Dear friends, Below is a link to the ABC’s response to our open letter. Our initial response is this: • The ABC’s response is inadequate. • It is clear that our concerns are not being taken seriously. • It is clear that the ABC do not fully comprehend the issues of cultural diversity, choice, access and regional/rural concerns addressed in our open letter. Our objections to these cuts are not simply about music. • The ABC clearly do not understand how these cuts will affect the Australian music industry itself. • We are seeking a response from ABC Board, to whom the letter was addressed; NOT staff members who were responsible for these decisions in the first place. • We wrote to the Board and Managing Director pointing out that these are decisions that contradict the ABC charter and we expect them to consider and respond appropriately. • The concession that "...not all genres and artists will be covered in the same way...and some artists and areas of music won't be consistently covered by Double j or Local Radio” is completely unacceptable. • It is simply not correct to argue that everyone can access Double J or digital radio. Access to programs via the internet is for many Australians either impossible, intermittent and/or very costly. • Finally, and of great importance, the response arrogantly doesn't even mention the decades of experience, wisdom and knowledge - and networks of the wonderful people; presenters and producers - who lovingly curate these shows to bring us new and familiar and interesting sounds every day. We are preparing a detailed response and encourage you to voice your opinions DIRECTLY to these email addresses: info_rn@abc.net.au Michael Mason - ABC Director of Radio mason.michael@abc.net.au Chris Scaddan - ABC Radio Head of Music Scaddan.Chris@abc.net.au Michelle Guthrie - ABC Managing Director guthrie.michelle@abc.net.au BUSKING HAPPENING TOMORROW! ADELAIDE Saturday 3 December, 4-6pm, Steps of Parliament of South Australia, North Terrace, HOBART Saturday 3 December, 12 -1pm, Salamanca Lawns (opposite Grape) MELBOURNE Saturday 3 December, 12-1pm, ABC Studios, 120 Southbank Boulevard Melbourne PERTH Saturday 3 December,12-1pm, ABC Studios, 30 Fielder Street East Perth BRISBANE Thursday 8 December, 2pm, ABC Studios, 114 Grey Street South Brisbane ALL DETAILS HERE: https://www.facebook.com/RNorBUSK/ Lastly, some of you may have noticed that the campaign organisation, GetUp! has started its own petition on the axing of Radio National music programs. We are delighted that others, beyond our own circle, will have a chance to put their arguments in support of these important outlets for Australian music. After some preliminary discussions with GetUp! we, as a volunteer based, spontaneous campaign team, decided that we will remain proudly independent, continue our own lines of protest and advocacy and rely on our overwhelming support from the music industry and the RN loving public. While people are free to choose whichever platform they want, we’re asking for your continued support in supporting our grassroots movement. We know the ABC Board are watching, and we want 20,000!