This petition was launched in November 2016 after the ABC announced the removal of numerous music shows (representing approx. 18 hours of music programming per week) from Radio National. Much of the music played on these shows represented niche music genres rarely played on other ABC platforms and included a significant amount of Australian independent music. We continue to lobby for a broader representation of music on ABC Radio National; to nurture and support independent artists and industry, and to offer quality music programming to a broad national audience.
Original petition statement below:
We, the undersigned, request that ABC Radio National reverse their decision to discontinue the following programs (The Inside Sleeve, The Daily Planet, The Live Set & The Rhythm Divine) in 2017. These programs represent Australian diversity and identity and are integral to our artistic culture.
Our Music Industry:
This decision ignores the complexities and depth of our Australian music industry. It delivers a significant blow to Australian independent musicians, independent music events, festivals and all industry partnerships who rely on these shows to promote their music, gain exposure and bring alternative genres of music to the Australian public.
The Inside Sleeve, The Daily Planet, The Rhythm Divine & The Live Set each play a vital role in generating jobs and revenue; for artists themselves, venues, touring and booking agents, independent record labels, recording studios, promoters, independent media and also international industry partners.
Studies have been conducted over the past few years in relation to mental health and gender equality in the wider music industry. Research suggests that both areas are in dire need of support which, we believe, should be a priority for Radio National as our public broadcaster and national information provider.
See: http://musicindustryinsideout.com.au/mental-health-in-the-music-industry-a-frank-discussion/
http://www.musicvictoria.com.au/assets/Women%20in%20the%20Victorian%20Contemporary%20Music%20Industry.pdf
Without the support of ABC Radio National, our industry will suffer enormously; financially, socially and culturally.
Radio National music shows deliver content rarely featured or supported by Double J and JJJ and while these are fabulous Australian institutions, they do not fully represent the broad diversity of quality Australian music.
ABC Charter:
The announced decommissioning of arts and music shows on RN is in direct contradiction to the ABC's own Charter, in particular, the following statement that the ABC work “…to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia”.
http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/legislative-framework/
Our Community:
We know RN listeners well. There exists a significant demographic of music fans outside the J's ‘youth’ market who depend on RN to deliver content relevant to them and their musical interests. How do we know? We talk to our audiences regularly via email, social media and when we meet them face-to-face on tour.
As musicians, they come across our music on the radio, make contact, come and see our gigs and buy our albums. The same audience attends our venues and festivals, which creates substantial revenue for the entertainment sector.
Audiences often comment that RN is their main source of keeping in touch with Australian and independent music. Many regional listeners also comment that RN music shows provide a lifeline; particularly in difficult times, diffusing the effects of isolation and in combating mental health issues, which we know plague our regional communities.
Radio National has long been regarded by musicians, music industry and music lovers across the country as one of our most important vehicles and leading services for the promotion and nurture of Australian cultural and artistic practice outside the mainstream.
Hands Off ABC RN Music!
It’s OUR ABC.
