From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 9 October

The ratings results for the funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth speaks volumes about the state of Australian television, specifically the ABC.

IN times past it was to ABC television one turned for coverage of any event of national significance. While the occasions were invariably, and adequately, covered by commercial channels, it was supposed – more by habit than actuality – the ABC was better qualified, and better equipped, to deliver a more comprehensive and informed telecast. Erroneously, the quality of the ABC presentation was deemed superior on every level.

The ratings for the coverage of the week leading-up to the Westminster Abbey/St George’s Chapel services for the death of The Queen were won by Channel 7, followed by Channel 9, and then, in third place, the ABC.

The shift in raison d’être and public perception should be cause for grave concern within rank-and-file of senior ABC production and administrative management. Resoundingly, the corporation has lost its former status with Australian television audiences. It would not be unreasonable to imply a loss of trust.

While the ABC maintains leadership in some important areas of information dissemination and presentation, it has in more recent times become a shadow of its former self. Critics have been left shaking their heads at dubious commissioning decisions. While it is impossible to be all things to all people, and viewing platforms have increased dramatically, many of the ABC’s most ardent viewers have, in dissatisfaction, abandoned the organisation.

The ABC occupies an important role in the fabric of Australian society. It should be government funded, and it must be allowed to broadcast without fear or favour. However, with that privilege comes an onerous responsibility; an obligation to represent every taxpayer across the nation.

Smartarse broadcasting, and which sometimes serves only to reflect the personal opinions of the creative and production teams, does not constitute a freedom of speech. It is a blatant abuse of opportunity. Impartiality is a difficult, sometimes impossible, trapeze to master; however, that is the role of any government-funded, national broadcaster functioning in a full democracy.

Access to the ABC’s airwaves is not an opportunity platform to espouse individual opinion. Once it was that ABC broadcasters did not have an opinion, about anything! While the nation’s – indeed the world’s, zeitgeist has altered dramatically, and it is more difficult to remain totally impartial when social media provides every extremist a booming megaphone to the world, the ABC charter is specific. It expects broadcasters to find a way to serve two masters.

There is argument, if the ABC continues on its current trajectory, snubbing its dedicated viewers; and their seeming lack of desire, will, or ability, to question themselves and their absence of independence, it will, perforce, become a commercially sponsored broadcasting organisation.

That would be a loss for the nation.

There is nothing quite like that stomach-churning, sinking feeling when you discover you have lost your wallet, or purse. It is a moment of abject hopelessness.

The prospect of cancelling and replacing all ones various cards is too ghastly to contemplate. The endless phone calls, and the waiting! Not to mention the inconvenience of the whole catastrophe.

Unfortunately, I know not who you are, but to the kind and honest person who found my wallet in the Provincial Home Living cafe, and then passed it to the counter staff, replete with cash, I am inexpressibly grateful. You have restored my faith in human nature.

You are most kind, and I thank you!

Roland can be heard with Brett Macdonald Mondays at 10.45am on 3BA and contacted via [email protected].