Don’t let them wreck your ABC!

Donate to the fund

Dear ABC Friends
As you know, the ABC is under attack as never before.
Funding has been cut by $500 million (which includes the loss of the Australia Network contract). The cuts will increasingly affect the ABC’s ability to fullfil its charter over the next 4 years unless we can stop them.
Nationally, 400 staff have been retrenched, including experienced presenters, journalists, researchers and technical staff. Overseas bureaux have been closed. We are being deprived of an Australian perspective on world affairs and events.
Programs are being affected and services removed, despite promises to the contrary. Apart from denying Australians exposure to the work of our writers, actors, composers, musicians, directors and other artists, the opportunity for these talented people to produce creative work is being strangled.
The ABC itself is being downsized and centralised. The commitment in its charter to provide quality, independent and inclusive programming for all Australians, including those in regional and rural areas, is basic and must be defended.

This is a National Call to Action for more Friends and a Fighting Fund
You can help NOW – and it is urgent!!

1. By donating personally to a Fighting Fund being established to combat the ‘forces of evil’ (as depicted above by cartoonist Ron Tandberg) – i.e. all those trying to weaken or bring down the ABC.
2. By forwarding this message to at least 5 others asking them to be “ABC Supporters” by assisting us financially – and by providing contact details.
3. For your friends without email, by downloading the Donation Form and printing it together with this email and posting it to them.
4. You can upload the website link www.abcfriends.org.au to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to spread the call for help, and show your support with #saveourabc

The Fighting Fund is supported by all State-based ABC Friends groups. It will be used to mount a highly visible campaign defending the ABC’s independence and restoring its funding so it can compete and continue to provide quality programs for all Australians.

For us to be effective, we need resources – so please give what you can NOW!

Mal Hewitt
President ABC Friends NSW & ACT