ABC anniversary inspires writing comp

IS a public broadcaster essential in a democracy?

Secondary students are invited to present an argument on this topic as part of the Ballarat ABC Friends’ essay competition.

David MacPhail from Ballarat ABC Friends is the organiser and said his group is running the contest to celebrate the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 89th birthday in July.

He encourages students in year 9 and above, from the area’s 11 secondary schools, to write 750 to 850 words whether they are for, or against, the prompt that a public broadcaster is essential in a democracy.

“Our purpose is to draw attention to the value of the ABC in a democracy, celebrate the ABC’s work, and bring positive attention to the ABC,” Mr MacPhail said.

Entries must be persuasive, typed, and double-spaced, including a cover page with the writers’ name, grade level, their school, and their email address.

The competition closes on Friday, 11 June. The judging panel will also include people who are not connected to the ABC or the Ballarat ABC Friends group.

The competition is sponsored by the Canberra Hotel, with first place receiving $300, second place taking home $150, and $50 gifted to third place.

Winners will be presented with their prizes on Monday, 21 June at the Canberra Hotel. With their consent, and their parent or guardian’s consent, the winners’ essays will be published.

The ABC was launched on 1 July, 1932, approaching its 90th anniversary in just over 12 months’ time.

ABC Friends Victoria, of which the Ballarat group is a branch, campaign to protect, maintain and advance the national broadcaster.

The group exists to emphasise the essential nature of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s wide-reaching news and entertainment services.

Essays, or queries, can be sent to [email protected].