The Future of Classic FM

Dear Mark,

I know that you have a huge amount on your plate at the moment, but I seek your urgent response on one issue.

I have to present my annual report to the AGM of Friends of the ABC this Saturday, and on the basis of information I have received, I will be reporting that the Board is considering either closing down or severely emasculating Classic FM as it currently exists. Having abandoned Arts coverage by the ABC on television, are we to see its disappearance from radio as well? Whilst such a move may please conservative politicians, I fail to see how it would meet satisfy the requirements of the ABC’s Charter, to provide cultural experiences to the whole nation (which Classic FM does superbly)

Bringing to both a national and international audience the myriad of performances, concerts, festivals and musical events which Classic FM covers every week with such skill and professionalism is part of our cultural heritage, and cannot be abandoned (clearly no other broadcaster can or would do it). The recent ABC Young Performers competition, in which 15 year old Grace Clifford performed so brilliantly, is an example of the fostering and development of our talented musicians which will cease if Classic FM ceases or is greatly diminished.

It is clear from my discussions with representatives of the symphony orchestras and other peak performing arts bodies that there has been absolutely no consultation with these organizations on the possible removal of the means whereby they are able to perform to a national and international audience, which raises serious questions about the board’s commitment to any consultation at all with the many users of Classic FM broadcasting services.

You have described ABC Classic FM’s audience as “niche” – does the board have the view that there is no place for such niches in the new, leaner ABC, and we strive instead for mediocrity and the lowest common denominator. Surely the ABC’s charter emphasises the ABC’s role to serve the whole population across the whole nation, even those of all ages who love classical music!

International musicians visiting Australia have enthusiastically praised ABC Classic FM as the best classical music broadcaster in the world.

What a tragedy if the ABC’s own board does not recognize this. Once gone, the skill, experience, expertise and culture cannot be retrieved.

I look forward to your response,

Mal Hewitt

President, NSW Friends of the ABC