Comments on: Why does the ABC continue to insult us with Bolt? http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/ Overland journal — radical Australian literature and culture since 1954. Publishing literature, politics, history, memoir, fiction, poetry and reviews. Edited by Jeff Sparrow. Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:05:00 +1000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Trish Bolton http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3815 Trish Bolton Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:44:01 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3815 I'm also a big fan of Phillip and his little radio show, but while it's one thing to write for The Australian, it's quite another to become its salesperson. In my view, whenever an ABC presenter enters a commercial contract they compromise the integrity of the ABC. So too, do programs such as 'Saturday Mornings' where guests - property investment advisers, financial advisers, home renovation experts - get a free half-hour plug for their service or product. It's commercialism by stealth. Perhaps we won't realise how important our ABC is until it's gone. Thanks for the link and keep up the great work. I’m also a big fan of Phillip and his little radio show, but while it’s one thing to write for The Australian, it’s quite another to become its salesperson. In my view, whenever an ABC presenter enters a commercial contract they compromise the integrity of the ABC. So too, do programs such as ‘Saturday Mornings’ where guests – property investment advisers, financial advisers, home renovation experts – get a free half-hour plug for their service or product. It’s commercialism by stealth. Perhaps we won’t realise how important our ABC is until it’s gone. Thanks for the link and keep up the great work.

]]> By: Peter Monie http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3800 Peter Monie Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:34:12 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3800 Trish I liked your article, although perhaps a little unkind to Phillip - maybe the only cerebral item at the Australian, apart from George Megalogenis. We've put a link to your article from Friends of the ABC website and as Glenys has said FABC needs your and your readers' support - there are misguided people around who think that the battle for public, independent, commercial-free, broadcasting is over. There are many enemies of commercial-free working in ABC marketing: those insisting on endless, boring "announcements" and quizzes for silly prizes. ABC management for the most fails the transparency test - we are rarely enlightened about their thinking and clearly they do not understand they have a responsibility to explain what they are doing and justify their actions. Regards Peter Monie Trish

I liked your article, although perhaps a little unkind to Phillip – maybe the only cerebral item at the Australian, apart from George Megalogenis. We’ve put a link to your article from Friends of the ABC website and as Glenys has said FABC needs your and your readers’ support – there are misguided people around who think that the battle for public, independent, commercial-free, broadcasting is over. There are many enemies of commercial-free working in ABC marketing: those insisting on endless, boring “announcements” and quizzes for silly prizes. ABC management for the most fails the transparency test – we are rarely enlightened about their thinking and clearly they do not understand they have a responsibility to explain what they are doing and justify their actions.
Regards
Peter Monie

]]> By: TimT http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3777 TimT Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:35:25 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3777 It's an interesting contradiction all right - from a man who's supposed to be espousing the virtue of compassion, you get so much hatred. It’s an interesting contradiction all right – from a man who’s supposed to be espousing the virtue of compassion, you get so much hatred.

]]> By: Trish Bolton http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3776 Trish Bolton Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:18:03 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3776 I kinda like David Marr's simmering - great choice of word to describe Marr's outrage at Bolt's lack of compassion for asylum seekers. I don't mind a contrarian, but on the ABC expect contrary views to be more than just ideological rants - that's available 24/7 on commercial media. I kinda like David Marr’s simmering – great choice of word to describe Marr’s outrage at Bolt’s lack of compassion for asylum seekers. I don’t mind a contrarian, but on the ABC expect contrary views to be more than just ideological rants – that’s available 24/7 on commercial media.

]]> By: TimT http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3707 TimT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:53:30 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3707 <i>The ABC is refreshing compared to mainstream media(channel nine, seven etc) but, like you’re saying, it could go one step further and present a broader range of views.</i> You don't present a broader range of views by dumping speakers that some of your viewers don't agree with. The ABC is refreshing compared to mainstream media(channel nine, seven etc) but, like you’re saying, it could go one step further and present a broader range of views.

You don’t present a broader range of views by dumping speakers that some of your viewers don’t agree with.

]]> By: TimT http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3706 TimT Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:52:16 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3706 I enjoy Bolt's appearances on Insiders. Even if I don't agree with his arguments I usually end up sympathising with him if he is sitting opposite, say, David Marr with his simmering hatred of anyone who disagrees with him. Bolt usually presents reasoned arguments and he's worth it just for the contrarian value. Most ABC commentators are centre-left, hence their feigned outrage at Bolt's arguments. I enjoy Bolt’s appearances on Insiders. Even if I don’t agree with his arguments I usually end up sympathising with him if he is sitting opposite, say, David Marr with his simmering hatred of anyone who disagrees with him.

Bolt usually presents reasoned arguments and he’s worth it just for the contrarian value. Most ABC commentators are centre-left, hence their feigned outrage at Bolt’s arguments.

]]> By: Trish Bolton http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3659 Trish Bolton Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:47:38 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3659 Thanks Koraly, I think you've summed it up very nicely. Trish Thanks Koraly, I think you’ve summed it up very nicely. Trish

]]> By: Koraly http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3632 Koraly Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:41:10 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3632 Natalie, seriously, is that necessary? 'you are unaware of the problem is your brains?' Couldn't you just say something like 'The ABC should be able to present both left and right views' instead of resorting to personal attack? Really... Trish, this is a well articulated article. The ABC is refreshing compared to mainstream media(channel nine, seven etc) but, like you're saying, it could go one step further and present a broader range of views... Natalie,
seriously, is that necessary? ‘you are unaware of the problem is your brains?’ Couldn’t you just say something like ‘The ABC should be able to present both left and right views’ instead of resorting to personal attack? Really…

Trish, this is a well articulated article. The ABC is refreshing compared to mainstream media(channel nine, seven etc) but, like you’re saying, it could go one step further and present a broader range of views…

]]> By: NatalieWoodley http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3625 NatalieWoodley Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:34:15 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3625 Trish Bolton and some of you sycophants who have commented, Who in Gods name do you think you are? The A.B.C. is paid for by the taxpayers of this country, all the taxpayers. Apparently you believe it is only for you; The effete, elite, Left, Progressive Liberals. Your comments are understandable as you are unaware of the problem with your brains. I suggest you google Dr. Ben Carson, world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Johns Hopkins Director, learn of his recent medical discovery; "LIBERALS" HAVE LIMITED BRAIN ACTIVITY, BOTH SIDES OF THE BRAIN" ESPECIALLY IN THE SPHERE OF LOGIC" Trish Bolton and some of you sycophants who have commented, Who in Gods name do you think you are? The A.B.C. is paid for by the taxpayers of this country, all the taxpayers.
Apparently you believe it is only for you; The effete, elite, Left, Progressive Liberals. Your comments are understandable as you are unaware of the problem with your brains. I suggest you google Dr. Ben Carson, world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Johns Hopkins Director, learn of his recent medical discovery; “LIBERALS” HAVE LIMITED BRAIN ACTIVITY, BOTH SIDES OF THE BRAIN” ESPECIALLY IN THE SPHERE OF LOGIC”

]]> By: Trish Bolton http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3451 Trish Bolton Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:23:27 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3451 Glenys, it's good to be reminded of the behind-the-scenes work of FABC to maintain the public broadcaster's integrity. And also to remember the many hard-working and committed people who work under very difficult circumstances to bring us programs like 4 corners and news and current affairs such as AM and PM. Glenys, it’s good to be reminded of the behind-the-scenes work of FABC to maintain the public broadcaster’s integrity. And also to remember the many hard-working and committed people who work under very difficult circumstances to bring us programs like 4 corners and news and current affairs such as AM and PM.

]]> By: Friends of the ABC (Vic) - Glenys Stradijot http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3448 Friends of the ABC (Vic) - Glenys Stradijot Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:20:03 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3448 This seems like a good time to let people know that, while Friends of the ABC defends the ABC against governments that interfere in its independence or seek to undermine it, FABC is also a critical supporter. It does what it can to keep the ABC on track as an independent, quality broadcaster. It is important you let the ABC know what you think about the quality and diversity of its programs and presenters. And please consider joining FABC www.fabc.org.au Your membership would be valuable to FABC - whether you wish to be active or simply become a member. FABC depends on members to be able to inform, educate and campaign to ensure the ABC's healthy future. Readers of this blog may be interested in an article in FABC's newsletter: www.fabc.org.au/vic/links/newsletter/news_30_winter_2009.pdf#page=3 This seems like a good time to let people know that, while Friends of the ABC defends the ABC against governments that interfere in its independence or seek to undermine it, FABC is also a critical supporter. It does what it can to keep the ABC on track as an independent, quality broadcaster.

It is important you let the ABC know what you think about the quality and diversity of its programs and presenters. And please consider joining FABC http://www.fabc.org.au
Your membership would be valuable to FABC – whether you wish to be active or simply become a member. FABC depends on members to be able to inform, educate and campaign to ensure the ABC’s healthy future.

Readers of this blog may be interested in an article in FABC’s newsletter: http://www.fabc.org.au/vic/links/newsletter/news_30_winter_2009.pdf#page=3

]]> By: Trish Bolton http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3445 Trish Bolton Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:51:09 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3445 Yep, couldn't agree more Rob. The funding cuts, a hostile board (during the Howard years) and the push for ratings have all undermined the ABC. Governments of both hue have always waved the big stick at our public broadcaster, but now after the vitriol of the past liberal government and commentators like Bolt who find lefties under every ABC couch, they are even more vulnerable. Yep, couldn’t agree more Rob. The funding cuts, a hostile board (during the Howard years) and the push for ratings have all undermined the ABC. Governments of both hue have always waved the big stick at our public broadcaster, but now after the vitriol of the past liberal government and commentators like Bolt who find lefties under every ABC couch, they are even more vulnerable.

]]> By: Trish Bolton http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3442 Trish Bolton Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:37:03 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3442 Sophie, I think you're probably right. Andrew gives it to the left, the so-called inner city elites and academics. He doesn't quite fit the larrikin mould but he's seen as standing up to authority figures and Australians love that. Funny though, how the people Australians often take a shine to or take notice of, are usually from the right and rarely from the left Sophie, I think you’re probably right. Andrew gives it to the left, the so-called inner city elites and academics. He doesn’t quite fit the larrikin mould but he’s seen as standing up to authority figures and Australians love that. Funny though, how the people Australians often take a shine to or take notice of, are usually from the right and rarely from the left

]]> By: Rob Jones http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3438 Rob Jones Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:11:22 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3438 My fear is that the last bastion of media impartiality has been compromised. Of all of Howards doings this is the thing that I despise the most. To me at least it is a treasonous act upon our nation and also one of very limited forward thinking. For either side of government will be able to use the ABC as it wishes and once entrenched they will be excessively difficult to remove. My fear is that the last bastion of media impartiality has been compromised. Of all of Howards doings this is the thing that I despise the most. To me at least it is a treasonous act upon our nation and also one of very limited forward thinking. For either side of government will be able to use the ABC as it wishes and once entrenched they will be excessively difficult to remove.

]]> By: sophie Cunningham http://web.overland.org.au/2010/02/19/why-does-the-abc-continue-to-insult-us-with-bolt/comment-page-1/#comment-3409 sophie Cunningham Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:55:14 +0000 http://web.overland.org.au/?p=3807#comment-3409 My fear is that the general public isn't insulted enough by Bolt. (ie. they like him). But maybe I'm just having a low day. My fear is that the general public isn’t insulted enough by Bolt. (ie. they like him). But maybe I’m just having a low day.

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