Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, , 5:08:23 to 5:11:34
Managing Director David Anderson outlines the ABC's 2027 content slate, emphasizing a commitment to Australian storytelling across drama, news, and children's programming.
Topics: Integrity, Public service staffing
Speakers: Hugh Marks, Senator Varun Ghosh
Marks, the managing director and to your colleagues at the table. Mr. Marks, do you wish to make an opening statement?
Many others have prayed tribute to the role Helen played in this place in public life, generally. Advocacy. Like everyone, our hopes and thoughts are with Helen and her family. In terms of the ABC, there is much to look forward to in 2027. Our content lineup, which was revealed last week, and thank you to Senator Henderson for representing the opposition who joined us on the day, reflects a commitment, a renewed commitment to distinctive Australian storytelling. Six news scripted dramas, twelve documentaries, a raft of new children's programmes, award-winning comedy, everyone's favourite programmes and familiar faces returning. There will be something for everyone, whatever their age, interest or background across screen, news and audio. The lineup reinforces the ABC's position as the home of storytelling with bold and distinctive content, underscoring the ABC's critical role more broadly across the creative industries. For Australians to have access to their stories, stories that contribute to shaping our nation, the ABC must do more, as others inevitably do less. Across drama, comedy, children's programmes, educational programming, science, arts, religion and history programmes, we are and need to do more. The ABC is the main supporter of the future of Australian music, and we intend also to do more. All for free, available across the nation across a range of services. Without the ABC stepping up, access to our Australian stories and our understanding of each other as Australians will suffer.
Thank you, Mr. Marks. Senator Henderson.