Dear Friends,
 
A campaign update after what can only be described as a highly turbulent year for Aunty.
 
First up, an enormous THANK YOU to iconic Australian artist Reg Mombassa for his brilliant work calling for the return of independent and diverse music to Radio National.
 
Huge thanks also to celebrated jazz musician Jonathan Zwartz, whose acceptance speech after receiving an ARIA Award (Best Jazz Album) last month led to Senator Kristina Keneally raising the impact of music cuts at Radio National in Senate Estimates.

Weeks later, Zwartz (accompanied by Amanda Brown, Katie Wighton, Dan Rosen and Nick Pickard) met with Senator Keneally “…to discuss the downward pressure felt by our music sector since the ABC stopped playing music on Radio National and FM (as well as some other music issues). The Senator was absolutely brilliant, generous, and engaged. She totally understood where we were coming from and was interested in pursuing the conversation further”. 

Thank you to Senator Keneally and her office for making it happen, and for taking the time.
 
We welcome the voices of other political parties and independent Senators in their support to return and increase funding to the ABC and advocate for independent Australian music.

Enormous congratulations, Jonathan and thank you from all of us for your advocacy.

SUPER EXCITING NEWS!
 
Paul Gough (ex-Inside Sleeve) returns to the airwaves presenting ‘Pacific Mornings’ over the summer break; appearing on ABC Radio Australia week mornings at 9.30am EST (8.30am QLD) for 90 minutes of unique music content you won’t find on other ABC platforms.
 
Tune in via ABC app or internet (unfortunately, Radio Australia isn’t available on FM or AM platforms in Australia).
 
See:
 
https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificmornings/pacific-mornings/10609044
 
https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/frequencies/
 
Paul would LOVE to hear from musicians and listeners alike with comments, new music or any feedback you might have. You can email him directly at theinsidesleeve@gmail.com
 
Want to help us keep the pressure up? Here’s how.
 
* Listen to Paul Gough’s new show on Radio Australia. If you love it, LET THE ABC KNOW here:

https://www.abc.net.au/contact/contactabc.htm
 
* Please CONTINUE TO SHARE this petition! We know the ABC are aware of our ongoing efforts. We have just reached 26,000 signatures.
 
* Join us on social media for ongoing conversation and discussion:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/handsoffrnmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/HORNMNews/
 
Lastly – we wish you all a great summer break and best wishes for 2019!
 
Big thanks for your ongoing support from the #SaveRNmusic team