Former ABC journalists Nick Franklin and Matt Peacock discuss the decimation of the ABC over many years, with the latest cuts threatening hundreds of jobs, and the quality and existence of our national broadcaster, the ABC. Although retired, Nick is an active member of Blue Mountains Unions & Community and one of team of volunteer presenters on Rights, Rorts & Rants Blue Mountains community radio. 
Matt Peacock is also retired and is Chair of the Board of Directors of ABC Alumni. "Matt Peacock has played a major role in publicising the risks of asbestos in Australia." (International Ban Asbestos Secretariat). He is the author of "Killer Company", an expose of James Hardie. His book inspired the miniseries "Devil's Dust".
You can find more information about historical funding cuts to the ABC in this Guardian article. 
This Guardian article forecasts 250 job losses at the ABC because of a funding shortfall.
If you wish to join the campaign to save the ABC, you can join Friends of the ABC. There are many local groups, including a strong and active group in the Blue Mountains, NSW.
Part 2 of this series explores the demise of local and regional newspapers, the rise of independent online media and new opportunities for journalists.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 19th June 2020. The image in the logo is from the Katoomba Times 1889.
Disclaimer: We seek a range of perspectives but that means that views expressed in these podcasts are not necessarily endorsed by the Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc.

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