Dear Friends, Today the ABC board met in Sydney, and we couldn’t let that happen without making some noise (literally), so we combined forces with ABC Friends and the CPSU, issued a joint press release this morning, and held a media event outside the ABC in Ultimo, Sydney, just after midday. Members of all groups attended and it was a great opportunity for us to meet people from other campaign groups. Enormous thanks to one of Australia’s greatest music minds, Stuart Coupe, and to Geoff Horsnell (member of our core team and formidable broadcasting expert) for speaking on behalf of the #saveRNmusic Campaign. Huge thanks also to songwriter Mark Lucas for closing the event with some music. From the Press Release: “Members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), Hands off Radio National Music and ABC Friends say a range of management decisions have created a crisis at the national broadcaster. Recent decisions that demonstrate how out of touch the ABC Executive has become include: • The axing of science program Catalyst • Removing music from Radio National; and • Ending shortwave transmission in the NT ABC management’s decision late last year to cut all but one of Radio National’s music programmes from its 2017 schedule drew sharp criticism from artists and audiences. Hands Off RN Music spokesperson Ruth Hazleton said, “Despite gleaning close to 23,000 signatures on our petition, and statements from some of Australia’s most prominent philanthropists, artists and organisations (including Janet Holmes a Court, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Archie Roach, Music Australia & APRA AMCOS), ABC senior management has failed to acknowledge the devastating blow they have delivered to Australia’s music culture and diversity as a result of these cuts, made without industry or artist consultation.” “Similarly, Senior Management has failed to acknowledge the impact this decision has had on rural and regional audiences with its premature reliance on digital formats. We believe management is using the digital strategy as a smokescreen for crude cost-cutting. It has drastically underestimated community outrage, yet seems impervious to the ensuing loss of support from passionate listeners. These are serious issues that need to be addressed at a Board level”. “[We] will call on the ABC Board to step up and ensure our national broadcaster is properly managed by people who are genuinely committed to public broadcasting”. We’re also pleased to announce that we will be attending the Senate inquiry into the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Rural and Regional Advocacy) Bill 2015 on Monday 6th March. The purpose of this bill is to amend the ABC's Charter in relation to the delivery of services to rural and regional Australia in each State and Territory, and it seeks to define the Corporation's mandate for its public service function for journalism in rural and regional Australia. You can see coverage of today’s events on out Facebook community group and pages: https://www.facebook.com/groups/handsoffrnmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/HORNMNews/ Articles from today here: https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/theyre-cutting-all-good-things-abc-does http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/498173/protesters-outside-abc-today-are-mighty-pissed.htm http://www.radiotoday.com.au/content-items/10435-joint-protest-in-support-of-radio-national-today.html https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/abc-protest-today-about-illogical-changes-planned-restructure https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/rush-digital-platforms-very-premature Press Release will be posted on our website shortly. www.savernmusic.com More news coming soon – an update of where we’re heading in the campaign, and an opportunity for you to help us cover costs, buy a T-shirt, and support us during the coming festival season. All the best from the #saveRNmusic Campaign Team.