19 Comments
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Ron's avatar

Thanks for doing the research into the actual numbers - which just confirm what so many of us former regular viewers felt anyway.

Really cannot be bothered with it anymore. Every once in awhile I tune in to see if it’s improved. But it hasn’t. If you’re really lucky you’ll get a Guardian and ABC journo who slightly offset the right wing bias. But that’s only occasionally. Just about given up on the entire ABC news division unless it’s reporting on a bushfire or other natural disaster - which they still do do well. But anything political? After nine years in power - it’s barely less partisan than the Murdoch/Peter Costello press.

And don’t get me started on Sales and what they’ve done to 7.30 - sheesh!

Her appalling performance on election night alone should have got her the chop. Newsflash: she’s not being criticised because she’s a woman. It’s her partisan stance. Always go hard on the left and - other than very occasional exceptions - soft pedal the right.

I’m contrast to Sales, It seems like universal kudos for the wonderful Laura Tingle - and can’t wait for Sarah Ferguson to take centre stage!

But what a pity Ferguson couldn’t have been there to hold the government of the day to scrutiny - and speak truth to power! - over the past three years in particular when the corruption and incompetence were right there in front of us - writ large!

Such missed opportunities…

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Pipus's avatar

She was ostracised firstly to China then to USA and finally back to Oz- but no front line role as in 730

Morrison Govt were terrified of her and Buttrose to her shame, folded.

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Nessie Barrett's avatar

Well said. You have written exactly what I think and feel. Spot on.

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Ida 🏵's avatar

Thankyou so very much.We ve been calling it out on twitter,so it's great to hear the facts verified.(about such a huge problem)Im also seeing issues in general with their political reporting, often leaving facts out or not telling the full story.It then becomes a half truth or misleading.On The Drum ive noticed a Nationals member almost every night and also a lack of alternative voices.Often regulars aswell.One night a week might be great ,then it goes down hill again.

Brilliant article 🏵

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Paul Boland's avatar

Hmmm still thinking…. Jennifer Hewett? Haha. ABC Board must be purged, then the producers, then Speers, Stan Grant etc.

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GeriatricPaul's avatar

ABCPravda is no longer "Our ABC" but a mouthpiece for the fascists. The Spieler hosting LibSiders is a laughable embarrassment.

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Solange du Champ's avatar

I hold on in hope it can recover. Had a sensible, informative interview with Tony Burke this week. I have cut out ABC breakfast show however. It started with weekends then I realized I could survive without it on weekdays too. I used to blame it all on budget cuts but f they have enough money to pay Fauziah Ibrahim they have too much money. Glad to discover Captured States.

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Solange du Champ's avatar

In Barrie Cassidy's day this show was the highlight of my weekend. By the time the credits came up, I felt like an insider myself. It was all done with such knowledge, charm and humour. Now I try to stick with it but am usually distracted by something more interesting like cleaning the cat litter.

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Rodney Topor's avatar

Can we name and shame the actual producers who repeatedly invite these right wing guests? Who are the people responsible?

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Pauline Sawyer's avatar

Thank you for voicing our problems with political reporting on the ABC. The slummocking James Campbell is an insult to ABC VIEWERS. Maybe he intends to be insulting but why would public funds be spent on an individual’s personality. At least Phil Corey can sit up and serve his falsities with a modicum of respect.

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Mark delmege's avatar

there is a whole world of opinion beyond liberal and labor

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Doctortrish's avatar

This is a bit rich!! I am an avid ABC viewer and listener (and a leftie) and I can't agree with these comments. We don't really have a choice in this country when most journalists are employed by 9 News and Murdoch publications. I do agree that there could be more variety, perhaps from the wonderful line up at Schwartz media. But please get rid of Speers!!

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Reckless's avatar

After Speers took over Insiders and then when Fran Kelly left ABC National a few months ago, IMHO every single once excellent news and current affairs has dramatically faded on both ABC radio and TV over the past 7 or 8 years.

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Doctortrish's avatar

The ABC must have heard me because Patricia Karvelas was the anchor for Insiders today. I mustn't let this power and influence go to my head.

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Nic's avatar

It’s almost like the ABC has done a deal with wealthy media owners? David spears ex sky news as host doesn’t help. When you think about how this started under a decade of the LNP government it makes you wonder on lobbyists influence. Everything serves the capitalist hegemony even when it’s free not to. A sad state of affairs.

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Mk's avatar

Sean Kelly, Katherine Murphy, Leonore Taylor?

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Andrew Elder's avatar

People on that show have inside access to the government of the day (or, since 21 May, the government of yesterday). That's what Insiders are inside. I don't know who's responsible for that claim in your second paragraph, but I think you have to let the show fail on its own merits. Nobody needs to know What Scott Morrison Is Really Thinking Here any more, so many of those people are redundant. I agree that Michael West and others you named are great, but they aren't Insiders: it isn't our job or theirs to prop up a show that has failed by its own merits, and which is sucking resources away from journalism.

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Tim's avatar

The sinks for the insiders story

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conor king's avatar

You are discussing a TV show I believe? The idea that TV can contribute to political discussion is laughable.

At 59 I have never gained much news from the ABC TV. ABC radio news has had its uses but not one I need much anymore. Yes good for bushfire etc but not much else.

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