience in mind, with academics and media practitioners as primary targets. However, its insights and findings have broader applications for business organizations operating in the public sector, as it brings together essential insights into public funding, budgets, management, and organizational strategies and evolution.

The book explores the complex interplay between organizational structures, governance models, and political influences on the ABC's evolution. It examines how different types of re-strategizing, such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, have impacted the organization's culture, values, and mission. It also sheds light on the role of governance structures, such as board appointments and regulatory frameworks, in shaping the ABC's direction and decision-making processes.

The book also delves into the political context in which the ABC operates, analyzing how changes in government policies, funding priorities, and public opinion have influenced its operations and reputation. It explores how the ABC has navigated the challenges posed by political polarization, media concentration, and the rise.

Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and personal anecdotes, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the ABC's decline and its implications for the future of public broadcasting in Australia. It raises important questions about the role of the public sector in supporting independent media, the balance between commercial and public interests, and the need for robust governance and regulatory frameworks to ensure the sustainability and integrity of public institutions.

The book concludes by offering recommendations for rebuilding the ABC's reputation, restoring its public trust, and ensuring its long-term sustainability. It advocates for a return to the organization's founding principles, including a commitment to independent journalism, a diverse range of programming, and a strong emphasis on education and cultural enrichment. It also calls for a more robust and transparent governance structure, with a greater emphasis on accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of public broadcasting in Australia. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the ABC's decline and its implications for the broader media landscape. By shedding light on the complex factors that have contributed to the organization's decline, the book provides a roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing the ABC, ensuring that it continues to play a vital role in informing, educating, and entertaining the Australian public for generations to come.

Weight: 1418g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811607783
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021