IS a public broadcaster essential in a democracy?<\/p>\n
Secondary students are invited to present an argument on this topic as part of the Ballarat ABC Friends\u2019 essay competition.<\/p>\n
David MacPhail from Ballarat ABC Friends is the organiser and said his group is running the contest to celebrate the Australian Broadcasting Corporation\u2019s 89th birthday in July.<\/p>\n
He encourages students in year 9 and above, from the area\u2019s 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<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cOur 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,\u201d Mr MacPhail said.<\/p>\n Entries must be persuasive, typed, and double-spaced, including a cover page with the writers\u2019 name, grade level, their school, and their email address.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The competition is sponsored by the Canberra Hotel, with first place receiving $300, second place taking home $150, and $50 gifted to third place.<\/p>\n Winners will be presented with their prizes on Monday, 21 June at the Canberra Hotel. With their consent, and their parent or guardian\u2019s consent, the winners\u2019 essays will be published.<\/p>\n The ABC was launched on 1 July, 1932, approaching its 90th anniversary in just over 12 months\u2019 time.<\/p>\n ABC Friends Victoria, of which the Ballarat group is a branch, campaign to protect, maintain and advance the national broadcaster.<\/p>\n The group exists to emphasise the essential nature of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation\u2019s wide-reaching news and entertainment services.<\/p>\n