Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)—Report for 2016-17

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)—Report for 2016-17—Volume II

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INVESTING IN AUDIENCES ANNUAL REPORT 2017 V O L U M E I I

Carolyn duch*ene in Art Bites: The Glass Bedroom

We make content for all Australians,

about all Australians. HOW WE OPERATE Editorial quality 4

Infrastructure and Operations 8

People 12

Work Health andSafety 18

Corporate Services 22

RESPONSIBILITY Corporate Responsibility 30

Corporate Responsibility in a Broadcasting Context 34

Environmental Responsibility 38

Social Responsibility 44

ACCOUNTABILITY Corporate Governance 54

Bonner Committee 62

ABC Advisory Council 66

ii AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

In Volume I you will find:

Who we are

Where to find us

What we do

Transformation

Audience Metrics

Index

Chico Wanybarrnga, Dino Wanybarrnga, Jerome Lilypiyana and Joseph Smith in Black As. Image: Rebel Films ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

STATEMENTS ABC Annual Performance Statements 2016-17 70

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 80 APPENDICES 134

COMPLIANCE INDEX 186 INDEX 190 Contents 1

How we operate Anh’s Brush with Fame

2 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The ABC provides extraordinary content for Australians by building an engaged, creative and innovative workforce that reflects and supports the broader community

How we operate operate How we operate 3

Editorial quality

ABC Editorial Policies The ABC Editorial Policies and associated guidance outline the principles and set the standards that govern ABC content, and are a day-to-day reference for content makers. They are critical to the ABC’s ability to meet its statutory obligations and the expectations of audiences. They also form the basis of the ABC Code of Practice, which the ABC provides to the industry regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

In addition, they give practical shape to statutory obligations in the ABC Act, in particular the obligations to: provide services of a high standard; maintain independence and integrity; and ensure that the gathering and presentation of news and information is accurate and impartial according to the recognised standards of objective journalism.

Management of editorial matters In April 2016, the role that had previously overseen editorial matters was expanded to Editorial Director, to ensure a more centralised approach to the dissemination of editorial advice.

The Editorial Director is responsible for setting editorial standards, overseeing the continuous development and revision of those standards, and providing editorial advice and guidance for all content areas of the ABC. The Editorial Director also oversees the independent investigation of editorial complaints, provides advice and assistance to the Managing Director on all editorial issues, and reports to the ABC Board on compliance with editorial standards.

The ABC Editorial Policies are principles and standards applied across the Corporation, to ensure continuous high-quality output and performance.

Editorial reviews and the ABC’s responses are published on the ABC’s corporate website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/ what-guides-us/our-editorial-policies/

4 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

In July 2016, the Editorial Policies team was expanded to include a new dedicated training and quality manager. The position was filled by Linda Mottram, a highly experienced ABC journalist with a strong record of accomplishment across News and Radio as a reporter, producer, foreign correspondent, and presenter. The new position helped drive increased editorial training across the organisation.

The Editorial Policy Group, chaired by the Editorial Director, brings together editorial policy specialists and other senior employees from content-making divisions, Legal, and Audience and Consumer Affairs. It is responsible for providing advice to the Corporation in relation to the interpretation and application of the ABC Editorial Policies, and the ongoing review and revision of those policies. On a day-to-day basis, editorial advice is provided by editorial policy specialists within each content-making division, following the longstanding procedure for upward referral.

Review of editorial performance, principles and standards

Editorial Reviews In December 2013, then ABC Chairman James Spigelman announced that the ABC would embark on a regular series of independent editorial reviews as part of the Board’s responsibility to monitor the quality and integrity of ABC content, with particular reference to section 4 of the ABC Editorial Policies (Impartiality and diversity of perspectives).

The reviews involve an assessment of selected ABC content by an independent external reviewer. Each reviewer is asked to assess content against a range of criteria, including different aspects of the ABC Editorial Policies and other yardsticks of quality.

Beverley O’Connor presents The World

How we operate 5

In 2016-17, one review commissioned in the previous year was completed:

Editorial Review No. 9 - Review of selected coverage of the proposed Shenhua coal mine on ABC television, radio and online (8 July 2015 - 1 March 2016), conducted by Mark Skulley.

Two reviews were commissioned and completed:

Editorial Review No. 10 - Review of the coverage of the industrial dispute between the United Firefighters Union and the Country Fire Authority by selected ABC news and current affairs platforms (1 June 2016 - 30 August 2016), conducted by Paul Austin.

Editorial Review No. 11 - Review of selected ABC NEWS and regional program coverage of proposed changes to backpacker tax arrangements (15 August 2016 - 2 December 2016), conducted by Garry Bailey.

The editorial reviews and ABC responses to those reviews are published on the ABC’s corporate website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/our-editorial-policies/

Editorial guidance There were no changes made to the ABC Editorial Policies or the ABC Code of Practice during 2016-17.

However, the Editorial Policy Group, chaired by the Editorial Director, issued a range of new or revised guidance notes to assist journalists and content makers in upholding editorial standards:

â¢ New guidance on editorial conflicts associated with External Work (July 2016)

â¢ New guidance on external funding for Australia Plus (international) (Sept 2016)

â¢ Revised guidance for advertising and sponsorship on Australia Plus (Sept 2016)

â¢ Revised guidance on managing Official Social Media Accounts (July 2016)

â¢ Revised guidance on advertising and sponsorship for Commercial (Nov 2016)

â¢ Revised guidance on filming using drones (Nov 2016)

Details on these, and all editorial policies and guidance, can be found at: https://edpols/abc.net.au/

6 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Corrections and clarifications The ABC publishes a Corrections and Clarifications page on its corporate website which brings together in one place the corrections and clarifications made to ABC content across radio, television and digital platforms, whether as a result of complaints or for any other reason. Where possible, links to the original content are provided.

In 2016-17, 41 corrections or clarifications were published on the Corrections and Clarifications page on ABC Online. Where online transcripts existed, Editor’s Notes and corrections to copy were also published.

Election coverage review The Election Coverage Review Committee (ECRC) is convened during each federal, state or territory election campaign to monitor ABC coverage and ensure ABC editorial standards are met. The Committee is chaired by the Editorial Director and comprises representatives from all relevant ABC divisions. It is principally a committee of review and does not supplant the usual lines of editorial authority in each division during an election campaign.

For federal elections, the ECRC review the externally commissioned share of voice data to ensure appropriate editorial balance is maintained and no single political party is disproportionately represented. This is done while recognising there is a range of factors which can and will affect the amount of time or share of voice of each party.

For state and territory elections, external share of voice data is not commissioned, but the ECRC monitors internal records and feedback to ensure editorial balance. Audience complaints regarding election coverage are also monitored and reviewed by the Committee. Further, the Chair of the ECRC is responsible for administering the free broadcast time allocated to eligible political parties. Broadcast slots are provided on television and radio for policy announcements by political parties who meet the eligibility criteria.1

Editorial Coverage Review Committees were active four times during 2016-17:

â¢ The ECRC set up during 2015-16 continued its work in relation to the Federal Election held in July 2016.

â¢ Separate ECRCs were also established for the Northern Territory (August 2016), Australian Capital Territory (October 2016) and Western Australia (March 2017) elections.

The outcome of the share of voice and complaints monitoring for the 2016 Federal Election was included in the previous Annual Report. A more detailed report can also be found on the ABC website at: http://about.abc.

net.au/reports-publications/abc-coverage-of-the-2016-federal-election-ecrc-chairs-report/

How we operate 7

Infrastructure and Operations

Technology The ABC’s Technology department provides maintenance, refreshment and support for the majority of information, communications and technology (ICT) and broadcast systems and processes across the ABC.

In 2016-17, the ABC reviewed and updated its ICT strategy. The refresh concentrated on delivering an outstanding audience experience by using smart, integrated thinking to broadcast distinctive, quality content on the right platforms for the right audiences.

Key to the strategy was the development of the Future Tech State, slated to achieve media readiness within two years and expand content reach by 2020-22. The Future Tech State ensures that the ABC’s corporate vision is translated into technical capabilities, mapped on a six-year roadmap to deliver across the following key areas to support the Investing in Audiences strategy:

â¢ Greater content sharing: internal and external - through improved digital file delivery, updated financial systems, and the completion of the implementation of

the Integrated Media System, which is the backbone of News, Radio and Regional content production.

â¢ Widespread collaboration - via the provision of tools to support collaboration and flexible working, an Online Forms and Workflow system, and in-field newsgathering systems that use bonded cellular networks, enabling content to be streamed from field to on-air, across all media environments.

â¢ Enhanced audience engagement - through strengthening the ABC’s digital presence, by upgrading the Web Content Management System (WCMS) to a supported level of software, and investing in tools and design solutions to manage content through automated use of data.

Information and Cyber Security management Managing the risk of a failure in technology information systems, infrastructure, or security, is central to the core business of the Corporation. This has become more critical as key systems used in broadcast production have evolved from electro-mechanical to

The ABC’s infrastructure and operations teams create and support productive, robust, resilient places of work.

projectswith a combined budget allowance of $467 MILLION, comprised the capital program across the ABC 109

In 2016-17,

8 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

digital technologies and specialist broadcast applications, integrated on the ABC’s standard information technology infrastructure - with priority given to program and service delivery on online and mobile platforms.

In 2016-17, Technology continued to develop a cybersecurity program addressing the evolving challenges in building an effective digital security management framework in a modern media organisation. Prevention as strategy is becoming less effective, as the rate of change to the nature of threats becomes more rapid. As a result, current key priority areas for continuous improvement include:

â¢ preventing attacks against ABC Users

â¢ maintaining ABC System hardening and patching

â¢ improving asset and information management

â¢ enhancing cybersecurity risk management

â¢ ensuring access to necessary resources.

During the year, the ABC Information Security team drove rapid responses to threats from worldwide high-profile ransomware, to reduce the likelihood of impact on the ABC.

Business Continuity management The ABC Business Continuity Program supports service continuity during major business disruption via the ABC Resilience Framework. In 2016-17 the program continued to focus on:

â¢ effectively managing foreseeable business disruptions through a reliable and mature risk management practice

â¢ continuing to build capacity in organisational resilience to better prepare and respond to unforeseen business disruptions with a key aim to develop confident, competent employees and agile management teams

â¢ continuing to enhance strong information sharing and collaboration to manage business disruption risk and resilience improvements - in cooperation with internal business, through accurate and reliable reporting to the ABC Board and Leadership Team, and via the application of strategic information derived from Government and Business partnerships on critical infrastructure protection

â¢ the provision of technical solutions for recovering critical ABC operational capacity through a Technology Disaster Recovery Plan.

Kurt Coleman in Hello Stranger

How we operate 9

Proportion of the population able to receive terrestrial transmissions from ABC broadcasting services (as at 30 June 2017)

Platform Aust

NSW/ ACT Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT

ABC Radio 99.58% 99.84% 99.94% 99.69% 99.10% 99.74% 99.64% 84.24%

triple j 96.09% 97.75% 98.40% 94.64% 90.89% 95.38% 96.32% 70.63%

RN 99.00% 99.47% 99.72% 98.78% 97.14% 99.67% 99.31% 84.33%

ABC Classic FM 96.55% 98.17% 98.46% 95.69% 91.70% 95.62% 96.32% 70.63%

ABC NEWS on radio 96.51% 98.14% 97.82% 94.10% 94.06% 97.88% 95.68% 74.84%

ABC Digital Radio 56.70% 50.27% 71.42% 41.72% 76.86% 74.11% 0.00% 0.00%

Domestic Shortwave* 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

ABC Television 98.49% 98.85% 99.50% 97.67% 97.58% 99.24% 98.24% 83.15%

* Domestic shortwave transmission ceased in Australia on 31 January 2017. Population derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011 Census data.

Transmission and distribution of ABC Services During 2016-17, the ABC undertook a major procurement project in cooperation with the SBS for the acquisition of satellite distribution services for digital television and radio. Significant costs savings were realised with the addition of new favourable terms and conditions.

The ABC also negotiated the renewal of contracts for 71 ABC NEWS on radio (formerly ABC NewsRadio) services. These services extended the reach of the NEWS on radio network throughout regional Australia, and the renewal obtained additional cost savings.

At the end of January 2017, the ABC ceased transmission of Radio Australia shortwave services from Shepparton. These services were directed at the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea. On the same day, the ABC ceased transmission of Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) domestic shortwave services in the Northern Territory. The NVIS services had been located at Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs.

The overall network performance on an end-to-end basis was above the contracted service level targets for each of the networks, but in aggregate was slightly below the previous year’s figures. This was largely attributed to the loss of mains power to a number of transmission

sites in South Australia during a significant power outage affecting the state on 28 September 2016. Further contributing to the overall performance of the network was maintenance work undertaken by the tower infrastructure provider while installing new third-party services on towers also used by the ABC.

In 2016-17, work continued on the upgrade of the Digital Electronic Newsgathering (DENG) network, which resulted in improved live news coverage from external locations. Other projects concerning the upgrade of older contribution and distribution technologies in order to increase capacity and efficiency were commenced, or continue.

The ABC Distribution and Transmission Network Aggregated 2016-17 Performance table can be found in the Annual Performance Statement on page 78.

Capital works In 2016-17, 109 projects, with a combined budget allowance of $467 million, comprised the capital program across the ABC.

In March 2017, all projects were reviewed against the ABC’s Investing in Audiences strategy, resulting in 22 being paused and $54.9 million being returned to the capital program. The returned funds are available for reallocation to projects the ABC Leadership Team agree to be in line with the ABC’s strategic plans.

10 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Proportion of the population able to receive ABC digital terrestrial transmissions (by percentage of the population; as at 30 June 2017)

State 2016-17 2015-16

Australia 98.49% 98.49%

NSW/ACT 98.85% 98.85%

Vic 99.50% 99.50%

Qld 97.67% 97.67%

WA 97.58% 97.58%

SA 99.24% 99.24%

Tas 98.24% 98.24%

NT 83.15% 83.15%

* Population derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011 Census data.

Melbourne Accommodation Project (MAP) The completion of the ABC’s largest project, MAP ($176.4 million) was celebrated in May. MAP was five years in the making, having been approved by the Board for referral to the Public Works Committee in 2012. Most Melbourne employees moved into the new Southbank ABC headquarters in April and with the final television studio building works to be completed in August, the remaining television employees will be relocated by October 2017.

National Newsroom Project The National Newsroom Project ($7.5 million) refit and refurbished the ground and first floors of Building A in Ultimo, to create a cross-platform continuous NEWS production centre, an adjacent New South Wales newsroom, and a production space for daily current affairs. The project provided ABC NEWS with the ability to accommodate the demands of the 24-hour news cycle, to continue to extend its audience reach and reinforce its reputation as Australia’s most trusted news source.

Integrated Media System (IMS) The IMS project ($65.2 million) replaces three current NEWS, Radio and Regional content production systems, combining them into a single integrated system to be used by teams

across the ABC. It has been progressing successfully since the Board approved the contract with systems integrator Grass Valley in February 2016.

The project successfully delivered the IMS pilot in Tasmania in December 2016, and completed all Queensland metropolitan and regional sites during 2016-17. The project is on schedule to deliver all metropolitan and regional sites in Victoria and New South Wales in 2017-18. Remaining locations will be completed in the following year, with the final capital city site, Darwin, scheduled for delivery in December 2018.

Renewing Adelaide The Renewing Adelaide project ($8 million) will refurbish three floors in Adelaide’s Collinswood facility, and collocate employees into these three floors according to Flexible Work Environment (FWE) principles. Currently, employees are spread out over five floors in the building, which has been maintained but not refurbished or updated since the site was commissioned in the 1970s. The project aligns with the ABC’s commitment to making the ABC a better place to work, recognising that teams should be brought together, and that floor design has an important impact on employee morale. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2017.

News Studio Automation The News Studio Automation project ($16.9 million) will replace studio hardware and software systems in 12 television news studios nationwide. This solution will provide ABC NEWS with new and updated studio automation software that is uniform across all ABC sites, providing resilience and redundancy for real-time live-to-air operation.

In 2016-17, the project successfully deployed studio automation software in Canberra. All remaining sites are committed for rollout over 2017-18.

How we operate 11

People

In 2016-17, the ABC employed 4,769 people across every state and territory, equivalent to 4,093 fulltime employees. The majority of employees - 3,336 or 70% - were content-makers.

ABC values and workplace behaviour The ABC strives to foster a values-based culture, incorporating its values - Integrity, Respect, Collegiality and Innovation - into all aspects of its organisational behaviour.

The results of the ABC’s 2015 Employee Engagement Survey provided the Corporation with a significant amount of feedback regarding the culture, and in particular the leadership of the ABC. To improve our performance, a new set of Leadership Principles was devised. Key staff involved in the development of these principles were the Employee Engagement Strategy Group, members of the Executive Leadership Forum, and the ‘We Are ABC’ ThinkX team.

ABC leaders are expected to apply the principles in their day-to-day actions, to build a great place to work and to improve the engagement of employees Corporation-wide. The principles also provide a common language for leadership and providing feedback. The ABC will be undertaking a further employee engagement survey in 2017 to measure its progress.

The first part of the rollout of the principles program involved Forum members receiving input from peers, direct reports, and their manager, through a 360-degree feedback process. From June 2017, Forum members began attending a series of workshops and webinars to explore the principles further, look at their own areas of strength and improvement, and plan the future cascading of the principles to the wider ABC leadership group. As of 30 June 2017, almost 200 senior leaders had completed their 360-degree feedback and registered for the workshop activities.

Where ABC employees live and work ABC employees: distribution by Team (full-time equivalent)

* Includes Managing Director’s Office and Government Relations Data reported current as at the end of the last pay period in 2016-17 (25 June 2017).

Television 12.7%

Technology 16.6%

Regional 10.7%

Radio 13.9%

ABC Commercial 2.3%

Audiences 3.9%

Editorial Policies 0.3%

Engagement 2.5%

Finance 4.4%

News 32.6% Corporate

Management* 0.1%

12 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Data reported current as at the end of the last pay period in 2016-17 (25 June 2017).

ABC employees: distribution by job group (full-time equivalent) ABC employees: distribution by region (full-time equivalent)

Indigenous employment Indigenous employment remained a priority for the ABC in 2016-17.

The ABC provides two Indigenous staff scholarships biannually, in line with the biannual Indigenous staff conference. Designed to assist career development, scholarships are offered in the categories of Content/Editorial, and Technical/Operations/Administration. Applications for the next round opened in early June 2017.

At the end of the reporting period, there were four Indigenous interns employed by the ABC: two in ABC NEWS; one in ABC Television; and one in ABC Technology. The internships are part of the Indigenous Cadetships Scheme (ICS) conducted by the Australian Government’s Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

ABC NEWS also employed two Indigenous news cadets (ABC-advertised positions), two NEWS operations trainees, and two Regional trainees.

The ABC launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in January 2016. The ABC Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2016-18 commits the Corporation to reaching new targets and extending itself in a range of areas. Strategies include progressively increasing levels of Indigenous employment from the pre-Stretch RAP level of 2.3% to 3% of the ABC workforce by 2018, and increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in content-making, editorial decision-making, and management roles - particularly at a senior level.

All Indigenous employees are provided with the opportunity to create a professional development plan and the ABC aims to ensure that at least 70% of Indigenous employees have completed a plan. Succession plans are required, in line with job and training plans, for all Indigenous employees in senior content making, editorial decision-making and management roles.

SA 6.0% Qld 9.4%

Overseas 0.6%

NT 2.7%

Tas 3.2%

Vic 16.8%

WA 4.6% NSW 53.0% ACT 3.7%

(67.5%)

(0.3%)

(7.9%)

(9.3%)

(14.9%)

Administrative/ Professional

Content Maker

Retail

Senior Executive

Technologist

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500

2,763

325

379

612

How we operate 13

Indigenous employees by Team (as at 30 June 2017) Team Employees % of Total

ABC Commercial 3 3.09%

News 34 2.67%

Radio 13 2.25%

Regional 9 2.00%

Television 11 2.42%

Technology 16 2.30%

Finance 7 3.57%

Engagement 5 4.46%

Audiences 3 1.85%

Corporate Management 0 0.00%

Grand Total 101 2.50%

Indigenous employees by state/ territory (as at 30 June 2017) Location Employees % of Target

NSW 60 2.76%

Vic 6 0.96%

Qld 9 2.43%

SA 4 1.54%

WA 4 2.09%

Tas 1 0.77%

ACT 5 3.14%

NT 11 10.09%

O/S 1 4.76%

Total 101 2.50%

Information about the ABC’s performance and reporting against targets in the Stretch RAP 2016-18 is at page 63.

Diversity The ABC is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity is one of the ABC’s key strategic drivers.

The ABC is required by the Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 (the EEO Act) to develop a program designed to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a non-English speaking background, and people with disabilities.

The ABC, through its Equity and Diversity Plans, sets out the strategies the Corporation will pursue to achieve its objectives relating to equity and diversity.

The Equity and Diversity Plan 2016-18 came into effect on 1 January 2016 and is based on three strategic objectives:

â¢ We encourage a culture of diversity, engagement and flexibility.

â¢ We embrace diversity in the workplace.

â¢ We represent, connect, and engage communities.

The ABC is required by section 9(2) of the EEO Act to report its performance annually for the period 1 September to 31 August. The ABC’s Equity and Diversity Annual Report is submitted to the Minister for Communications and tabled in parliament. Current and historical Equity and Diversity Annual Reports are available on the ABC’s website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/reports-and-publications/.

Additional information about equity and diversity is at page 49.

Training and development Learning and development opportunities in the ABC are designed for employees to build and enhance the capabilities needed to deliver the organisation’s strategy. A wide range of content is available across a range of platforms to provide quality learning opportunities to suit differing needs.

The 2016-17 year continued to be a period of significant change for the ABC, with restructuring within and across teams, the establishment of new teams, and the continued development of new media technologies. Learning and development activities focused on supporting employees through these changes and ensuring the opportunities were provided to continue building their skills to be effective in the media environment.

14 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

This level of change led to increased demand for learning opportunities, which was represented by an increase in interest in learning events during 2016-17. Over the period, there were 11,610 employee attendances recorded at 1,899 learning events delivered internally, externally, online and via webinar, amounting to 49,659 participant hours. An enhanced range of quality development opportunities was made available through flexible learning approaches. Referred to as ‘ just-in-time’ learning, these online opportunities increased access to training regardless of location or role. They are designed to work seamlessly on any digital device.

Overall, learning and development topics covered in 2016-17 included:

â¢ content making skills such as camera skills, writing for online and air-checking for radio

â¢ technical skills including new software platforms such as IMS, and IT system support

â¢ digital skills such as using social media platforms and digital first story production

â¢ Work Health and Safety training for induction and first aid

â¢ employee wellbeing such as mental health awareness and trauma awareness

â¢ leadership development focussing on key strategic needs and leadership capabilities

â¢ on-the-job training, for example cadetships, peer to peer training, action learning groups and coaching.

Training hours by gender and job classification Job Female Male Total

Content Maker 18,640 14,294 32,934

Technologist 1,138 5,531 6,669

Senior Executive 2,154 3,064 5,218

Administrative/ Professional 2,714 1,140 3,854

Contractor 193 72 265

Retail 16 24 40

Not Trackable 419 260 679

Totals 25,274 24,385 49,659*

* 49,659 hours is equivalent to 6,534 standard working days (7.6 hours per day).

Editorial training In 2016-17, a total of 572 employees attended 83 formal ABC Editorial Policies training sessions. These figures represented a sharp increase in attendance at editorial training compared to 2015-16, which reflects ABC NEWS’s drive to improve editorial standards and to ensure compliance with ABC editorial policies.

ABC NEWS training focused on issues around ensuring accuracy, impartiality, providing a fair opportunity to respond to allegations, and protecting vulnerable sources. Further, most state newsrooms received training focused on editorial policy issues as they arise in digital reporting, for example the use of images and video sourced from social media, the use of distressing and disturbing content, assessing accuracy in content derived from third-party sources, ensuring balance across time on digital platforms and reporting suicide.

Information sessions were offered in most states on the personal use of social media by NEWS employees. It is anticipated that over 2017-18, all employees will be offered these sessions.

There was also a strong focus on editorial refreshers and training for ABC International employees during 2016-17. After concerns were raised about the editorial integrity of some international content on the ABC’s China portal, as well as some of the sponsorship arrangements on Australia Plus, steps were taken to review and revise program briefs and develop new editorial guidance to ensure that key editorial standards of independence, integrity and responsibility, and advertising and sponsorship restrictions, were met.

New guidance was published in September 2016 and briefings to employees were held about the implementation of this editorial guidance and the importance of editorial independence.

How we operate 15

Leadership training A total of 125 employees attended internal leadership development programs provided by the ABC in 2016-17. The programs were revised during the year to include an increased focus on building engagement and culture, and engagement with the new Leadership Principles.

The Leadership Principles Development Program targeted the Executive Leadership Forum, a group comprising approximately 200 of the top leaders in the Corporation. The program involves a series of workshops and webinars and began rollout in June 2017. Training will conclude in September 2017, and a full report on the program will be provided in the 2018 ABC Annual Report.

Employment Agreements The ABC Enterprise Agreement 2016-2019 came into operation in December 2016, and will reach its nominal expiry date in June 2019.

In March 2017, the ABC Senior Employment Agreement 2016 reached its nominal expiry date. Rather than negotiate a new Enterprise Agreement, the ABC offered executive employees an administrative increase of 2%, and the same new leave provisions that were agreed to as part of the ABC Enterprise Agreement 2016-2019. The ABC Senior Employment Agreement will continue to operate until a new agreement is made or the current agreement is terminated.

Leadership training hours

Program Total events Total participants

Total participant training hours

Leadership Bites 2 18 36

Foundations of Leadership 4 58 1,392

Leadership Development Program 1 18 1,296

Advanced Leadership Development Program 1 17 1,152

Strategic Media Leadership Series 1 14 224

Totals 9 125 4,100

Dr Sandro Demaio, Dr Renee Lim and Dr Shalin Naik in Ask the Doctor

16 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Notices and investigations Comcare has the power to conduct an investigation at an ABC workplace at any time to ascertain whether the requirements of WHS legislation are being complied with, regarding a breach or suspected breach, or concerning an accident or dangerous occurrence that occurred. During 2016-17, there were no investigations conducted by Comcare as a result of any Comcare-notified incidents.

There were no Prohibition Notices or Improvement Notices served on the ABC during 2016-17, and as at 30 June 2017 there were no outstanding actions arising from, or relating to, previous years’ notices.

Work-related incidents In 2016-17, a total of 235 work-related incidents were reported (compared with 221 in 2014-15).2

Of the 235 work-related incidents reported in 2016-17, six incidents were notified to Comcare by the ABC. An incident is notifiable to Comcare if it results in death, medical treatment as an inpatient in a hospital, immediate treatment for a serious injury, infection with a prescribed illness, or if it involves a dangerous occurrence. The ABC must ensure that notification is made to Comcare, and the ABC Board, immediately after becoming aware that a notifiable incident has occurred.

Work Health and Safety

The ABC protects workers by doing everything reasonably practicable to minimise or eliminate work health and safety risks.

50%REDUCTION in total claims numbers in 2016-17

18 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Severity of Incident

1 July 2016 - 30 June 2017 1 July 2015 - 30 June 2016

Work Related Incidents % of total Work Related Incidents % of total

Near hit incident / no treatment required 81 35% 73 33%

Dangerous occurrence 3 1% 4 2%

First aid treatment only 66 28% 62 28%

Personal injury/illness - Off work for one day or less 63 27% 63 28%

Serious personal injury/illness - Off work for two days or more 17 7% 19 9%

Medical treatment as an inpatient in a hospital 5 2% 0 0%

Fatality 0 0% 0 0%

Totals 235 100% 221 100%

Greg Bigelow on Cable Beach in Broome (WA). Image: Vanessa Mills

How we operate 19

Health and safety committees A total of 16 WHS Committees operate across the ABC, with a total of 266 representatives involved. All committees are National WHS Committees representing their relevant Team, except for NEWS which has a national committee as well as individual state and territory WHS Committees.

The WHS consultation arrangements cover 100% of the ABC workforce, and include the committees, elected Health and Safety Representatives, and Other Agreed Arrangements.

Workers’ compensation claims Of the 235 work-related incidents reported in 2016-17, 12 resulted in workers’ compensation claims being accepted by Comcare (compared with 26 in 2015-16). This is the lowest number of claims accepted since 1977.

Although results show a 50% reduction in total claims numbers, the mechanisms of injury are consistent with previous years’ data. Analysis of the workers’ compensation claims accepted in 2016-17 shows the majority of injuries (62%) continue to be body stressing, which includes all musculoskeletal disorders such as occupational overuse and manual task injuries.

Workers’ compensation premiums The ABC Premium rate decreased from 1.31% in 2015-16 to 0.94% in 2016-17. This reduction reflects the claims performance of the Comcare scheme as a whole since June 2016, and in response to better than expected developments in lifetime cost estimates for ABC claims for employees who suffered injuries in 2013-14 and 2015-16.

The overall premium rate for all Commonwealth agencies decreased from 1.85% in 2015-16 to 1.23% in 2016-17, in response to fewer overall claims being accepted by the Comcare scheme.

Number of claims by mechanism of incident group Mechanism of Incident Major Groups 2016-17* 2015-16* 2014-15 2013-14

Falls, trips and slips of a person 1 4 8 8

Hitting objects with a part of the body 3 4

Being hit by moving objects 1 3 1 3

Sound and pressure 1

Body stressing 8 18 23 27

Heat, electricity and other environmental factors 1 1

Stepping, kneeling or sitting on objects 3

Mental stress 1 1 2

Unspecified 1

Being Assaulted 1

Vehicle accidents 1 3

Total Claims 13 26 41 48

Average cost-to-date ($) (2015-16)† $21,650 $21,194 $32,690 $16,740

* Data is immature and the ultimate number and cost of accepted claims may differ from the data reported, as new claims may be lodged in a later period. Data is accurate as at 30 June 2017.

† Claim costs are based on estimates as 31 March 2017.

20 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The cast of You’re Skitting Me L-R Marie-Claire Ridgeway, Mim Micheloudakis, William McKenna, Freddie Young, Isabella Richardson, Shalinie Navaratne, Gideon Aroni and Tama Tauali’i

Corporate Strategy and Planning In 2016-17, the Corporate Strategy and Planning team continued to lead the development and implementation of corporate strategy, policy formulation and planning for the ABC.

The team played a key role in supporting the Managing Director’s Investing in Audiences announcement in March 2017, led the refresh of the ABC corporate strategy, worked with the senior leadership team on the refinement of key performance indicators, and assisted in the communication of the new strategy to ABC employees.

Corporate Strategy and Planning also developed the evidence base to inform the restructure of support divisions, including work on a peer review of public broadcasters.

Following the March announcement, the team drafted decision-making principles to guide the investment of the content fund (the Great Ideas Grant, or ‘GIG’), an initiative that was able to be established through a restructuring of work in support areas. In conjunction with the

Transformation team, Corporate Strategy and Planning has also worked on an exploration of the way in which content divisions might be restructured to improve the ABC's content offering to audiences.

Following the Managing Director’s executive leadership offsite in May 2016 (which considered the Corporation’s strategic position through to 2025) and over the course of 2016-17, Corporate Strategy and Planning assisted in creating corporate alignment to support the new strategic direction. The team also managed and recently finalised a panel of providers to deliver Lean Six Sigma training to ABC employees. It is anticipated that as the ABC progresses with its transformation, its employees will be trained to utilise the many tools offered by Lean Six Sigma to enhance organisational performance.

The Corporate Strategy and Planning team also led the development of ABC-wide strategies for the specialist genres, in particular Arts and Science. The team supported the work of the Arts Review Reference Panel and the Arts Working Group, and engaged with key stakeholders in the science community. This work will continue to be a focus in 2017-18.

Corporate Services

Everything the ABC does is directly for, or in support of, our audience.

Online research community ABC YourSpace has more than

10,000active members

22 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

In March 2017 Corporate Strategy and Planning moved into the Finance Team, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer. The team continues to lead the development, and support the implementation, of the strategic priorities of the Corporation.

Government submissions In 2016-17, the ABC made six submissions to Government Departments, Parliamentary committees, and review bodies on a range of topics. These included submissions to:

â¢ the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Foreign Policy White Paper

â¢ the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Restoring Shortwave Radio) Bill 2017

â¢ the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Inquiry into the Australian Film and Television Industry.

Corporate Communications Michelle Guthrie made her first public address as ABC Managing Director at the ‘Creative Country: the business of innovation’ conference in Melbourne on 28 July 2016.

Other speeches given by Ms Guthrie in 2016-17 included:

â¢ 11 August 2016 - address to the Lowy Institute Media Awards

â¢ 28 October 2016 - address to the New News Conference, Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne

â¢ 16 November 2016 - address to the Telstra Women’s Business Awards

â¢ 26 November 2016 - address to the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters Council annual conference in Sydney

The Managing Director’s speeches are publicly available on the ABC’s website: http://about.abc.net.au/speeches/

One of the performances ABC Radio Sydney broadcast live from the 2016 Granny Smith Festival. Image: Lisa Clarke

How we operate 23

External communications The Communications team provided key strategic advice, statements and press releases regarding a range of issues affecting the ABC during the year. Michelle Guthrie made several media appearances on various ABC platforms including RN Drive, ABC NEWS on television, and various ABC Local Radio programs.

ABC statements and press releases are available at http://about.abc.net.au/media-centre/

Internal communications The Communications team operates a number of internal communications channels aimed at keeping employees informed and engaged with the operation of the ABC. They include the monthly newsletter ‘From The MD’, the ABC intranet page which publishes relevant employee updates and key information, discussion on internal messaging forum Yammer, and employee memos from the Managing Director, the Chairman and the ABC Board when required.

Audiences Everything the ABC does is directly for, or in support of, our audience. To this end, the former Audience and Marketing team evolved throughout 2016-17 to become Audiences, a Team focused on a seamless and best practice audience experience.

Headcount in the Team increased, and its structure and responsibilities expanded to include service design, data, and audience strategy. The 2016-17 marketing strategy was squarely aligned to driving the overall business objectives of:

â¢ net reach

â¢ digital reach

â¢ overall value

â¢ quality and distinctiveness.

The Audiences Team underpinned the ABC’s reach ambition with a suite of brand plans, which combined formed a central calendar of marketing priorities for the year. Priority and investment was determined by mass audience driving opportunities such as the Federal Election, the US election, Play School’s 50th birthday, New Year’s Eve coverage, triple j’s Hottest 100, Stargazing Live and War on Waste. The success of these initiatives is reported in Volume I of the 2017 Annual Report, in the Performance section (from page 32).

There was a continued and concerted focus on the growing digital audience with a digital strategy integral to all marketing activity. On platform, an ‘always on’ approach was adopted for NEWS Digital and iview, to encourage awareness and trial of our digital products by our television and radio audiences. Podcasting featured on the marketing priority calendar for the first time, fuelled by the inaugural ABC OzPod event in October 2016 attended by key industry leaders. As a result, digital reach grew overall year on year.

Key digital opportunities were fully leveraged with campaigns supporting iview binges (comedy and drama) and kids content over the holiday periods and long weekends.

Alongside digital acquisition and migration activity, parallel work was undertaken with ABC brands to ensure their value proposition remained relevant and compelling to digital audiences:

â¢ ABC3, previously a linear-broadcast-focused channel for school-aged children, was rebranded as ABC ME, shifting to a primarily online proposition.

â¢ The many facets of the ABC’s News properties were combined and strengthened under a core ABC NEWS banner - with a centralised and consistent NEWS digital proposition.

â¢ ABC Radio branding was contemporised with a shift from the call-sign naming convention to a location-based naming convention, reflecting the micro communities that formonline.

24 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The implementation of a new Corporate Tracker in place of the annual ABC Appreciation Survey facilitated greater visibility of the public’s value perceptions of the ABC, and greater insight into drivers of audience value, helping inform key areas of focus and decision-making.

Audience Insights In 2016-17, the ABC subscribed to a range of quantitative services to measure audiences. Following the Investing in Audiences strategy unveiled in March 2017, a heightened investment in - and a focus on - the Audience Insights team was critical to informing business decisions.

Over 2016-17, Audience Insights team created and/or developed:

â¢ a suite of automated online divisional dashboards

â¢ a dedicated online tool for campaign management facilitating greater and speedier visibility of results and the ability to optimise campaigns

â¢ corporate tracking tools

â¢ YourSpace - an online research community with over 10,000 active members.

Extensive information about the ABC’s audiences in 2016-17 can be found in Volume I of the Annual Report.

Legal ABC Legal provides a comprehensive range of legal services to the Corporation, including pre-publication advice on a 24-hour, seven-days-per-week basis; conducting litigation; and negotiating and advising on contracts, rights issues, regulatory regimes and statutory obligations. ABC Legal also contributes to various cross-divisional groups and initiatives, provides advice on legal aspects of policy issues, and develops submissions to parliament, government, and other organisations, about law reform.

In 2016-17 the Legal team was extensively involved in preparing and advising on the ABC’s Request for Proposal for Satellite Distribution, and negotiating the resulting contract. Legal also finalised contracts for the acquisition and/or support of significant hardware and software systems, including the automated news studio system, integrated media system, and the broadcast graphics system. The team assisted with contracts relating to property leasing, and building construction, management and maintenance. ABC Commercial activities such as content licensing, book and magazine publishing, and music recording, licensing, and publishing, all required the assistance of Legal.

ABC Legal prepared and settled finance and production agreements with Australian producers, and Australian and international financiers, for television programs including dramas Pulse, The Warriors, Janet King and Cleverman; entertainment series The Checkout and Gruen; children’s programs My Year 12 Life, Grace Beside Me and Justine Clark’s Ta Da; and significant factual programs War on Waste and Stargazing Live.

ABC Legal supported a number of cross-platform initiatives by contracting major events, such as the Crowded House concert at the Sydney Opera House, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and Australia Day coverage.

ABC lawyers assisted on finalisation of the NEWS tender for the acquisition of external news content and contracted successful tenderers. Legal advice was provided to many areas of the Corporation on digital initiatives and strategies.

How we operate 25

ABC Legal continued to provide wide-ranging, around the clock pre-publication advice to ABC program makers for a vast number of often complex and groundbreaking stories - including for Lateline, 7.30, Background Briefing , Compass, Media Watch, Australian Story, and various award-winning investigative programs for Four Corners. Advice was also provided for information and entertainment programs such as Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, The Checkout, and The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, and for new innovative program ideas, such as Whovians.

Legal resolved or defended as necessary a number of complaints, threatened legal actions, and litigation. Lawyers also challenged suppression orders and made applications for access to court materials to assist story research. ABC Legal also continues to manage the ABC’s extensive trademark portfolio.

ABC Legal continued its media law training program, delivering a series of specialised media law workshops for journalists and other content-makers around Australia. The program aims to minimise the Corporation’s exposure to legal liability, while ensuring important stories can be told. It covers topics such as contempt of court, defamation, and newsgathering risks. Legal also provided copyright training to relevant employees, including through remote delivery to various regional areas.

Business Affairs Business Affairs negotiates the rights and deal terms required by the ABC in content produced, commissioned and acquired by the ABC content divisions, as well as associated rights required by ABC Commercial. Business Affairs moved from the Legal Division to ABC Television as part of the organisational restructure in March 2017, to ensure the rights secured by Business Affairs align closely to the content strategy. Business Affairs continues to play an important governance role and to ensure the ABC’s investment in content delivers value for ABC audiences.

In 2016-17, Business Affairs continued to secure the rights necessary to extend the ABC’s digital offering on third-party devices and social media platforms. The digital rights strategy has enabled the ABC to deliver a significant increase in digital-first content available through iview and social media platforms over 2016-17.

Business Affairs has contributed to the development of guidelines for the ABC’s partnerships with key industry organisations. The team has also worked closely with ABC Television and independent producers to secure partnerships to support the ABC’s Australian commissions, including with ABC Studios International (US), Netflix and Comedy Central.

In 2016-17, Business Affairs continued to facilitate joint online initiatives with state and federal screen agencies, to support emerging talent and to invest in innovative digital content creation. Initiatives included the ABC/Screen Australia Fresh Blood, Long Story Short and Art Bites. Business Affairs’ role is to provide support and guidance to new producers on clearances and issues associated with producing and licensing content.

Footnotes 1 More information about the ECRC and free broadcast time is available on the ABC’s corporate website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/election-coverage-review-committee-ecrc/ 2 21 additional incidents were reported in ABC RiskSafe but were excluded as non-work-related incidents.

26 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Costa Georgiadis was a hit with the locals at the ABC’s ‘Back to Yack’ event (see Volume I, page 89)

Responsibility

BTN’s Amelia Moseley and cameraman Greg Ashman. Image: Tony Hill

28 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The ABC is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in a manner that is ethical, socially aware, and minimises any adverse impact on people or places

Responsibility

Responsibility 29

Management of Corporate Responsibility The ABC contributes significant social value

to the Australian community. The ABC is committed to conducting its day-to-day activities with integrity, diligence, and transparency, and to maintaining the trust ofthecommunity.

Responsibility for implementing and demonstrating corporate social responsibility rests with every employee and Manager acrossthe Corporation.

The ABC’s Corporate Responsibility Policy reinforces the ABC’s commitment to acting ethically and responsibly in all areas of its operations. The Policy outlines the ABC’s commitment to key principles of corporate social responsibility, which include adhering to relevant laws and regulations, respecting human rights, being accountable and transparent, and engaging in a collegiate manner with both internal and external stakeholder groups.

Reporting Performance The ABC reports its corporate responsibility and sustainability performance each financial year in the Annual Report, and on the Corporate Responsibility webpage at http://about.abc.

net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/ corporate-responsibility/

Additional information, beyond what is provided in the Annual Report, can be found on this site.

Other than references to the ABC’s international activities, the Annual Report is limited to domestic operations within the direct control of the ABC. Sustainability information about the ABC’s investments in MediaHub Australia Pty Limited, Freeview Australia Limited, and National DAB Licence Company Limited are not included in the report. Any additional limitations to the scope or completeness of particular data are identified within the reported data.

Corporate Responsibility

The ABC is committed to operating ethically, responsibly and transparently, and welcomes community engagement in the pursuance of these values.

30 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The ABC is guided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and the associated Media Sector Supplement document to report its performance.1 The GRI framework provides a common language for organisations to measure and report their sustainability performance so that stakeholders can view a more complete picture of the organisation’s financial and non-financial activities and performance. The Media Sector Supplement contains guidance on reporting key aspects of sustainability performance that are relevant and meaningful to the media sector.

In 2016-17, the ABC continued the review of its framework for achieving environmental targets. The outcomes of the review will be used to update the strategies and priorities relevant to reducing the ABC’s environmental footprint.

Stakeholder inclusiveness The ABC provides opportunities for its audiences and other stakeholders to provide input into the content and activities of the Corporation. The outcome of this engagement informs the report content.

In 2016-17, mechanisms for engaging with external stakeholders included:

â¢ the ABC Corporate Tracking Program (see Volume I, page 28)

â¢ the ABC Quality and Distinctiveness Study (see Volume I, page 28)

â¢ formal audience contacts and complaints processes (see page 58)

â¢ ABC Advisory Council processes (see pages 66-9 and Appendix 4, pages 145-6)

â¢ online feedback mechanisms specific to ABC content areas

â¢ the ABC’s social media properties.

Kat Ramos in You Can’t Ask That

Responsibility 31

Materiality A detailed materiality analysis was conducted in 2010-11. The ABC periodically reviews and updates that materiality analysis, most recently in 2013-14. At that time, the relative importance of each indicator in the materiality analysis was determined according to the extent to which it:

â¢ contributed to the successful implementation of corporate strategy or reinforced ABC Values

â¢ presented an opportunity for the ABC to manage its impacts or affect the priorities of its stakeholders

â¢ emerged as important to stakeholders

â¢ was recognised as a risk in the corporate risk process

â¢ constituted a future challenge for the media and broadcasting sector

â¢ was regularly reported by others in the industry

â¢ was recognised by experts or the scientific community as a risk for sustainability.

The review included a scan of performance against the ABC Strategic Plan 2013-16, the ABC’s updated corporate risk profile, outcomes from stakeholder engagement processes, developments relevant to the media sector, and relevant submissions to government.

Contact The ABC welcomes feedback on the 2017 Corporate Responsibility Report. Comments, questions or feedback can be addressed to:

The Annual Report Coordinator Australian Broadcasting Corporation 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007

Ph +61 2 8333 1500

http://www.abc.net.au/contact/contactabc.htm

32 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Elias Anton as Danny Kelly in Barracuda

Protecting freedom of expression Freedom of expression is enshrined in the ABC Editorial Policies. Article 19 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. The ABC’s commitment to impartiality and diversity of perspectives reflects the need for a democratic society to deliver diverse sources of reliable information and contending opinions.

In pursuing impartiality, the ABC is guided by the following:

â¢ a balance that follows the weight of evidence

â¢ fair treatment

â¢ open-mindedness

â¢ opportunities over time for principal relevant perspectives on matters of contention to be expressed.

The ABC seeks to balance the public interest in disclosure of information and freedom of expression, with respect for privacy.

Improving access to content and services In 2016-17 the ABC continued to take steps to improve the accessibility of its content and services.

Improving access for people with a hearing impediment Captioning is the process by which speech or scenes are described in text for viewing on screen. Closed captioning indicates the availability of text that can be activated by users if required.

The ABC provides a closed captioning service on ABC, ABC2, ABC KIDS, ABC ME and ABC NEWS. In 2016-17, more than 8,000 hours of first-run programming across all channels had captioning available.

Between 6am and midnight the ABC captioned 100% of programs on ABC main channel; 85% on ABC2; and 70% on ABC ME. On ABC KIDS, more than 80% of the programming broadcast was available with closed captions. In 2016-17, more

Corporate Responsibility in a Broadcasting Context The ABC seeks to continuously innovate in order that all Australians have access to programming, services, and a means by which to contribute their story.

ABC Splash’s 14 Facebook Live educational events reached

319,000 people

34 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Sally Strobridge and Melven Ratcliffe as Possum in Sally and Possum

than 55% of content broadcast on ABC NEWS was captioned and - where available - included signing for the hearing impaired.

The ABC provides greater access to key events by providing captions for broadcasts of Anzac Day marches and memorial services, Australia Day, and other memorial and anniversary services held during the year. ABC broadcasts of the Australian, US and UK election campaigns included extensive captioned coverage, as did breaking and ongoing coverage of significant local and world events. In March 2017, rolling coverage of Cyclone Debbie was fully captioned around the clock, ensuring all press conferences and emergency information was available to all viewers at all times.

In 2016-17, the ABC continued to increase the availability of programming with closed captions on the ABC’s VOD service, iview. Almost all content broadcast on ABC main channel and ABC2, and many of the programs broadcast on ABC KIDS and ABC ME, was available with captions on iview.

The ABC captioned a range of programming in advance of broadcast for iview binges, including You Can’t Ask That, The Warriors and Seven Types of Ambiguity. Exclusive captioned content included iview’s Mardi Gras collection, the Art Bites series, and the movies and extra content available as part of David Stratton's Stories Of Australian Cinema. An increased selection of children’s content was available with closed captions including My Year 12 Life, Spawn Point, Trip For Biscuits, Play School and Peppa Pig.

ABC Commercial has an undertaking with the Australian Human Rights Commission that the Team will always attempt to source items that have closed captions - where the Australian distributor has the authorship rights to allow for this. Most ABC DVDs (excluding preschool titles) have closed captions. ABC Retail has included the requirement for closed captioning into their supplier terms of trade for ABC Shop Online and ABC Centres.

Responsibility 35

Improving access for people with a visual impairment In 2016-17, 22 titles published by ABC Books were made available through ReadHowYouWant, an Australian service that offers print-on-demand re-format publishing for people unable to read standard formatted books. Text is enlarged and customised to suit the capabilities of the reader.

ABC Audio provided an extensive range of genre and age-diverse audio books accessible to the vision impaired and people with a print handicap. In 2016-17 ABC Audio released 90 titles in both physical and digital formats, through licence agreement with audio book publisher Bolinda. Of those, 19 included ABC-devised content, 70 were adult titles, and 20 were children’s titles.

In 2016-17, ABC Television continued its trial of Audio Described programs on iview across iOS, Android, HbbTV and on desktop, with engagement from advocacy groups representing the blind and vision-impaired community. The sole funding source for the trial was the Department of Communications. Approximately 14 new hours per week of audio-described content were provided on iview over 15 months. The trial concluded in July 2016 and the ABC reported outcomes to the Minister for Communications.

In April 2017, the Minister announced the formation of an Audio Description Working Group (ADWG), to be managed by the Department. The ABC was invited to attend the ADWG along with the other free-to-air and subscription television networks, advocacy groups for the blind and visually impaired, Audio Description providers, and media accessibility experts. The Department has requested the ADWG provide a report on the future of Audio Description in Australia by the end of December 2017.

Protecting young or vulnerable audiences The ABC’s Editorial Policy framework sets out guidelines to protect vulnerable audiences such as children. ABC Television has an in-house resource of policy expertise available to those making editorial and other decisions. Advice and training in the ABC Editorial Policies is delivered on an ongoing basis. Upward referral is a key concept of the policies which ensures complex decisions are not made in isolation.

All television programs other than news, current affairs, and sporting events, are classified and scheduled for broadcast in accordance with the ABC’s Associated Standard on Television Program Classification. The ABC ensures that graphic or distressing news content is preceded by a warning, to give readers, listeners or viewers the opportunity to avoid the content if they choose.

Content created especially for children and available on iview, or via platforms such as ABC KIDS, ABC ME or the ABC ME app, is accompanied by classification advice and warnings where appropriate. As with broadcast, children’s content on digital properties is restricted to G and PG. Both the ABC KIDS iview and ABC ME apps, along with the main iview service, include a parental filter so parents can control their children’s viewing boundaries.

The ABC websites for children follow strict protocols in line with editorial policies to minimise risk to children, for example regarding privacy. With the creation of content and experiences for children across all platforms, consideration of sensitivities and risk is paramount. The online protection of children is a shared responsibility between the ABC, the parent/ guardian, and the child. The ABC aims to ensure that children and young people who engage with the ABC’s online spaces understand the possible risks they face and how to minimise them. Providing information about online safety is encouraged on ABC sites designed for children.

36 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

ABC Regional’s user-generated content projects, ABC Open and Heywire, have clear moderation guidelines that address how they handle sensitive content and ‘at risk’ contributors or audiences. Measures can be implemented to protect contributors and audience members.

Where required, steps are taken to protect the anonymity of contributors who are writing about sensitive issues, such as domestic violence or mental illness. Contributors are invited to use an alias and generic file images when writing about sensitive topics. On occasion, details may be edited or removed from a contribution or user profile to protect the identity of the author. Contributors are also encouraged to avoid sharing this kind of content on their personal social media accounts if there is a chance they could be identified as the author.

ABC Open works closely with organisations such as Mindframe and the Luke Batty Foundation to make sure that its editorial processes are aligned with the best practice approach for handling sensitive content. In consultation with these organisations, a list of support services was developed to add to the end of contributions that touch on these issues. Trigger warnings are added to specific pieces of content as required.

triple j has strategies in place to ensure its younger audiences are protected from harm and offence. Editorial content which is likely to cause harm or offence to younger sections of the audience is scheduled in appropriate time periods such as later in the evening - for example, The Hook Up, which discusses sex and relationships, is programmed for after 9pm on Sundays. Further, warnings are given before playing music containing language or content that is assessed as likely to offend the triple j audience. Warnings are also given prior to other types of content which risk causing harm to vulnerable audiences.

All ABC DVD product is subject to formal classification by the Classification Board, and appropriate warnings/guides are attached to each product. ABC CDs display appropriate warnings regarding language and content.

ABC Commercial’s Events business contracts event management to third party promoters. Under these event management contracts promoters are required to warrant that all event venues will be safe and fit for purpose. The contracts also stipulate promoters must conduct themselves in accordance with all international, national, federal, state, and local laws, and treaties. ABC Commercial has updated all its external promoter agreements to explicitly ensure current compliance with state and territory-based legislation regarding working with children.

Improving digital literacy In 2017, iview developed ‘How To’ videos, due for rollout in July 2017 across its website, apps, and social media. The videos are designed to assist and educate the public on how to access and use iview, how to use iview with Apple TV and Chromecast, how to manage data consumption, and how to use iview’s safety features for parents, carers, and children.

For younger audiences, Play School brought digital literacy to life through three themes:

â¢ ‘Moving Pictures’ - a series which explored the way preschoolers could use devices such as smart phones and tablets to enhance their play. Activities included creating a stop frame animation, and learning how to use a tablet to search for information

â¢ ‘Communication’ - where Play School toys used their mobile phones to text and arrange to meet up and play

â¢ ‘Let’s Explore’ - where presenters used mobile phones to send messages to presenters in other areas of the set, and toys used GPS to find their way to visit Humpty’s farm.

In the first half of 2017, ABC Splash hosted four Facebook Live events to educate parents about the digital technologies curriculum being implemented in schools across Australia. An additional eight Facebook Live events for teachers were held, focusing on teacher professional practice, including the use of technology in the classroom. As of the end of the reporting period, the events had been viewed 99,500 times, and reached 319,000 people.2

Responsibility 37

Energy In 2016-17, overall ABC energy consumption decreased slightly, by 850 GJ (0.5%), compared to 2015-16.

State

2016-17 2015-16*

% change Total GJ Total GJ

NSW 71,877 71,932 -0.1%

ACT 5,721 5,933 -3.6%

Vic 29,320 29,420 -0.3%

Qld 14,329 13,829 3.6%

SA 15,715 15,992 -1.7%

WA 9,042 9,491 -4.7%

Tas 8,006 8,076 -0.9%

NT 4,974 5,162 -3.6%

Total ABC 158,985 159,835 -0.5%

* Figures reported in 2015-16 were based on forecast consumption and have been updated to reflect actual consumption in the above table.

Environmental Responsibility The ABC keeps heritage and the environment in mind as key considerations when making its programming, service, and broadcast operation decisions.

6.2% WATER consumption down

38 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The nature of the ABC business, and in particular its reliance on technology, necessarily involves high levels of energy consumption. This was reflected in the energy use figures for New South Wales where there is a significant concentration of the ABC’s workforce and production.

Employees were strongly encouraged to turn off lights and to shut down or put computers into sleep or power saver mode at the end of their shift (unless it was not feasible for operational reasons). Continued increases in server virtualisation led to greater energy efficiency and more effective utilisation of physical space. Further, PC refreshes reduced power consumption via improved power management on computers.

Energy reduction initiatives in 2016-17 included:

â¢ Hobart (Tas) - Replacement of Power Factor Units. This improved electricity distribution across the site which in turn reduced electrical demand.

â¢ Perth (WA) and Adelaide (SA) - The updated Building Management System 2016-17 (BMS) provided more efficient HVAC programming, enabling public holidays to be identified so HVAC zones can be switched off when not required.

â¢ Adelaide (SA) - Employees were consolidated from seven floors to just three, resulting in a more efficient use of occupied space and a reduced ABC footprint.

â¢ Ultimo (NSW) - Flexible Work Environment areas were switched from fluorescent lighting to LED lighting, some on timers and motion sensors; the upgraded BMS system gave greater critical plant control and optimisation to reduce HVAC energy consumption; leak repairs to chillers prevented the escape of expensive and ozone-depleting refrigerant, and increased their efficiency; and atrium smoke dampers were repaired to stop conditioned air escaping.

â¢ East Perth (WA) - Replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED lighting; estimated overall cost saving $12,251 per annum.

â¢ Albany (WA) - Equipment room air condition unit updated; estimated overall cost saving $15,068 per annum.

â¢ Parliament House TV Studio (ACT) - Replacement of incandescent lighting with LED lighting; estimated overall cost saving $12,251 per annum.

Craig and Michael with the Grogan family at the Bower Repair CafÃ© in War on Waste

Responsibility 39

Several more ABC locations had air conditioning units upgraded or replaced, including Lanceley Place, Tamworth and Dubbo (NSW), Ballarat and Shepparton (Vic), and Bunbury (WA). In the case of replacement, this work reduced both energy and future maintenance costs, but also removed ozone-depleting R22 refrigerant from service, replacing it with an environmentally friendly alternative.

Other offices that had fluorescent lighting replaced with LED lighting included Port Pirie (SA), Collinswood (Vic), and Bunbury and Karratha (WA).

Solar hot water systems are installed in 10 ABC sites: Port Macquarie and Newcastle (NSW), Canberra (ACT), Brisbane and Gold Coast (Qld), Port Pirie (SA), Launceston (Tas), Albany and Broome (WA), and Alice Springs (NT). The impact of the ABC’s solar hot water usage on energy consumption is not measured.

Emissions In 2016-17, the ABC used the National Green Accounts (NGA) Factors published by the Department of the Environment to identify and quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These are further classified as electricity, waste, and fuel. This methodology of measurement is unchanged from the 2015-16 financial year.

In 2016-17, the ABC’s GHG emissions decreased slightly by 0.6% compared to 2015-16 levels.

Waste and Recycling The ABC produces non-hazardous waste. In 2016-17, the ABC produced 5,764m3 of waste from its capital city sites, a slight 1% increase from 5,700m3 in 2015-16.

The ABC continues to work to reduce waste by providing facilities for recycling at all sites. In 2016-17, a total of 49% of waste was recycled (44% in 2015-16), and 51% was directed to landfill.

In 2016-17, the ABC in South Australia diverted 600.5m3 of waste from landfill into alternate energy, a decrease from 642m3 in 2015-16.

Emissions

Categories

Raw Figure and Unit of Measurement 2016-17 2015-16

change 2016-17 2015-16 Scope 1 Scope

Scope 3

GHG tCO2-e Scope 1

Scope 2 Scope 3

GHG tCO2-e

Electricity 39,985,654 40,286,468 0 32,760 4,590 37,350 0 32,907 4,612 37,519 0.5%

Natural gas 15,036,646 15,159,740 775 0 151 926 781 0 149 930 0.4%

Diesel oil 10,000 10,000 27 0 1 28 27 0 2 29 3.5%

Other Building

E10 67,803 78,376 141 0 23 164 163 0 27 190 -13.7%

Automotive Gasoline (petrol) 192,199 205,022 444 0 24 468 474 0 25 499 -6.2%

Passenger Vehicles

Automotive Diesel (transport) 193,732 194,441 527 0 27 554 529 0 27 556 -0.4%

Other Transport

All Categories 1,914 32,760 4,816 39,490 1,974 32,907 4,842 39,723 0.6%

40 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Outdated PCs and other electronic items were responsibly disposed of through auction or e-waste treatment. An initiative begun in July 2016 to extend the life of display monitors resulted in a 16% decrease in the number of monitor refreshes, and consequent reduction in e-waste.

In early 2017, ABC Engagement commenced rollout of an online performance management system. Eliminating paper forms will result in a reduction of around 4,000 four-page documents per year.

ABC Television advanced the removal of videotape-based processes and workflows, replacing them with file-based alternatives.

The upgrade of Television’s non-linear editing systems was completed, moving them to a fully integrated environment, so all suites now have access to file shares and email. The Team also expanded the use of its Central Ingest area and is now receiving most content as files through the Aspera secure file delivery system. This has further reduced the reliance on videotape, but also reduced the freight costs (and associated emissions) that come with shipping tapes.

Recycling Waste and Landfill Waste

State

2016-17 2015-16* % change

Recycled m3

Landfill m3

Recycled m3

Landfill m3

Recycled m3

Landfill m3

NSW 1,756 937 1,165 822 76.2% 12.2%

ACT 10 63 44 196 -77.4% -71.0%

Vic 273 779 362 932 -25.9% -17.4%

Qld 287 527 287 528 0% 0.2%

SA 181 0 234 0 -8.4% 0%

WA 129 261 146 281 -12% -7.5%

Tas 104 310 104 310 0.4% 0%

NT 86 61 86 61 -0.3% 0.7%

Total ABC 2,826 2,938 2,441 3,130 -3.7% -1.1%

Notes: The waste disposal data that informs this report is sourced from billing information of the ABC’s waste contractors for the capital cities only. This method is identical to that used to report for the 2015-16 Financial Year.

* Figures reported in 2015-16 were based on forecast m3 and have been updated to reflect actual m 3 in the above table.

Material Measure 2016-17 2015-16

Copy Paper Volume - Quantity consumed (specify unit of measure - weight or quantity) 18,974 21,282

% recycled content of total copy paper purchased 76% 90%

Volume of paper disposed of by recycling 109.07 m3* 150m3

* Sourced from billing information of the ABC’s waste contractors for the capital cities: however, data not available for the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Paper is listed as co-mingled waste in some sites.

Responsibility 41

The completion of the Melbourne Accommodation Project (MAP) will see a significant reduction in power usage, toner, and paper usage by ABC employees in Melbourne with the introduction of Flexible Work Environment (FWE) spaces. Floor-wide multi-function printers create more energy and cost savings: there are 22 printers in use in the new building, an 89% reduction from 198 printers in 2012. Further, 100% recycled paper is now used in printers.

Work continues on the replacement of paper-based forms with the development and rollout of online workflows for a number of finance and employment related processes.

See page 32 in Volume I for information about the ABC’s War on Waste

Environmental sustainability in the supply chain Where appropriate, tender documentation and evaluation criteria required information about suppliers’ corporate responsibility (including environmental) commitments and practices.

The ABC does not manage the businesses of service providers Broadcast Australia Infrastructure (Broadcast Australia), Telstra or Optus, and as such has no clauses within the contracts to enforce any green initiatives. Wherever possible it is assumed these businesses attempt to reduce energy consumption, which in turn reduces costs.

This year, Broadcast Australia continued its capital replacement program, installing energy efficient transmitters across its network. These included the AM high power transmitter replacement for the ABC’s Horsham Local Radio service, as well as digital television transmitter replacements serving Sydney, Canberra, Orange, Grafton/Kempsey, Manning River, Latrobe Valley, Melbourne, Central Western Slopes, Darling Downs, and Upper Murray.

Broadcast Australia also continued its work remediating sites where asbestos materials had historically been located. This included removal of material from sites serving Dalwallinu, Geraldton, and Sale.

The ABC applies the mandatory environmental standards (ES1 and ES2) of the Federal Government’s ICT Sustainability Plan 2010-15 to all procurements of ICT equipment. PC suppliers are expected to comply with Green ICT requirements including minimal packaging and the use of recyclable material.

Travel and transport Although the nature of the ABC’s operations, in particular its news and current affairs activities, necessitates frequent domestic and international travel, the ABC encourages employees to reduce domestic travel as much as possible.

Employees are encouraged to consider alternatives to travel where appropriate, for instance utilising video conferencing. The ABC also encourages employees to use sustainable travel methods to get to and from work such as walking, cycling or taking public transport. End-of-trip facilities for employees including secure bike parking, showers and lockers are provided at most capital city and some regional sites. Information about public transport is provided on the ABC intranet.

In 2016-17, domestic fleet vehicles travelled approximately 3,824,916km, a reduction of 7% on the 2015-16 figure of approximately 4,097,720km. Of the 332 vehicles in the ABC Fleet - reduced from 355 in 2015-16 - 48 were owned and 284 leased. Two were hybrid vehicles.

Water consumption In 2016-17, the ABC’s water consumption was 80,243kL, compared to 71,461kL in 2015-16.

42 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Rainwater collection at ABC sites Rainwater was collected in 13 separate ABC sites across the country:

â¢ Rainwater collected at East Perth was utilised to supplement water to the cooling towers of the HVAC system.

â¢ Rainwater collected in the Gold Coast (Queensland), Port Pirie (South Australia), Sale (Victoria), Port Macquarie (New South Wales) and Broome (Western Australia) was utilised solely for toilet flushing.

â¢ Rainwater in Brisbane (Queensland) and Bendigo (Victoria) was utilised for toilet flushing and for irrigation.

Heritage Strategy The ABC’s Heritage Strategy 2014-17 was prepared in accordance with section 341ZA of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (the EPBC Act). The EPBC Act sets out the ABC’s responsibilities to protect and conserve the Commonwealth Heritage values of places which it owns or controls. The Strategy is intended to inform the Minister and the Australian Heritage Council of the identification, assessment and monitoring of Commonwealth Heritage values demonstrated by places owned or controlled by the Australian ABC. The Heritage Strategy is available online at: http://about.abc.net.au/reports-publications/ abc-heritage-strategy/

Water consumption In 2016-17, the ABC’s water consumption was 70,081kL, compared to 74,703kL in 2015-16.

State

2016-17 2015-16*

% change kL kL

NSW 43,421 40,060 8.4%

ACT 394 662 -40.5%

Vic 7,251 9,768 -25.8%

Qld 81 1,217 -93.3%

SA 8,099 10,144 -20.2%

WA 7,401 8,435 -12.3%

Tas 2,215 2,818 -21.4%

NT 1,219 1,599 -23.8%

Total ABC 70,081 74,703 -6.2%

* Figures reported in 2015-16 were based on forecast consumption and have been updated to reflect actual consumption in the above table. Total ABC consumption includes 11 out of 11 capital city sites and 45 out of 45 regional sites.

State Location Capacity (L) Quantity Total Capacity (kL)

NSW Orange 2,100 1 2.1

Port Macquarie 500 6 3.0

Wollongong Victoria St 750 3 2.3

Wagga Wagga 2,200 1 2.2

WA East Perth 11,365 2 22.7

Broome - Hamersley St 10,000 1 10.0

SA Port Pirie 10,000 1 10.0

Vic Sale* 13,000 1 13.0

Bendigo* 24,500 1 24.5

NT Alice Springs 4,500 1 4.5

Qld Brisbane - Southbank 25,000 6 150.0

Gold Coast 5,000 1 5.0

Longreach 10,000 1 10.0

TOTAL 270.9

* Collections are not metred at all sites. In 2016-17, metered collections amounted to 931kL, compared to 316kL in 2015-16.

Responsibility 43

Emergency Broadcasting Local Radio stations in affected communities broadcast updates, emergency information and warnings as required. Updates were provided on television, social media, via online streaming, and through the ABC Emergency website.

The ABC was kept busy with emergency broadcasting during 2016-17, covering a variety of events including several ‘east coast lows’ and consequent flooding, catastrophic bushfires, heatwaves, and severe cyclones.

Details of some of these events are provided below.

â¢ Between June and September 2016, Tasmania was subject to the worst floods in several decades. A number of towns were evacuated, including Huonville in mid-July. ABC Radio Hobart led a fundraising appeal which raised more than $30,000.

â¢ Flooding in central New South Wales from July to September 2016 saw several towns affected. ABC Central West, ABC Western Plains and ABC Riverina were particularly involved in providing emergency and recovery broadcasting.

â¢ South Australia was badly affected by wild weather, including major flooding and damaging tides along the Yorke Peninsula, in late September and early October of 2016. On 28 September, a severe storm brought down trees and power lines, and associated tornados twisted three electricity transmission towers, leaving parts of the state without power for several days. Emergency broadcasting was undertaken by ABC Adelaide, North and West SA, Riverland, South East SA and Broken Hill, but all ABC SA broadcasters carried coverage of events. An extended ABC Adelaide 7pm News bulletin was broadcast live on Facebook during the storm on 28 September, in order to reach audiences able to access mobile phone data/power during the blackout. ABC teams were later praised by the South Australian Premier for their work in keeping the communityinformed.

Social Responsibility

The ABC has a long history of contributing social value to the communities in which it operates. It does this through activities such as emergency broadcasting, Community Service Announcements, and building the capacity of media organisations in the Asia-Pacific region.

ABC employee gender composition

49% male

51% female

44 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

â¢ In late December 2016, Cyclone Yvette formed off the Western Australian coast, and developed into a dangerous low which moved into South Australia in the days around Christmas. This led to floods in parts of Central Australia, and a major storm with subsequent flooding in and around Adelaide requiring overnight ABC emergency coverage.

â¢ By early November 2016, ABC broadcasters in the Hunter and Western Sydney regions of New South Wales had already been covering bushfires, and Queensland and Western Australia had followed by the middle of the month. Emergency broadcasting in January was dominated by bushfires in South Australia, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. These included fires in Swan, Bridgetown and Capel (WA), Waterloo (SA), Gulgong, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock (NSW), Coolum (Sunshine Coast) and Sutton near the ACT.

â¢ From 10 February 2017, ABC stations in regional New South Wales and Sydney provided emergency broadcasting for a heatwave and catastrophic fire conditions, which were followed by destructive bushfires. This included extended rolling coverage when a series of bushfires broke out in the Central West, Hunter, and Mid North Coast regions.

â¢ Simultaneously, there was a flood threat along the Avon River east of Perth. Perth experienced its second wettest day on record, and major flooding across a large part of Western Australia led to a fatality, and severe damage to infrastructure and evacuations. Extended special programs were prepared for the weekend to provide flood coverage to the affected regions. Broadcast was provided by ABC Kimberley, ABC North West WA, ABC Great Southern and ABC Goldfields.

Midwife Kim Henschke on Hello Stranger

Responsibility 45

â¢ At the end of March 2017, Category 4 storm system Cyclone Debbie hit the ABC Tropical North audience around the Mackay region, with the most significant impacts felt around Bowen and Airlie Beach. Emergency broadcasting began before the full impact of the cyclone was felt, and continued after it had subsided. ABC Far North, ABC North Qld and ABC Tropical North staff were later particularly commended by local authorities for their efforts in informing the public during this time. Debbie continued down the south-east coast causing severe weather in other parts of Queensland and New South Wales. Flooding affected communities served by ABC Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Southern Queensland, Gold Coast, ABC North Coast NSW, and ABC Mid North Coast NSW.

â¢ On 27 April, a cyclone developed off the Northern Territory coast and was monitored by ABC Radio Darwin. Cyclone Frances reached category 3 strength, before quickly dropping back to a tropical low without impact.

Preparing for emergencies The Radio and Regional Teams continued to work with relevant emergency agencies and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) during 2016-17.

The ABC sent representatives to national events including the 2016 Emergency Management Public Affairs (EMPA) conference in Melbourne, and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) conference in Brisbane, as well as a ‘heatwave workshop’ in September.

Throughout the year, ABC Emergency Broadcast coordinators spoke at least twice a week with relevant emergency agencies and the BOM in all states and territories, and conducted intensive liaison during key emergency events. Activities for the year included a desktop tsunami awareness exercise, the establishment of a small ABC studio at the Brisbane headquarters of Emergency Management Queensland, and outside broadcasts from emergency service open days in several states.

ABC Radio Melbourne worked with Emergency Management Victoria to support the launch of an updated VicEmergency smartphone app, and took part in Fire Action Week in late October by giving away branded phone chargers for use in emergencies.

ABC Darwin met regularly with key agencies providing annual briefings on the cyclone season. The station continued its annual focus on preparing audiences for the wet season, and broadcast from the 2016 Emergency Expo at Palmerston markets.

ABC in the Community

Community Service Announcements The ABC broadcasts announcements about community issues or events which are in the public interest, subject to the ABC Editorial Policies’ Standard 9 (Public access and participation). Due to its localisation and immediacy, radio is the primary medium via which the ABC broadcasts Community Service Announcements.

Workplace Giving In 2016-17, ABC employees raised $81,529 which was distributed to a range of charities through the ABC’s Workplace Giving program (compared with $102,698 in 2015-16).

Humanitarian appeals The ABC works with Australian and international aid agencies during crises and humanitarian aid appeals when it is appropriate and possible to do so. Through radio, television and online, the ABC highlights the work of these agencies as they attempt to provide shelter, food, education, healthcare, and other forms of relief.

The ABC Appeals website provides information about current crises and suggests appropriate agencies to which audiences can donate: http://www.abc.net.au/appeals/

In March 2017, the ABC partnered with the Australian Council for International

46 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Development (ACFID) to launch an appeal in response to the food crisis in East Africa and Yemen - where up to 25 million people were facing starvation. Extreme food insecurity had been caused by collapsing economies, conflict, and climate shocks, with ongoing drought ruining crops and resulting in the deaths of millions of livestock.

Connecting with communities In January 2017, a Community Relations team was established to support a broadening and deepening of the ABC’s engagement with the Australian community, promoting the ABC’s content and services, and strengthening the Corporation’s relationship with all of its stakeholders.

The ABC’s Investing in Audiences strategy, established in March 2017, also saw a reinvigorated focus on connecting with all Australian communities, both directly and through its broadcasting services. These connections are detailed in Volume I of the 2017 Annual Report, on page 94.

Supporting Public Broadcasters in the Region ABC International Development works to support the development of robust media institutions in the Asia-Pacific region (see Volume I, page 78).

Product Responsibility

Product information and labelling The ABC ensures all products are appropriately labelled. No changes to the ABC’s policy or practices regulating product information or labelling were made during 2016-17.

If applicable, packaging does display information about appropriate disposal of packaging. Examples include:

â¢ “ Warning! Plastic Bag can be dangerous. To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this bag away from babies and children please dispose of all packaging responsibly.”

â¢ “ Dispose of all packaging ties before giving to your child.”

ABC licensed merchandise packaging is clearly marked if the packing is a potential hazard.

Quality assurance All licensees of ABC branded merchandise have contractual obligations to manufacture high quality products that meet Australian Standards applicable to the product. Children’s products are Safety Tested to the Standards AS/NZS ISO 8124 parts 1, 2 and 3 if applicable. Products aimed at adults may also be required to be tested to relevant standards. Licensees are required to provide certificates to prove the test results. If there are no applicable Australian Standards or testing procedures for a product aimed at children, the ABC requires that licensees or manufacturers perform tests that conform to American or European testing, to safeguard product safety and quality. Licensees test for colourfastness, shrinkage and flammability of apparel products. These products are required to meet retailers’ individual standards.

Product complaints and recalls In 2016-17, there were no product recalls or instances of non-compliance with safety standards associated with products produced, distributed, licensed or sold by the ABC.

In light of the legislated requirement to report products that have caused, or may cause, serious injury or death within 48 hours to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the ABC has developed a comprehensive Product Recall Procedure. The Procedure covers all products that ABC Commercial produces, distributes, licenses and sells though ABC Retail, as well as ABC branded products that are sold through other retailers.

The procedures stipulate that once a product recall has been initiated, ACCC guidelines must be followed. Customer safety and satisfaction is of paramount concern to the ABC when it comes to the creation and distribution of quality products and services.

Responsibility 47

Protecting privacy Information about the ABC’s compliance with privacy obligations is set out at page 58.

Social responsibility in the workplace

Values at work The ABC is committed to demonstrating values-based leadership, fostering attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a safety-conscious, creative, and vibrant working environment that fosters innovation (see page 12).

Workplace health and safety Information about the ABC’s workplace health and safety framework and performance is set out on page 18.

Mental health in the workplace ABC Radio, NEWS and Regional management are conscious of the impact of emergency broadcasting on the physical and mental health of employees.

They support the ABC Trauma and Resilience Programs, and have encouraged employees to apply to become ‘peer supporters’. This service allows employees who have worked through an emergency the chance to talk to a supportive listener. Additional peer support leaders were appointed across the ABC in February 2017, with 14 new leaders recruited directly from the NEWS Team. They attended a two-day intensive workshop on Psychological First Aid in March 2017.

In 2016-17, NEWS teams were offered a total of 16 workshops on trauma, resilience and vicarious trauma, which 203 employees attended. Workshops were prepared and delivered by the Manager of Trauma and Resilience Programs, and the DART Centre for Trauma and Journalism. A further series of nine specific learning interventions were provided, including coaching sessions and teleconference briefings. A total of 56 employees were engaged in these sessions.

Health and wellbeing discussions took place throughout the year during planning for emergency coverage, and consideration was given to employees considered to be currently vulnerable when rostering for major events. After major emergency events, local managers worked with the ABC’s Trauma Manager to make sure affected employees were aware of the possible after-effects of emergency coverage, for example negative changes in sleeping patterns, mood and diet.

In a departure from previous years’ processes, Emergency Broadcast Coordinators in each state were placed on four-day rosters, to provide some relief from the relentless demands of emergency coverage. They also received regular support and information from the Trauma Manager, and were encouraged to work together and support each other as a team. Guidelines restricting hours worked by general employees were also introduced, but as with the Coordinators, these were difficult to adhere to during larger crises. This issue remains a work in progress.

The Hostile Environment Awareness Training Course was held in Sydney in November 2016 with a total of twelve participants. A further two employees attended similar courses facilitated externally by AKE in London in December 2016.

Converge International provides ABC employees with comprehensive, independent Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services through qualified specialists. These services are confidential and free-of-charge, and are available to all employees and their immediate family through self-referral. Face-to-face, telephone and Skype sessions are available.

Converge International is also available to assist employees who are retiring. Services offered include short-term solution based counselling to work through some of the changes the employee may face in relation to retirement, and ‘Money Assist’ financial counselling to help work through financial wellbeing concerns. These services are also made available to employees whose employment is terminated due to redundancy, along with ‘Career Assist’ career development

48 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

and planning assistance. This assistance provides independent and impartial advice around resumes, job-seeking, interview skills and vocational counselling, from professional career consultants.

In addition, the ABC offers access to an outplacement service to employees whose position is redundant. The outplacement service provider delivers a tailored career transition program to those employees, which includes a range of topics to help employees deal with change including analysing career options, assistance with resume preparation, and developing job search and interview skills.

Diversity in the workplace Information about diversity at the ABC is on page 14.

Gender profile While the ABC is not governed by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, the gender equality indicators in that legislation provide useful benchmarks for the ABC’s diversity monitoring processes. Those indicators include gender composition of the workforce, and the equality of remuneration between women and men.

Gender composition: management - as at 30 June 2017 Board, Executive Director and Senior Executives

Management Female Male Total

Board 5 4 9

Team Director 4 6 10

Senior Executive 159 168 327

Notes: Board includes MD and Staff Elected Director Team Director excludes MD

Gender composition: all employees by classification * Pay Classification Female % Male % Total % of Grand Total

Administrative/Professional 478 69.78% 207 30.22% 685 14.36%

Content Maker 1,718 51.50% 1,618 48.50% 3,336 69.95%

Retail 10 62.50% 6 37.50% 16 0.34%

Senior Executive 164 48.66% 173 51.34% 337 7.07%

Technologist 67 16.96% 328 83.04% 395 8.28%

Grand Total 2,437 51.10% 2,332 48.90% 4,769 100.00%

* This table was titled in 2015-16 as ‘Gender Composition: ongoing employees by classification’; however, that table represented data for ‘Gender composition: all employees by classification’, and so results can be used in direct comparison with the above.

Notes: Values are in headcount.

Statistics current as at the end of the last pay period in 2016-17 (25 June 2017).

Senior Executive includes the MD and Executive Directors.

Gender composition: salary ranges Salary range Female % Male % Total % of Grand Total

Over 145,000 138 40.95% 199 59.05% 337 7.07%

130,001 - 145,000 98 43.95% 125 56.05% 223 4.68%

115,001 - 130,000 158 48.02% 171 51.98% 329 6.90%

100,001 - 115,000 304 48.25% 326 51.75% 630 13.21%

85,001 - 100,000 607 46.34% 703 53.66% 1310 27.47%

70,001 - 85,000 753 57.39% 559 42.61% 1312 27.51%

55,001 - 70,000 332 62.06% 203 37.94% 535 11.22%

40,001 - 55,000 45 53.57% 39 46.43% 84 1.76%

Under 40,000 2 22.22% 7 77.78% 9 0.19%

Grand Total 2,437 51.10% 2,332 48.90% 4,769 100.00%

Notes: Salaries includes allowances and buyouts grouped under IT0008 of the payroll system.

Responsibility 49

Indigenous employment The ABC has developed and implemented a range of initiatives aimed at increasing Indigenous employment levels (see page 13).

Continuous learning and skills development The rapidly changing nature of the environment in which the ABC operates requires that ongoing learning and development opportunities are provided for employees working in diverse areas across the ABC.

Information about training and development is at page 14.

Footnotes 1 Version G3.1.

2 Facebook Analytics

50 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Rhys Nicholson in Comedy Next Gen

Accountability

Brian Nankervis and Richelle Hunt present The Friday Revue (ABC Radio Melbourne)

52 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The ABC is accountable to all Australians, and continues to look for ways of operating efficiently and maximising investment in content for audiences

Accountability

Accountability 53

The ABC Board and management apply a corporate governance framework that aims to balance the ABC’s performance as a creative media organisation on the one hand, and its need to comply with the formal obligations of a statutory corporation on the other.

Corporate Governance

Enabling legislation ABC corporate objectives, strategies, policies, and activities derive from the requirements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 (the ABC Act). In particular, section 6 of the Act - the ABC Charter - outlines the functions of the Corporation, and section 8 lays out the duties of the Board (see Appendix 1, page 138). The ABC Act expressly provides for both the editorial and administrative independence of the Corporation, thereby investing the Board with considerable discretion. In acknowledgement of that independence, the ABC accepts the obligation to meet the highest standards of public accountability.

Accountability The ABC is an agency within the portfolio of the Department of Communications and the Arts.

Over the entire 2016-17 reporting period, the responsible Minister was Senator the Honourable Mitch Fifield.

Governance and management processes

Board governance The roles and responsibilities of the Board are described in Appendix 1 (see page 137).

The ABC Board held eight meetings during 2016-17.

The Audit and Risk Committee met on four occasions, the Finance Committee met on three occasions, the newly devised Audit, Risk and Finance Committee met on two occasions, and the People Committee met on two occasions. Further information about the ABC Board and its Committees is provided in Appendix 2 (see page 138).

Management processes Throughout 2016-17, the Managing Director chaired a monthly, day-long meeting of the ABC Leadership Team, comprising Team Directors and the Heads of specialist support units reporting to her. These meetings enabled the Leadership Team to discuss and make

54 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

decisions regarding strategic, operational and compliance issues, including matters relating to the ABC’s cross-divisional audience strategy. The Leadership Team also met briefly each week.

The ABC’s governance framework included a number of executive and advisory groups which provided guidance and leadership around areas such as digital strategy, risk management, information technology, work health and safety, and policy development.

Internal audit Group Audit provides an independent and objective audit and advisory service, which is designed to add value and improve the ABC’s operations. Group Audit helps the ABC to achieve its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

In 2016-17, Group Audit completed 43 scheduled audits, as well as unscheduled reviews at the specific request of management and the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. The team continued to utilise technology to undertake ongoing monitoring and audit of transactional data.

During 2016-17, an independent review of Group Audit was undertaken which involved key stakeholders including the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee, Team Directors and senior management. The review found that the Internal Audit function is operating in conformance with the Internal Auditing Standards. The report made recommendations to improve current arrangements and be more responsive to changing organisation structures and objectives.

Further information on Group Audit, including details of interactions with Board committees, is provided in Appendix 2 (see page 142).

Risk management The ABC conducts a review of the ABC’s corporate profile of strategic risks twice annually, to ensure they adequately reflect the current operating environment. The reviews are conducted with input from the ABC Leadership Team, and outcomes are endorsed by the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.

Allison Chan films Shivali Nayak for one of ABC Education’s weekly Facebook live lessons, teaching Australian English to millions of people worldwide. Image: Lisa Clarke

Accountability 55

In 2016-17, work was progressed to mature, and build stronger foundations for, the risk management framework. Included in this work were:

â¢ the establishment of an ABC Risk Appetite Framework

â¢ alignment of the strategic risk profile to the ABC’s Investing in Audiences strategy

â¢ assignment of Leadership Team ‘owners’ to specific strategic risks

â¢ additional and enhanced risk reporting, including detailed review and analysis of key risks and implementation of RiskSafe, an incident reporting and risk system.

The next stage of work will focus on cascading the risk management framework and its benefits throughout all levels of the organisation in a way that is comprehensive and accessible.

Operational risks are identified and reviewed on an ongoing basis, and may be proactive and relate to planning activities, or reactive and relate to incidents that have occurred. The management of operational risks in this manner provides a day-to-day identification and reporting mechanism of risk within respective Teams, and further, facilitates the identification of risks which may require attention at the ABC Top Risk level.

The ABC participated in Comcover’s 2017 Risk Management Benchmarking Survey of all government agencies, which rated the Corporation’s risk management practices as ‘Advanced’. The ABC continues to maintain strong results when compared to the average maturity level of overall Commonwealth government entities, where the average of all participants was ‘Integrated’. The benchmarking survey saw the ABC improve its rating in six out of nine elements with the strongest risk management capability being: establishing a risk management policy; embedding systematic risk management into business processes; and reviewing and continuously improving the management of risk.

The ABC is committed to maintaining the stability and resilience of its operations, as well as prioritising the safety and wellbeing of employees during and after any business disruption event.

The ABC’s Business Resilience Program operates independently and aims to ensure a seamless service to the audience. The program supports the Corporation’s broader governance, policy, and risk-management framework, to maintain and improve the planning and response activity to adverse events that may impact ABC people, facilities, operations, and content creation. The Business Resilience Program aims to continually improve the leadership, process, and communications requirements of the ABC’s emergency coordination, crisis management, and business continuity and recovery activities. Understanding and effectively managing these risks through the program form part of the ABC’s commitment to building organisational resilience.

Corporate strategy setting The ABC’s strategy is informed by the broader corporate objectives and outcomes in the ABC Corporate Plan.

The requirement to prepare a corporate plan in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (the PGPA Act) came into effect on 1 July 2015. Under section 35 of the PGPA Act, the accountable authority of the ABC is required to prepare a corporate plan at least once each reporting period. The corporate plan must be prepared in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (the PGPA Rule). The ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17 was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the PGPA Act and PGPA Rule and is published on the ABC’s corporate website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/our-plans/

56 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17 also meets the requirements of section 31B(1) of the ABC Act by outlining the overall strategies and policies that the Corporation will follow to ensure that the Board fulfils its duties under section 8 of the ABC Act, and includes a forecast of the revenue and expenditure of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, including a forecast of capital expenditure and borrowings.

In 2016-17, the Corporate Strategy and Planning team continued to lead the development and implementation of corporate strategy, policy formulation, and planning for the ABC.

In March 2017, the Managing Director announced a new direction for the ABC, the Investing in Audiences strategy. Corporate Strategy and Planning were heavily involved in foundational work for the strategy, tools for practical application of associated initiatives such as the Good Ideas Grant (GIG), and securing productivity training for ABC employees. Details on this work can be found in Volume I, page 92.

Corporate reporting and compliance

Compliance reporting Any significant non-compliance with the finance law must be reported to the responsible Minister under section 19(1)(e) of the PGPA Act and must also be disclosed in the Annual Report together with an outline of the action taken to remedy the non-compliance.

To meet these requirements, in 2016-17 the ABC continued to implement its internal compliance reporting framework. The compliance framework comprises internal controls and governance procedures together with other sources of assurance and information to ensure that relevant PGPA reporting requirements are achieved.

There were no instances of significant non-compliance required to be notified to the responsible Minister under section 19(1)(e) of the PGPA Act during the 2016-17 reporting period.

Annual Report The ABC was required by section 46 of the PGPA Act to prepare an annual report. The report must be submitted to the responsible minister for presentation to the Parliament. The ABC Annual Report 2016 was submitted to the Minister for Communications and was tabled in Parliament on 31 October 2016.

Report against the ABC Corporate Plan Performance against the ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17 is set out in the ABC’s 2017 Annual Performance Statements at page 70.

Freedom of information The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) gives the public the right to access documents held by the ABC. During 2016-17, the ABC received 40 requests for access to documents under the FOI Act.

Eight requests were granted, five were granted in part, 14 were refused, five were withdrawn or deemed to be withdrawn, with three of those requests dealt with outside of the formal FOI process. Eight requests were still being processed at the end of the financial year. Of the 19 requests that were refused or part-refused, eight were (or involved some documents that were) outside the scope of the FOI Act. Part II of Schedule 2 of the FOI Act specifically excludes documents relating to the ABC’s program material from the operation of the FOI Act.

Two matters were the subject of Internal Review. Both decisions were affirmed on review.

One decision was the subject of review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). The review was still being processed as at 30 June 2017.

Accountability 57

In accordance with section 8(1) of the FOI Act, the ABC has prepared an Agency Plan which describes how the ABC will comply with the Information Publication Scheme requirements set out in Part II of the FOI Act. The ABC’s Agency Plan and Disclosure Log are published on the ABC’s website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/freedom-of-information

Privacy The ABC is required to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Privacy Act 1988. The ABC Privacy Policy is published on the ABC’s corporate website. The Policy sets out the kind of information the ABC will collect, the circ*mstances in which the ABC may use and disclose such information, how individuals may access their personal information, and how and to whom individuals may complain about a breach of privacy.

In 2016-17, there was one privacy breach which required the ABC to notify the Privacy Commissioner. The ABC worked with the Commissioner to resolve the matter between the parties.

Audience Contact An important avenue for assessing the ABC’s performance with its core constituency is through audience feedback, including complaints.

The ABC monitors audience responses to transmission issues via its Reception Advice Line (RAL). The unit assists the public to improve their ABC television and radio reception, responds to broader ABC transmission enquiries, and works with the ABC’s transmission providers to identify and resolve transmission faults. RAL operating hours are 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday, Sydney time, and the web service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In 2016-17, this unit received the following television and radio services enquiries, as compared with the previous year:

Audience contacts transmission issues Enquiry type 2016-17 2015-16

Total number of emails received 2,874 1,588

Total number of letters received 8 3

Total number of telephone enquiries received 7,025 14,294

Total enquiries 9,907 15,885

Total number of hits to the RAL website 879,485 710,930

Notes: These figures do not include the HD transition call centre operated between November and December 2016

Written complaints about issues such as factual inaccuracy, bias or inappropriate content are referred to the ABC’s Audience and Consumer Affairs unit. Audience and Consumer Affairs is independent of ABC program areas and can investigate written complaints referring to possible breaches of the ABC Editorial Policies or the ABC Code of Practice. The unit also coordinates responses to a range of programming and policy enquiries.

In 2016-17, Audience and Consumer Affairs logged 58,477 audience contacts, a 16% increase on the 50,233 contacts logged in 2015-16.

The profile of contacts reported by Audience and Consumer Affairs reflects the particular remit of the unit. Written complaints alleging a breach of the ABC Code of Practice or ABC Editorial Policies received elsewhere in the ABC are required to be referred to Audience and Consumer Affairs in the first instance, whereas requests, suggestions, praise, and other comments are not. This, and the unit’s specialist complaints-handling focus, means that the proportion of contacts received by Audience and Consumer Affairs which are complaints will generally be higher than the proportion received elsewhere throughout the Corporation.

58 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Summary of contacts received

Contact type

Email/Letter/Other

Number %

Complaint 30,878 52.8

Request/Suggestion 19,090 32.7

Other 4,458 7.6

Appreciation 4,051 6.9

Total 58,477 100.0

Subject matter of contacts received

Subject

Email/ Letter/ Other % Total

Complaints about program standards, scheduling, and other matters 25,315 43.3

Requests for information, programs, product availability and other matters 23,548 40.3

Appreciation of programs and presenters 4,051 6.9

Bias (other than party political)* 2,910 5.0

Complaints of factual inaccuracy 1,312 2.2

Party political bias 895 1.5

Lack of balance 446 0.8

Total 58,477 100.0

* Includes claims of bias in relation to issues such as sport and religion.

Key concerns reflected in audience contacts received by Audience and Consumer in 2016-17 included 2,275 complaints from audience members who experienced technical difficulties accessing content on the iview service. In January 2017, the ABC made a change which saw contacts submitted via the iview online contact form directed to a dedicated team in ABC Television rather than Audience and Consumer Affairs; accordingly, these contacts are no longer included in Audience and Consumer Affairs reports.

There were 1,747 complaints from audience members who expressed their disappointment with the ABC’s decision to cancel Good Game and Good Game Pocket when presenters Stephanie Bendixsen and Nich Richardson announced their departure from the program.

There were 1,673 complaints about a refresh of ABC NEWS, largely in relation to the legibility of new graphics, particularly in weather and finance segments.

There were 1,549 complaints about a social media post on Anzac Day by part-time ABC contributor Yassmin Abdel-Magied. The post was on Ms Abdel-Magied’s personal Facebook page: she subsequently retracted, apologised for and deleted the post.

Timeliness Audience and Consumer Affairs seeks to reply to all contacts requiring response within 30 days of receipt, in accordance with the timeliness standard for complaint handling that is specified in the ABC’s Complaint Handling Procedures.

Between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs responded directly to 11,729 audience contacts. Of these, 7,599 (64.8%) received responses within 30 days. Further detail can be seen in the Annual Performance Statements, on page 74.

Complaint outcomes During 2016-17, 30,881 written complaints were finalised by Audience and Consumer Affairs. The unit provided a personal response to 7,550 of these complaints (comprising 7,723 issues), of which 4,624 (61.2%) received responses within 30 days. There were 12,764 complaint contacts referred to other areas of the Corporation for direct response (including 1,277 editorial complaints), and no substantive response was required for 10,567 complaint contacts.

The 7,550 responses to complaints sent by Audience and Consumer Affairs this year includes two distinct groups of complaints:

â¢ complaints investigated by Audience and Consumer Affairs which alleged breaches of the ABC Editorial Policies or ABC Code ofPractice

â¢ complaints about matters of personal preference which do not raise issues of compliance with the ABC’s editorial standards, and for which Audience and Consumer Affairs provide an audience liaisonservice.

Accountability 59

This latter group of complaints made up the larger number of the total. As these complaints did not go to the ABC’s editorial standards, they were not formally investigated and were not capable of being upheld.

During 2016-17, 2,348 complaint issues were investigated. A total of 163 (6.9%) were upheld in cases where Audience and Consumer Affairs determined that ABC editorial standards had not been met. A further 266 issues (11.3%) were resolved, after the relevant content area took prompt and appropriate action to remedy the cause of the complaint.

All findings in relation to upheld and resolved complaints are brought to the attention of the senior editorial employees responsible. In 2016-17, actions taken in response to upheld and resolved complaints included written apologies to complainants; on-air corrections; counselling or other action with employees; removal of inappropriate content or correction of material on ABC Online; and reviews of and improvements to procedures.

Summaries of upheld and resolved complaints are published on abc.net.au as individual complaints are finalised, providing timely access to complaint decisions. The ABC also publishes a quarterly statistical overview of audience contacts on its website.

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Members of the public who complain to the ABC about matters covered by the ABC Code of Practice, and who are dissatisfied with the ABC’s response or who do not receive a response to their complaint within 60 days, may seek review from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

During 2016-17, the ACMA advised the ABC that it had finalised investigations into 16 such matters (compared to 23 in 2015-16). The ACMA found no breaches of the ABC Code of Practice.

During 2016-17, the ACMA advised the ABC that it had finalised two investigations into complaints from a single complainant, that raised issues with the ABC’s compliance with captioning obligations under part 9D (captioning) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA). The ACMA made breach findings. Breaches consisted of a failure to comply with the Television Captioning Standard 2013 in relation to six distinct segments in each of two live-captioned programs: an 8 September 2016 5pm NEWS bulletin, and a 4 October 2016 7pm NEWS bulletin, both on ABC Television. As such, the ACMA found breaches of subsections of the BSA that deal with compliance with captioning by a national broadcaster and the captioning of programs between 6am and midnight on free-to-air primary channels. The ABC advised the ACMA of remedial action that it proposed to take in relation to the findings.

Commonwealth Ombudsman The Ombudsman’s office notified the ABC of two investigations into the ABC’s handling of complaints commenced during the current reporting period. In one case, the Ombudsman’s office determined that the complaint did not warrant further investigation. The other investigation was not finalised as at 30 June 2017.

60 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Gus Worland in Man Up

The Bonner Committee is the ABC’s primary advisory body on issues relating to Indigenous staff, content, and communities

Bonner Committee

The Committee provides advice to the Managing Director and the Corporation in relation to issues of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and the ABC’s relationship with Indigenous communities, as well as monitoring progress against the Corporation’s commitments in its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It is an internal body that comprises a geographically-diverse mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.

The Committee is named after the late Neville Bonner AO, who was an ABC Board Director from 1983 to 1991 and Australia’s first Indigenous Senator.

The Bonner Committee met six times during the reporting period, two of which were face-to-face. The Committee discussed and considered a range of issues, including increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment in the ABC; providing opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities; progress against RAP key indicators; and appropriate coverage of key Indigenous events. It assisted triple j with advice on community consultation in relation to the date of the Hottest 100 Countdown.

In 2016, the ABC launched its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which will operate through to 2018. The Plan is a Stretch RAP under Reconciliation Australia’s RISE (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, and Elevate) framework. It commits the ABC to a set of concrete objectives and actions that acknowledge and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their heritage and culture, as well as increasing employment opportunities and developing content that is about, created by, or features Indigenous Australians.

The RAP has four key areas of focus:

â¢ Relationships

â¢ Respect

â¢ Opportunities - Employment and Supplier Diversity

â¢ Opportunities - Content.

62 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The RAP operates on a calendar-year basis. The ABC reported its performance most recently for the period 1 January - 31 December 2016. The RAP and the ABC’s performance reports are published on the Corporation’s website available at about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/our-plans/.

As of 30 June 2017, the Corporation had made good progress against the actions identified in the Stretch RAP, particularly in delivering a variety of high-quality Indigenous content on television, radio and online - reflecting its commitment to supporting the place of Indigenous issues and voices in the national conversation. In particular, the ABC delivered a range of programs that commemorated and reflected upon two significant anniversaries that occurred in the first half of 2017: the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the 25th anniversary of the recognition of native title in the High Court’s Mabo judgement.

The Radio, NEWS, and Television Teams all now have senior editorial managers responsible for overseeing Indigenous programming. The Corporation also worked to develop

relationships with a number of Indigenous communities and organisations, and with educational institutions, in order to encourage Indigenous students to consider work at the ABC or in the wider media. During the reporting period, the ABC worked with an Indigenous construction-management service on a significant contract that increased its Indigenous procurement spend to 6.4% of total non-technical procurement - more than double its target of 3%.

At 31 December 2016, the ABC had achieved its annual Indigenous employment target of 2.5%. This figure remained at 2.5% at 30 June 2017. A number of recruitment-related activities were delayed in the first half of 2017, but are expected to continue after June in order to assist the Corporation in meeting its 2017 target of 2.7%.

Overall, the Corporation delivered results against all areas of the RAP framework. The commitment to its RAP, and the spirit of reconciliation that underlies it, continue to have a positive influence on the ABC as a public broadcaster for all Australians.

Neville Bonner AO

Accountability 63

ABC Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2016-18

Relationships â¢ Continue to support the Bonner Committee, the ABC’s Indigenous advisory group, which monitors and coordinates the ABC’s

Reconciliation Action Plan.

â¢ Maintain formal groups at the Team and state/territory branch level with responsibility for advancing reconciliation and relationships with Indigenous communities.

â¢ Create further opportunities to build strategic partnerships and projects with Indigenous communities, peak bodies, and other relevant external organisations, with a focus on regional opportunities.

â¢ Provide opportunities for ABC employees to participate in National Reconciliation Week each year.

â¢ Raise internal and external awareness of the ABC RAP to promote reconciliation across the Corporation and sector.

â¢ Highlight ABC Indigenous achievement and activity within the ABC.

Respect â¢ Provide employees with ongoing access to training that enhances their knowledge and awareness of Australia’s Indigenous peoples,

cultures, and history.

â¢ Use appropriate cultural protocols, including Acknowledgement of and/or Welcome to Country, at ABC events.

â¢ Apply Indigenous Content editorial principles in content-making.

â¢ Recognise and participate in NAIDOC Week each year.

â¢ Maintain the Indigenous site on the ABC Intranet to provide a unified source of information in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and issues.

â¢ Install signage and other physical recognition of the traditional owners of land and the contribution of Indigenous ABC employees in the public foyers and reception areas of ABC regional offices.

64 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Opportunities—Employment and Supplier Diversity â¢ Implement the ABC Indigenous Employment Strategy 2016-18.

â¢ Progressively increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees at the ABC.

â¢ Undertake activities to increase the number of Indigenous employees in content-making, editorial decision-making, and management roles, particularly at a senior level.

â¢ Encourage awareness of potential careers at the ABC and in the wider media sector among Indigenous secondary and tertiary students.

â¢ Provide career development planning support and opportunities for Indigenous employees.

â¢ Maximise retention of Indigenous employees.

â¢ Contribute to the growth of Indigenous employment opportunities in the wider media industry.

â¢ Increase opportunities for Indigenous suppliers to work with the ABC.

Opportunities—Content â¢ Demonstrate a stronger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence in ABC content, including regional content, and

in subsequent scheduling.

â¢ Maximise audiences for Indigenous content and other initiatives through effective promotion.

â¢ Increase the number of Indigenous on-air presenters across all platforms.

â¢ Support the Indigenous community media sector.

Tracking Progress and Reporting â¢ Monitor and report on progress against RAP commitments.

â¢ Provide data to Reconciliation Australia on RAP progress.

â¢ Refresh and update the ABC RAP.

Accountability 65

The ABC Advisory Council provides diverse perspectives and valuable community feedback on ABC programming and services

ABC Advisory Council

The ABC Advisory Council was established in 1983 under the provisions of section 11 of the ABC Act, to provide advice to the Board on matters relating to the Corporation’s broadcast programs. The Board appoints the 12 members of the Advisory Council. Applications to join the Council are invited through promotions on ABC Radio, Television, Online, and advertisem*nts in the press.

The members of the Advisory Council for 2016-17 bring to discussions a wide range of experience and perspectives, as well as consultation with the communities they represent. The Council is made up of:

Professor Andrea Hull AO, Convenor (Albert Park, Vic) - Professor Hull has had a distinguished career in the arts, arts education, and cultural policy, and was Director/CEO of the Victorian College of the Arts from 1995 to 2009. She was CEO of the WA Department for the Arts and a Director of the Australia Council. Her current roles include Chair of Melbourne Forum, Board member of the Florey Neuroscience Institutes and its Foundation, and The Melbourne Prize. Recent positions include Deputy Chair of the National Museum of Australia, Deputy Chair of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, and Advisory Panel Member of Lirrwi Cultural Tourism East Arnhem Land. Professor Hull currently has a consultancy practice, and is an executive coach.

66 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Mr Sam Almaliki (South Melbourne, Vic) - Mr Almaliki is currently the Head of Community Engagement and Diversity Council Secretary at Cricket Australia. Further, he is a Non-Executive Director, serves as a Commissioner on the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and is also Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee Regional Advisory Council. Mr Almaliki is also a Refugee Week ambassador, member of the Australia India Business Council and a member of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Ms Sarah Burr (Braddon, ACT) - Ms Burr is an Adviser in the Indigenous Affairs Group at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Canberra. She has experience in Indigenous, business, and land management policy. Ms Burr is Vice President of the YWCA Canberra, a foundation member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Canberra Hub, and a member of the University of Canberra’s Indigenous Advisory Group.

Mr James Curtis (Inglewood, WA) - Mr Curtis is currently the Chief Executive Office of Football West. He was previously the Executive Director for Community Development within the WA State Government and a Senior Management Consultant providing advice to State and Commonwealth government agencies.

Mr Wade Dabinett (Parilla, SA) - Mr Dabinett is a farmer and Vice Chairman of Grain Producers SA and Chair for the Transport & Supply Chain Committee. He is involved in local Cricket and Football Clubs as a player and committee member and was recently Vice-Chair of the Pinnaroo and Districts Connected Community.

Ms Fiona Duggan (Youngtown, Tas) - Ms Duggan is a veterinary surgeon and is currently a member of the Stewart Child Care Services Board of Management. She is involved in a number of community groups in Tasmania and the Launceston region, including child and youth organisations.

Image above: Standing (L-R): Mr Sam Almaliki (South Melbourne Vic), Ms Kez Hall (Nhulunbuy NT), Ms Kate Duncan (Northcote Vic), Mr James Curtis (Inglewood WA), Mr Wade Dabinett (Parilla SA), Professor Andrea Hull AO Chairman (Albert Park Vic), Ms Heron Loban (Sherwood Qld), Mr Robert Macaulay (Singleton NSW), Mrs Nina Trad Azam (Wollongong NSW) and Adjunct Professor Peter Norden AO (Bentleigh Vic).

Seated (L-R): Ms Fiona Duggan (Youngstown Tas) and Ms Sarah Burr (Braddon ACT).

Accountability 67

Ms Kate Duncan (Coburg North, Vic) - Ms Duncan is a Youth Music Development Officer for the Darebin City Council. Ms Duncan, as a youth worker, is employed to develop and facilitate youth music programs for people aged 12-25 within the Darebin community. She oversees a youth-run record label and a youth events organising committee.

Ms Kez Hall (Nhulunbuy, NT) - Ms Hall is a public servant in Darwin. Ms Hall is an Indigenous Territorian and speaks a number of Indigenous languages. She has extensive experience in Indigenous affairs, nationally and internationally. She has a background in health and medical research as well as experience on governing boards, working parties, committees, and volunteer groups.

Ms Heron Loban (Sherwood, Qld) - Ms Loban is a Senior Lecturer in Law, and currently Director of the Centre for Appropriate Technology, which has offices across northern Australia. In that role, she advocates for the technological needs of Indigenous people. Ms Loban is a Torres Strait Islander and is keenly interested in the content of the ABC being physically and technically accessible to Indigenous people and also being culturally accessible, reflecting both Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.

Mr Robert Macaulay (Westbrook, via Singleton, NSW) - Mr Macaulay is a solicitor and primary producer. He is involved in various professional and community groups in both the Hunter Valley and Sydney.

Professor Peter Norden AO (Bentleigh, Vic) - Professor Norden is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Global, Social and Urban Studies at RMIT University. He has long involvement with faith-based communities and the non-government community services sector. Professor Norden has acted as a policy adviser at federal, state, and local government level.

Mrs Nina Trad Azam (Figtree, NSW) - Mrs Trad Azam is a mental health social worker and was until recently Secretary for Illawarra People 4 Peace. She is also Managing Director of the Russell Vale Family Medical and Acupuncture Practice.

The roles of members and functions of the ABC Advisory Council are to:

â¢ either on its own initiative or at the request of the ABC Board, advise the Board on matters relating to the Corporation’s broadcasting programs

â¢ provide a broad representation of Australian community concerns and interests in relation to programming

â¢ analyse and consider reports and papers in relation to programming provided by the ABC

â¢ facilitate communication between the community and the ABC Board

â¢ within the framework of the Council’s annual work plan, carry out consultation seeking community views on ABC programming initiatives

â¢ at its discretion, hold interest group meetings from time to time.

The Council met three times during the year: August 2016, December 2016, and April 2017, in Sydney. It provided feedback to the ABC Board on a wide range of the Corporation’s programs and services.

68 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Either the ABC Board Chairman or the Managing Director, or both, met with the Advisory Council at each Council meeting. ABC Team Directors also met with the Council to discuss key areas of interest including radio, television, online and audience research.

Council members undertook detailed consultations with their communities on:

â¢ Arts content, to contribute to the Arts Reference Panel

â¢ intercultural content

â¢ regional Australians’ engagement with triple j

â¢ a review of the impact of the ABC ‘Back to School’ campaign and content

â¢ a review of the impact of ABC’s War on Waste programming and campaign

â¢ media consumption and the requests of culturally diverse and international audiences.

The Advisory Council’s recommendations for the year, together with responses from ABC management, are reported in Appendix 4 (pages 145-6).

Accountability 69

Annual Performance Statements Craig Zonca with Busby Marou for a Breakfast outside broadcast in Brisbane. Image: Hannah Turner

70 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

The ABC’s Annual Performance Statements provide a concise, comprehensive, overall picture of the Corporation’s performance in 2016-17

Annual Performance Statements 71

ABC Annual Performance Statements 2016-17

Introductory statement We, the ABC Board, as the accountable authority of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), present the 2016-17 annual performance statements of the ABC, as required under paragraph 39(1)(a) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (the PGPA Act). In our opinion, these annual

performance statements are based on properly maintained records, accurately reflect the performance of the entity, and comply with subsection 39(2) of the PGPA Act.

Purpose The ABC’s purpose is to fulfil its functions as set out in the ABC Act, particularly the ABC Charter.

Results Criterion Perceptions: Overall value—Percentage of the people who value the ABC and its services to the Community

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

At least 84% 83% 86%

Omnipoll and Newspoll survey 2015-16; ABC Corporate Tracking 2016-17

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Program 1.1, Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-17, page 79

Criterion Perceptions: loyalty—The likelihood of recommending the ABC to a family member or friend, on a scale of 1 to 10. (Net Promoter Score)1

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

Establish a baseline2 36 N/A

ABC Q&D Wave 1 (Nov 2016) and Wave 2 (April 2017)

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

83%of people VALUE the ABC and its services to the community

72 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Criterion Net reach (avg weekly)—Combined national audience reach across television, radio and online

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

70% 69.5% 69.0%

Omnipoll and Newspoll survey 2015-16; ABC Corporate Tracking 2016-17

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Program 1.1, Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-17, page 79

Criterion Digital reach (avg monthly)—The percentage of the Active Digital Universe who have used ABC Online Network on browsers or apps

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

38% 38.8% 37.9%

Nielsen DRM data

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Radio reach (avg weekly)—The percentage of the total population who have listened to any ABC radio

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

At least 36.5% 35.2% 36.1%

GFK Radio ratings, Ppl 10+, 2016-17 (S5-8 2016 and S1-3 2017); 2015-16 (S5-8 2015 and S1-4 2016); From S1 2017, ABC Radio includes 5-City Metro Local stations, four national networks, and DAB+ only stations

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Television reach (avg weekly)—The percentage of the total population who have watched any ABC television channel

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result*

At least 50% Metro: 52.5%

Regional: 57.3%

Metro: 55.2%

Regional: 60.3%

OzTAM and Regional TAM Consolidated 28 data from January 2016 - June 2017; Consolidated 7 data from July-December 2016

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

* The 2015-16 results presented here differ from those reported in the ABC Annual Report 2016 due to OzTAM announcing the availability of Consolidated 28 television ratings data from Week 1, 2016. Prior year results were based on Consolidated 7 television ratings data.

Locals walk past a colourful mural by Peque in May Lane, St Peters (Sydney). Image: Lisa Clarke for Australia Plus

Annual Performance Statements 73

Criterion International digital reach (avg monthly)—Combined visitors to ABC’s International’s digital properties (Australia Plus, Australia Plus TV, and AustraliaPlus.cn)

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

At least 170,000 138,000 188,250

Webtrends and Google Analytics

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Editorial quality—Independent editorial reviews conducted

Result In December 2013, ABC Chairman James Spigelman announced that the ABC would embark on a regular series of independent editorial reviews as part of the Board’s responsibility to monitor the quality and integrity of ABC content, with particular reference to section 4 of the ABC Editorial Policies (Impartiality and diversity of perspectives).

In 2016-17:

â¢ One review was completed which was commissioned in the previous year:

Editorial Review No. 9 - Selected coverage of the proposed Shenhua coal mine on ABC television, radio and online (8 July 2015 - 1 March 2016) conducted by Mark Skulley.

â¢ Two reviews were commissioned and completed:

Editorial Review No. 10 - Coverage of the industrial dispute between the United Firefighters Union and the Country Fire Authority by selected ABC news and current affairs platforms (1 June 2016 - 30 August 2016) conducted by Paul Austin

Editorial Review No. 11 - Coverage of the impartiality and diversity of perspectives in the ABC’s coverage of proposed changes to backpacker tax arrangements by selected ABC news and regional programs (15 August 2016 - 2 December 2016) conducted by Garry Bailey.

The Editorial Reviews and ABC responses to those reviews are published on the ABC’s corporate website: http://about.abc.net.au/how-the-abc-is-run/what-guides-us/our-editorial-policies/

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Complaints management—Timeliness of complaints management.

The ABC aims to respond to complaints that it has acted contrary to its code of practice within 60 days.*

ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs (A&CA) seeks to also meet the timeliness standard for complaint handling that is specified in the ABC’s Complaint Handling Procedures,** which include but are not limited to complaints relating to the ABC Code of Practice.

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

100% within 60 days 98.2% within 60 days 99.7% within 60 days

Written complaints finalised Number % Number %

Response required from A&CA

Response made within 30 days 4,624 61.2%

Response made within 60 days 7,416 98.2% 7,550 24.5%

Referred to other areas for direct response 12,764 41.3%

No response required 10,567 34.2%

TOTAL WRITTEN COMPLAINTS FINALISED 30,881 100.0%

ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs Data

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

* Under section 150 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), individuals can complain to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) if they have not received a response within 60 days to their complaint that the ABC has acted contrary to its code of practice.

** Under the ABC’s Complaint Handling Procedures, A&CA endeavours to respond to complaints within 30 days of receipt.

74 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Criterion Australian first-run TV content —Number of hours of first-release television content available on ABC domestic distribution platforms (including iview)

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

Establish a baseline3 8,860 N/A

Analysis of first-release Australian hours broadcast and uploaded onto iview

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Australian children’s TV content—Percentage of Australian children’s television programs on ABC KIDS (5am-7pm) and ABC ME (6am-varied close)

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

At least 30% 35.88% 34.92%

Analysis of hours broadcast from Sydney transmitter

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Australian music on Radio—Levels of Australian music on those radio networks that broadcast music.

Result All radio networks that broadcast music have a strong commitment to Australian music and have set annual targets. In 2016-17, all radio networks other than ABC Jazz exceeded their annual target.

Network 2016-17 Target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

ABC RN 25% 38.0%* 38.0%

ABC Local Radio 25% 45.6% 46.9%

ABC Classic FM 30% 46.0% 43.0%

triple j 40% 56.5% 51.5%

Double J 35% 35.3% 32.2%

ABC Jazz 25% 23.3%** 30.0%

ABC Country 25% 57.4% 67.0%

triple j unearthed 100% 100% 100%

Analysis of hours based on scheduled programming

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

* The reporting date for ABC RN is 1 July 2016 - 30 November 2016; after which date music programs on RN were decommissioned.

** This much-lower result was due to a technical error in reporting. A weekly Australian-music program was introduced, Home Cooked, which threw out ABC Jazz’s Australian-programming algorithm. By programming this hour of all Australian music, the system defaulted to program less Australian music in other places across the schedule, which resulted in the overall reduction. This issue is being resolved.

Criterion Access to analog radio—Percentage of the Australian population who are able to receive ABC analog radio transmissions

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

At least 99% 99.64%* 99.76%

Broadcast Australia Data, Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census

Source Program 1.2, Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-17, page 80

ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

* On 31 January 2017, the ABC ceased transmission of domestic shortwave services to the Northern Territory.

Annual Performance Statements 75

Criterion Access to digital radio—Degree to which the five mainland state capital cities have access to ABC digital radio transmissions

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

100% 100%* 100%

Broadcast Australia data plus Optus data via VAST satellite

Source Program 1.2, Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-17, page 80

ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

* VAST transmission can reach all homes in Australia, so digital coverage is 100%. Similar to television, the appropriate equipment (including a satellite dish) is required to access services via VAST.

Criterion Access to digital television—Percentage of the Australian population who are able to receive ABC digital television transmissions

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

100% 100% 100%

Broadcast Australia data plus Optus data via VAST satellite

Source Program 1.2, Portfolio Budget Statements 2016-17, page 80

ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Audience contacts transmission issues—Availability of a service to monitor and respond to enquiries regarding television and radio transmission issues

Result The ABC monitors audience responses to transmission issues via its Reception Advice Line (RAL). The unit assists the public to improve their ABC television and radio reception, responds to broader ABC transmission enquiries, and works with the ABC’s transmission providers to identify and resolve transmission faults. RAL operating hours are 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday, Sydney time, and the web service is available 24 hours, 7 days.

Note these figures do not include the HD transition call centre operated between November - December 2016.

In 2016-17, this unit received the following television and radio services enquiries, as compared with the previous year:

Contact method 2016-17 2015-16

Total number of emails received 2,874 1,588

Total number of letters received 8 3

Total number of telephone enquiries received 7,025 14,294

Total enquiries 9,907 15,885

Total number of hits to the RAL website 879,485 710,930

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Transmission performance—Total network and on-air availability

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

At least 99% for all services 99.77% 99.79%

Broadcast Australia data

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

Criterion Operation of transmission facilities—Percentage of facilities which operate within agreed limits - based on Accountable Network Availability

Result 2016-17 target 2016-17 result 2015-16 result

100% 98.50%* 99.30%

Broadcast Australia data

Source ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17

* The 2016-17 result was below expectations due to the South Australian state-wide power outage that occurred on 28 September 2016.

76 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Analysis In 2016-17, the ABC fulfilled its functions as outlined in the ABC Charter, and in doing so, achieved its purpose.

The ABC’s performance is measured broadly in terms of the nature and appeal of content across platforms (for instance, levels of Australian content, quality of content, reach and share) and the delivery of that content to audiences (for instance, transmission performance).

Details of the ABC’s activities and performance in relation to its content across platforms is set out in the What We Do section of the ABC Annual Report (see Volume I, pages 26-91).

Network transmission performance is managed and reported by Broadcast Australia. In 2016-17, performance on an end-to-end basis was above the contracted service level targets, and met the ABC’s target. Details of transmission performance are set out on the following page (page 78).

Annual Performance Statements 77

ABC Distribution and Transmission Network Aggregated 2016-17 Performance (as Reported by Broadcast Australia)

ABC Service

No. of

Transmitters (See Note 1)

Broadcast Australia Transmission Network (See Note 2)

Total Network Availability (See Note 3)

Total ‘On-Air’ Availability (See Note 4)

Target % 2016-17 %

2015-16 % 2016-17 %

2015-16 %

ABC Classic FM 68 99.83 99.94 99.96 93.39 93.37 99.86 99.83

ABC triple j 58 99.82 99.96 99.95 94.91 95.08 99.89 99.78

ABC Radio 242 99.79 99.86 99.86 94.41 94.37 99.73 99.73

ABC NEWS on radio 13 99.89 99.98 99.92 94.90 95.33 99.91 99.79

ABC RN 257 99.74 99.79 99.83 95.92 96.07 99.75 99.76

ABC NEWS on radio Extension 71 99.77 99.92 99.94 96.04 94.16 99.75 99.82

ABC Television 421 99.83 99.94 99.98 91.70 98.12 99.88 99.93

ABC Digital Radio 5 99.98 100.00 100.00 99.38 98.05 99.97 99.70

State Analog Radio

NSW/ACT 159 99.80 99.89 99.91 93.82 94.18 99.82 99.80

NT 38 99.71 99.79 99.67 99.58 99.36 99.68 99.57

Qld 188 99.76 99.82 99.88 94.65 95.40 99.77 99.77

SA 43 99.79 99.77 99.85 94.23 89.87 99.73 99.75

Tas 37 99.81 99.83 99.88 95.40 99.27 99.73 99.79

Vic 67 99.82 99.89 99.87 90.51 88.42 99.87 99.78

WA 106 99.75 99.88 99.86 98.60 97.91 99.68 99.71

State Television

NSW/ACT 95 99.78 99.95 99.96 97.43 94.30 99.81 99.84

NT 15 99.76 99.85 99.99 97.63 99.56 99.74 99.56

Qld 113 99.76 99.90 99.95 94.18 92.45 99.65 99.82

SA 32 99.77 99.82 99.95 95.67 98.40 99.68 99.87

Tas 42 99.76 99.89 99.90 97.17 94.82 99.69 99.77

Vic 53 99.77 99.91 99.89 94.04 89.98 99.78 99.80

WA 71 99.76 99.98 99.97 99.74 99.09 99.86 99.86

NOTES:

1. No. of Transmitters: The number of transmitters includes Analog Radio, Digital Television and Digital Radio operated by Broadcast Australia on behalf of the ABC. If a transmitter was operational during the period for one or more days it is included in the report. Transmitter numbers for Digital Television do not include the six standby transmitters operated in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Sydney, which operate as a backup to the main transmitter in those areas. The State and Territory numbers for Analog Radio excludes ABC NEWS on radio Extension transmission services, whichare reported separately.

2. Broadcast Australia Transmission Network (ABC Transmission Contractor): The transmission network performance data is reported by Broadcast Australia in the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. This is a contracted deliverable and is measured against the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for each service, network, or sub national network. The data is regularly reviewed and authenticated by ABC Transmission Network Services. 3. Total Network Availability shows the impact of all outages on the overall network: This reflects all faults across the transmission networks regardless

of severity or cause or whether subject to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) or not. The vast majority of these faults are services not meeting full specification such as lower transmission power as agreed by the ABC on a case by case basis.

4. Total "On-Air" Availability: The figures show “off-air” occurrences where no service was provided due to faults and/or maintenance activity. It is important to note that the majority of maintenance activity is undertaken after midnight to reduce audience impact.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Transmission and distribution performance was within expectations and contracted SLAs for all radio and television networks. In South Australia, the performance of analog radio was below expectations due to the statewide power outage that occurred on 28 September 2016. There has been a small impact on the transmission performance in regional areas, in particular due to tower works including the NBN Co. wireless network roll out and the installation of new 4G mobile throughout Australia by the telecommunication companies. In addition to these works, Broadcast Australia commenced a replacement program for some of the higher-powered FM transmitters in the network.

78 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Footnotes 1 The Net Promoter Score is calculated based on a likelihood to recommend, based on a 0 to 10 scale. ‘Promoters’ are those who respond 9-10; ‘Detractors’ are those who respond 0-6. The NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of customers who are Detractors from the percentage of customers who are Promoters. The result is presented as a ‘score’ between -100 and 100. Scores over 30 in the media industry are generally considered to be good.

2 This measure is being implemented by the ABC for the first time in 2016-17. A baseline level of performance was established in that year against which future performance can be benchmarked and targets set.

3 This new measure requires analysis of hours broadcast on all ABC television channels plus first-release content uploaded onto iview. This year’s result establishes a baseline against which future performance can be benchmarked and targets set.

Annual Performance Statements 79

Financial Statements The Sisters of Invention sing on Pop-ability L-R Aimee, Michelle, Jackie, Annika and Caroline

80 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

As a publicly-funded broadcaster, the ABC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial management

Statements

Financial Statements 81

Sound financial management provides accountability over the use of public funds and supports effective and efficient delivery of content to audiences.

Completion of Annual Financial Statements On 10 August 2017, following endorsem*nt by the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee, the Board approved the signing of the ABC’s 2016-17 Financial Statements, and the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) issued an unmodified audit opinion on the ABC’s 2016-17 Financial Statements.

Financial Outcome 2016-17 As in previous years, the ABC operated within its total sources of funds and revenue from Government for the 2016-17 financial year. Following consolidation of the operating result for MediaHub Australia Pty Limited, the Corporation recorded a small operating deficit over the year.

Sources of Funds 2016-17 The ABC was allocated $1,036.1 million in the May 2016 Federal Budget, reflecting a further decrease in base funding of $27 million related to the previously announced ABC/ SBS Additional Efficiency Savings Measure. In addition to the decrease in base funding, the ABC was also required to return $14 million in 2016-17 as a one-off dividend back to theGovernment.

The ABC also received $70.4 million from other sources, including ABC Commercial.

The chart ‘ABC Source of Funds’ depicts the ABC’s budgeted funds for the various categories against actual sources for 2016-17, and its budgeted sources for 2017-18.

Financial Summary

Notes: Budget figures per 2016-17 and 2017-18 Portfolio Budget Statements, respectively. Actual figures per audited financial statements at 30 June 2017.

861 861 865

175 175 178

49 43 48

30 27 29

General Appropriation

Transmission and Distribution Services

ABC Commercial Revenue

Other Revenue

$ Millions

Government Funding

Independent

0 200 400 600 800 1,000

2016-17 Budget 2016-17 Actual 2017-18 Budget

ABC Source of Funds

82 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Application of Funds The chart ‘ABC Split of Actual Expenditure 2016-17’ broadly represents the ABC’s total expenditure by major cost category.

The Year Ahead

Revenue from Government There were no new announcements by Government in the 2017-18 Budget affecting ABC funding. The ABC received increases for indexation on base funding, however, this was partly offset by a further decrease in funding of $7.7 million arising from the previously announced ABC/SBS Additional Efficiency Savings Measure. This brings the total decrease in base funding to $55.2 million per annum, with a further reduction of $12.5 million required in 2018-19.

Funding for 2017-18 includes $13.8 million for Enhanced News Services, which terminates on 30 June 2019.

The ABC’s funding for the 2017-18 financial year is:

Revenue for General Activities $m

Total revenue from Government per Outcome 1 1,043.7

Less Transmission and Distribution Services 178.2

Total Revenue from Government available for ABC General Activities 865.5

The chart ‘ABC Revenue from Government by Programme 2017-18’ broadly represents the ABC’s budgeted appropriation of funds by programme for the 2017-18 financial year.

Budget Strategy The 2017-18 Budget is impacted by the Investing in Audiences strategy announced by the ABC Managing Director, Michelle Guthrie, on 7 March 2017. The strategy includes a revised ABC organisational structure and streamlined workflows, resulting in savings in support areas. These savings are being redirected towards strategic content priorities in 2017-18, including enhanced audience engagement, connecting with Regional communities, and regional journalism.

ABC Transmission and Distribution Services 17.1%

ABC General Operational Activities 82.9%

Other 0.3% Program amortisation 12.6% Employee benefits 45.4%

Suppliers 32.7% Depreciation and amortisation 9.0%

ABC Revenue from Government by Programme 2017-18

ABC Split of Actual Expenditure 2016-17

Financial Statements 83

2017-18 will also be the third year that will reflect previously announced Government-funding reductions as part of the ABC/SBS Additional Efficiency Savings measure, with a year on year increase of $7.7 million in the cut to the ABC’s base funding, bringing the total decrease in base funding to $55.2 million per annum. The ABC continues to implement various savings initiatives to address the funding cuts, comprising efficiency savings in support functions and transmission, in order to deliver the further reduction of $12.5 million requiredin2018-19.

Comparative Revenue fromGovernment The 2017-18 operational revenue from Government of $865 million represents a decrease in real funding of $336m, or 28%, since 1985-86; depicted in the chart ‘ABCOperationalRevenue from Government’.

$1,201

$865

$ Millions

Years

600

650

700

750

800

850

900

950

1000

1050

1100

1150

1200

1250

85/86

86/87

87/88

88/89

89/90

90/91

91/92

92/93

93/94

94/95

95/96

96/97

97/98

98/99

99/00

00/01

01/02

02/03

03/04

04/05

05/06

06/07

07/08

08/09

09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

17/18

ABC Operational Revenue from Government including Capital Indexed at 2016-17 levels - December 2016, six months CPI Index - 28% reduction from 1985-86 to 2017-18

84 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Five-year analysis

Financial Performance

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Total expenses 1,139,154 1,168,748 1,264,641 1,238,722 1,167,877

Total income 103,037 118,174 163,011 177,223 158,853

Net Cost of Services (a) 1,036,117 1,050,574 1,101,630 1,061,499 1,009,024

Share of (deficit)/surplus from jointly controlled entities (b) n/a n/a n/a n/a (2,311)

Revenue from Government 1,036,090 1,064,413 1,063,215 1,053,853 1,023,700

Financial Position

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2014 $’000

2013 $’000

Current Assets 360,115 397,312 386,371 365,415 314,343

Non-Current Assets 1,081,286 1,011,754 998,671 999,135 976,657

Total Assets 1,441,401 1,409,066 1,385,042 1,364,550 1,291,000

Current Liabilities 257,589 257,192 264,881 255,255 242,107

Non-Current Liabilities 79,243 98,691 99,146 51,318 35,081

Total Liabilities 336,831 355,883 363,900 306,573 277,188

Total Equity 1,104,569 1,053,183 1,021,142 1,057,977 1,013,812

Ratios

Current Ratio (c) 1.40 1.54 1.46 1.43 1.30

Equity (d) 77% 75% 74% 78% 79%

(a) Net cost of services is total expenses less total income (b) From 2014, share of jointly controlled entities’ assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses is consolidated and reflected together with relevant ABC figures (c) Current assets divided by current liabilities (d) Equity as a percentage of total assets

ABC NEWS business and finance reporters Elysse Morgan and Alicia Barry

Financial Statements 85

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Minister for Communications

Opinion

In my opinion, the financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for the year ended

30 June 2017:

a. comply with Australian Accounting Standards — Reduced Disclosure Requirements and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015; and

b. present fairly the financial position of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as at 30 June 2017 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended.

The financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which I have audited, comprise the following statements as at 30 June 2017 and for the year then ended:

â¢ Statement by the Directors and Chief Financial Officer;

â¢ Statement of Comprehensive Income;

â¢ Statement of Financial Position;

â¢ Statement of Changes in Equity;

â¢ Cash Flow Statement; and

â¢ Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements, including a summary of General Accounting Policies and other explanatory information.

Basis for Opinion

I conducted my audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards. My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of my report. I am independent of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements for financial statement audits conducted by the Auditor-General and his delegates. These include the relevant independence requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants to the extent that they are not in conflict with the Auditor-General Act 1997 (the Code). I have also fulfilled my other responsibilities in accordance with the Code. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.

Accountable Authority’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

As the Accountable Authority of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the Directors are responsible under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for the preparation and fair presentation of annual financial statements that comply with Australian Accounting Standards — Reduced Disclosure Requirements and the rules made under that Act. The Directors are also responsible for such internal control as the Directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern, taking into account whether the entity’s operations will cease as a result of an administrative restructure or for any other reason. The Directors are also responsible for disclosing matters related to going concern as applicable and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the assessment indicates that it is not appropriate.

Independent auditor’s report

86 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

My objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, I exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. I also:

â¢ identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control;

â¢ obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circ*mstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control;

â¢ evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Accountable Authority;

â¢ conclude on the appropriateness of the Accountable Authority’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude that a material uncertainty exists, I am required to draw attention in my auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion. My conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of my auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern; and

â¢ evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

I communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that I identify during my audit.

Australian National Audit Office

Carla Jago

Group Executive Director

Delegate of the Auditor-General

Canberra

10 August 2017

Financial Statements 87

Financial Statements

Statement by the Directors and Chief Financial Officer 89

Statement of Comprehensive Income 90

Statement of Financial Position 91

Statement of Changes in Equity 92

Cash Flow Statement 93

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements 1. Cash Flow Reconciliation 94

2. Explanation of Major Variances between Actual Results and Original Budget 95

3. General Accounting Policies 97

Financial Performance 100

4. Expenses 100

5. Own Source Income 105

Financial Position 108

6. Financial Assets 109

7. Non-Financial Assets 113

8. Payables 117

9. Interest Bearing Liabilities 118

10. Other Provisions 119

People and Relationships 120

11. Employee Provisions 120

12. Key Management Personnel Remuneration 122

13. Related Party Disclosures 124

Financial Risks and Disclosure 128

14. Financial Instruments 128

Contingent Items 133

15. Contingent Assets and Liabilities 133

Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

88 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Statement by the Directors and Chief Financial Officer In our opinion, the attached financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2017 comply with subsection 42(2) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), and are based on properly maintained financial records as per subsection 41(2) of the PGPA Act.

In our opinion, at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Financial Statements 89

Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2017

2017 to

OriginalBudget Explanation (Note 2) Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2017

Original Budget $’000

EXPENSES Employee benefits A,B 4A 516,796 511,072 494,947

Suppliers A,C 4B 372,349 401,917 332,491

Depreciation and amortisation 4C 102,979 90,752 92,217

Program amortisation A,D 4D 144,073 161,999 180,000

Finance costs 4E 1,480 1,596 3,450

Write-down and impairment of assets 4F 1,286 1,122 -

Net foreign exchange loss 4G 191 290 -

Total expenses 1,139,154 1,168,748 1,103,105

OWN-SOURCE INCOME Own-source revenue Sale of goods and rendering of services 5A 52,409 96,623 70,285

Interest 5B 7,304 8,245 8,028

Other revenue 5C 10,693 15,137 -

Total own-source revenue 70,406 120,005 78,313

Gains Net gain/(loss) from disposal of assets A,E 5D 32,631 (1,831) -

Net gains 32,631 (1,831) -

Total own-source income 103,037 118,174 78,313

Net cost of services 1,036,117 1,050,574 1,024,792

Revenue from Government 1,036,090 1,064,413 1,036,090

(Deficit)/surplus (27) 13,839 11,298

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Items not subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss Changes in asset revaluation reserve A,F 7A 65,693 17,932 -

Items subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss (Losses)/gains on cash flow hedging instruments 14.2B (280) 270 -

Total other comprehensive income 65,413 18,202 -

Total comprehensive income 65,386 32,041 11,298

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

90 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2017

2017 to

OriginalBudget Explanation (Note 2) Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2017

Original Budget $’000

ASSETS Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 6A 5,024 6,811 8,790

Receivables 6B 9,431 13,785 19,257

Other investments A,H 6C 230,300 266,650 205,282

Accrued revenue 6D 8,513 10,211 8,151

Total financial assets 253,268 297,457 241,480

Non-financial assets Land and buildings A,F 7A 789,265 727,215 732,020

Infrastructure, plant and equipment A,G 7A 234,767 218,562 253,380

Intangibles 7A 24,509 33,723 32,476

Inventories 7B 107,923 108,042 115,790

Prepayments 7C 27,081 20,159 16,829

Other non-financial assets 7D 4,588 3,908 3,987

Total non-financial assets 1,188,133 1,111,609 1,154,482

Total assets 1,441,401 1,409,066 1,395,962

LIABILITIES Payables Suppliers 8A 68,845 76,202 81,989

Other payables 8B 49,675 37,834 44,326

Total payables 118,520 114,036 126,315

Interest bearing liabilities Loans 9 71,799 90,000 70,000

Total interest bearing liabilities 71,799 90,000 70,000

Provisions Other provisions 10 2,487 1,614 1,903

Employee provisions 11 144,026 150,233 147,487

Total provisions 146,513 151,847 149,390

Total liabilities 336,832 355,883 345,705

NET ASSETS 1,104,569 1,053,183 1,050,257

EQUITY Contributed equity 93,640 107,640 93,640

Reserves 750,175 684,762 666,560

Retained surplus 260,754 260,781 290,057

Total equity 1,104,569 1,053,183 1,050,257

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Financial Statements 91

Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2017

2017 to

OriginalBudget Explanation (Note 2)

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2017

Original Budget $’000

Contributed equity Opening balance as at 1 July 107,640 107,640 107,640

Return of capital (14,000) - (14,000)

Closing balance as at 30 June 93,640 107,640 93,640

Asset revaluation reserve Opening balance as at 1 July 684,482 666,550 666,550

Net revaluation of land and buildings A,F 65,693 17,932 -

Closing balance as at 30 June 750,175 684,482 666,550

Other reserves Opening balance as at 1 July 280 10 10

Movement in cash flow hedging instruments (280) 270 -

Closing balance as at 30 June - 280 10

Retained surplus Opening balance as at 1 July 260,781 246,942 278,759

(Deficit)/surplus (27) 13,839 11,298

Closing balance as at 30 June 260,754 260,781 290,057

Total equity as at 30 June 1,104,569 1,053,183 1,050,257

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Accounting Policy - Transactions with Government as Owner

In the event the Australian Broadcasting Corporation returns funds to the Government, amounts returned are recognised as a return of capital in the year in which the payment is made. During the year, a one-off payment of $14,000,000 (2016 nil) was made to the Government as part of the 2014-15 ABC/SBS Additional Efficiency Savings Measure announced in November 2014.

92 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 30 June 2017

2017 to

OriginalBudget Explanation (Note 2) Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2017

Original Budget $’000

Inflows (Outflows)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES Cash received Receipts from Government 1,036,090 1,064,413 1,036,090

Sales of goods and rendering of services 57,117 96,508 70,285

Interest 7,581 8,137 8,028

Net GST received B,C,E,G,H,J 48,747 48,852 61,566

Realised foreign exchange gains - 270 -

Other 12,703 17,240 -

Total cash received 1,162,238 1,235,420 1,175,969

Cash used Employees (511,611) (523,115) (494,947)

Suppliers (592,115) (622,381) (574,057)

Realised foreign exchange losses (280) - -

Finance costs (1,619) (1,505) (3,450)

Total cash used (1,105,625) (1,147,001) (1,072,454)

Net cash from operating activities 56,613 88,419 103,515

INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash received Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment A,E 47,279 824 39,000

Proceeds from investments A,J 189,600 146,500 14,000

Total cash received 236,879 147,324 53,000

Cash used Purchase of property, plant and equipment, and intangibles (109,828) (90,872) (116,660)

Purchase of investments A,J (153,250) (166,850) (5,855)

Total cash used (263,078) (257,722) (122,515)

Net cash used in investing activities (26,199) (110,398) (69,515)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash received Proceeds from long-term borrowings 2,000 20,000 -

Total cash received 2,000 20,000 -

Cash used Repayment of loans (20,201) - (20,000)

Return of capital (14,000) - (14,000)

Total cash used (34,201) - (34,000)

Net cash used in financing activities (32,201) 20,000 (34,000)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,787) (1,979) -

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 6,811 8,790 8,790

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 6A 5,024 6,811 8,790

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Financial Statements 93

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

1. Cash Flow Reconciliation

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents between Statement of Financial Position and Cash Flow Statement

Cash and cash equivalents per:

Cash Flow Statement 5,024 6,811

Statement of Financial Position 5,024 6,811

Difference - -

Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash from operating activities

Net cost of services (1,036,117) (1,050,574)

Revenue from Government 1,036,090 1,064,413

Adjustment for non-cash items Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 82,501 79,679

Amortisation of intangibles 20,478 11,073

Transfer from employee provisions (6,207) (2,787)

Transfer to/(from) other provisions 873 (12,804)

Write-down and impairment of/(reversal of prior year impairments of):

- receivables and advances 1,113 1,322

- land and buildings 61 (16)

- infrastructure, plant and equipment 133 (62)

- intangibles - (139)

- inventories (119) 16

- other non-fixed assets 98 1

(Gain)/loss from disposal of assets (32,631) 1,831

Unrealised foreign exchange (gain)/loss (89) 560

Changes in assets and liabilities Decrease in receivables 3,106 3,883

Decrease/(increase) in accrued revenue 1,698 (2,060)

Increase in prepayments (6,922) (3,330)

Decrease in inventories 238 7,732

(Decrease)/increase in supplier payables (19,532) 346

Increase/(decrease) in other payables 11,841 (10,665)

Net cash from operating activities 56,613 88,419

94 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2. Explanation of Major Variances between Actual Results and OriginalBudget

Explanations are provided for significant variances between actual results and the original budget, being the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS). Significant variances are those relevant to the performance of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and are typically those greater than $20,000,000.

A. Timing of original budget

The original budget amounts were prepared prior to the completion and approval of the ABC’s internal budget by the ABC Board, resulting in differences between the original budget and the actual results at 30 June 2017.

B. Employee benefits

Employee benefits at 30 June 2017 increased by $21,849,000 when compared to the PBS due primarily to the “Investing in Audiences” strategy announced by the Managing Director in March 2017, which included a reduction of between 150 and 200 staff, primarily management roles in support areas, by 30 June 2017.

As a result, Employee benefits - Separation and redundancies costs increased by $29,111,000 as these redundancies were not anticipated when the PBS was prepared.

This is partially offset by an increase in Employee benefits - Wages and salaries and associated costs reflecting the 2% increase for staff as part of the ABC’s Enterprise Agreement, the outcome of which was not known at the time the PBS was prepared.

C. Suppliers

The original budget anticipated a decrease in supplier costs over the previous year of $82,048,000 reflecting Government Budget cuts (additional $27,668,000), reduction in News Gathering funding ($6,690,000), termination of Content Delivery Network funding ($13,853,000) and a reduction of $35,000,000 associated with the closure of the ABC’s Retail Shops.

While funding for News Gathering and Content Delivery Network was cut, these services have been maintained during the year and costs associated with generating external revenue has not reduced to the extent expected following the closure of ABC Retail.

Suppliers expense was $39,858,000 over the original budget due to the reasons outlined above, as well as an increase in contractor and computer and software development costs for building, property, digital and technology related works and maintenance (including software as a service costs).

D. Program amortisation

Television program inventory is amortised in accordance with the accounting policy outlined in Note 7B Inventories.

Program amortisation is not incurred evenly year on year as it reflects programming schedules and the mix of new and repeat programs, the amortisation rate applicable to the program genre and the value of the program broadcast.

Further, the timing of the PBS means that the budget amortisation expense is based on the amortisation expense incurred for the year to 30 June 2015 (approximately $180m), when the ABC’s production slate was at a peak due to the receipt of additional funding for Drama and Children’s in previous years.

Program amortisation was $35,927,000 lower than the original budget due to the reasons outlined above, the timing of broadcast of purchased and produced program inventory during the year and the unwinding of higher inventory levels from prior years, as program production/acquisition settled at a steady level.

Financial Statements 95

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

2. Explanation of Major Variances between Actual Results and OriginalBudget (continued)

E. Net gain from disposal of assets

The original budget was prepared on the basis that three properties (Selwyn Street, Elsternwick VIC, Lanceley Place, Artarmon NSW and Gordon Street, Elsternwick VIC) would be sold at their book value generating sale proceeds of $39,000,000 and no gain from disposal of assets.

However, the sale of the ABC’s Selwyn Street, Elsternwick VIC site during the year for $47,000,000, resulted in a gain from disposal of $33,015,000, giving rise to the variance against the original budget.

The other two sites are yet to be marketed for sale.

F. Property revaluations

The ABC’s portfolio of properties was revalued by external valuers during the year with the net valuation increment of $65,693,000 being recorded at 30 June 2017.

However, this could not be anticipated nor forecast at the time the original budget was prepared and is the reason Changes in asset revaluation reserve has increased by $65,693,000; and Land and buildings has increased by $57,245,000 compared to the original budget.

G. Infrastructure, plant and equipment

The actual balance is $18,613,000 lower than the original budget due primarily to a review of capital projects undertaken to identify investment in priority initiatives. As a result, a number of projects were not completed and capitalised as expected, at 30 June 2017.

In addition, additional depreciation of $1,700,000 was charged on legacy assets whose useful lives were shortened as these assets were replaced as part of new capital projects.

H. Other Investments

The difference in Other investments reflects surplus cash invested in accordance with the policy described in Note 6C and Note 14.1. This was $25,018,000 more than the original budget due primarily to the receipt of the proceeds on the sale of the ABC Selwyn Street, Elsternwick VIC site on 23 June 2017.

I. MediaHub Australia Pty Limited (MediaHub)

MediaHub is classified as a joint operation and the actual results at 30 June 2017 include the ABC’s share of MediaHub’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

The original budget notionally included an allowance for the ABC’s share of MediaHub’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses based on the actual results of the company at 30 June 2016. Being a commercial operation, the results have varied from that which was expected.

J. Cash Flow Statement

Movements in the Cash Flow Statement including lower than expected Net GST received are largely reflective of the explanations provided in Note 2B, 2C, 2E, 2G and 2H.

In addition, the Cash Flow Statement shows the gross amounts related to the purchase and proceeds of Investments separately under investment activities whilst the original budget shows a net figure.

96 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

3. General Accounting Policies

Overview

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the “Corporation” or “ABC”) is a Corporate Commonwealth, not-for-profit entity.

Its functions are set out in section 6 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. Those functions are reflected in the statement of purpose in the ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17, which was prepared in accordance with section 35 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

The Corporation sets out to achieve one outcome: inform, educate and entertain audiences throughout Australia and overseas through innovative and comprehensive media and related services.

The continued existence of the Corporation in its present form and with its present programs is dependent on Government policy and on continued funding by Parliament for the Corporation’s administration and programs.

Accounting Framework

The principal accounting policies adopted in preparing the financial statements of the Corporation are stated to assist in a general understanding of these financial statements.

The financial report for the Corporation for the year ended 30 June 2017 was authorised for issue by the Directors on 10 August 2017.

Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements as required by section 42 of the PGPA Act.

The financial statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with;

â¢ PGPA (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 (FRR) for reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2016;

â¢ Reduced Disclosure Requirements under Tier 2 reporting as per the FRR, as appropriate; and

â¢ Australian Accounting Standards issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period.

The Corporation’s financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for certain assets and liabilities which are at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or the financial position.

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise specified.

Unless an alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FRR, assets and liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Financial Position when and only when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Corporation or a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and the amounts of the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured. However, assets and liabilities arising under executory agreements are not recognised unless required by an accounting standard.

Certain assets and liabilities which do not qualify for recognition, including operating lease commitments, commitments for capital expenditure and contingent assets and liabilities are disclosed in the notes to these financial statements.

Unless an alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FRR, income and expenses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income when and only when the flow, consumption or loss of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.

Financial Statements 97

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

3. General Accounting Policies (continued)

Significant Accounting Judgements

In the process of applying the accounting policies listed throughout the financial statements and accompanying notes, the Corporation has taken the fair value of freehold land to be the market value of similar locations and the fair value of freehold buildings to be the depreciated replacement cost, as determined by an independent valuer.

In addition, the Corporation has taken the fair value of infrastructure, plant and equipment to be the depreciated book value which is representative of depreciated replacement cost and accordingly fair value.

Significant Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The Corporation has applied estimates and assumptions to the following:

â¢ Depreciation, as detailed in Note 4C Depreciation and amortisation and Note 7A Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles;

â¢ Program amortisation, as detailed in Note 4D Program amortisation and Note 7B Inventories;

â¢ Impairment of non-financial assets, as detailed in Note 4F Write-down and impairment of assets;

â¢ Valuation of properties, plant and equipment, as detailed in Note 7A Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles;

â¢ Provision for make good, as detailed in Note 10 Other Provisions;

â¢ Provision for long service leave, as detailed in Note 11 Employee Provisions; and

â¢ Provision for redundancy, as detailed in Note 11 Employee Provisions.

No other accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.

New Accounting Standards

Adoption of New Australian Accounting StandardRequirements

There were no new, revised or amending standards applicable to the current reporting period that had a material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements.

Future Australian Accounting Standard Requirements

The following new standards and amendments to standards were issued by the AASB but are effective for future reporting periods. The impact of adopting these pronouncements has been assessed and is not expected to have a material financial impact on the Corporation’s financial statements. This will be continually assessed up to the date the standards are formally adopted.

AASB 9 Financial Instruments

This Standard replaces AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Itamends the classification and measurement requirements for financial assets and liabilities and the recognition and de-recognition requirements for financial instruments. Changes to hedge accounting align the accounting with risk management objectives. AASB 9 applies allowances for impairment based on expected credit losses, rather than as and when an impairment event occurs. This takes effect for reporting periods beginningon or after 1 January 2018.

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Standard contains a single model that applies to customers and two approaches to recognising revenue; at a point in time or over time. The model features a five-step analysis of transactions to determine whether, how much and when revenue is recognised. AASB 2016-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Australian Implementation Guidance for Not-for-Profit Entities permits not for profit entities to apply this standard for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

98 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

3. General Accounting Policies (continued)

AASB 16 Leases

Under this Standard, there will no longer be a distinction between operating and finance leases. Instead there will be one treatment and a requirement to recognise an asset and a lease liability for all leases. The effective date is for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, gains, expenses and losses are recognised net of the amount of GST except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circ*mstances, the GST is recognised as part of the revenue or expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST receivable from the ATO is included as a financial asset in the Statement of Financial Position while any net amount of GST payable to the ATO is included as a liability in the Statement of Financial Position.

Assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the ATO. In these circ*mstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset.

Cash flows are included in the Cash Flow Statement net of the amount of GST. The GST components arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from or payable to the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.

Income Tax

The Corporation is not subject to income tax pursuant to section 71 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.

Two of the Corporation’s controlled entities, Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd and The News Channel Pty Limited, while subject to income tax, have been inactive up to and including 30 June 2017.

The Corporation’s interests in MediaHub Australia Pty Limited, Freeview Australia Limited and National DAB Licence Company Limited aresubject to income tax.

ABC AustraliaPlus (Shanghai) Cultural Development Co. Ltd, incorporated in the People’s Republic of China, is not subject toAustralian income tax.

Events after Reporting Period

There were no material events after the Reporting Period that would have a material impact on the operations of or finances of theCorporation.

Financial Statements 99

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

Financial Performance

Accounting Policy - Revenue from Government

ABC operational funding is appropriated under the General Operational Activities Programme under Outcome 1.

ABC transmission and distribution funds are appropriated under the ABC Transmission and Distribution Services Programme under Outcome 1.

Income is measured at the fair value of the contributions received or receivable. Income arising from the contribution of an asset to the Corporation is recognised when the entity obtains control of the contribution or the right to receive the contribution, it is probable that the economic benefits comprising the contribution will flow to the Corporation

and the amount of the contribution can be measured reliably.

Accounting Policy - Foreign currency transactions

The Corporation enters into foreign currency hedging arrangements to protect its purchasing power in relation to foreign currency exposures. Revenues and expenditures denominated in foreign currencies are converted to Australian dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction or at the hedged rate.

All gains and losses are taken to profit or loss with the exception of forward exchange contracts that are classified as cash flow hedges used to hedge highly probable transactions. Gains and losses on cash flow hedges held at balance date are taken to equity.

4. Expenses

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4A Employee benefits Salaries and wages 369,091 366,020

Superannuation - defined contribution plans 34,535 33,332

Superannuation - defined benefit plans 35,528 34,464

Leave and other entitlements 42,056 57,068

Separation and redundancies 29,111 11,760

Other employee benefits 6,475 8,428

Total employee benefits 516,796 511,072

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4B Suppliers Goods 67,077 90,911

Services 292,276 299,907

Remuneration to the Auditor General for auditing the financial statements for the period(a) 232 225

Operating lease rental payments 5,685 4,963

Workers’ compensation premiums 6,517 5,208

Freight 562 703

Total suppliers 372,349 401,917

(a) KPMG has been contracted by the Australian National Audit Office to provide audit services to the Corporation on their behalf. In 2017, KPMG has earned additional fees of $1,650 (2016 $48,100) for services that were separately contracted by the Corporation.

Accounting Policy - Repairs and maintenance

Maintenance, repair expenses and minor renewals which do not constitute an upgrade or enhancement of equipment are expensed

as incurred. These expenses are classified as Services in Note 4B Suppliers. For the year ended 30 June 2017 this expense was $15,887,212 (2016 $16,573,413).

100 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

4. Expenses (continued)

Accounting Policy - Leases

A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets from the lessor to the lessee. With operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits.

Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets. Operating lease rentals are not segregated between minimum lease payments, contingent rents and sublease payments, as required by AASB 117 Leases as these components are not individually material.

Lease incentives taking the form of ‘free’ leasehold improvements and rent holidays are recognised as liabilities. These liabilities are reduced by allocating lease payments between rental expense and reduction of the liability.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed on a GST inclusive basis as appropriate. GST commitments recoverable from the ATO are disclosed separately.

The Corporation in its capacity as lessee enters into operating leases which are effectively non-cancellable and the majority of which are outlined in the following table.

Nature of operating lease General description of leasing arrangement

Motor vehicles - business and senior executive Fully maintained operating lease over 24/36 months and/or 40,000/60,000 kilometres; no contingent rentals; no renewal or purchase options available.

Property leases - office and business premises Lease payments subject to increase in accordance with CPI or other agreed increment; initial period of lease ranges from 1 year to 6 years; options to extend in accordance with lease.

Lease expense commitments

Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant. GST recoverable is disclosed separately. Net commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows:

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

Operating lease expense commitments One year or less 4,553 3,479

From one to five years 5,276 4,836

Over five years 1,947 2,769

Total operating lease expense commitments 11,776 11,084

GST receivable on operating lease expense commitments One year or less (217) (237)

From one to five years (225) (110)

Over five years - (31)

Total GST receivable on operating lease expense commitments (442) (378)

Financial Statements 101

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

4. Expenses (continued)

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4C Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation Land 7A 230 215

Buildings 7A 40,259 35,610

Infrastructure, plant and equipment 7A 42,012 43,854

Total depreciation 82,501 79,679

Amortisation Intangibles 7A 20,478 11,073

Total amortisation 20,478 11,073

Total depreciation and amortisation 102,979 90,752

Accounting Policy - Depreciation

Depreciable property, infrastructure, plant and equipment assets are depreciated to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.

Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease.

Depreciation rates are initially based on their useful lives, reviewed each year and adjusted as appropriate. Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are in the table located in Note 7A Land, buildings,

infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles and included in Accounting Policy - Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles.

Accounting Policy - Amortisation of intangibles

The Corporation’s intangibles comprise software for internal use, broadcast licences and spectrum provided by the Australian Government and are held at fair value.

Software is initially recognised at cost and amortised on a straight-line basis over anticipated useful lives between 3-8 years (2016 3-8 years). These assets were assessed for indications of impairment. Refer Note 4F.

102 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4E Finance costs Loans from Department of Finance 1,441 1,593

Other finance costs 39 3

Total finance costs 14.2C 1,480 1,596

Accounting Policy - Finance costs

All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

4. Expenses (continued)

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4D Program amortisation Purchased 35,447 36,280

Produced 108,626 125,719

Total program amortisation 144,073 161,999

Accounting Policy - Amortisation of produced programs

The cost of produced television program inventory is amortised as follows:

â¢ News, Current Affairs, Live Programs, Factual and Entertainment programs based on current topics - 100% on first screening;

â¢ Childrens, Education and Movies - straight line over three years from completion of production;

â¢ All other programs not covered above - 90% first screening and 10% second screening or after twelve months.

The costs of programs produced for Radio are expensed as incurred. Such programs are normally broadcast soon after production, stock on hand at any time being minimal.

Accounting Policy - Amortisation of purchased programs

Purchased program inventory is amortised in accordance with the policy noted above or over the rights period of the contract (whichever is lesser). Subsequent sales of residual rights are recognised in the period in which they occur.

These assets were assessed for indicators of impairment. Refer Note 4F.

Financial Statements 103

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

4. Expenses (continued)

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4F Write-down and impairment of assets Receivables and advances 1,113 1,322

Land and buildings 61 (16)

Infrastructure, plant and equipment 133 (62)

Intangibles - (139)

Other non-fixed assets 98 1

Inventory held for sale (119) 16

Total write-down and impairment of assets 1,286 1,122

Accounting Policy - Write-down and impairment of assets

All non-current assets except:

â¢ inventories;

â¢ assets arising from employee benefits;

â¢ financial assets that are within the scope of AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement; and

â¢ non-current assets (or disposal groups) classified as held for sale in accordance with AASB 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations;

are subject to an assessment as to indicators of impairment under AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.

At 30 June 2017, the Corporation has assessed whether there are any indications that assets may be impaired.

Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if the Corporation were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

4G Net foreign exchange loss Non-speculative 191 290

Total net foreign exchange loss 14.2B 191 290

104 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

5. Own Source Income

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

5A Sale of goods and rendering of services Goods (a) 35,190 77,217

Services 17,219 19,406

Total sale of goods and rendering of services 52,409 96,623

Cost of sales of goods (a) 18,918 42,420

(a) Sale of goods and the related cost of goods sold is lower in 2017 due to the closure of ABC Retail Shops during 2016.

5B Interest Deposits 7,304 8,245

Total interest 14.2B 7,304 8,245

5C Other revenue Subsidies, grants and contract revenue 7,793 8,950

Insurance settlement - 2,633

Other 2,900 3,554

Total other revenue 10,693 15,137

5D Net gain from disposal of assets Land and buildings Total proceeds from disposal 47,000 200

Carrying value of assets disposed (13,500) (120)

Cost of disposal (485) (34)

Net gain from disposal of land and buildings 33,015 46

Infrastructure, plant and equipment Total proceeds from disposal 279 624

Carrying value of assets disposed (600) (2,439)

Cost of disposal (63) (62)

Net loss from disposal of infrastructure, plant and equipment (384) (1,877)

Total net gain/(loss) from disposal of assets Total proceeds from disposal 47,279 824

Total carrying value of assets disposed (14,100) (2,559)

Total costs of disposal (548) (96)

Total net gain/(loss) from disposal of assets 32,631 (1,831)

Financial Statements 105

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

5. Own Source Income (continued)

Accounting Policy - Sale of goods, rendering of services and revenue recognition

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when:

â¢ the risks and rewards of ownership have beentransferred to the buyer;

â¢ the Corporation retains no managerial involvement or effective control over thegoods;

â¢ the revenue and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and

â¢ it is probable that the economic benefit associated with the transaction will flow tothe Corporation.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised at fair value of the amount received on delivery of goods, net of GST upon delivery of the goods to customers.

Revenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date. Revenue is recognised when:

â¢ the amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and

â¢ the probable economic benefits of the transaction will flow to the Corporation.

The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction.

Credit sales are on normal commercial terms. Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due, less any impairment allowance for bad and doubtful debts. The collectability of debts is reviewed at the balance date. Allowances are made when the collectability of debt is no longer probable.

Accounting Policy - Subsidies and grants

The Corporation receives grant monies from time to time. Most grant agreements require the Corporation to perform services or provide facilities, or to meet eligibility criteria. Subsidies, grants, sponsorships and donations are recognised on receipt unless paid to the Corporation for a specific purpose where recognition of revenue will be recognised in accordance with the agreement.

Accounting Policy - Revenue from leases

The Corporation in its capacity as lessor enters into operating leases which are effectively non-cancellable and comprise property leases relating to office and business premises. Lease payments to the Corporation are subject to increases in accordance with CPI or other agreed increment. The initial lease periods range from 1 year to 6 years with options to extend in accordance with leases.

Operating lease revenues are recognised on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets. Operating lease rentals are not segregated between minimum lease payments, contingent rents and sublease payments, as required by AASB 117 Leases as these components are not individually material.

106 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

5. Own Source Income (continued)

Accounting Policy - Interest Revenue

Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method as set out in AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement

Accounting Policy - Gains or losses on disposal of assets

Gains or losses from disposal of assets are recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.

Operating leases revenue commitments

These commitments, largely rental income for letting out office space, are GST inclusive where relevant. GST payable to the ATO is disclosed separately.

Net commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are receivable as follows:

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

Operating lease revenue commitments One year or less 1,693 1,590

From one to five years 3,907 2,429

Over five years 3,856 206

Total operating lease revenue commitments 9,456 4,225

GST payable on operating lease revenue commitments One year or less (154) (144)

From one to five years (355) (221)

Over five years (351) (18)

Total GST payable on operating lease revenue commitments (860) (383)

Financial Statements 107

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

Financial Position

Accounting Policy - Acquisition of assets

Assets are recorded at cost at the time of acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken. Following initial recognition at cost, property, infrastructure, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Land and buildings are subject to revaluation to fair value at the reporting date.

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are recognised as assets at their fair value, at acquisition date.

Accounting Policy - Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities

The Corporation has adopted the following general policies relating to the determination of fair value of assets and liabilities.

The fair value of buildings, fit-out and site improvements is determined by reference to depreciated replacement cost as they are typically specialist in nature, with broadcasting in mind. This also applies to the Corporation’s plant and equipment.

The fair value of land is determined by reference to the market value of the land component of ABC property because it is possible to base the fair value on recent sales of comparable sites. The Corporation’s valuers have detailed these reference sites in individual valuation reports for each property.

Generally, the fair value of the Corporation’s financial assets and liabilities is deemed to be their carrying value as it approximates fair value. The fair value of long term loans is the net present value of future discounted cash-flows arising.

AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level in accordance with the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

â¢ Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

â¢ Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

â¢ Level 3 - unobservable inputs for an asset or liability.

The Corporation does not hold any assets or liabilities measured at fair value that are classified as Level 1 inputs (i.e. with reference to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities).

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, financial assets and non-interest bearing financial liabilities (with the exception of derivatives used for hedging) of the Corporation, are measured at amortised cost that approximates their fair value. There have been no recurring fair value measurements transferred between the respective levels for assets and liabilities to 30 June 2017.

Accounting Policy - Foreign currency transactions

All monetary foreign currency balances are converted to Australian dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at balance date. Monetary assets and liabilities of overseas branches and amounts payable to or by the Corporation in foreign currencies are translated into Australian dollars at the applicable exchange rate at balance date.

108 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

6. Financial Assets

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

6A Cash and cash equivalents Cash on hand or on deposit 4,574 6,366

Salary sacrifice funds 450 445

Total cash and cash equivalents 14.2A 5,024 6,811

Accounting Policy - Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are recognised at their nominal amounts and include:

â¢ cash on hand;

â¢ cash in special accounts; and

â¢ cash at bank and short term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

Financial Statements 109

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

6. Financial Assets (continued)

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

6B Receivables Goods and services Goods and services 4,021 3,203

Total goods and services 14.2A 4,021 3,203

Other receivables Net GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office 1,634 5,270

Forward exchange contracts 14.2A 12 172

Finance lease receivable 14.2A 106 200

Other, including receivables attributable to joint operations 14.2A 3,676 5,432

Total other receivables 5,428 11,074

Total receivables (gross) 9,449 14,277

Less impairment allowance account Goods and services (18) (492)

Total impairment allowance (18) (492)

Total receivables (net) 9,431 13,785

Receivables (gross) are aged as follows:

Not Overdue 8,447 13,340

Overdue by:

- 0 to 30 days 468 31

- 31 to 60 days 37 256

- 61 to 90 days 79 43

- more than 90 days 418 607

Total receivables (gross) 9,449 14,277

The impairment allowance account is aged as follows:

Not Overdue (8) -

Overdue by:

- 0 to 30 days (7) -

- 31 to 60 days - (1)

- more than 90 days (3) (491)

Total impairment allowance account (18) (492)

Reconciliation of the impairment allowance account Opening balance (492) (720)

Amounts written off 447 118

Amounts recovered or reversed 27 153

Net increase recognised in (deficit)/surplus - (43)

Closing balance (18) (492)

110 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

6. Financial Assets (continued)

Accounting Policy - Receivables

Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as loans and receivables in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

They are included in current assets, unless they mature more than 12 months after the Statement of Financial Position date, in which case they are classified as non-current assets.

Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate.

Trade receivables are normally settled within 30 days unless otherwise agreed and are carried at amounts due, less an allowance for impairment.

Accounting Policy - Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period as outlined below:

Financial assets held at amortised cost

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments held at amortised cost, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount is reduced by way of an impairment allowance account. The loss is taken to the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Bad and doubtful debts

The Corporation makes a specific provision for debts considered doubtful by conducting a detailed review of material debtors, making an assessment of the likelihood of recovery of those debts and taking into account past bad debts experience. Bad debts are written off when identified.

Other Receivables

Other receivables include forward exchange contracts at fair value through profit and loss of $11,967 (2016 $43,743) and those as cash flow hedges of nil (2016 $127,709).

Under the fair value measurement hierarchy, these are Level 2 financial instruments as defined in Accounting Policy - Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities.

The balance represents estimated future cash flows, based on market forward exchange rates at 30 June 2017 and the forward contract rate, discounted by the observable yield curves of the respective currencies. The above amount reflects a 5.5% average depreciation (2016 1.1%) of the Australian dollar against those currencies for which forward exchange contracts have been taken out, where the market forward rate at 30 June 2017 is lower than the contracted rate.

Other receivables also include the fair value of finance leases receivable. The Corporation leased two (2016 one) fully depreciated items of equipment, considered surplus to requirements, to an external party. The balance receivable represents the present value of the future cash flows due to the Corporation. The timing of monies receivable under the lease is $106,000 less than one year (2016 $150,000) and nil from one to five years (2016 $50,000).

Financial Statements 111

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

6. Financial Assets (continued)

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

6C Other investments Term deposits with an original maturity date greater than 90 days 230,300 266,650

Total other investments 14.2A 230,300 266,650

Accounting Policy - Held to maturity financial assets

Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity dates that the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity investments in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

Held-to-maturity investments are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment, with revenue recognised on an effective yield basis.

Surplus cash is invested into short term investments with maturities at acquisition date of greater than three months. These investments are classified as ‘other investments’ and are due to be settled within 12 months.

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

6D Accrued revenue Goods and services 8,216 9,637

Interest receivable 297 574

Total accrued revenue 14.2A 8,513 10,211

Accrued revenues are all due to be settled within 12 months.

112 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

7. Non-Financial Assets

7A Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles

Reconciliation of opening and closing balances of land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles for the year ended 30 June 2017

Land

(Level 2)

$’000

Buildings (Level 3)

$’000

Infra-

structure, plant and equipment (Level 3)

$’000

Intangibles (a) (Level 3)

$’000

Total

$’000

Carrying amount as at 30 June 2015 represented by Gross book value 185,971 493,531 613,715 99,035 1,392,252

Assets under construction - 47,016 27,169 4,724 78,909

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (231) (35,708) (402,725) (66,559) (505,223)

Closing net book value as at 30 June 2015 185,740 504,839 238,159 37,200 965,938

Carrying amount as at 30 June 2016 represented by Gross book value 191,422 568,279 593,865 103,709 1,457,275

Assets under construction - 8,817 27,024 5,459 41,300

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (446) (40,857) (402,327) (75,445) (519,075)

Closing net book value as at 30 June 2016 190,976 536,239 218,562 33,723 979,500

Assets controlled by ABC Additions - 53,458 43,882 13,775 111,115

Revaluations and impairments recognised in other comprehensive income 57,793 7,900 - - 65,693

Depreciation and amortisation (230) (39,954) (40,089) (20,478) (100,751)

Write-down and impairment - (61) (133) - (194)

Disposals (10,838) (2,710) (552) - (14,100)

Net additions to assets under construction - 5,751 34,617 1,571 41,939

Net transfers from assets under construction - (8,793) (24,220) (4,082) (37,095)

Assets attributable to joint operations Additions - 39 4,134 - 4,173

Depreciation - (305) (1,923) - (2,228)

Net additions to assets under construction - - 1,255 - 1,255

Net transfers from assets under construction - - (766) - (766)

Net book value as at 30 June 2017 237,701 551,564 234,767 24,509 1,048,541

Carrying amount as at 30 June 2017 represented by Gross book value 237,899 569,825 602,154 113,686 1,523,564

Assets under construction - 5,775 37,910 2,948 46,633

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation (198) (24,036) (405,297) (92,125) (521,656)

Closing net book value as at 30 June 2017 237,701 551,564 234,767 24,509 1,048,541

(a) The Corporation holds the right to use licences by the Australian Government in the broadcast of analog and digital television and radio. Due to the conditions attached to these licences, which are asset specific, their fair value is determined on the basis of discounted future cash flows. The Corporation has assessed its licences and considers that their fair value is nil (2016 nil).

Financial Statements 113

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

7. Non-Financial Assets (continued)

7A Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles (continued)

Fair value measurement

In the previous table, under the fair value measurement hierarchy as defined in Accounting Policy - Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities (at the beginning of the Financial Position note), Level 3 non-financial assets comprise buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment, and intangibles, with no observable market data for the assets. For the year to 30 June 2017 there were no issues, settlements or transfers into, or out of Level 3.

Given the specialised nature of the Corporation’s buildings, fair value is determined with reference to the cost to replace the asset; hence depreciated replacement cost is used.

The Corporation’s infrastructure, plant and equipment’s fair value represents its carrying value, namely depreciated replacement cost.

Land is a Level 2 non-financial asset. The fair value of land is determined on the basis of

market comparability, using recent sales history for comparable sites as referenced by independent valuers.

Revaluations were conducted consistent with the Accounting Policy - Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles. McGees Property undertook independent valuations for all freehold land and buildings throughout Australia as at 31 December 2016 (31 May 2017 for Southbank, VIC site). Consequently, a revaluation increment of $57,793,000 (2016 $5,500,000) for land and an increment of $7,900,000 (2016 $12,431,841) for buildings on freehold land was credited to the asset revaluation reserve and included in “Changes in asset revaluation reserve” within Other Comprehensive Income in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, Reserves within the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Changes in Equity.

Capital purchases commitments

Commitments are GST inclusive and outlined below:

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

Capital purchases commitments Buildings 4,615 33,539

Infrastructure, plant and equipment (a) 19,577 17,495

Intangibles (b) 1,499 5,238

Total capital purchases commitments 25,691 56,272

Capital purchases commitments One year or less 23,145 49,598

From one to five years 2,546 6,674

Total capital purchases commitments 25,691 56,272

Net GST receivable on capital purchases commitments One year or less (2,104) (4,509)

From one to five years (231) (607)

Total net GST receivable on capital purchases commitments (2,335) (5,116)

(a) Outstanding contractual commitments associated with the purchase of infrastructure, plant and equipment, including communications upgrades and technical equipment fit out.

(b) Outstanding contractual commitments associated with the purchase or development of software.

114 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

7. Non-Financial Assets (continued)

7A Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles (continued)

Accounting Policy - Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment and intangibles

Asset Recognition Threshold

Purchases of property, infrastructure, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the Statement of Financial Position.

Purchases costing less than $2,000 are expensed in the year of acquisition except where they form part of a project or group of similar items, which are significant in total.

Revaluations

Land, buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment are carried at fair value as outlined in the table below.

Following initial recognition at cost, property, infrastructure, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not materially vary from the

assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depends upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.

Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset class, previously recognised through profit or loss. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly through profit or loss except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment for that class. Any accumulated depreciation at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset restated to the re-valued amount.

Impairment of Non-Current Assets

The aforementioned classes of assets are subject to an assessment as to indicators of impairment under AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.

Asset Class Fair Value Measured at Useful Life

Freehold land Market value n/a

Freehold buildings Depreciated replacement cost 50 years

Leasehold land - long term Market value 99 to 120 years

Leasehold buildings Depreciated replacement cost Life of lease (up to 50 years)

Leasehold improvements Depreciated replacement cost 5 to 50 years

Infrastructure, plant and equipment Depreciated replacement cost 3 to 15 years

Financial Statements 115

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

7. Non-Financial Assets (continued)

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

7B Inventories Retail inventory held for sale 2,477 3,157

Provision for stock obsolescence (2) (2)

Purchased for television 17,992 18,564

Produced for television 47,174 46,030

In progress 40,282 40,293

Total inventories 107,923 108,042

During 2017 $4,217,299 (2016 $25,232,873) of inventory held for sale was recognised as an expense.

During 2017 $596,301 (2016 $1,215,001) of inventory held for distribution was recognised as an expense.

Accounting Policy - Inventories

Inventories held for resale are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Inventories not held for resale are valued at the lower of cost, adjusted for any loss in service potential, based on the existence of a current replacement cost that is lower than the original acquisition cost or other subsequent carrying amount.

Produced programs

Television programs are produced for domestic transmission and include direct salaries and expenses and production overheads allocated on a usage basis to the program. Production overheads not allocated to programs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. External contributions received in respect of co-production of television programs are offset against production costs which are recorded as Inventories in the Statement of Financial Position.

Write-down of inventory held for distribution

When inventories held for distribution are distributed, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognised as an expense. Theamount of any write-down of inventories for loss of service potential, and all losses of inventories are recognised as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories arising from a reversal of the circ*mstances that gave rise to the loss of service potential will be recognised as a reduction in the value of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.

Write-down of merchandise inventory

The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses of inventory are recognised as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories arising from an increase in the net realisable value will be recognised as a reduction in the value of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.

116 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

7. Non-Financial Assets (continued)

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

7C Prepayments Prepaid property rentals 105 120

Prepaid royalties 11,368 10,179

Other prepayments 15,608 9,860

Total prepayments 27,081 20,159

7D Other non-financial assets Share of deferred tax asset in joint operations 4,588 3,908

Total other non-financial assets 4,588 3,908

8. Payables

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

8A Suppliers Trade creditors 14.2A 68,845 76,202

Total suppliers 68,845 76,202

8B Other payables Interest payable 14.2A 297 436

Salaries and wages (including separation and redundancies) 14.2A 26,834 15,510

Superannuation 14.2A 685 646

Unearned revenue 20,415 18,449

Unearned finance lease income 106 200

Other payables 14.2A 1,066 2,469

Forward exchange contracts 14.2A 272 124

Total other payables 49,675 37,834

Fair value measurement

Other payables include forward exchange contracts at fair value through profit and loss of $33,848 (2016 $17,815) and those as cash flow hedges of $237,741 (2016 $105,841). Under the fair value measurement hierarchy, these are Level 2 financial liabilities as defined in Accounting Policy - Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities.

Any balance represents estimated future cash flows, based on market forward exchange rates at 30 June 2017 and the forward contract rate, discounted by the observable yield curves of the respective currencies. The above reflects a 2.8% (2016 3.0%) average appreciation of the Australian dollar against those currencies for which forward exchange contracts have been taken out.

Financial Statements 117

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

9. Interest Bearing Liabilities

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

9. Loans Loans from Department of Finance 70,000 90,000

Other 1,799 -

Total loans 14.2A 71,799 90,000

Loan Structure

Loans are classified as current liabilities unless the Corporation has the unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the Statement of Financial Position date. The loan facility entered into with the Department of Finance is to cash-flow the construction of a purpose-built facility in Southbank, VIC.

The total loan facility is $70,000,000 (2016 $90,000,000) and is provided on a long term fixed interest rate basis at a weighted average interest rate of 1.84% (2016 2.15%). The loan is repayable in full at maturity, repayment dates ranging between 2017 and 2021. Interest is payable annually in arrears at anniversary date.

Other includes the ABC’s 50% share of Mediahub’s loan facility with the ANZ Banking Corporation. On 21 October 2016, MediaHub entered into a 5 year, $4,000,000 (2016 nil) loan facility with the ANZ Banking Corporation, repayable in monthly instalments of $67,000 (2016 nil) from 19 January 2017. The facility is provided on an average variable interest rate to 30 June 2017 of 3.27%.

Fair value measurement

The fair value of loans from Government is deemed to be the initial principal amount. The fair value of the loan at 30 June 2017 is $70,282,849 (2016 $91,075,777), which approximates its carrying value. Under the fair value measurement hierarchy, this is a Level 2 financial instrument as defined in Accounting Policy - Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. This has been derived on future cash flows based on timing of contractual borrowing costs and the principal repayment, discounted by the Australian Government bond rate for a bond of equivalent duration. The discount rate applied to the cash flow forecasts and the principal values of each drawdown were the following as at 30 June 2017; the Australian Government 2 year bond rate, 1.78% (2016 1.59%) the Australian Government 3 year bond rate, 1.94% (2016 1.55%) and the Australian Government 5 year bond rate, 2.18% (2016 1.65%) respectively.

118 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

10. Other Provisions

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

10. Other provisions Make good 2,487 1,614

Total other provisions 2,487 1,614

Reconciliation of the make good provision Opening balance 1,614 1,902

Amounts used - (444)

Amounts reversed - (201)

Other movements 873 357

Closing balance 2,487 1,614

Reconciliation of the onerous leases provision Opening balance - 12,516

Amounts used - (5,069)

Amounts reversed - (7,447)

Closing balance - -

Recognition and measurement

Provisions are recognised when the Corporation has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, where it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provision for make good

The provision for make good represents the estimated cost to make good leased properties at the end of the lease term. The estimated cost is based on management’s best estimate of the average cost to make good each site, plus an allowance for inflation.

Provision for onerous leases

A provision for onerous leases exists when the Corporation has contractual lease commitments that are deemed onerous when the unavoidable costs of meeting the lease obligations exceed the economic benefits expected to be earned.

Financial Statements 119

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

People and Relationships

11. Employee Provisions

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

11. Employee provisions Annual leave 44,149 47,487

Long service leave (a) 92,498 102,112

Redundancy 7,379 634

Total employee provisions 144,026 150,233

(a) The settlement of employee provisions is based on the individual employee’s entitlement to leave. Where an employee has a current entitlement to leave (i.e. could apply to take that leave straight away), the value of that entitlement is included in the employee provisions expected to settle in no more than 12 months. Where the Corporation expects that an employee will eventually meet an entitlement for leave (i.e. at some time in the future), but is not yet entitled to that leave, the value of the leave is included in the employee provision expected to settle in more than 12 months.

Accounting Policy - Employee benefits and provisions

Employee provisions

Liabilities for short-term employee benefits and termination benefits expected within twelve months of the end of reporting period are measured at their nominal amounts. Other long-term employee benefits are measured as net total of the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period minus the fair value at the end of the reporting period of plan assets (if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled directly.

Leave

The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration at the estimated salary rates that will apply at the time the leave is taken, including the employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination. The calculation is based on the anticipated length of time taken for an employee to fully settle his/her leave entitlement.

The liability for long service leave has been determined by reference to the work of an actuary, PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities Ltd. The liability for long service leave is the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by the Corporation resulting from employees’ services provided up to 30 June 2017. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.

Redundancy

A provision exists for those employees who will be made redundant in future periods and either had a reasonable expectation of being made redundant, or Management had begun to execute a formal plan which created a valid expectation of redundancies by affected staff, at 30 June 2017.

120 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

11. Employee Provisions (continued)

Superannuation

Employees are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan Scheme (PSSap) or another non-Commonwealth Superannuation fund.

The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap and other non-Commonwealth funds are defined contribution schemes.

The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported in the Department of Finance’s administered schedules and notes.

The Corporation makes employer contributions to the employee defined benefit superannuation schemes at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government of the superannuation entitlements of the Corporation’s employees. The Corporation accounts for the contributions in the same manner as contributions to defined contribution plans.

The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June 2017 represents outstanding contributions at the end of the period.

Expenses

Expenses attributable to the aforementioned employee benefits and provisions are reported in Note 4A Employee benefits.

Financial Statements 121

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

12. Key Management Personnel Remuneration

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, including any director (whether executive or otherwise) of the Corporation.

The Corporation has determined the key management personnel to be members of the Board, the Managing Director and all direct reports to the Managing Director. Key management personnel remuneration is reported in the table below:

2017 $

2016 $

Board Leadership Team Departed/

Changed Total Board

Leadership Team Departed/ Changed Total

Short-term employee benefits 355,171 4,432,225 2,560,052 7,347,448 394,725 5,326,458 892,383 6,613,566 Post-employment benefits (superannuation) 41,370 403,981 256,292 701,643 54,696 574,593 103,871 733,160

Other long-term employee benefits - 15,410 48,521 63,931 - 167,093 31,247 198,340

Termination benefits - - 1,065,261 1,065,261 - - - -

Total remuneration 396,541 4,851,616 3,930,126 9,178,283 449,421 6,068,144 1,027,501 7,545,066

2017 Number

2016 Number

Board Leadership Team Departed/

Changed Total Board

Leadership Team Departed/ Changed Total

Total number included above 8 10 7 25 6 14 5 25

122 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

12. Key Management Personnel Remuneration (continued)

Notes on remuneration

a. On 7 March 2017, the Managing Director announced the Corporation’s “Investing in Audiences” strategy, which included a new Leadership Team. The table above, includes the Corporation’s Non-Executive Board Directors, the current Leadership Team, and other key management personnel that ceased in their roles during the year or that occupy roles no longer part of the Leadership Team at 30 June 2017.

b. The number and remuneration totals (on a pro rata basis) for key management personnel includes those who ceased in their roles as well as their replacements.

c. The above table is prepared on an accrual basis, including remuneration at risk.

d. The above key management personnel remuneration excludes the remuneration and other benefits of the Portfolio Minister. The Portfolio Minister’s remuneration and other benefits are set by the Remuneration Tribunal and are not paid by the Corporation.

e. “Departed/Changed” in 2017 comprises one Board member and six Leadership Team members (2016 three Board members and two Leadership Team members).

f. Remuneration of the Chairman, Directors of the Board and Managing Director is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal and set as follows:

â¢ Chairman, $167,900 per annum;

â¢ Directors of the Board, $55,270 per annum; and

â¢ Managing Director, $900,000 per annum.

In addition to the remuneration of the Chairman and Directors of the Board disclosed in the above table, the Board incurred travel and other expenses of $242,859 (2016 $277,885).

Remuneration paid to employees who earned more than $200,000 during the year (by salary band level) is published on the Corporation’s website, as requested by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet through the Department of Communications and the Arts on 7 June 2017.

Financial Statements 123

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

13. Related Party Disclosures

Reporting by Outcomes

The Corporation principally provides a national television, radio and digital media service within the broadcasting industry. It is therefore considered for segmental reporting to operate predominantly in one industry and in one geographical area, Australia. Any intra-government costs are eliminated in calculating the actual budget outcome for the Government overall.

The Corporation is now structured to meet one outcome: informed, educated and entertained audiences throughout Australia and overseas through innovative and comprehensive media and related services. All revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are incurred or employed to achieve this one outcome and are reflected in the primary statements.

Transactions with entities in the wholly owned group

Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated.

Related party relationships

The Corporation is an Australian Government controlled entity. Related parties to the Corporation include Key Management Personnel including the Portfolio Minister and other Australian Government entities.

Directors of the Corporation

The Directors of the Corporation during the year were:

â¢ Justin Milne (Chair) (appointed 1 April 2017)

â¢ The Hon James Spigelman AC QC (Chair) (term ended 31 March 2017)

â¢ Donny Walford

â¢ Dr Kirstin Ferguson

â¢ Simon Mordant AM

â¢ Matt Peaco*ck (staff elected)

â¢ Peter Lewis

â¢ Dr Vanessa Guthrie (appointed 23 February 2017)

â¢ Georgina Somerset (appointed 23 February 2017)

â¢ Michelle Guthrie (Managing Director)

The aggregate remuneration of non-executive Directors of the Corporation is disclosed in Note 12 Key Management Personnel Remuneration.

Transactions with related parties

Given the breadth of Government activities, related parties may transact with the government sector in the same capacity as ordinary citizens. These transactions have not been separately disclosed in this note.

Giving consideration to relationships with related parties, and transactions entered into during the year by the Corporation, it has been determined that there are no related party transactions to be separately disclosed.

124 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

13. Related Party Disclosures (continued)

Controlled Entities

Country of incorporation

Beneficial percentage held by ABC

2017

Beneficial percentage heldby ABC

2016

Ultimate parent entity:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Controlled entities of Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd Australia 100% 100%

The News Channel Pty Limited Australia 100% 100%

ABC AustraliaPlus (Shanghai) Cultural Development Co., Ltd People’s Republic of China 100% 100%

Splash Education Limited Australia - 100%

Music Choice Australia Pty Ltd and The News Channel Pty Limited

These companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Corporation that did not trade during the year ended 30 June 2017 and have been dormant since 2000.

ABC AustraliaPlus (Shanghai) Cultural Development Co., Ltd (AustraliaPlus)

This company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, incorporated in the People’s Republic of China.

Splash Education Limited

Splash Education Limited (Splash) was a company limited by guarantee. The company was established to operate the Splash online education portal and was dormant up until its de-registration on 31 May 2017.

Financial Statements 125

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

13. Related Party Disclosures (continued)

Relationships with parties to Joint Arrangements

The Corporation has commercial relationships with the following entities, determined at reporting date to be joint operations. The Corporation’s interests in these entities are accounted for applying proportionate consolidation in accordance with AASB 11 Joint Arrangements.

The Corporation’s interest in MediaHub is detailed in the table below and is included in the Corporation’s financial statements under their respective categories. Interests in Freeview Australia Limited (Freeview) and National DAB Licence Company Limited (DAB) are not material.

The Corporation is involved in the following joint operations

Share of Ownership%

2017 2016

Party to the joint operation Principal activity

MediaHub Australia Pty Limited Operating facility for television presentation 50% 50%

Freeview Australia Limited Promote adoption of free-to-air digital television 16% 16%

National DAB Licence Company Limited Operates the digital radio multiplex licence 50% 50%

Summarised financial information of MediaHub Australia Pty Limited

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

Statement of financial position Financial assets 4,614 8,659

Non-financial assets 37,747 31,654

Financial liabilities (6,099) (7,978)

Net assets 36,262 32,335

Statement of comprehensive income Income 12,995 16,088

Expense 17,617 15,605

(Deficit)/surplus before tax (4,622) 483

Share of (deficit)/surplus of joint arrangements after tax Share of net (deficit)/surplus before tax (2,311) 242

Share of income tax (benefit)/expense (680) 79

Share of (deficit)/surplus of joint arrangements after tax (1,631) 163

126 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

13. Related Party Disclosures (continued)

MediaHub Australia Pty Limited

MediaHub is a joint operation between the Corporation and WIN Television Network Pty Ltd (WIN) to operate a custom designed play-out facility for television presentation.

Both the ABC and WIN own an equal number of ordinary shares in MediaHub. The ABC also owns Class B shares in MediaHub. Together the combined value of the ABC’s shareholdings in MediaHub is $18,948,567 (2016 $17,413,133).

Freeview Australia Limited

Freeview is a joint operation between many of Australia’s free-to-air national and commercial television broadcasters to promote consumer adoption of free-to-air digital television within Australia.

The ABC jointly controls Freeview and holds 160 $0.10 shares (2016 160 $0.10 shares) equating to a 16% (2016 16%) share.

National DAB Licence Company Limited

DAB is a joint operation between the ABC and Special Broadcasting Services (SBS) to hold the digital radio multiplex licence. Both the ABC and SBS each hold one $1 share in DAB.

DAB is not a party to any service contracts for the provision of digital radio and does not receive the funds for digital radio operations / broadcast from the Government as these are paid directly to the ABC and SBS.

Transactions with parties to Joint Arrangements

MediaHub Australia Pty Limited

Two ABC employees are directors of MediaHub. Neither is remunerated nor do they receive any other benefits from MediaHub.

The ABC incurred expenses with MediaHub totalling $5,251,258 (2016 $6,418,109) for user fees and other services. The ABC made capital contributions of $1,535,367 during the year ended 30 June 2017 (2016 nil).

The ABC received no monies resulting from share buybacks (2016 $2,548,140).

The ABC has commitments similar to the above transactions in future years.

Freeview Australia Limited

At 30 June 2017, one ABC employee was a director of Freeview. This employee receives no remuneration nor any other benefits from Freeview.

The Corporation contributes towards the operational costs of Freeview in proportion to its shareholding, and may also provide other operational services to Freeview as required.

The Corporation did not receive any material income from Freeview. The ABC paid $650,000 (2016 $650,000) towards the operational costs of Freeview. These costs did not constitute a capital contribution and were recognised directly in the Corporation’s Statement of Comprehensive Income.

National DAB Licence Company Limited

Two ABC employees are directors of DAB. Neither is remunerated nor do they receive any other benefits from DAB.

The ABC made contributions of $3,106 (2016 $2,800) towards the operational costs of DAB. The ABC made no capital contribution (2016 $1,485) to DAB. The amounts paid were recognised directly in the ABCs Statement of Comprehensive Income.

All transactions with parties to Joint Arrangements were at arm’s length. No dividends were received from any of these entities in 2017 (2016 nil).

Financial Statements 127

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

Financial Risks and Disclosure

14. Financial Instruments

14.1 Capital Risk Management

The Corporation manages its capital to ensure that it can continue as a going concern through aligning operations with Government funded objectives.

The Corporation’s overall strategy remains unchanged from previous years with borrowings limited to supporting major capital projects.

14.2 Categories of Financial Instruments

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

14.2A Categories of financial instruments Financial Assets Other investments (held to maturity) Term deposits with an original maturity date greater than 90 days 6C 230,300 266,650

Total other investments 230,300 266,650

Loans, receivables and cash Cash and cash equivalents 6A 5,024 6,811

Goods and services receivables 6B 4,021 3,203

Finance lease receivable 6B 106 200

Other receivables 6B 3,676 5,432

Accrued revenue 6D 8,513 10,211

Total loans, receivables and cash 21,340 25,857

Forward exchange contracts Fair value through profit or loss 6B 12 172

Total forward exchange contracts 12 172

Carrying amount of financial assets 251,652 292,679

Financial liabilities At amortised cost Loans 9 71,799 90,000

Trade creditors 8A 68,845 76,202

Interest payable 8B 297 436

Salaries and wages 8B 26,834 15,510

Superannuation 8B 685 646

Other payables 8B 1,066 2,469

Total financial liabilities at amortised cost 169,526 185,263

Forward exchange contracts Fair value through profit or loss 8B 272 124

Total forward exchange contracts 272 124

Carrying amount of financial liabilities 169,798 185,387

128 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Accounting Policy - Financial assets

The Corporation classifies its financial assets in the following categories:

â¢ financial assets at fair value through profit or loss;

â¢ held-to-maturity investments; and

â¢ loans and receivables.

The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition. Financial assets are recognised and derecognised upon trade date.

Effective Interest Method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis except for financial assets that are recognised at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

Financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) where the financial assets:

â¢ have been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future;

â¢ are derivatives (except for derivative instruments that are designated as, and are highly effective hedging instruments); or

â¢ are parts of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Corporation manages together and have a recent actual pattern of short-term profit-taking.

Forward exchange contracts in this category are classified as current assets.

Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest earned on the financial asset. The Corporation’s financial assets in this category are forward exchange contracts which are derivative financial instruments. Gains and losses on these items are recognised through profit or loss except if they are classified as a cash flow hedge where they are recognised in the hedging reserve within equity.

Derivatives

Forward exchange contracts are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which the contracts are entered into and are subsequently revalued to reflect changes in fair value.

Forward exchange contracts are carried as assets when their net fair value is positive and as liabilities when their net fair value is negative. For the purpose of hedge accounting, the Corporation’s hedges are classified as cash flow hedges when they hedge exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable either to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset, liability or to a highly probable forecast transaction.

At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Corporation formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the Corporation wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Thedocumentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the Corporation will assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flow attributable to the hedged risk.

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

14.2 Categories of Financial Instruments (continued)

Financial Statements 129

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for which they weredesignated.

The effective portion of the gain or loss on the cash flow hedge is recognised directly in equity, while the ineffective portion is recognised in profit or loss.

Amounts taken to equity are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when hedged income or expenses are recognised or when a forecast sale or purchase occurs. When the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial

asset or liability, the amounts taken to equity are transferred to the initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability. If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, amounts previously recognised in equity are transferred to profit or loss. If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised without replacement or rollover, or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, amounts previously recognised in equity remain until the forecast transaction occurs. If the related transaction is not expected to occur, the amount is taken to profit or loss.

Accounting Policy - Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as ‘other financial liabilities’ in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

Notes

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

14.2B Net gains or losses from financial assets Other investments Interest revenue on term deposits with an original maturity date greater than 90 days 5B 5,838 6,600

Net foreign exchange loss 4G (191) (290)

Net gain on other investments 5,647 6,310

Loans, receivables and cash Interest revenue 5B 1,466 1,645

Net gain from loans and receivables 1,466 1,645

Items subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss (Losses)/gains on cash flow hedging instruments (280) 270

Total items subject to subsequent reclassification to profit or loss (280) 270

Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain at fair value through other comprehensive income (280) 270

Net gains from financial assets recognised in Statement of Comprehensive Income 6,833 8,225

14.2C Net losses from financial liabilities Financial liabilities - at amortised cost Interest and finance expenses 4E (1,480) (1,596)

Net loss from financial liabilities - at amortised cost (1,480) (1,596)

Net loss from financial liabilities recognised in Statement of Comprehensive Income (1,480) (1,596)

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

14.2 Categories of Financial Instruments (continued)

130 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

14.3 Financial Risk Management

The Corporation’s financial risk management policies and procedures are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Corporation, to set appropriate risk limits and controls to monitor risks and adherence to limits. The Corporation’s policies are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in the Corporation’s activities. There has been no change in the policies from the previous year. Compliance with policies and exposure limits are reviewed by the Corporation’s internal auditors on a continuous basis.

To meet the Corporation’s financial risk management objectives, surplus cash is invested in short term, highly liquid investments with maturities at acquisition date of greater than three months. These investments are included as ‘other receivables’.

The Corporation’s Treasury function provides advice and services to the business, coordinates access to foreign currency contracts and monitors and assesses the financial risks relating to the operations of the Corporation through internal risk reports. Where appropriate, the Corporation seeks to minimise the effects of its financial risks by using derivative financial instruments to hedge risk exposures. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Corporation’s policies, approved by the Board of Directors, which provide written principles on foreign exchange risk, credit risk, the use of financial derivatives and investment of funds. The Corporation does not enter into trade financial instruments for speculative purposes.

14.4 Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Forward exchange contracts

The fair values of forward exchange contracts are taken to be the unrealised gain or loss at balance date calculated by reference to current forward exchange rates for contracts with similar maturity profiles. At 30 June 2017 this was a net liability of $259,622 (2016 net asset of $47,796).

The fair values of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (such as over-the-counter derivatives) are determined using a Level 2 technique based on the forward exchange rates at the end of the reporting period using assumptions that are based on market conditions at the end of each reporting period.

Loans

The fair values of long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on current interest rates for liabilities with similar risk profiles. At 30 June 2017, the Corporation’s loan facility with the Department of Finance is $70,000,000 (2016 $90,000,000) and progressively matures by 8 April 2021. This is to cash-flow the construction of a purpose-built facility in Southbank, Victoria. The Corporation repaid $20,000,000 during the year ended 30 June 2017. As disclosed in Note 9 Interest Bearing Liabilities, the fair value of the Southbank loan payable at 30 June 2017 is $70,282,849 (2016 $91,075,777).

Financial Statements 131

Notes to and Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2017

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

14.5 Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Corporation. Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Corporation, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, short term investments and derivative instruments.

The Corporation has a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Corporation assesses credit ratings through independent ratings agencies and if not available, uses publicly available financial information and its own trading record to rate customers.

The Corporation manages its credit risk by undertaking credit checks on customers who wish to take on credit terms. The Corporation has policies that set limits for each individual customer. Ongoing credit evaluations are performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable. The Corporation has no material concentration of credit risk with any single customer as the Corporation has a large number of customers spread across a range of industries and geographical areas.

The credit risk arising from dealings in financial instruments is controlled by a strict policy of credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. The Corporation does not have any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty. The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with credit ratings of at least A- as assigned by Standard & Poor’s.

The Corporation’s maximum exposure to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount, net of allowance for doubtful debts, of those assets as indicated in the Statement of Financial Position.

Credit exposure of foreign currency and interest rate bearing investments is represented by the net fair value of the contracts.

14.6 Hedging Instruments

The following table sets out the gross value to be received under forward exchange contracts, the weighted average contracted exchange rates and the settlement periods of outstanding contracts for the Corporation.

Sell Australian Dollars Average Exchange Rate

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

2017 2016

Buy USD Less than 1 year 8,772 19,198 0.7421 0.7424

Buy GBP Less than 1 year 823 152 0.5755 0.4922

Buy EUR Less than 1 year 56 362 0.7102 0.6632

132 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

14. Financial Instruments (continued)

Specific hedges

The Corporation enters into forward exchange contracts to cover specific foreign currency payments when exposures of $50,000 or greater are entered into under a firm contract for goods or services involving a specific foreign currency amount and payment date. Exposures are covered if they fall within a set period, which can generally be a minimum of 3 months or maximum of 6 months subject to market conditions. A net loss of $77,667 (2016 net gain of $279,739) on specific hedges of foreign currency purchases, outstanding as at 30 June 2017, was recorded. The Corporation’s cash flow hedges were all effective during the period.

General hedges

The Corporation enters into forward exchange contracts to cover foreign currency payments when exposures less than $50,000, of a recurrent nature and with varying foreign currency amounts and payment dates are incurred. General cover is typically held between 40% and 60% of estimated exposures for USD, GBP and EUR subject to market conditions. At balance date, the Corporation held forward exchange contracts to buy USD, GBP and EUR. Gains/losses arising from general hedges outstanding at year end have been taken to profit or loss. The net loss is $13,925 (2016 net gain of $45,791) on general hedges of anticipated foreign currency purchases.

Contingent Items

15. Contingent Assets and Liabilities

2017 $’000

2016 $’000

Contingent liabilities - guarantees Balance at beginning of year 641 626

Net change during the year (2) 15

Total contingent liabilities - guarantees 639 641

The Corporation has provided guarantees and an indemnity to the Reserve Bank of Australia in support of bank guarantees required in the day to day operations of the Corporation.

Accounting Policy - Contingent assets and liabilities

Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Statement of Financial Position. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of an asset or liability, or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured.

Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote. Commitments and contingencies are disclosed on a net basis. GST commitments recoverable from or payable to the ATO are disclosed.

Quantifiable and Significant Remote Contingencies

The Corporation has neither material contingent assets nor remote contingent liabilities at 30 June 2017 (2016 nil).

Unquantifiable Contingencies

In the normal course of activities, claims for damages and other recoveries have been lodged at the date of this report against the Corporation and its staff. The Corporation has disclaimed liability and is actively defending these actions. It is not possible to estimate the amounts of any eventual payments which may be required or amounts that may be received in relation to any of these claims.

Financial Statements 133

Appendices

David Stratton’s Stories of Australian Cinema

134 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendices 135

Appendices for the year ended 30 June 2016

1 ABC Charter and Duties of the Board 137

2 ABC Board and Board Committees 138

3 ABC Organisation as at 30 June 2017 143

4 ABC Advisory Council 145

5 ABC Code of Practice 147

6 ABC Television Content Analysis 156

7 Promotion and Market Research 160

8 Performance Pay 160

9 Consultants 160

10 Overseas Travel Costs 161

11 Employee Profile 162

12 Awards 162

13 Television Transmission Channels 171

14 Radio Transmission Frequencies 173

15 Radio Australia and Australia Plus Transmission and Distribution 178

16 ABC Offices 180

136 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 1 - ABC Charter and duties of the Board From the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983

6 Charter of the Corporation (1) The functions of the Corporation are:

(a) to provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a high standard as part of the Australian broadcasting system consisting of national, commercial and community sectors and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to provide:

(i) broadcasting programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and inform and entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity of, the Australian community; and

(ii) broadcasting programs of an educational nature;

(b) to transmit to countries outside Australia broadcasting programs of news, current affairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment that will:

(i) encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian attitudes on world affairs; and

(ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling outside Australia to obtain information about Australian affairs and Australian attitudes on world affairs; and

(ba) to provide digital media services; and

Note: See also section 31AA (Corporation or prescribed companies to be the only providers of Commonwealth-funded international broadcasting services).

(2) In the provision by the Corporation of its broadcasting services within Australia:

(a) the Corporation shall take account of:

(i) the broadcasting services provided by the commercial and community sectors of the Australian broadcasting system;

(ii) the standards from time to time determined by the ACMA in respect of broadcasting services;

(iii) the responsibility of the Corporation as the provider of an independent national broadcasting service to provide a balance between broadcasting programs of wide appeal and specialized broadcasting programs;

(iv) the multicultural character of the Australian community; and

(v) in connection with the provision of broadcasting programs of an educational nature—the responsibilities of the States in relation to education; and

(b) the Corporation shall take all such measures, being measures consistent with the obligations of the Corporation under paragraph (a), as, in the opinion of the Board, will be conducive to the full development by the Corporation of suitable broadcasting programs.

(3) The functions of the Corporation under subsection (1) and the duties imposed on the Corporation under subsection (2) constitute the Charter of the Corporation.

(4) Nothing in this Section shall be taken to impose on the Corporation a duty that is enforceable by proceedings in a court.

Appendices 137

Appendix 1 - ABC Charter and duties of the Board continued

8 Duties of the Board (1) It is the duty of the Board:

(a) to ensure that the functions of the Corporation are performed efficiently and with the maximum benefit to the people of Australia;

(b) to maintain the independence and integrity of the Corporation;

(c) to ensure that the gathering and presentation by the Corporation of news and information is accurate and impartial according to the recognized standards of objective journalism; and

(d) to ensure that the Corporation does not contravene, or fail to comply with:

(i) any of the provisions of this Act or any other Act that are applicable to the Corporation; or

(ii) any directions given to, or requirements made in relation to, the Corporation under any of those provisions; and

(e) to develop codes of practice relating to:

(i) programming matters; and

(ii) if the Corporation has the function of providing a datacasting service under section 6A—that service;

and to notify those codes to the ACMA.

(2) If the Minister at any time furnishes to the Board a statement of the policy of the Commonwealth Government on any matter relating to broadcasting or digital media services, or any matter of administration, that is relevant to the performance of the functions of the Corporation and requests the Board to consider that policy in the performance of its functions, the Board shall ensure that consideration is given tothatpolicy.

(3) Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) is to be taken to impose on the Board a duty that is enforceable by proceedings in a court.

Appendix 2 - ABC Board and Board Committees

ABC Board

Members and attendance at meetings The ABC Board held eight meetings during 2016-17.

Member Meetings eligible to attend Meetings attended

James Spigelman AC QC, Chairman (Term ended 31 March 2017) 6 6

Justin Milne, Chairman (Appointed 1 April 2017) 2 2

Michelle Guthrie, Managing Director 8 8

Dr Kirstin Ferguson 8 8

Dr Vanessa Guthrie (Appointed 23 February 2017) 2 2

Peter Lewis 8 8

Simon Mordant AM 8 7

Matt Peaco*ck 8 8

Georgie Somerset (Appointed 23 February 2017) 2 2

Donny Walford 8 7

138 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 2 - ABC Board and Board Committees continued

Requests made to the Board by the Minister under s.8(2) In 2016-17, the Minister for Communications and the Arts made two requests to the Board under section 8(2) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.

The first letter, dated 5 December 2016, was in relation to ABC Board meetings and community forums.

Response from the ABC Board was as follows:

The Board acknowledges the Australian Government policy decision regarding enhancing and promoting the relationship between the national broadcasters and Australian communities, and in particular the Minister’s request that the ABC Board:

â¢ hold an open community Board forum immediately after at least half of the full Board meetings each year; and

â¢ make sure that at least two of those Board meetings and forums occur in regional areas.

As required by section 8(2) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, the Board has given consideration to the statement of Policy furnished to the Board. The ABC Board welcomes the opportunity to expand its engagement with Australians.

The Board expects to hold six Board meetings in 2017. The Board will hold at least three community forums, two of which will be held in regional areas. Currently, the Board holds at least one of its meetings each year in a regional location. In 2017, this will be increased to two.

The second letter, dated 10 April 2017, was in relation to the Government’s policy that the ABC and SBS should not compete against each other for the acquisition of content.

The ABC Board has considered this matter. In June 2017, the Chairman and Managing Director of SBS attended a meeting of the ABC Board and discussed how the public broadcasters could continue to work closely together in the interest of Australians.

Board Committees

Finance Committee The role of the Finance Committee was to oversee the financial management of the Corporation, and to assist the Board in ensuring the financial performance and efficiency of the Corporation was optimised and consistent with stated objectives, and that best practice financial management services—including performance measurement—were established and maintained.

The Finance Committee held three meetings in 2016-17, before the Committee was consolidated with the Audit and Risk Committee to become the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.

Meeting No. 3/2016 5 October 2016

Meeting No. 4/2016 7 December 2016

Meeting No. 1/2017 23 February 2017

Meetings during 2016-17 were attended by Simon Mordant AM (Chair of the Finance Committee), and Committee member Donny Walford. Jane Bennett’s term had ended on 30 June 2016, and the position was vacant until the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee convened in March 2017.

Member

Position on Committee

Meetings eligible to attend Meetings

attended

Simon Mordant AM

Committee Chair

3 3

Donny Walford

Director

3 3

All meetings were attended by the Managing Director, the Chairman of the Board, and other Board members. In 2016-17, Board members were invited to attend all ABC Finance Committee meetings. Committee meetings were also attended by the Chief Operating Officer and the General Manager Finance and Operations.

During the year, the Finance Committee monitored the ABC’s financial plans, budgets, and performance against budget. It considered and endorsed the ABC’s annual operational

Appendices 139

and capital budget allocations for approval by the Board, considered ABC Commercial’s new operating model following the closure of the ABC Retail shop network, endorsed the divestment of the ABC’s Selwyn Street Elsternwick (Victoria) site, considered the ABC’s procurement and delegations framework, and endorsed the ABC’s Treasury Policy (Foreign Exchange, Investment and Borrowing) for approval by the Board.

Audit and Risk Committee The ABC Board is required to ensure that the functions of the Corporation are performed with integrity, efficiency, and maximum benefit to the people of Australia (see section 8(1) (a) and (b) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983). In connection with the discharge of these duties, in 2016-17 the Audit and Risk Committee provided the Board with assistance and advice on the ABC’s risk, control and compliance framework and its external accountability responsibilities. The Committee’s responsibilities were detailed in its Charter, which reflected the requirements of the PGPA Act. The Committee’s responsibilities included:

â¢ assisting the Board to discharge its oversight and governance responsibilities by reviewing the appropriateness of the Corporation’s

- financial reporting

- performance reporting

- system of risk oversight and management

- system of internal control

- internal audit

- external audit

- ethical culture

â¢ providing a forum for communication between the Board, senior management, and both the internal and external auditors

â¢ monitoring and reviewing the independence, integrity and objectivity of the Corporation’s internal and external auditors

â¢ monitoring and reviewing compliance with the standards of ethical behaviour expected within the Corporation.

The Audit and Risk Committee held four meetings in 2016-17.

Meeting No. 3/2016 4 August 2016

Meeting No. 4/2016 6 October 2016

Meeting No. 5/2016 7 December 2016

Meeting No. 1/2017 7 February 2017

Meetings during 2016-17 were attended by Peter Lewis (Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee), Dr Kirstin Ferguson, and Richard Rassi. Mr Rassi continued his appointment as an External Member on the Audit and Risk Committee during 2016-17. He is not a member of the ABC Board.

Member

Position on Committee

Meetings eligible to attend Meetings

attended

Peter Lewis Committee Chairman 4 4

Dr Kirstin Ferguson Director

4 4

Richard Rassi

External Member 4 4

All meetings were attended by the Managing Director, the Chairman of the Board, and other Board members. In 2016-17, Board members were invited to attend all ABC Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Committee meetings were also attended by the Chief Operating Officer, Head Group Audit, Head Corporate Treasury and Risk, and representatives of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and its nominated representative KPMG.

During 2016-17, the Audit and Risk Committee received information papers relating to ABC strategic risks, risk management, internal and external audit performance, business continuity, legislative requirements, fraud controls, the coordination of internal and external audit, key ABC projects, and compliance matters.

At its meetings, the Audit and Risk Committee endorsed the 2015-16 Annual Financial Statements, and monitored progress against the 2016-17 Audit Plan. During 2016-17, the Committee considered the findings of audit reports and noted the implementation of

Appendix 2 - ABC Board and Board Committees continued

140 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

audit recommendations by management, fraud awareness initiatives, and fraud investigations undertaken.

The Audit and Risk Committee also reviewed information relating to the selection of key performance indicators and other performance measures, and systems, processes and procedures for assessing and reporting the achievement of the ABC’s performance in accordance with applicable legislation and guidance.

Audit, Risk and Finance Committee On 23 February 2017, the Board approved the establishment of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee, which merged the responsibilities of the Finance Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee. The Committee’s responsibilities are detailed in its Charter, which was approved by the Board in June 2017. The Committee’s responsibilities and functions include

â¢ financial performance

â¢ financial reporting

â¢ performance reporting

â¢ system of risk oversight and management

â¢ system of internal control

â¢ internal audit

â¢ external audit

â¢ ethical culture.

The Audit, Risk and Finance Committee held two meetings in 2016-17:

Meeting No. 1/2017 30 March 2017

Meeting No. 2/2017 5 June 2017

Meetings were attended by Peter Lewis (Chair of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee), Simon Mordant AM, Donny Walford, Dr Vanessa Guthrie and Richard Rassi. Mr Rassi was appointed as an External Member on the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. He is not a member of the ABC Board.

Member

Position on Committee

Meetings eligible to attend Meetings

attended

Peter Lewis Committee Chairman 2 2

Simon Mordant AM

Director

2 1

Donny Walford

Director

2 2

Dr Vanessa Guthrie

Director

1 1

Richard Rassi

External Member 2 2

Committee meetings were attended by the Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, General Manager Finance and Operations, Head of Group Audit, and representatives of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and its nominated representative KPMG.

Since being established, the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee considered the findings of audit reports and noted the implementation of audit recommendations by management and fraud investigations undertaken.

The Committee received papers relating to ABC strategic risks, risk management, an independent review of internal audit, financial performance against budget, indicative and final portfolio budget statements, the ABC’s 2017-18 budget, compliance matters, and matters related to the preparation and finalisation of the Annual Financial Statements—including the valuation of the ABC’s properties— as required under the accounting standards.

The Audit, Risk and Finance Committee reviewed information relating to the selection of key performance indicators and other performance measures, and systems, processes and procedures for assessing and reporting the achievement of the ABC’s performance in accordance with applicable legislation and guidance.

Appendix 2 - ABC Board and Board Committees continued

Appendices 141

Appendix 2 - ABC Board and Board Committees continued The Committee also dealt with matters related to, and reports from, external audit, and the Corporation’s requirement to formally report on financial and non-financial performance under the PGPA Act.

During its meetings in 2016-17, the Committee endorsed the Audit, Risk and Finance Charter and the 2017-18 Audit Plan for approval by the Board.

People Committee The People Committee was established by the ABC Board in February 2017. The purpose of the People Committee is to assist the Board to fulfil its duties and responsibilities as set out in the ABC Act by

â¢ reviewing and making recommendations to the Board (as required) on matters relating to the Corporation’s people, and remuneration practices and strategies

â¢ assisting the Board to discharge its duties in relation to work health and safety

â¢ establishing a plan for the attraction, retention and development of talent for the Corporation including compensation, performance assessment and succession planning.

The People Committee held two meetings in 2016-17.

Meeting No. 1/2017 24 March 2017

Meeting No. 2/2017 8 June 2017

After it was established, meetings were attended by Dr Kirstin Ferguson (Chair of the People Committee), and Committee members Donny Walford, Georgie Somerset and Matt Peaco*ck.

Member

Position on Committee

Meetings eligible to attend Meetings

attended

Dr Kirstin Ferguson Committee Chair 2 2

Donny Walford

Director

2 2

Georgie Somerset Director

1 1

Matt Peaco*ck

Director

1 1

Among other things, the Committee reviewed the ABC’s remuneration framework for executives, and was actively involved in reviewing and advising management in relation to improved WHS reporting.

Group Audit Group Audit provides an independent and objective audit and advisory service, which is designed to add value and improve the Corporation’s operations. Group Audit helps the ABC to achieve its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

Group Audit is responsible to the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee for contributing to the achievement of the Corporation’s goals and objectives by:

â¢ Assisting management in evaluating processes for identifying, assessing and managing the key operational, financial and compliance risks of the ABC.

â¢ Evaluating the effectiveness of internal control systems, including compliance with legislative requirements and internal policies, and recommending improvements to management.

â¢ Playing an active role in developing and maintaining a culture of accountability and integrity, including undertaking investigations in relation to fraud or public interest disclosure allegations.

â¢ Being responsive to the Corporation’s changing needs and striving for continuous improvement in the performance of its activities.

â¢ Facilitating and supporting the integration of risk management into day-to-day business activities and processes.

142 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 2 - ABC Board and Board Committees continued Group Audit is responsible for preparing and implementing the ABC’s Audit Plan, which seeks to ensure that audits focus on key areas of risk to the Corporation. The Audit Plan is endorsed by the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee and approved by the Board annually. In 2016-17, Group Audit completed 43 scheduled audits, which included comprehensive, compliance, information technology, and project assurance audits.

During 2016-17 an independent review of Group Audit was undertaken which involved key stakeholders including the Audit, Risk & Finance Committee, Executive Directors and senior management. The review found that the Internal Audit function is operating in conformance with the Internal Auditing Standards. The report made recommendations to improve current arrangements and be more responsive to changing organisation structures and objectives.

In 2016-17, Group Audit performed unscheduled reviews at the specific request of management and the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee, and continued to utilise technology to undertake continuous auditing and monitoring of

transactional data. Group Audit also provided advice and guidance on good governance, policies and controls, and fraud risks, and provided advice and input on a number of key projects and initiatives being undertaken by the Corporation.

During 2016-17 Group Audit continued to operate with a combination of in-house employees and outsourced external providers. This provided access to expertise in specialist areas and supplemented internal resources and experience.

Coordination with external auditors Group Audit continued to liaise with the ABC’s external auditors the ANAO, and its nominated representative, KPMG. This included seeking advice on proposed areas of focus, the identification of areas of potential external audit reliance on audits undertaken by Group Audit, and ensuring that there was minimal duplication of audit coverage. The ANAO, KPMG and Group Audit developed a Coordinated Audit Plan for 2016-17 highlighting areas of audit coverage and reliance, as well as audit coverage of ABC strategic risk and financial reporting risk areas.

Appendix 3 - ABC Organisation as at 30 June 2017

Managing Director Michelle Guthrie

Audiences Director Audiences Leisa Bacon

Head Audience Data and Insights Alicia Olson-Keating

Head Integrated Media Emma Wilson

Head Creative Services Diana Costantini

Head TV and News Marketing Jo Mullaley

Head Radio and Regional Marketing Jocelin Abbey

Head Service Design Monique Rappell

Head Audience Strategy Linda Bracken

Editorial Policies Editorial Director Alan Sunderland

Head Audience and Consumer Affairs Kirstin McLiesh

Engagement Director Engagement Samantha Liston

General Manager People and Culture Rebekah Donaldson

Head HR Services Greg Fromyhr (a)

Head Communications Nick Leys

Head Community Engagement Michele Fonseca

Head International Development Domenic Friguglietti

Head Partnerships and Policy Josh Faulks

Appendices 143

Appendix 3 - ABC Organisation as at 30 June 2017 continued

Finance Chief Financial Officer Louise Higgins

Head Group Audit Alison Hamill

Head Corporate Strategy Mark Tapley

General Manager Finance and Operations Aziz Dindar

General Manager Property Brad Fox

General Manager Capital Works Mark Woodley

Head Business and Analytics Roland Clifton-Bligh

Chief of Staff Anne Milne

Head Transformation Debra Frances

General Counsel Georgina Waite (a)

Government Relations Director Government Relations Mick Millett

Head Government Relations Sophie Mitchell

NEWS Director News Gaven Morris

Head Network News / Deputy Director Craig McMurtrie

Head Local Coverage Rebecca Matthews

Head Current Affairs Bruce Belsham

Radio Director Radio Michael Mason

Head Production and Audio Partnerships Merryn Vincent

Head Spoken Content Judith Whelan

Head Music Chris Scaddan

Product Development Lead Angela Stengel

Regional Director Regional Fiona Reynolds

Head Rural and Regional Coverage Andrew Fisher

Head National Rural and Regional Production Patrick Emmett (a)

Head Regional Content Development Martin Southgate

Head Regional Operations Hugh Martin

Technology Chief Technology Officer Louise Higgins (a)

Head Digital Network Andrew Carey (a)

General Manager Communications Networks Adrian Potter

General Manager Broadcast Operations Doug Whip

Head Technology Tony Silva (a)

Head Content Services Mary Jane Stannus

Television Director Television David N Anderson

Head Programming and Digital Rebecca Heap

Head Non-Scripted Production Josie Mason-Campbell

Head Scripted Production Sally Riley

Head Children's Production Michael Carrington

Head Operations Manda Hatter

Head Business Affairs Georgina Waite

Head Education Annabel Astbury

Director Commercial Robert Patterson

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Appendix 4 - ABC Advisory Council In 2016-17, the ABC Advisory Council met three times. It made three recommendations.

During the year the Council improved its community consultation process to maximise the strategic value community feedback contributes to the ABC. Given the organisation has substantial public feedback via channels such as ABC YourSpace and social platforms, the Council concentrated on providing additional qualitative feedback on areas of programming on the direction of key ABC employees.

With a focus on community perceptions of impact and value of Australian content, the Council ensured diverse groups of the Australian community - geographic, cultural, social and epistemic - were consulted during each project. The impact this had on the strategic value of the Council work for the organisation was seen through the formalisation of Council reporting to the Board via Information papers, and the number of ABC employees wishing to work directly with the Council.

Advisory Council Members Professor Andrea Hull AO, Council Chairman (Albert Park Vic)

Mr Sam Almaliki (South Melbourne Vic)

Ms Sarah Burr (Braddon ACT)

Mr James Curtis (Inglewood WA)

Mr Wade Dabinett (Parilla SA)

Ms Fiona Duggan (Youngstown TAS)

Ms Kate Duncan (Coburg North VIC)

Ms Kez Hall (Nhulunbuy NT)

Ms Heron Loban (Sherwood Qld)

Mr Robert Macaulay (Westbrook via Singleton NSW)

Adjunct Professor Peter Norden AO (Bentleigh Vic)

Mrs Nina Trad Azam (Figtree NSW)

Summary of recommendations and responses 2016-17

Recommendation 1 - Intercultural Content The ABC Advisory Council recommends that the ABC increase intercultural content, across programming that promotes understanding, awareness, and social cohesion, and acknowledges as an approach the success of recent ABC Indigenous programming.

ABC Response (from Director Television, Director Radio, Director News and Director Regional) We acknowledge the recommendation by the Advisory Council.

All ABC content Teams have established active diversity working groups and many initiatives to increase the diversity of voices heard on the ABC.

The ABC Equity and Diversity Plan aims to reflect and engage the broad Australian audience and will continue to identify and implement strategies including:

â¢ increasing cultural diversity in leadership and senior executive positions

â¢ increasing diversity in content, programs and services

â¢ broadening reporting perspectives

â¢ diversifying on-air and online content makers, presenters, contributors and participants

â¢ communicating broadly the cultural diversity activities of the ABC

Appendices 145

Appendix 4 - ABC Advisory Council continued

Recommendation 2 - Arts Content 2. The ABC Advisory Council recommends the ABC improve accessibility and promotion of arts content through:

â¢ improved collation and ‘tagging’ of arts content across platforms to improve the breadth of content categorised within arts (for example arts content within News programming)

â¢ the development of a single-point user interface across ABC platforms that centralises and customises arts content.

2a. Further, the ABC Advisory Council recommends that the ABC consider increasing arts content and programming that focuses on live performance and insights into performers, artists, and technical production, with a particular focus on contemporary Australian content.

ABC Response These recommendations were included in the final Arts Panel Review. Following the endorsem*nt of the Arts Review by the Board in April 2017, three briefings were held in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne. Meetings included the Arts Reference Panel and the ABC Advisory Council, and were led by Head of Arts (ABC Television) Mandy Chang, and Board Member Simon Mordant AM.

The feedback at these briefings was overwhelmingly positive, and stakeholders are keen to work alongside the ABC to develop content, maximise partnerships, and reach the widest possible audience.

Recommendation 3 - Digital content accessibility The ABC Advisory Council recommends that the ABC take into account the increasing divide in accessibility and connectivity to mobile and digital service, based on economic and geographic factors, when planning the anticipated audience move from broadcast to digital services. The ABC need to remain committed to providing services and content for all Australians, regardless of income or location.

The Council encourage ABC management to consider the impact of socioeconomic status which may preclude many Australians, including recently arrived and CALD Australians, from accessing digital media.

Additionally, the Council wishes to stress the significant restriction to digital data access in primarily regional and rural areas due to a lack of supporting infrastructure. The Council recommends that the ABC take regard to the technological issues facing Australians’ access to digital media, and work with external stakeholders on the distribution and access of digital data to achieve is charter obligations in a changing media landscape that has an increased focus on digital media.

Council Members request this issue be tended to as a project once the refreshed organisational structure of the ABC is settled and key ABC employees can be identified to lead the response.

ABC Response The Board discussed the feasibility of the Council undertaking a community consultation on access to digital services in rural and regional Australia, noting that the ABC does not have control of this issue. As of 30 June 2017, the Board and Advisory Council are currently consulting to determine the best way to pursue and respond to this issue.

146 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice Current as at 30 June 2017; last updated 1 March 2016

I. Regulatory Framework The ABC Board is required, under section 8(1)(e) of the ABC Act, to develop a code of practice relating to its television and radio programming, and to notify this code to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (“the ACMA”).

A complaint alleging the ABC has acted contrary to its Code of Practice in its television or radio programming may be made to the ABC. A complainant is entitled under section 150 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) (“the BSA”) to take their complaint to the ACMA if, after 60 days, the ABC fails to respond to the complainant or the complainant considers the ABC’s response is inadequate.

Section 150 of the BSA empowers the ACMA to investigate a complaint alleging the ABC has, in providing a national broadcasting service, breached its Code of Practice. The ACMA can decline to investigate the complaint under section 151 of the BSA if it is satisfied that the complaint does not relate to the ABC Code of Practice, or that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or was not made in good faith.

The ACMA’s jurisdiction under sections 150-151 does not encompass the ABC’s print content or content disseminated by the ABC over the internet or through mobile devices. However, the ACMA has separate jurisdiction under Schedule 7 of the BSA in relation to content hosted on websites or transmitted through mobile services where that content is either “prohibited content”1 or “age-restricted content”.2 The ACMA is empowered under Schedule 7 to require content service providers and content hosts to remove or prevent access to these types of content.

The ABC voluntarily complies with the Content Services Code developed by the Internet Industry Association and registered as an industry code with the ACMA under clause 85 of Schedule 7 of the BSA. The Content Services

Code does not apply to content delivered through online or mobile services where that content has been previously transmitted on radio or television.

Except as expressly provided by the BSA, the regulatory regime established by the BSA does not apply to the ABC: section 13(5) of the BSA, and section 79 of the ABC Act.

II. Scope of the Code The requirements of this Code are set out in the sections dealing with Interpretation and Standards in Part IV and the Associated Standard in Part V. The Standards in Part IV apply to radio and television programs broadcast by the ABC on its free-to-air television or radio broadcasting services. The Associated Standard in Part V applies only to television programs broadcast by the ABC on its domestic free-to-air television services.

This Code does not apply to any complaint which the ABC had decided not to investigate or, having accepted it for investigation, decided not to investigate further, where the ABC was satisfied that:

â¢ the complaint concerns content which is or becomes the subject of legal proceedings;

â¢ the complaint was frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith;

â¢ the complaint was lodged with the ABC more than six weeks after the date when the program was last broadcast by the ABC on its free-to-air radio or television services, unless the ABC accepted the complaint for investigation after being satisfied that it was appropriate to do so, having regard to:

- the interests of the complainant in the subject matter of the complaint;

- the seriousness of the alleged breach;

- the reason(s) for the delay;

- the availability of the program content which is the subject of the complaint; and

Appendices 147

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued - any prejudice the delay may otherwise have on the ABC’s ability to investigate and determine the matter fairly; or

- the complainant does not have a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the complaint, where the complaint alleges a breach of Fair and honest dealing (Standards 5.1-5.8) or Privacy (Standard 6.1).

To avoid any doubt, the ABC intends that any complaint falling within the terms of any one of the above categories is not relevant to the ABC Code of Practice, for the purposes of section 151(2)(b) of the BSA. In effect, this means that only complaints which the ABC has accepted for investigation in accordance with the above criteria are eligible under this Code to be reviewed and investigated by the ACMA.

III. Resolved Complaints The ABC seeks to comply fully with the Code and to resolve complaints as soon as practicable.

A failure to comply will not be a breach of the Code if the ABC has, prior to the complaint being made to the ACMA, taken steps which were adequate and appropriate in all the circ*mstances to redress the cause of the complaint.

To illustrate, a failure to comply with Standards 2.1 or 2.2 (Accuracy) will not be taken to be a breach of the Code if a correction or clarification, which is adequate and appropriate in all the circ*mstances, is made prior to or within 30 days of the ABC receiving the complaint.

IV. Principles and Standards

1. Interpretation In this Code, the Standards must be interpreted and applied in accordance with the Principles applying in each Section. From time to time, the ABC publishes Guidance Notes which do not in themselves impose obligations on the ABC, but which may be relevant in interpreting and applying the Code.

The Standards in Parts IV and V are to be interpreted and applied with due regard for the nature of the content under consideration in particular cases. The ABC is conscious that its dual obligations—for accountability and for high quality—can in practice interact in complex ways. It can be a sign of strength not weakness that journalism enrages or art shocks. The Standards are to be applied in ways that maintain independence and integrity, preserve trust and do not unduly constrain journalistic enquiry or artistic expression.

2. Accuracy Principles:

The ABC has a statutory duty to ensure that the gathering and presentation of news and information is accurate according to the recognised standards of objective journalism. Credibility depends heavily on factual accuracy.

Types of fact-based content include news and analysis of current events, documentaries, factual dramas and lifestyle programs. The ABC requires that reasonable efforts must be made to ensure accuracy in all fact-based content. The ABC gauges those efforts by reference to:

â¢ the type, subject and nature of the content;

â¢ the likely audience expectations of the content;

â¢ the likely impact of reliance by the audience on the accuracy of the content; and

â¢ the circ*mstances in which the content was made and presented.

The ABC accuracy standard applies to assertions of fact, not to expressions of opinion. An opinion, being a value judgement or conclusion, cannot be found to be accurate or inaccurate in the way facts can. The accuracy standard requires that opinions be conveyed accurately, in the sense that quotes should be accurate and any editing should not distort the meaning of the opinion expressed.

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Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued The efforts reasonably required to ensure accuracy will depend on the circ*mstances. Sources with relevant expertise may be relied on more heavily than those without. Eyewitness testimony usually carries more weight than second-hand accounts. The passage of time or the inaccessibility of locations or sources can affect the standard of verification reasonably required.

The ABC should make reasonable efforts, appropriate in the context, to signal to audiences gradations in accuracy, for example by querying interviewees, qualifying bald assertions, supplementing the partly right and correcting the plainly wrong.

Standards:

2.1 Make reasonable efforts to ensure that material facts are accurate and presented in context.

2.2 Do not present factual content in a way that will materially mislead the audience. In some cases, this may require appropriate labels or other explanatory information.

3. Corrections and clarifications Principles:

A commitment to accuracy includes a willingness to correct errors and clarify ambiguous or otherwise misleading information. Swift correction can reduce harmful reliance on inaccurate information, especially given content can be quickly, widely and permanently disseminated. Corrections and clarifications can contribute to achieving fairness and impartiality.

Standards:

3.1 Acknowledge and correct or clarify, in an appropriate manner as soon as reasonably practicable:

a. significant material errors that are readily apparent or have been demonstrated; or

b. information that is likely to significantly and materially mislead.

4. Impartiality and diversity of perspectives Principles:

The ABC has a statutory duty to ensure that the gathering and presentation of news and information is impartial according to the recognised standards of objective journalism.

Aiming to equip audiences to make up their own minds is consistent with the public service character of the ABC. A democratic society depends on diverse sources of reliable information and contending opinions. A broadcaster operating under statute with public funds is legitimately expected to contribute in ways that may differ from commercial media, which are free to be partial to private interests.

Judgements about whether impartiality was achieved in any given circ*mstances can vary among individuals according to their personal and subjective view of any given matter of contention. Acknowledging this fact of life does not change the ABC’s obligation to apply its impartiality standard as objectively as possible. In doing so, the ABC is guided by these hallmarks of impartiality:

â¢ a balance that follows the weight of evidence;

â¢ fair treatment;

â¢ open-mindedness; and

â¢ opportunities over time for principal relevant perspectives on matters of contention to be expressed.

The ABC aims to present, over time, content that addresses a broad range of subjects from a diversity of perspectives reflecting a diversity of experiences, presented in a diversity of ways from a diversity of sources, including content created by ABC employees, generated by audiences and commissioned or acquired from external content-makers.

Impartiality does not require that every perspective receives equal time, nor that every facet of every argument is presented.

Appendices 149

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued Assessing the impartiality due in given circ*mstances requires consideration in context of all relevant factors including:

â¢ the type, subject and nature of the content;

â¢ the circ*mstances in which the content is made and presented;

â¢ the likely audience expectations of the content;

â¢ the degree to which the matter to which the content relates is contentious;

â¢ the range of principal relevant perspectives on the matter of contention; and

â¢ the timeframe within which it would be appropriate for the ABC to provide opportunities for the principal relevant perspectives to be expressed, having regard to the public importance of the matter of contention and the extent to which it is the subject of current debate.

Standards:

4.1 Gather and present news and information with due impartiality.

4.2 Present a diversity of perspectives so that, over time, no significant strand of thought or belief within the community is knowingly excluded or disproportionately represented.

4.3 Do not state or imply that any perspective is the editorial opinion of the ABC. The ABC takes no editorial stance other than its commitment to fundamental democratic principles including the rule of law, freedom of speech and religion, parliamentary democracy and equality of opportunity.

4.4 Do not misrepresent any perspective.

4.5 Do not unduly favour one perspective over another.

5. Fair and honest dealing Principles:

Fair and honest dealing is essential to maintaining trust with audiences and with those who participate in or are otherwise directly affected by ABC content. In rare circ*mstances, deception or a breach of an undertaking may be justified. Because of the potential damage

to trust, deception or breach of an undertaking must be explained openly afterwards unless there are compelling reasons not to do so.

Standards:

Dealing with participants

5.1 Participants in ABC content should normally be informed of the general nature of their participation.

5.2 A refusal to participate will not be overridden without good cause.

Opportunity to respond

5.3 Where allegations are made about a person or organisation, make reasonable efforts in the circ*mstances to provide a fair opportunity to respond.

Attribution and sources

5.4 Aim to attribute information to its source.

5.5 Where a source seeks anonymity, do not agree without first considering the source’s motive and any alternative attributable sources.

5.6 Do not misrepresent another’s work as your own.

Undertakings

5.7 Assurances given in relation to conditions of participation, use of content, confidentiality or anonymity must be honoured except in rare cases where justified in the public interest.

Secret recording and other types of deception

5.8 Secret recording devices, misrepresentation or other types of deception must not be used to obtain or seek information, audio, pictures or an agreement to participate except where:

a. justified in the public interest and the material cannot reasonably be obtained by any other means; or

b. consent is obtained from the subject or identities are effectively obscured; or

c. the deception is integral to an artistic work and the potential for harm is taken into consideration.

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Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued

6. Privacy Principles:

Privacy is necessary to human dignity and every person reasonably expects that their privacy will be respected. But privacy is not absolute. The ABC seeks to balance the public interest in respect for privacy with the public interest in disclosure of information and freedom of expression.

Standards:

6.1 Intrusion into a person’s private life without consent must be justified in the public interest and the extent of the intrusion must be limited to what is proportionate in the circ*mstances.

7. Harm and offence Principles:

The ABC broadcasts comprehensive and innovative content that aims to inform, entertain and educate diverse audiences. This involves a willingness to take risks, invent and experiment with new ideas. It can result in challenging content which may offend some of the audience some of the time. But it also contributes to diversity of content in the media and to fulfilling the ABC’s function to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts. The ABC acknowledges that a public broadcaster should never gratuitously harm or offend and accordingly any content which is likely to harm or offend must have a clear editorial purpose.

The ABC potentially reaches the whole community, so it must take into account community standards. However, the community recognises that what is and is not acceptable in ABC content largely depends upon the particular context, including the nature of the content, its target audience, and any signposting that equips audiences to make informed choices about what they see, hear or read. Applying the harm and offence standard, therefore, requires careful judgement. What may be inappropriate and unacceptable in one

context may be appropriate and acceptable in another. Coarse language, disturbing images or unconventional situations may form a legitimate part of reportage, debate, documentaries or a humorous, satirical, dramatic or other artistic work.

Standards:

7.1 Content that is likely to cause harm or offence must be justified by the editorial context.

7.2 Where content is likely to cause harm or offence, having regard to the context, make reasonable efforts to provide information about the nature of the content through the use of classification labels or other warnings or advice.

7.3 Ensure all domestic television programs— with the exception of news, current affairs and sporting events—are classified and scheduled for broadcast in accordance with the ABC’s Associated Standard on Television Program Classification.

7.4 If inadvertent or unexpected actions, audio or images in live content are likely to cause harm or offence, take appropriate steps to mitigate.

7.5 The reporting or depiction of violence, tragedy or trauma must be handled with extreme sensitivity. Avoid causing undue distress to victims, witnesses or bereaved relatives. Be sensitive to significant cultural practices when depicting or reporting on recently deceased persons.

7.6 Where there is editorial justification for content which may lead to dangerous imitation or exacerbate serious threats to individual or public health, safety or welfare, take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks, particularly by taking care with how content is expressed or presented.

7.7 Avoid the unjustified use of stereotypes or discriminatory content that could reasonably be interpreted as condoning or encouraging prejudice.

Appendices 151

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued

8. Children and young people Principles:

The ABC aims to provide children and young people (under the age of 18) with enjoyable and enriching content, as well as opportunities for them to express themselves. Children and young people participate and interact with the ABC in various ways—as actors, presenters, interviewees, subjects, content makers and audience members.

The ABC has a responsibility to protect children and young people from potential harm that might arise during their engagement with the ABC and its content. The ABC shares this responsibility with parents/guardians and with the child or young person him/herself. In particular, the ABC recommends that parents/ guardians supervise children and young people’s access to content, their participation in interactive services, and their exposure to news and current affairs. It is not always possible to avoid presenting content that may be distressing to some audience members.

Standards:

8.1 Take due care over the dignity and physical and emotional welfare of children and young people who are involved in making, participating in and presenting content produced or commissioned by the ABC.

8.2 Before significant participation of a child or young person in content produced or commissioned by the ABC, or in interactive services offered by the ABC, consider whether it is appropriate to obtain the consent of both the child/young person and the parent/guardian.

8.3 Adopt appropriate measures wherever practicable to enable children and young people, or those who supervise them, to manage risks associated with the child/ young person’s participation with, use of and exposure to ABC content and services designed for them.

8.4 Take particular care to minimise risks of exposure to unsuitable content or inappropriate contact by peers or strangers.

V. Associated Standard: Television Program Classification

Status of Associated Standard This Associated Standard is approved by the ABC Board and is binding. It is for consideration by relevant editorial decision-makers when providing advice on compliance and by complaints bodies when dealing with complaints. The Associated Standard is provided to assist interpretation of or otherwise supplement the standard in the Editorial Policies to which the Associated Standard relates.

This Associated Standard forms part of the Code of Practice notified to the Australian Communications and Media Authority under section 8(1)(e) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.

Key Editorial Standard 7.3 Ensure all domestic television programs— with the exception of news, current affairs and sporting events—are classified and

scheduled for broadcast in accordance with the ABC’s Associated Standard on Television Program Classification.

Principles:

The ABC applies the classifications listed below to the broadcast of all its domestic television programs with the exception of news, current affairs and sporting events. The ABC classifications are adapted from the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games issued by the Classification Board made under the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995.

152 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued The guiding principle in the application of the following classifications is context. What is inappropriate and unacceptable in one context may be appropriate and acceptable in another. Factors to be taken into account include: the artistic or educational merit of the production, the purpose of a sequence, the tone, the camera work, the intensity and relevance of the material, the treatment, and the intended audience.

Standards:

7.3.1 Television Classifications

G - GENERAL

G programs may be shown at any time. G programs, which include programs designed for pre-school and school-aged children, are suitable for children to watch on their own. Some G programs may be more appropriate for older children.

The G classification does not necessarily indicate that the program is one that children will enjoy. Some G programs contain themes or storylines that are not of interest to children.

Whether or not the program is intended for children, the treatment of themes and other classifiable elements will be careful and discreet.

Themes: The treatment of themes should be discreet, justified by context, and very mild in impact. The presentation of dangerous, imitable behaviour is not permitted except in those circ*mstances where it is justified by context. Any depiction of such behaviour must not encourage dangerous imitation.

Violence: Violence may be very discreetly implied, but should:

â¢ have a light tone, or

â¢ have a very low sense of threat or menace, and

â¢ be infrequent, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

Sex: Sexual activity should:

â¢ only be suggested in very discreet visual or verbal references, and

â¢ be infrequent, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

Artistic or cultural depictions of nudity in a sexual context may be permitted if the treatment is discreet, justified by context, andvery mild in impact.

Language: Coarse language should:

â¢ be very mild and infrequent, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

Drug Use: The depiction of the use of legal drugs should be handled with care. Illegal drug use should be implied only very discreetly and be justified by context.

Nudity: Nudity outside of a sexual context should be:

â¢ infrequent, and

â¢ not detailed, and

â¢ not gratuitous.

PG - PARENTAL GUIDANCE

(Parental Guidance recommended for people under 15 years)

Subject to the Implementation Guidelines at 7.3.2, PG programs may be shown in accordance with Time Zone Charts at 7.3.5.

PG programs may contain themes and concepts which, when viewed by those under 15 years, may require the guidance of an adult. ThePG classification signals to parents that material in this category contains depictions or references which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. Materialclassified PG will not be harmful or disturbing to children.

Parents may choose to preview the material for their children. Some may choose to watch the material with their children. Others might find it sufficient to be accessible during or after the viewing to discuss the content.

Appendices 153

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued Themes: The treatment of themes should be discreet and mild in impact. More disturbing themes are not generally dealt with at PG level. Supernatural or mild horror themes may be included.

Violence: Violence may be discreetly implied or stylised and should also be:

â¢ mild in impact, and

â¢ not shown in detail.

Sex: Sexual activity and nudity in a sexual context may be suggested, but should:

â¢ be discreet, and

â¢ be infrequent, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

Verbal references to sexual activity should be discreet.

Language: Coarse language should be mild and infrequent.

Drug Use: Discreet verbal references and mild, incidental visuals of drug use may be included, but these should not promote or encourage drug use.

Nudity: Nudity outside of a sexual context should not be detailed or gratuitous.

M - MATURE

(Recommended for people aged 15 years and over)

Subject to the Implementation Guidelines at 7.3.2, M programs may be shown in accordance with the Time Zone Charts at 7.3.5.

The M category is recommended for people aged over 15 years. Programs classified M contain material that is considered to be potentially harmful or disturbing to those under 15 years. Depictions and references to classifiable elements may contain detail. While most themes may be dealt with, the degree of explicitness and intensity of treatment will determine what can be accommodated in the M category—the less explicit or less intense material will be included in the M classification and the more explicit or more intense material, especially violent material, will be included in the MA15+ classification.

Themes: Most themes can be dealt with, but the treatment should be discreet and the impact should not be strong.

Violence: Generally, depictions of violence should:

â¢ not contain a lot of detail, and

â¢ not be prolonged.

In realistic treatments, depictions of violence that contain detail should:

â¢ be infrequent, and

â¢ not have a strong impact, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

In stylised treatments, depictions of violence may contain more detail and be more frequent if this does not increase the impact.

Verbal and visual references to sexual violence may only be included if they are:

â¢ discreet and infrequent, and

â¢ strongly justified by the narrative or documentary context.

Sex: Sexual activity may be discreetly implied.

Nudity in a sexual context should not contain a lot of detail, or be prolonged.

Verbal references to sexual activity may be more detailed than depictions if this does not increase the impact.

Language: Coarse language may be used.

Generally, coarse language that is stronger, detailed or very aggressive should:

â¢ be infrequent, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

Drug Use: Drug use may be discreetly shown.

Drug use should not be promoted or encouraged.

Nudity: Nudity outside of a sexual context may be shown but depictions that contain any detail should not be gratuitous.

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Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued MA15+ - MATURE AUDIENCE

(Not suitable for people under 15 years)

Subject to the Implementation Guidelines at 7.3.2, MA15+ programs may be shown in accordance with the Time Zone Charts at 7.3.5.

MA15+ programs, because of the matter they contain or because of the way it is treated, are not suitable for people aged under 15 years.

Material classified MA15+ deals with issues or contains depictions which require a more mature perspective. This is because the impact of individual elements or a combination of elements is considered likely to be harmful or disturbing to viewers under 15 years of age. While most themes may be dealt with, the degree of explicitness and intensity of treatment will determine what can be accommodated in the MA15+ category—the more explicit or more intense material, especially violent material, will be included in the MA15+ classification and the less explicit or less intense material will be included in the M classification.

Themes: The treatment of themes with a high degree of intensity should not be gratuitous.

Violence: Generally, depictions of violence should not have a high impact.

In realistic treatments, detailed depictions of violence with a strong impact should:

â¢ be infrequent, and

â¢ not be prolonged, and

â¢ not be gratuitous.

Depictions of violence in stylised treatments may be more detailed and more frequent if this does not increase the impact.

Depictions of sexual violence are permitted only if they are not frequent, prolonged, gratuitous or exploitative.

Sex: Sexual activity may be implied.

Depictions of nudity in a sexual context which contain detail should not be exploitative.

Verbal references may be more detailed than depictions, if this does not increase the impact.

Language: Coarse language may be used.

Coarse language that is very strong, aggressive or detailed should not be gratuitous.

Drug Use: Drug use may be shown, but should not be promoted or encouraged.

More detailed depictions should not have a high degree of impact.

Nudity: Nudity should be justified by context.

7.3.2 Implementation Guidelines

The time zones for each program classification are guides to the most likely placement of programs within that classification. They are not hard and fast rules and there will be occasions on which programs or segments of programs appear in other time zones.

There must be sound reasons for any departure from the time zone for a program classification. Possible reasons might include, for example, the need to schedule programs which are serious presentations of moral, social or cultural issues in timeslots most suitable for their target audiences.

Programs, including those having a particular classification under the Classification Board’s Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games, may be modified so that they are suitable for broadcast or suitable for broadcast at particular times.

Broken Hill in New South Wales shares a time zone with South Australia but ordinarily receives the ABC’s New South Wales TV services. Given the time zone difference, some programs are broadcast outside their classification time zone.

Appendices 155

Appendix 5 - ABC Code of Practice continued 7.3.3 Television Classification Symbols

The classification symbol of the PG, M or MA15+ program (except for news, current affairs or sporting events) being shown will be displayed at the beginning of the program.

The classification symbol of the PG, M or MA15+ program (except for news, current affairs or sporting events) being promoted will be displayed during the promotion.

7.3.4 Consumer Advice

Audio and visual consumer advice on the reasons for an M or MA15+ classification will be given prior to the beginning of an M or MA15+ program.

ABC main channel / ABC NEWS

ABC2

ABC KIDS

ABC ME

Appendix 6 - ABC Television Content Analysis ABC main channel linear program hours transmitted - 24 hours

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts and Culture 28 108 137 3 36 39 176 223

Children's 0 12 12 0 2 3 15 0

Current Affairs 637 544 1,181 1 3 4 1,185 1,114

Documentary 41 218 258 25 247 272 530 413

Drama 49 171 220 104 1,111 1,214 1,434 1,488

Entertainment 1,392 228 1,620 105 479 584 2,204 1,985

Factual 61 252 313 9 426 435 748 995

Indigenous 0 20 20 0 0 0 20 44

Movies 0 0 0 0 25 25 25 206

News 1,723 147 1,871 0 0 0 1,871 1,812

Religion and Ethics 17 32 49 2 24 26 74 95

Sport 53 55 108 0 46 46 154 114

Total Program Hours 4,001 1,786 5,787 249 2,398 2,647 8,434 8,488

% of Total Program Hours 47.4% 21.2% 68.6% 2.9% 28.4% 31.4% 100.0% 100.0%

*Other 326 326 296

Total Hours 6,113 2,647 8,760 8,784

% of Total Hours 70% 30%

*Other: includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements Notes: This Table reflects linear hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and New South Wales transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.

156 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 6 - ABC Television Content Analysis continued ABC main channel linear program hours transmitted - 6am-midnight

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts and Culture 28 76 105 3 12 15 120 144

Children's 0 12 12 0 2 3 15 0

Current Affairs 590 396 986 1 3 4 990 969

Documentary 41 184 224 25 172 197 421 319

Drama 49 141 190 104 792 895 1,085 1,099

Entertainment 406 137 543 105 376 480 1,023 900

Factual 57 234 291 9 339 348 639 933

Indigenous 0 8 8 0 0 0 8 19

Movies 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 4

News 1,713 144 1,857 0 0 0 1,857 1,807

Religion and Ethics 17 32 49 2 24 26 74 74

Sport 53 4 57 0 11 11 67 79

Total Program Hours 2,953 1,369 4,322 249 1,733 1,982 6,303 6,347

% of Total Program Hours 46.8% 21.71% 68.6% 3.9% 27.5% 31.4% 100.0% 100.0%

*Other 267 267 241

Total Hours 4,588 1,982 6,570 6,588

% of Total Hours 70% 30%

ABC main channel linear program hours transmitted - 6pm-midnight

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts and Culture 28 15 44 3 11 14 57 50

Children's 0 12 12 0 2 3 14 0

Current Affairs 243 91 334 1 1 2 337 326

Documentary 40 65 105 25 58 83 187 119

Drama 49 78 126 104 323 426 552 597

Entertainment 77 79 156 105 118 222 379 302

Factual 48 19 67 9 113 123 190 346

Indigenous 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10

Movies 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2

News 214 131 345 0 0 0 345 323

Religion and Ethics 16 0 16 0 0 0 16 19

Sport 4 4 8 0 11 11 19 13

Total Program Hours 719 495 1,213 247 638 885 2,098 2,107

% of Total Program Hours 34.3% 23.6% 57.8% 11.8% 30.4% 42.2% 100.0% 100.0%

*Other 92 92 89

Total Hours 1,305 885 2,190 2,196

% of Total Hours 60% 40%

Appendices 157

Appendix 6 - ABC Television Content Analysis continued ABC KIDS (ABC2) linear program hours transmitted - 5am-7pm

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts and Culture 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Children's 122 1,362 1,483 89 3,225 3,314 4,798 4,811

Current Affairs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Documentary 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Drama 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Entertainment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Factual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Indigenous 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Movies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

News 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Religion and Ethics 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sport 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Program Hours 122 1,362 1,483 89 3,225 3,314 4,798 4,811

% of Total Program Hours 2.5% 28.4% 30.9% 1.9% 67.2% 69.1% 100.0% 100.0%

*Other 312 312 313

Total Program Hours, including interstitials 1,796 3,314 5,110 5,124

% of Total Hours 35% 65%

*Other: includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements Notes: This Table reflects linear hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and New South Wales transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other states and territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.

ABC ME linear program hours transmitted - 6am-varied close

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts/Culture 0 3 3 0 0 0 3 5

Children’s 171 1,388 1,558 165 3,844 4,009 5,567 5,416

Current Affairs 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 458

Documentary 0 3 3 0 1 1 5 11

Drama 0 1 1 9 0 9 11 458

Entertainment 0 437 437 0 0 0 437 458

Factual 0 12 12 0 34 34 46 74

Indigenous 0 3 3 0 0 0 3 3

News 49 3 53 0 0 0 53 57

Total Program Hours 220 1,852 2,072 174 3,879 4,054 6,126 6,024

% of Total Program Hours 3.6% 30.2% 33.8% 2.8% 63.3% 66.2% 100.0% 100%

Other 255 255 145

Total Program Hours, including interstitials 2,327 4,054 6,381 6,169

% of Total Hours 36% 64%

*Other: includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements.

Notes: This Table reflects linear hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and New South Wales transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other states and territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to nearest whole number.

ABC ME transmission close times varied in 2016-17.

158 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 6 - ABC Television Content Analysis continued ABC2 linear program hours transmitted - 7pm-2am

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts and Culture 0 6 6 0 32 32 38 25

Children's 0 5 5 0 8 8 14 0

Current Affairs 0 3 3 0 3 3 6 3

Documentary 9 50 59 56 898 954 1,013 714

Drama 0 51 51 19 403 422 472 551

Entertainment 41 388 430 12 295 308 738 944

Factual 0 3 3 0 126 126 130 258

Indigenous 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 3

Movies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19

News 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 9

Religion and Ethics 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sport 5 2 7 0 0 0 7 1

Total Program Hours 55 512 567 88 1,766 1,854 2,421 2,527

% of Total Program Hours 2.3% 21.2% 23.4% 3.6% 72.9% 76.6% 100.0% 100.0%

*Other 134 134 35

Total Hours 701 1,854 2,555 2,562

% of Total Hours 27% 73%

*Other: includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements.

iview program hours transmitted - 24 hours

Type of program

Australian Overseas Total

First

Release Repeat Total Australian First

Release Repeat Total Overseas 2016-17 2015-16

Arts and Culture 40 165 205 0 96 96 301 267

Children's 34 1,972 2,006 0 6,134 6,134 8,141 6,891

Current Affairs 10 812 822 0 3 3 824 1,010

Documentary 9 231 240 0 688 688 928 633

Drama 11 342 354 0 889 889 1,242 1,298

Entertainment 78 331 409 0 337 337 746 757

Factual 9 239 248 0 321 321 569 706

Indigenous 3 22 25 0 0 0 25 19

Movies 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 2

News 21 2,451 2,472 0 0 0 2,472 2,391

Religion and Ethics 0 26 26 0 2 2 28 23

Sport 0 67 67 0 23 23 90 105

Total Program Hours 214 6,659 6,873 0 8,496 8,496 15,370 14,102

% of Total Program Hours 1.4% 43.3% 44.7% 0.0% 55.3% 55.3% 100.0% 100.0%

*Other 3 3 1

Total Hours 6,877 8,496 15,373 14,103

% of Total Hours 45% 55%

*Other: includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements.

Notes: This table reflects hours of content detailed in the OnAir schedule that were uploaded to iview.

Appendices 159

Appendix 7 - Promotion and Market Research Expenditure on market research and promotion for 2016-17 was $10,020,454, compared with $10,696,127 in 2015-16.

The Corporation uses advertising agencies and market research organisations predominantly for activities related to ABC Commercial, Radio, Television and Australia Plus.

Expenditure

2016-17 $

2015-16 $

Market Research 5,353,950 5,765,604

Advertising 3,558,789 3,104,308

Promotion 1,107,715 1,826,215

Total 10,020,454 10,696,127

Appendix 8 - Performance Pay In 2016-17, the ABC paid bonuses to 189 executives totalling $2,268,757 - an average of $12,004 per executive.

Bonuses were paid to 190 non-executive employees totalling $384,989 - an average of $2,026 per employee.

Appendix 9 - Consultants During 2016-17, the ABC spent $1,546,463 on consultancies, broken down as follows (paymentstoconsultants includes amounts paid and payable as at 30 June 2017):

Consultant Purpose of Consultancy

Total $ (paid or payable as at 30 June 2017)

Below $10,000

Various Various 141,144

$10,000-$50,000

P Graham Strategic advice 10,000

Soji Pty Ltd Editorial review 11,016

4th Dimension Business Travel Consulting Strategic advice 13,500

RiskLogic Pty Ltd Risk assessment and analysis 14,165

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd Technical advice 14,800

Presence of IT Pty Ltd Technical advice 16,131

Savills (UK) Ltd Property valuation and advisory services 17,052

Urbis Valuations Pty Ltd Property valuation and advisory services 20,000

Covaris Pty Ltd Technical advice 22,500

Cafa*gna Communications Pty Ltd Editorial review 24,000

Ernst & Young Finance and other advisory services 25,670

Neoteny Service Design Pty Ltd Strategic advice 25,875

Composure Group Strategic advice 26,066

G Bailey Editorial review 30,000

Sub-total 270,775

160 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 10 - Overseas Travel Costs The total cost of overseas travel for 2016-17 was $3.8 million, compared with $4.6 million in 2015-16.

ABC Overseas Travel Costs 2016-17 $m 2015-16

Travel allowances and accommodation 1.8 2.2

Airfares 1.3 1.6

Other* 0.7 0.8

Total 3.8 4.6

* Other includes car hire, taxis, excess baggage, hire of personnel and equipment.

Appendix 9 - Consultants continued

Consultant Purpose of Consultancy

Total $ (paid or payable as at 30 June 2017)

Above $50,000

P McGuinness Strategic advice 50,438

Telstra Corporation Ltd Technical advice 52,000

Frazer Walker Pty Ltd Strategic advice 53,824

Data #3 Limited Technical advice 54,050

Leadership Advisory Pty Ltd Strategic advice 60,094

PricewaterhouseCoopers Finance and other advisory services 61,526

Trevor-Roberts Associates Career advice - redundancies 64,950

333 Management Pty Ltd Strategic advice 91,028

Egon Zehnder International Pty Ltd Strategic advice 93,526

L.E.K. Consulting Strategic advice 157,240

J Rudder Strategic advice 178,750

McGees Property Property valuation and advisory services 217,118

Sub-total 1,134,544

TOTAL 1,546,463

Appendices 161

Appendix 11 - Employee Profile Total ABC employee strength, as at the end of the last pay period in 2016-17 (25 June 2017)

Team ACT NSW NT O/S QLD SA TAS VIC WA

Grand Total

ABC Commercial 0.00 90.66 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.40 0.00 95.06

Audiences 1.00 124.88 1.00 0.00 7.51 3.21 2.00 18.05 2.00 159.65

Editorial Policies 1.00 11.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.99

Engagement 0.00 61.94 0.00 2.00 4.00 22.22 0.00 13.40 0.00 103.56

Finance 2.74 112.23 2.20 0.00 8.39 32.05 4.80 12.49 6.30 181.20

Corporate Management* 0.00 4.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 5.00

News 100.73 558.69 50.37 19.00 155.63 91.09 62.91 222.76 72.16 1,333.34

Radio 22.52 273.64 24.76 0.00 60.03 32.44 23.17 104.66 28.16 569.38

Regional 3.00 117.59 16.96 0.00 118.48 41.55 21.60 61.35 54.91 435.44

Technology 21.41 461.08 12.39 0.00 31.10 23.61 16.72 86.67 25.17 678.15

Television 1.00 351.36 1.00 0.00 1.20 0.00 0.42 164.03 0.00 519.01

Totals 153.40 2,168.06 108.68 21.00 386.34 246.17 131.62 688.81 188.70 4,092.78

* Includes Managing Director’s Office and Government Relations Notes:

Values in Full-Time Equivalents (FTE).

Number of overseas employees in the above table does not include locally-hired employees.

Gender Head count % of Total

Female 2,437 51.10%

Male 2,332 48.90%

Total 4,769 100.00%

Appendix 12 - Awards

International Awards Banff World Media Awards (the Rockies) 2017

Science and Technology: ‘Becoming Superhuman’, The Feds (in association with the ABC - as seen on Catalyst)

British Academy Children’s Awards (Children’s BAFTAs) 2016

Best Interactive Original: Development Team, The Secret Life of Boys, Zodiak Kids Studios (in association with CBBC and the ABC)

Broadcast Digital Awards UK 2017

Best Digital Children’s Content: The Secret Life of Boys, Zodiak Kids Studios Studios (in association with CBBC and the ABC)

Chicago International Children's Film Festival 2016

Children’s Jury Prize - Live-Action Television Program, Little Lunch, ‘The Principal’s Office’, Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with the ABC)

Chicago International Television Awards 2016

Silver Plaque Children’s Program: Little Lunch ‘The Nightmare Before Graduation’, Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with the ABC)

International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (International Emmy) Kids Awards 2017

Kids Digital: Doodles, Ludo Studio (in association with Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, and the ABC)

International Festival of Audiovisual Programming 2017, Biarritz

FIPA D'or for Best Actor: Elias Anton, Barracuda, Matchbox Pictures (in association with ABC)

162 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Kidscreen Awards 2017

Best Web/App Series, Digital - Kids Category: The Secret Life of Boys, Zodiak Kids Studios (in association with CBBC and the ABC)

Best New Series, Programming - Kids Category: The Deep, DHX Media, A Stark Productions, and Head Gear Films (in association with the ABC)

New York Festivals World’s Best Radio 2017

Silver Radio Winner Best Innovation (Craft): The Space Company, Earshot, ‘Stardust: TheColBrain Story’, RN

Silver Radio Winner Best Performance by an Actor (Craft): Joel Carnegie, Earshot, ‘Stardust:The Col Brain Story’, RN

Bronze Radio Winner Best Sports Coverage (News Reports/Features): ABC ID, ‘PacificPerspectives’

Bronze Radio Winner Information/Documentary (Climate Change and Sustainability): TheScience Show, ‘Beyond the coal rush’, RN

Bronze Radio Winner Information/Documentary (Profiles/Community Portraits): Nance Huxton, PM, ‘Sounds of Summer Special: a new chapter for Stradbroke Island’, RN

New York Festivals World’s Best TV & Films 2017

Bronze World Medal Television (Regularly Scheduled Entertainment Program - Drama): The Doctor Blake Mysteries, December Media (inassociation with the ABC)

New Zealand Country Music Awards 2017

Best Country Album of the Year: Jody Direen, Shake Up, ABC Country

Picture this…film festival 2017: An international disability film festival

Documentary 30-60 minutes: ‘Becoming Superhuman’, The Feds (in association with ABC - as seen on Catalyst)

US International Film & Video Festival 2017

Best of the Festival, Entertainment: Little Lunch, ‘The Nightmare Before Graduation’, Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with ABC)

Gold Camera Children’s Entertainment: Little Lunch, ‘The Nightmare Before Graduation’, Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with ABC)

Worldfest Houston Remi Awards 2017

Gold Remi Children’s Audience: Little Lunch ‘TheNightmare Before Graduation’ Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (inassociation with ABC)

Gold Remi Shorts - Documentary: ‘Becoming Superhuman’, The Feds (in association with the ABC - as seen on Catalyst)

Bronze Remi Children’s Audience: Little Lunch ‘The Halloween Horror Story’ Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with ABC)

National Awards Amnesty International Australia Media Awards 2016

Winner, Photography: Andrew Quilty, ‘The Man on the Operating Table’, published on Foreign Correspondent, ‘Surgical Strike’, ABC

Winner, Radio: Sophie McNeill and Fouad Abu Gosh, AM and PM, ‘Voices From Besieged Syria’, RN

Winner, Indigenous Reporting: Sarah Dingle, Background Briefing , ‘WA’s Stolen Wages Shame’, RN

Winner, Television: Sarah Ferguson, Nial Fulton and Ivan O’Mahoney, Hitting Home, In Films and the ABC

APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards 2016

Jazz Work of the Year: Paul Grabowsky, Monash Art Ensemble, Daniel Ngukurr Boy Wilfred, and David Yipininy Wilfred, Nyilipidgi, ABC Jazz

ATOM Awards 2017

Best Factual Television Series: ‘Becoming Superhuman’, The Feds (in association with the ABC - as seen on Catalyst)

Appendices 163

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Australasian Association of Philosophy (AAP) Media Prize 2016

Media Professionals Award for contribution to national discourse on ethical issues: The Minefield , RN

Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Awards 2016

Best Documentary Television Program: Sarah Ferguson, Nial Fulton and Ivan O’Mahoney, Hitting Home, In Films and the ABC

Best Television Comedy Series: Robyn Butler, Wayne Hope and Ben Grogan, Upper Middle Bogan (Series 3), Gristmill (in association with the ABC)

Best Light Entertainment Television Series: Wil Anderson, Polly Connolly, Nick Murray, Jon Casimir, Richard Huddleston, Gruen, CJZ (in association with ABC)

Best Guest or Supporting Actress in a Television Drama: Celia Pacquola, The Beautiful Lie (Episode 3), ABC

Best Direction In A Television Drama Or Comedy: Peter Duncan ADG, Rake (Series 4), Essential Media (in association with the ABC)

Best Screenplay In Television: Sarah Scheller, Alison Bell ABC Comedy Showroom - The Letdown, Giant Dwarf (in association with the ABC)

Best Costume Design: Jonathon Oxlade, Girl Asleep, Windmill Theatre and Soft Tread (in association with the ABC)

Best Sound In Television: Guntis Sics ASSG, Michol Marsh, Peter Hall, Olivia Monteith, Rake (Series 4, Episode 7), Essential Media (in association with the ABC)

Best Hair and Makeup: Kath Brown, Simon Joseph, Troy Follington, Cleverman (Series 1), Goalpost Pictures (in association with the ABC)

Australian Book Industry Awards 2017

Illustrated Book of the Year: Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive, Penguin Bloom, ABC Books

Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) National Awards 2016

Gold Tripod Current Affairs: Louie Eroglu ACS NSW, Four Corners ‘State of Fear’

Award of Distinction Neil Davis International News: Cameron Bauer, ‘Life in Longyearbyen’ ABC News

Award of Distinction Current Affairs: Aaron Hollett VIC, Foreign Correspondent, ‘The War on Children’

Australian Director's Guild Awards 2017

Best Direction in a TV or SVOD Comedy Program: Matthew Saville, Please Like Me (Series 4), Guesswork Television (in association with theABC)

Esben Storm Award for Best Direction in a Children’s TV or SVOD Drama: Robyn Butler, Little Lunch ‘The Nightmare Before Graduation’, Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with ABC)

Australian Jazz Awards (the Bells) 2017

Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album: Michelle Nicolle Quartet, A Flower is a Lovesome Thing, ABC Jazz

Best Produced Album: Jeremy Rose and the Earshift Orchestra, Iron in the Blood, ABC Jazz

Australian Online Video Awards 2017

Winner - Lifestyle: #Shelfie with Dan Hong

Australian Production Design Guild (APDG) Awards 2016

Next Printing Award for Production Design for a Television Production: Jo Briscoe, The Katering Show (Series 2), Guesswork Television (in association with the ABC)

Australian Recording Industry Association Awards (the ARIAs) 2016

Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles - Wiggle Town!, ABC Music and Universal Music

Best Country Album: Sara Storer, Silos, ABCCountry

164 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Best World Music Album: Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Sierra Kilo Alpha, ABC Music

Best Jazz Album: Vince Jones & Paul Grabowsky, Provenance, ABC Classics

Best Original Soundtrack / Cast / Show Album: Josh Pyke and the SSO, Live at The Sydney Opera House, ABC Music

Best Comedy Release: Roy & HG, This Sporting Life, ABC Music - triple j imprint

Australian Screen Editors Guild Awards (the Ellies) 2016

Best Editing in a Drama Non-Feature: Julie-Anne De Ruvo, The Beautiful Lie (Episode: 3), Endemol/ Southern Star Entertainment (in association with the ABC)

Best Editing in a Comedy: Julie-Anne De Ruvo, Please Like Me (Series 3, Episode 10), Guesswork Television (in association with the ABC)

Australian Screen Sound Guild (ASSG) Awards

Best Sound for an Animated Short Film: Tom Heuzenroeder, Michael Darren, Duncan Campbell, Sam Rogers, Petar Ristic, Ryan Squires, and Luke Jurevicius, ‘Pharaoh Pho’ (Episode 32), The New Adventures of Figaro Pho, Chocolate Liberation Front and Luma Toons (in association with the ABC)

Australian Toy Association Awards 2017

Licensed Property Awards - Pre-School License of the Year: Play School Celebrating 50 Years, ABC Commercial

Australian Writers Guild Awards (the AWGIEs) 2016

Major Award Winner: Shelley Birse, The Code (Series 2), Playmaker Media (in association with the ABC)

John Hinde Award for Science Fiction: Michael Miller, Cleverman (Series 1 Episode 5), Goalpost Pictures and Pukeko Pictures (in association with the ABC)

Television Miniseries - Adaptation: Blake Ayshford and Belinda Chayko, Barracuda, Matchbox Pictures (in association with Film Victoria, Screen Australia and the ABC)

Television Miniseries - Original: Shelley Birse, The Code (Series 2), Playmaker Media (in association with the ABC)

Television Series: Andrew Knight, Rake (Series 4, Episode 7) Essential Media & Entertainment, Blow by Blow Productions, Screen Australia and the ABC (in association with Screen NSW)

Comedy - Sketch or Light Entertainment: Gerard McCulloch with Charlie Pickering, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, ‘Halal Certification’ and ‘Stadium Naming Rights’

Comedy - Situation or Narrative: Josh Thomas and Liz Doran, Please Like Me (Series 3) ‘Pancakes with Faces’, John & Josh International, Pigeon Fancier Productions, Pivot, and ABC

Radio - Original: Richie Black, Radiotonic, ‘Happy Monday’, RN

Children’s Television - P Classification: Rachel Spratt, Sydney Sailboat, ‘Trash and Treasure’, Essential Media & Entertainment, Ideate Media, Lemon Sky Games and Animation of Malaysia, Shambles Communications, Telegael, and ABC Children’s Television

Children’s Television - C Classification: Leah Purcell, Ready for This, ‘The Birthday Party’, Blackfella Films, Werner Film Productions (in association with the ABC)

Casting Guild of Australia Awards 2016

Best Casting in a TV Drama: Anousha Zarkesh, Cleverman (Series 1), Goalpost Pictures and Pukeko Pictures (in association with the ABC)

Churchill Fellowship Medal

Awarded to Andrea Ho (Local Manager, 666 ABC Canberra), on completion of her Fellowship project ‘Investigating practical strategies to increased cultural diversity in broadcast media’

Deaf Sports Australia Media Award

Winner: Ted O’Connor, ‘Sports clinics to boost participation among hearing-impaired children’, ABC News

Appendices 165

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award 2017 (sponsored by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute)

Recipient: Bonny Symons-Brown, Supervising Producer and Reporter of The Drum, ABC TV.

Equity Ensemble Awards 2017

Outstanding Performance By An Ensemble In A Miniseries/Telemovie: Matt Nable, Elias Anton, Ben Kindon, Victoria Haralabidou, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Andrew Creer, Rachel Griffiths, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Barracuda, Matchbox Pictures (in association with the ABC).

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Series in a Drama Series: Hunter Page-Lochard, Rob Collins, Iain Glen, Frances O’Connor, Deborah Mailman, Tasma Walton, Rarriwuy Hick, Ryan Corr, Stef Dawson, Tysan Towney, Tony Briggs, Cleverman (Series 1), Goalpost Pictures and Pukeko Pictures (in association with the ABC)

Country Music Australia Awards (the Golden Guitars) 2017

Male Artist of The Year: Travis Collins, Hard Light, ABC Country

Female Artist of The Year: Sara Storer, Silos, ABC Country

Bush Ballad of The Year: Sara Storer, Amazing Night, ABC Country

APRA AMCOS Song of The Year: Travis Collins, Call Me Crazy, ABC Country

Single of The Year: Travis Collins, Just Another Girl, ABC Country

Country Music Channel (CMC) Awards 2017

Australian Artist of The Year: Travis Collins, ABCCountry

Male Australian Artist of The Year: Travis Collins, ABC Country

Australian Video of The Year: Travis Collins, CallMe Crazy, ABC Country

Hall of Fame Award: Lee Kernaghan, ABCCountry

ARIA Highest-Selling Australian Artist: AdamBrand & The Outlaws (Self-titled), ABC Country

Logies 2017

Most Outstanding Supporting Actress: Debra Lawrance, Please Like Me (Series 4),

Most Outstanding Comedy Program: Please Like Me (Series 4) John & Josh International, Pigeon Fancier Productions, Pivot, and ABC

Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding Newcomer: Elias Anton, Barracuda, Matchbox Pictures (in association with Film Victoria, Screen Australia and the ABC)

Best (Most Popular) New Talent: Rob Collins, Cleverman (Series 1), Goalpost Pictures and Pukeko Pictures (in association with the ABC)

Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program: Conviction, ABC TV

Outstanding Children’s Program: Little Lunch ‘The Nightmare Before Graduation’ Gristmill and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (in association with ABC)

Screen Music Awards 2016

Best Music for a Mini-Series or Telemovie: Alan John, The Beautiful Lie, Endemol and Southern Star Entertainment (in association with the ABC)

Best Original Song Composed for the Screen: Darren Seltmann and Sally Seltmann, ‘Dancing in the Darkness’ from ABC Comedy Showroom - The Letdown, Giant Dwarf (in association with the ABC), song published by Sony ATV Music Publishing Australia

Best Music for Children’s Television: Michael Darren, Luke Jurevicius and Christopher Larkin, The New Adventures of Figaro Pho: Odd Socks, Chocolate Liberation Front (in association withABC)

Screen Producers Australia Awards 2016

Drama Series Production: Cleverman (Series 1), Goalpost Pictures and Pukeko Pictures (in association with the ABC)

166 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Documentary Series Production: Afghanistan: Inside Australia’s War, Essential Media and Entertainment (in association with ABC)

Cutting Edge Short Film Production: Ronny Chieng: International Student (pilot), StickyPictures

Children’s Series of the Year: Tomorrow, When the War Began, Ambience Entertainment (in association with the ABC)

Light Entertainment Series Production: Gruen, CJZ

United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Media Peace Awards 2016

Best TV - Documentary: Caro Meldrum-Hanna, Mary Fallon, Elise Worthington, Four Corners ‘Australia's Shame’

Best Radio - News: Jane Bardon, Background Briefing ‘Indigenous residents’, RN

Best Radio - Documentary: Christine El-Khoury, Background Briefing ‘Anti-Muslim extremists: how far will they go?’, RN

Promotion of Indigenous Recognition: Sarah Dingle, Background Briefing ‘WA’s Stolen Wages Shame’, RN

Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2016

Radio News and Current Affairs Journalism: Sophie McNeill and Fouad Abu Gosh, PM and AM, ‘Voices from Besieged Syria’, ABC Radio

Business Journalism: Adele Ferguson, Klaus Toft and Mario Christodolou, Four Corners and Fairfax, ‘CommInsure Scandal’

International Journalism: Sophie McNeill, Aaron Hollett, Mark Corcoran and Matt Walker, ForeignCorrespondent ‘The War on Children’

Television/Audio-Visual Daily Current Affairs: Anne Connolly, Suzanne Smith and Lesley Robinson, 7.30 ‘Anglican Church PaedophileRing’

Television/Audio-Visual Weekly Current Affairs: Linton Besser, Louie Eroglu, Jaya Balendra and Elise Worthington, Four Corners ‘State of Fear’

Investigative Journalism: Adele Ferguson, Klaus Toft and Mario Christodoulou, Four Corners and Fairfax, ‘CommInsure Scandal’

Interview: Caro Meldrum-Hanna, Four Corners ‘Jackson and Lawler’

Walkley Documentary Award: Sarah Ferguson, Nial Fulton and Ivan O’Mahoney, Hitting Home, ABC TV and In Films

Walkley Editors Lab Hackathon 2017

First place, and People’s Choice Award: Simon Elvery, Ben Spraggon and Colin Gourlay (ABC News) for their prototype encryption tool, Initiate

Walkley Young Journalist of the Year 2016

Winner: Elly Bradfield (based in Toowoomba with the ABC Regional Team) for QLD Regional Drive ‘St George’s ice struggle’, ‘Dinosaurs fighting depression in the bush’ and ‘The story of three long lost sisters’.

Elly also won the Radio/Audio Journalism Walkley, and the Community/Regional Journalism Walkley for these articles.

State and Territory Awards New South Wales

ACT/NSW Australian Cinematographers Society Awards

Neil Davis International News Gold: Louie Eroglu, Four Corners ‘State of Fear’

Current Affairs Gold: Louie Eroglu Four Corners ‘Insult to Injury’

Entertainment and TV Magazine Gold: Louie Eroglu, Four Corners ‘The Great Cricket Coup’

Dramatised Documentaries Bronze: Louie Eroglu The Killing Season (Episode 1)

Current Affairs Bronze: Quentin Davis, Australian Story ‘The Phantom of the Opera House’

Current Affairs Silver: Gregory Nelson, FourCorners ‘Catastrophic Failure’

Current Affairs Silver: Gregory Nelson, ForeignCorrespondent ‘Get Up, Stand Up

Appendices 167

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Drama or Comedy Series and Telefeatures: Bruce Young, The Secret River, Ruby Entertainment (in association with the ABC)

NSW Kennedy Awards 2017

Outstanding Investigative Reporting: Adele Ferguson, Klaus Toft, and Sarah Danckert, Four Corners ‘The Price of Convenience’, ABC and Fairfax

Outstanding Radio Reporting: Giselle Wakatama, ABC

Outstanding Television Current Affairs Reporting (long form): Caro Meldrum-Hanna, Clay Hichens, and Mario Christodoulou, Four Corners ‘Callous Disregard’

Outstanding Finance Reporting: Adele Ferguson, Mario Christodoulou and Klaus Toft, Four Corners ‘Money For Nothing’, ABC and Fairfax

Outstanding Consumer Affairs Reporting: Sarah Dingle, Joel Tozer, and Jaya Balendra, Four Corners ‘The Fertility Business’

The Cliff Neville Award for Outstanding Team Player: Former 7.30 producer Phil Kwok - Phil left the ABC in January 2015 after 17 years

The Paul Lockyer Award for Outstanding Regional Broadcast Reporting: Joanna Woodburn, ABC

Kennedy Journalist of the Year: Adele Ferguson (ABC Four Corners and Fairfax Media)

NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing's (MACA) Media Awards 2016

Winner News: Laura Gartry, ‘David Goodall: Australia’s oldest working scientist fights to stay at university’, ABC News

Winner Current Affairs: Ellen Fanning, Life Matters ‘Reverse Mentoring - Why older, very experienced workers are taking on junior roles, working under far younger managers, to get a job’, RN

NSW Premier’s History Awards 2016

Multimedia History Prize: Victoria Midwinter Pitt and Alan Erson, Afghanistan: Inside Australia’s War

NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2017

Betty Roland Prize For Scriptwriting: Shelley Birse (joint winner), The Code (Series 2), Playmaker Media (in association with the ABC)

Northern Territory

NT Media Awards 2016

Gold Award - Northern Territory Journalist oftheYear 2016: James Oaten

Gold Award - Marchbanks Young Journalist ofthe Year 2016: Avani Dias

Gold Award - Excellence in Indigenous Reporting: Kate Wild

Gold Award - The Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award: Kate Wild

Television/Radio Best News Coverage: JamesOaten

Television/ Radio Best Current Affairs or Feature: James Oaten

Best News Camerawork of the Year: MitchellWoolnough

All Media Best Online Coverage: Jane Bardon

All Media Best Environment / Innovation Reporting: Jane Bardon

All Media Best Sports Journalism: EllianaLawford

Queensland

QLD Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) Awards 2016

Gold Award - Current Affairs: Cameron Bauer, Foreign Correspondent ‘Rosie’s Journey’

Gold Award - Neil Davis International News: Cameron Bauer, ‘Seeds of Salvation’

Gold Award- Syd Wood ACS Local and National News: Steven Cavanagh, ‘Prison Education’

Gold Award - Documentaries: Anthony Sines, ‘Out of the Water’

Silver Award - Current Affairs: Marc Smith, ‘Sugar Trip’

168 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Queensland Clarion Awards 2016

All Media - Social Issues Reporting: Heidi Davoren, Matthew Liddy, Lucy Fahey, Ben Spraggon and Colin Gourlay, ‘These women arenot just statistics’

Best Rural Journalist: Kirstin Murray, ‘Baby Cash’

Radio - Current Affairs, Feature Documentary or Special: Elly Bradfield, ‘St George’s ice struggle’

Regional and Community - Broadcast Report: Elly Bradfield, ‘St George’s ice struggle’

Sports Journalism: Nance Haxton, ‘Why are boxers dying in Queensland?’

Radio News Report: Isobel Roe

Multimedia Journalism: Tim Leslie, Will Ockenden, Simon Elvery and Colin Gourlay, ‘Whatreporter Will Ockenden’s metadata reveals about his life’

Television - Current Affairs Feature Documentary: Mark Willacy and Ben Hawke, Foreign Correspondent ‘Into the Zone’

South Australia

Archbishop of Adelaide Media Awards

Radio category citation: Ian Henschke and Graham Knowles (891 ABC Adelaide)

SA Media Awards 2017

2017 Journalist of the Year: Alex Mann

Best Radio Broadcaster: Caroline Winter

Rural/Regional Journalist: Kate Hill, Selina Green, Courtney Howe and Alexia Atwood, ‘Ambulance cover backlash’, ABC South East SA

Best Community Journalist: Kate Hill, ‘Shipwreck Hunters, Emergency Gawkers and Biker Church’, ABC South East SA

Best Coverage of Sport: Alex Mann, 7.30 (Body of Work)

Best Coverage of Social Equity Affairs: Alex Mann, 7.30 (Body of Work)

TV Current Affairs or Feature: Alex Mann, 7.30 ‘Max Bromson’s Battle’

Radio News and Current Affairs or Feature: Caroline Winter, PM ‘Statewide Blackout’

Best Television Broadcaster (Presenter, Reporter or Camera Person): Alex Mann, 7.30 (BodyofWork)

SA Press Club Awards 2016

Best Community Report Any Medium: Nicola Gage, ‘Aboriginal leaders take control of their future to reduce alcohol fuelled violence’

Best Regional or Rural Report Any Medium: Angelique Donnellan, Whyalla’s Uncertain Future’

Best Sports Story Any Medium: Alex Mann, 7.30 ‘Foxes Fan’s Dying Wish’

Best Radio Report: Caroline Winter, ‘DoesZambia have what it takes to become thefoodbowl of Africa?’

University of South Australia Student Journalism Award: Samantha Dawes

Tasmania

Tasmanian Media Awards 2017

2017 Journalist of the Year: Richard Baines

Keith Welsh award for outstanding contribution to Journalism: Chris Wisbey

Arts Reporting: Rick Eaves, ABC News Online (Body of Work)

Best News Story: Richard Baines, ‘Letting the most vulnerable down - Tasmania’s child protection woes’

Science, Environment and Health: Felicity Ogilvie, AM (Body of Work)

Excellence in Legal Reporting: Michael Atkin,7.30 and ABC News Online (Body of Work)

Appendices 169

Appendix 12 - Awards continued Victoria

Film Victoria Screen Leader Awards 2016

Jill Robb Award for Outstanding Leadership, Achievement and Service to the Victorian Screen Industry: Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Newton's Law, Every Cloud Productions (in association with theABC)

Jan Sardi Award for Achievement in Screenwriting: Alison Nisselle, Parers War and Bed of Roses

Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards 2016

Graham Perkin Journalist of the Year: CaroMeldrum-Hanna

Melbourne Press Club Young Journalist of the Year: Bridget Judd

Gold Quill: Louise Milligan & Andy Burns

Business News: Adele Ferguson, Klaus Toft, and Mario Christodoulou (Four Corners, The Age), ‘CommInsure Scandal’

Coverage of an Issue or Event: Louise Milligan and Andy Burns, 7.30, ‘George Pell and Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church’

TV/Video Feature (Long Form): Adele Ferguson, Klaus Toft, and Mario Christodoulou (Four Corners, The Age) ‘CommInsure Scandal’

TV/Video Feature (Short Form): Nick McKenzie and Gus Goswell, 7.30 ‘Foreign bribery allegations exposed’

Melbourne WebFest 2016

Best Animation: The Shapes, Mad Kids and Sandbox (in association with ABC)

Melbourne WebFest 2017

Best Australian Animation: Doodles, Ludo Studio (in association with Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, and the ABC)

Music Victoria Awards 2016

Best Global or Reggae Album: Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Sierra Kilo Alpha, ABC Music

Western Australia

Rural Media Association of Western Australia (RMA) Awards 2016

Best regional news coverage outside agriculture: Fiona Pepper, Off Track ‘Dining with Killer Whales’, RN

WA/SA Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) Awards 2016

Silver Award - Current Affairs: Brant Cumming, ‘Brumbies’

West Australian Screen Awards 2016

Outstanding Achievement in Animation: TheShapes, Mad Kids and Sandbox (inassociation with ABC)

WA Media Awards 2016

Regional and Community - Best Three News Stories or Features - All Media: Nathan Morris, ‘Preservation of Aboriginal languages of the Goldfields, Esperance’ ABC Local News / ABC News Digital / ABC News 24

Business, Economics or Finance Report: Courtney Bembridge, ‘Subcontractors lose millions on airport build’, ABC News Digital

Political Report: Rebecca Turner and Jessica Strutt, ‘The big money and politics behind the Kwinana buffer protests’ (ABC News Perth)

News Story or Feature - Radio/Audio Journalism: Lauren Day, PM ‘Man facing deportation despite living in WA since infancy’

170 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 13 - Television Transmission Channels

Australian Capital Territory Canberra 8

Tuggeranong 41

Weston Creek/ Woden 41

New South Wales Adelong 39

Albury North 31

Armidale 36

Armidale North 7

Ashford 41

Balranald 40

Batemans Bay/ Moruya 41

Bathurst 7

Batlow 41

Bega 31

Bombala 47

Bonalbo 41

Bouddi 41

Bourke 6

Bowral/Mittagong 47 Braidwood 47

Broken Hill 10

Captains Flat 41

Cassilis 30

Central Tablelands 36 Central Western Slopes 12

Cobar 6

Coffs Harbour 45

Condobolin 41

Coolah 47

Cooma Town 41

Cooma/Monaro 29 Cowra 42

Crookwell 32

Deniliquin 41

Dubbo 41

Dungog 41

Eden 47

Glen Innes 41

Gloucester 29

Goodooga 7

Gosford 41

Goulburn 41

Grafton/Kempsey 36 Hay 41

Illawarra 35

Inverell 41

Ivanhoe 8

Jerilderie 41

Jindabyne 41

Kandos 47

Khancoban 46

Kings Cross 30

Kotara 37

Kyogle 41

Laurieton 41

Lightning Ridge 11 Lithgow 31

Lithgow East 47

Manly/Mosman 30 Manning River 7

Menindee 41

Merewether 37

Merriwa 43

Mudgee 41

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 28 Murrurundi 37

Murwillumbah 29 Narooma 47

Newcastle 37

Nowra North 47

Nyngan 41

Oberon 42

Port Stephens 30 Portland/ Wallerawang 41 Richmond/Tweed 29 Stanwell Park 47

SW Slopes/ E Riverina 46

Sydney 12

Talbingo 41

Tamworth 41

Tenterfield 47

Thredbo 33

Tottenham 47

Tumbarumba 41

Tumut 41

Ulladulla 28

Upper Hunter 47

Upper Namoi 29

Vacy 32

Wagga Wagga 41

Walcha 45

Walgett 40

Wilcannia 9

Wollongong 41

Wyong 41

Young 41

Northern Territory Alice Springs 8

Batchelor 41

Bathurst Island 11 Borroloola 10

Daly River 7

Darwin 30

Darwin City 41

Galiwinku 10

Groote Eylandt 7

Jabiru 7

Katherine 8

Mataranka 8

Nhulunbuy 7

Pine Creek 10

Tennant Creek 9A

Queensland Airlie Beach 39

Alpha 7

Aramac 8

Atherton 47

Augathella 7

Ayr 45

Babinda 48

Barcaldine 7

Bedourie 6

Bell 41

Birdsville 7

Blackall 7

Blackwater 47

Boonah 42

Bowen Town 39

Boyne Island 41

Brisbane 12

Cairns 8

Cairns East 42

Cairns North 35

Camooweal 7

Capella 31

Cardwell 48

Charleville 11

Charters Towers 45 Clermont 35

Cloncurry 6

Collinsville 35

Cooktown 40

Cunnamulla 11

Currumbin 50

Darling Downs 29 Dimbulah 42

Dirranbandi 7

Dysart 41

Eidsvold 47

Emerald 11

Esk 39

Georgetown 7

Gladstone East 33 Gladstone West 47 Gold Coast 41

Gold Coast Southern Hinterland 50

Goondiwindi 41

Gordonvale 48

Gympie 41

Gympie Town 49

Herberton 35

Hervey Bay 41

Hughenden 8

Injune 6

Jericho 6

Julia Creek 11

Karumba 7

Longreach 10

Mackay 28

Mareeba 42

Meandarra 47

Middlemount 35

Miles 41

Miriam Vale/ Bororen 41

Mission Beach 48 Mitchell 12

Monto 41

Moranbah 48

Moranbah Town 35 Morven 8

Mossman 33

Mount Garnet 35

Mount Isa 7

Mount Molloy 42

Moura 47

Murgon 41

Muttaburra 11

Nambour 41

Nebo 35

Appendices 171

Appendix 13 - Television Transmission Channels continued Noosa/Tewantin 41 Normanton 8

Port Douglas 47

Proserpine 45

Quilpie 9

Ravenshoe 42

Redlynch 47

Richmond 7

Rockhampton 34

Rockhampton East 41 Roma 8

Shute Harbour 47 Southern Downs 35 Springsure 41

St George 12

Stuart 46

Sunshine Coast North 49

Sunshine Coast South 39

Surat 10

Tambo 7

Tara 41

Taroom 10

Texas 41

Theodore 41

Thursday Island 9 Tieri 35

Toowoomba 47

Townsville 34

Townsville North 46 Tully 41

Wandoan 47

Wangetti 42

Warwick 41

Weipa 6

Wide Bay 11

Winton 7

Yeppoon 41

South Australia Adelaide 12

Adelaide Foothills 39 Andamooka 7

Bordertown 42

Burra 35

Caralue Bluff 47

Ceduna/Smoky Bay 39 Clare 47

Coffin Bay 44

Coober Pedy 7

Cowell 36

Craigmore/Hillbank 39 Hawker 47

Keith 38

Kingston SE/Robe 38 Lameroo 42

Leigh Creek South 8 Naracoorte 42

Pinnaroo 38

Port Lincoln 49

Quorn 47

Renmark/Loxton 31 Roxby Downs 40

South East 31

Spencer Gulf North 43 Streaky Bay 11

Tumby Bay 30

Victor Harbor 39

Waikerie 47

Wirrulla 9A

Woomera 37

Wudinna 36

Tasmania Acton Road 36

Barrington Valley 48 Bicheno 36

Binalong Bay 37

Burnie 47

Cygnet 44

Derby (Tas) 47

Dover 47

Dover South 43

East Devonport 35 Geeveston 35

Gladstone 47

Goshen/Goulds Country 35

Hillwood 47

Hobart 8

Hobart City* 33

Hobart NE Suburbs 47 King Island 47

Launceston 35

Lileah 8

Lilydale 47

Maydena 42

Meander 48

Montumana IBL 47 NE Tasmania 41

New Norfolk 35

Orford 41

Penguin 35

Port Sorell 28

Queenstown/ Zeehan 47

Ringarooma 29

Rosebery 32

Savage River 47

Smithton 35

St Helens 29

St Marys 47

Strahan 41

Swansea 47

Taroona 45

Ulverstone 35

Waratah 35

Wynyard 28

Victoria Alexandra 47

Alexandra Environs 41 Apollo Bay 47

Bairnsdale 35

Ballarat 35

Bendigo 29

Bonnie Doon 32

Bright 31

Bruthen 47

Cann River 47

Casterton 41

Churchill 49

Cobden 41

Colac 47

Coleraine 47

Corryong 36

Eildon 34

Eildon Town 41

Ferntree Gully 43

Foster 41

Genoa 36

Goulburn Valley 37 Halls Gap 47

Hopetoun-Beulah 33 Horsham 41

Kiewa 41

Lakes Entrance 47 Latrobe Valley 29 Lorne 35

Mallacoota 47

Mansfield 47

Marysville 35

Melbourne 12

Mildura/Sunraysia 11 Murray Valley 47

Myrtleford 47

Nhill 47

Nowa Nowa 29

Orbost 41

Portland 41

Rosebud 43

Safety Beach 43

Selby 35

Seymour 41

South Yarra 43

Tawonga South 31 Upper Murray 11

Upwey 35

Warburton 35

Warrnambool 50

Warrnambool City 29 Western Victoria 6 Yea 34

Western Australia Albany 43

Augusta 46

Bridgetown 45

Broome 9

Bruce Rock 50

Bunbury 36

Carnamah 46

Carnarvon 6

Central Agricultural 45 Cervantes 47

Cue 10

Dalwallinu 49

Dampier 28

Denham 7

Derby (WA) 9

Esperance 9A

Exmouth 7

Fitzroy Crossing 41 Geraldton 41

Halls Creek 9

Hopetoun (WA) 40 Jurien 37

Kalbarri 8

Kalgoorlie 9A

Kambalda 40

Karratha 42

Katanning 45

Kojonup 50

172 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 13 - Television Transmission Channels continued Kununurra 8

Kununurra East 40 Lake Grace 34

Laverton 11

Leeman 6

Leinster 11

Leonora 10

Mandurah/Waroona 41 Manjimup 46

Marble Bar 7

Margaret River 45

Meekatharra 9

Menzies 10

Merredin 50

Mingenew 46

Moora 38

Morawa 7

Mount Magnet 9

Mullewa 46

Nannup 31

Narembeen 50

Narrogin 50

Newman 6

Norseman 6

Northam 50

Northampton 46

Onslow 7

Pannawonica 9

Paraburdoo 9A

Pemberton 32

Perth 12

Port Hedland 8

Ravensthorpe 10

Roebourne 9A

Roleystone 41

Southern Agricultural 11

Southern Cross 7

Tom Price 12

Toodyay 47

Wagin 29

Wongan Hills 47

Wyndham 12

Yalgoo 10

Notes: The ABC has listed only terrestrial transmission services with apparatus licences held by the ABC. The ABC has no control over ABC television and radio services retransmitted under Sections 212 or 212A of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) (the BSA).

Television Transmitter Statistics TELEVISION ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total

ABC Television* 3 92 15 113 32 42* 53 71 421

Total Television 3 92 15 113 32 42 53 71 421

Notes: For six television services, two transmitters are in use (main and standby). These are counted as a single transmitter for the purposes of these numbers as only one is in use at any given time.

* Includes Hobart City Temporary Infill Service

Appendix 14 - Radio Transmission Frequencies

Digital radio Sydney 206.352MHz Brisbane 206.352MHz Adelaide 206.352MHz Melbourne

206.352MHz

Perth 206.352MHz

Analog radio

ABC Local Radio

Australian Capital Territory Canberra 666

New South Wales Armidale 101.9

Ashford 107.9

Batemans Bay/ Moruya 103.5

Bega 810

Bombala 94.1

Bonalbo 91.3

Broken Hill 999

Byrock 657

Central Western Slopes 107.1

Cobar 106.1

Cooma 1602

Corowa 675

Crookwell 106.9

Cumnock, Central NSW 549 Dubbo 95.9

Eden 106.3

Glen Innes 819

Gloucester 100.9

Goodooga 99.3

Gosford 92.5

Goulburn (town) 90.3 Grafton 738

Grafton/Kempsey 92.3 Hay 88.1

Illawarra 97.3

Ivanhoe 106.1

Jindabyne 95.5

Kandos 96.3

Kempsey 684

Lightning Ridge 92.1 Lithgow 1395

Manning River 95.5

Menindee 97.3

Merriwa 101.9

Mudgee 99.5

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 100.5 Murrurundi 96.9

Murwillumbah 720 Muswellbrook 1044 Newcastle 1233

Nyngan 95.1

Port Stephens 95.9 Portland/ Wallerawang 94.1 Richmond/Tweed 94.5 SW Slopes/

E Riverina 89.9

Sydney 702

Tamworth 648

Taree 756

Tenterfield 88.9

Thredbo 88.9

Tottenham 99.3

Tumut 97.9

Upper Hunter 105.7 Upper Namoi 99.1 Wagga Wagga 102.7

Walcha 88.5

Walgett 105.9

Wilcannia 1584

Young 96.3

Northern Territory Adelaide River 98.9 Alice Springs 783 Bathurst Island 91.3 Borroloola 106.1

Daly River 106.1

Darwin 105.7

Galiwinku 105.9

Groote Eylandt 106.1 Jabiru 747

Katherine 106.1

Mataranka 106.1

Newcastle Waters 106.1 Nhulunbuy 990

Pine Creek 106.1

Tennant Creek 106.1

Queensland Airlie Beach 89.9

Alpha 105.7

Atherton 720

Babinda 95.7

Appendices 173

Appendix 14 - Radio Transmission Frequencies continued Bedourie 106.1

Biloela 94.9

Birdsville 106.1

Boulia 106.1

Brisbane 612

Cairns (AM) 801

Cairns 106.7

Cairns North 95.5

Camooweal 106.1 Charleville 603

Coen 105.9

Collinsville 106.1

Cooktown 105.7

Croydon 105.9

Cunnamulla 106.1 Dimbulah 91.7

Dysart 91.7

Eidsvold 855

Emerald 1548

Georgetown 106.1 Gladstone 99.1

Glenden 92.5

Gold Coast 91.7

Goondiwindi 92.7 Greenvale 105.9

Gympie 95.3

Gympie 1566

Hughenden 1485

Injune 105.9

Julia Creek 567

Karumba 106.1

Lakeland 106.1

Laura 106.1

Longreach 540

Mackay 101.1

Middlemount 106.1 Miriam Vale 88.3

Mission Beach 89.3 Mitchell 106.1

Moranbah 104.9

Mossman 639

Mount Garnet 95.7 Mount Isa 106.5

Mount Molloy 95.7 Moura 96.1

Nambour 90.3

Normanton 105.7

Pentland 106.1

Pialba-Dundowran (Wide Bay) 855

Quilpie 106.1

Rockhampton 837 Roma 105.7

Roma/St George 711 Southern Downs 104.9 Tambo 105.9

Taroom 106.1

Theodore 105.9

Thursday Island (Torres Strait) 1062 Toowoomba 747

Townsville 630

Tully 95.5

Wandoan 98.1

Weipa 1044

Wide Bay 100.1

South Australia Adelaide 891

Andamooka 105.9 Coober Pedy 106.1 Leigh Creek South 1602 Marree 105.7

Mount Gambier 1476 Naracoorte 1161

Port Lincoln 1485

Port Pirie 639

Renmark/Loxton 1062 Roxby Downs 102.7 Streaky Bay 693

Woomera 1584

Victoria Alexandra 102.9

Apollo Bay 89.5

Ballarat 107.9

Bendigo 91.1

Bright 89.7

Cann River 106.1

Corryong 99.7

Eildon 98.1

Goulburn Valley 97.7 Horsham 594

Latrobe Valley 100.7 Mallacoota 104.9

Mansfield 103.7

Melbourne 774

Mildura/ Sunraysia 104.3

Murray Valley 102.1 Myrtleford 91.7

Omeo 720

Orbost 97.1

Portland 96.9

Sale 828

Upper Murray, Albury/ Wodonga 106.5

Warrnambool 1602 Western Victoria 94.1

Western Australia Albany 630

Argyle 105.9

Augusta 98.3

Bridgetown 1044

Broome 675

Bunbury (Busselton) 684 Carnarvon 846

Cue 106.1

Dalwallinu 531

Derby 873

Esperance 837

Exmouth 1188

Fitzroy Crossing 106.1 Geraldton 828

Halls Creek 106.1

Hopetoun 105.3

Kalbarri 106.1

Kalgoorlie 648

Karratha 702

Kununurra 819

Laverton 106.1

Leonora 105.7

Manjimup 738

Marble Bar 105.9

Meekatharra 106.3 Menzies 106.1

Mount Magnet 105.7 Nannup 98.1

Newman 567

Norseman 105.7

Northam 1215

Pannawonica 567 Paraburdoo 567

Perth 720

Port Hedland 603 Ravensthorpe 105.9 Southern Cross 106.3 Tom Price 567

Wagin 558

Wyndham 1017

Yalgoo 106.1

Australian Capital Territory Canberra 846

New South Wales Armidale 720

Balranald 93.1

Batemans Bay/ Moruya 105.1

Bathurst (City) 96.7 Bega/Cooma 100.9 Bonalbo 92.1

Bourke 101.1

Broken Hill 102.9

Central Tablelands 104.3 Central Western Slopes 107.9

Cobar 107.7

Condobolin 88.9

Cooma (town) 95.3 Crookwell 107.7

Deniliquin 99.3

Eden 107.9

Emmaville 93.1

Glen Innes 105.1

Gloucester 102.5

Goodooga 100.9

Goulburn 1098

Grafton/Kempsey 99.5 Hay 88.9

Ivanhoe 107.7

Jerilderie 94.1

Jindabyne 97.1

Kandos 100.3

Lightning Ridge 93.7 Lithgow 92.1

Manning River 97.1 Menindee 95.7

Merriwa 103.5

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 98.9 Murrurundi 104.1

Newcastle 1512

Nowra 603

Port Stephens 98.3 Portland/ Wallerawang 92.5 Richmond/Tweed 96.9

174 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 14 - Radio Transmission Frequencies continued SW Slopes/ E Riverina 89.1

Sydney 576

Tamworth 93.9

Tenterfield 90.5

Thredbo 90.5

Tumut 99.5

Upper Namoi 100.7 Wagga Wagga 104.3 Walcha 90.1

Walgett 107.5

Wilcannia 1485

Wollongong 1431

Young 97.1

Northern Territory Adelaide River 100.5 Alice Springs 99.7 Bathurst Island 92.9 Borroloola 107.7

Daly River 107.7

Darwin 657

Galiwinku 107.5

Groote Eylandt 107.7 Jabiru 107.7

Katherine 639

Mataranka 107.7

Newcastle Waters 107.7 Nhulunbuy 107.7

Pine Creek 107.7

Tennant Creek 684

Queensland Airlie Beach 93.1

Alpha 107.3

Aramac 107.9

Augathella 107.7

Babinda 94.1

Barcaldine 107.3

Bedourie 107.7

Birdsville 107.7

Blackall 107.9

Blackwater 94.3

Boulia 107.7

Bowen 92.7

Brisbane 792

Cairns 105.1

Cairns North 93.9

Camooweal 107.7 Capella 107.3

Charleville 107.3

Charters Towers 97.5

Clermont 107.7

Cloncurry 107.7

Coen 107.5

Collinsville 107.7

Cooktown 107.3

Corfield 107.3

Croydon 107.5

Cunnamulla 107.7 Darling Downs 105.7 Dimbulah 93.3

Dirranbandi 107.3 Dysart 93.3

Eidsvold 102.7

Emerald 93.9

Georgetown 107.7 Gladstone 95.9

Glenden 93.3

Gold Coast 90.1

Goondiwindi 94.3 Greenvale 101.9

Gympie 96.9

Herberton 93.1

Hughenden 107.5 Injune 107.5

Isisford 107.7

Jericho 107.7

Julia Creek 107.5

Karumba 107.7

Lakeland 107.7

Laura 107.7

Longreach 99.1

Mackay 102.7

Meandarra 104.3

Middlemount 107.7 Miles 92.1

Miriam Vale 89.9

Mission Beach 90.9 Mitchell 107.7

Monto 101.9

Moranbah 106.5

Morven 107.5

Mossman 90.1

Mount Garnet 97.3 Mount Isa 107.3

Mount Molloy 97.3 Moura 96.9

Muttaburra 107.7

Normanton 107.3

Pentland 107.7

Quilpie 107.7

Richmond 107.7

Rockhampton 103.1 Roma 107.3

Southern Downs 106.5 Springsure 100.9

St George 107.7

Surat 107.5

Tambo 107.5

Taroom 107.7

Theodore 107.5

Thursday Island 107.7 Townsville 104.7

Townsville North 96.7 Tully 96.3

Wandoan 98.9

Weipa 107.3

Wide Bay 100.9

Winton 107.9

South Australia Adelaide 729

Andamooka 107.5 Ceduna/ Smoky Bay 107.7

Coober Pedy 107.7 Hawker 107.5

Keith 96.9

Leigh Creek South 106.1 Marree 107.3

Mount Gambier 103.3 Quorn 107.9

Renmark/Loxton 1305 Roxby Downs 101.9 Spencer Gulf North 106.7

Streaky Bay 100.9 Tumby Bay 101.9

Wirrulla 107.3

Woomera 105.7

Wudinna 107.7

Tasmania Bicheno 91.3

Hobart 585

Lileah 89.7

NE Tasmania 94.1

Orford 88.9

Queenstown 630 Rosebery 107.9

St Helens 96.1

St Marys 101.1

Strahan 105.9

Swansea 107.7

Waratah 104.9

Weldborough 98.9

Victoria Albury/Wodonga 990 Alexandra 104.5

Bairnsdale 106.3

Bright 88.9

Cann River 107.7

Corryong 98.1

Eildon 97.3

Hopetoun (VIC) 88.3 Horsham 99.7

Mallacoota 103.3

Mansfield 105.3

Melbourne 621

Mildura/ Sunraysia 105.9

Nhill 95.7

Omeo 99.7

Orbost 98.7

Portland 98.5

Swifts Creek 103.5 Wangaratta 756

Warrnambool 101.7 Western Victoria 92.5

Western Australia Argyle 107.5

Augusta 99.1

Broome 107.7

Bunbury (Busselton) 1269 Carnarvon 107.7

Cue 107.7

Dalwallinu 612

Dampier 107.9

Denham 107.5

Derby 107.5

Eneabba 107.7

Esperance 106.3

Exmouth 107.7

Fitzroy Crossing 107.7 Geraldton 99.7

Halls Creek 107.7

Hopetoun (WA) 106.9 Jurien 107.9

Kalbarri 107.7

Kalgoorlie 97.1

Kambalda 93.9

Karratha 100.9

Kununurra 107.3

Appendices 175

Appendix 14 - Radio Transmission Frequencies continued Laverton 107.7

Leeman 107.3

Leonora 107.3

Marble Bar 107.5

Meekatharra 107.9 Menzies 107.7

Merredin 107.3

Mount Magnet 107.3 Mullewa 107.5

Nannup 98.9

Narembeen 107.7 Newman 93.7

Norseman 107.3

Onslow 107.5

Pannawonica 107.7 Paraburdoo 107.7 Perth 810

Port Hedland 95.7 Ravensthorpe 107.5 Roebourne 107.5

Salmon Gums 100.7 Southern Agricultural 96.9 Southern Cross 107.9 Tom Price 107.3

Wagin 1296

Wyndham 107.7

Yalgoo 107.7

ABC Classic FM

Australian Capital Territory Canberra 102.3

Tuggeranong 99.1

New South Wales Armidale 103.5

Batemans Bay/ Moruya 101.9

Bathurst (City) 97.5 Bega/Cooma 99.3 Broken Hill 103.7

Central Tablelands 102.7 Central Western Slopes 105.5

Goulburn (town) 89.5 Grafton/Kempsey 97.9 Illawarra 95.7

Manning River 98.7

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 97.3 Newcastle 106.1

Richmond/Tweed 95.3 SW Slopes/ E Riverina 88.3

Sydney 92.9

Tamworth 103.1

Upper Namoi 96.7 Wagga Wagga 105.9

Northern Territory Alice Springs 97.9 Darwin 107.3

Queensland Airlie Beach 95.5

Brisbane 106.1

Cairns 105.9

Cairns North 94.7

Clermont 104.5

Darling Downs 107.3 Emerald 90.7

Gold Coast 88.5

Gympie 93.7

Mackay 97.9

Mount Isa 101.7

Nambour 88.7

Rockhampton 106.3 Roma 97.7

Southern Downs 101.7 Townsville 101.5

Townsville North 95.9 Wide Bay 98.5

South Australia Adelaide 103.9

Adelaide Foothills 97.5 Mount Gambier 104.1 Renmark/Loxton 105.1 Roxby Downs 103.5 Spencer Gulf

North 104.3

Tasmania Hobart 93.9

NE Tasmania 93.3

Victoria Ballarat (Lookout Hill) 105.5 Bendigo 92.7

Bright 88.1

Goulburn Valley 96.1 Latrobe Valley 101.5 Melbourne 105.9

Mildura/ Sunraysia 102.7

Murray Valley 103.7 Upper Murray 104.1 Warrnambool 92.1 Western Victoria 93.3

Western Australia Bunbury 93.3

Central Agricultural 98.9 Esperance 104.7

Geraldton 94.9

Kalgoorlie 95.5

Narrogin 92.5

Perth 97.7

Southern Agricultural 94.5

triple j

Australian Capital Territory Canberra 101.5

Tuggeranong 95.9

New South Wales Armidale 101.1

Bathurst (City) 95.9 Bega/Cooma 100.1 Broken Hill 102.1

Central Tablelands 101.9 Central Western Slopes 102.3

Goulburn (town) 88.7 Grafton/Kempsey 91.5 Illawarra 98.9

Manning River 96.3 Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 96.5 Newcastle 102.1

Richmond/Tweed 96.1 SW Slopes/ E Riverina 90.7

Sydney 105.7

Tamworth 94.7

Upper Namoi 99.9 Wagga Wagga 101.1

Northern Territory Alice Springs 94.9 Darwin 103.3

Queensland Brisbane 107.7

Cairns 107.5

Cairns North 97.1

Darling Downs 104.1 Gold Coast 97.7

Mackay 99.5

Mount Isa 104.1

Nambour 89.5

Rockhampton 104.7 Southern Downs 103.3 Townsville 105.5

Townsville North 97.5 Wide Bay 99.3

South Australia Adelaide 105.5

Adelaide Foothills 95.9 Mount Gambier 102.5 Renmark/Loxton 101.9 Spencer Gulf

North 103.5

Tasmania Hobart 92.9

NE Tasmania 90.9

Victoria Ballarat (Lookout Hill) 107.1 Bendigo 90.3

Goulburn Valley 94.5 Latrobe Valley 96.7 Melbourne 107.5

Mildura/Sunraysia 101.1 Murray Valley 105.3 Upper Murray 103.3 Warrnambool 89.7 Western Victoria 94.9

Western Australia Bunbury 94.1

Central Agricultural 98.1 Geraldton 98.9

Kalgoorlie 98.7

Perth 99.3

Southern Agricultural 92.9

176 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 14 - Radio Transmission Frequencies continued

ABC NEWS on radio

Australian Capital Territory Canberra 103.9

Tuggeranong 99.9

New South Wales Armidale 102.7

Batemans Bay/ Moruya 100.5

Bathurst 98.3

Bega/Cooma 89.7 Broken Hill 104.5

Central Tablelands 91.9 Central Western Slopes 106.3

Deniliquin 100.9

Gosford 98.1

Goulburn 99.9

Grafton/Kempsey 90.7 Illawarra 90.9

Inverell 93.5

Lithgow 91.3

Manning River 94.7 Mudgee 101.1

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 98.1

Newcastle 1458

Port Stephens 95.1 Richmond/Tweed 98.5 SW Slopes/ E Riverina 91.5

Sydney 630

Tamworth 91.7

Upper Hunter 104.9 Upper Namoi 101.5 Wagga Wagga 105.1

Northern Territory Alice Springs 104.1 Darwin 102.5

Katherine 105.3

Queensland Airlie Beach 93.9

Bowen 96.7

Brisbane 936

Cairns 101.1

Cairns North 96.3

Emerald 89.1

Gladstone 96.7

Gold Coast 95.7

Gympie 94.5

Mackay 104.3

Mount Isa 104.9

Rockhampton 105.5

Sunshine Coast 94.5 Toowoomba 96.7

Townsville 94.3

Townsville North 93.5 Warwick 96.3

Wide Bay 97.7

South Australia Adelaide 972

Mount Gambier 105.7 Renmark/Loxton 93.9 Spencer Gulf North 102.7

Tumby Bay 91.5

Tasmania Burnie 90.5

East Devonport 102.1 Hobart 747

NE Tasmania 92.5

Victoria Bairnsdale 107.9

Ballarat 94.3

Bendigo 89.5

Colac 104.7

Goulburn Valley 107.7 Horsham 89.3

Latrobe Valley 95.1

Melbourne 1026

Mildura/ Sunraysia 100.3

Murray Valley 95.9 Portland 97.7

Upper Murray 100.9 Warrnambool 91.3 Western Victoria 91.7

Western Australia Broome 106.9

Bunbury (Busselton) 1152 Carnarvon 106.1

Central Agricultural 99.7 Esperance 103.1

Geraldton 101.3

Kalgoorlie 100.3

Karratha 104.1

Perth 585

Port Hedland 94.9 Southern Agricultural 92.1 Wagin 96.3

Domestic Shortwave The frequencies used by shortwave stations to transmit are varied to obtain optimum results.

Northern Territory Alice Springs 4835Hz

Katherine 5025Hz

Tennant Creek 4910Hz

Domestic shortwave transmission ceased in Australia on 31 January 2017.

Appendices 177

Appendix 14 - Radio Transmission Frequencies continued

Radio Transmitter Statistics Services have been included if they operated at any point during the reporting period.

RADIO ACT NSW NT Qld SA Tas Vic WA Total

Digital Radio 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 5

ABC Radio 1 59 15 68 13 19 24 41 240

RN 1 52 15 87 18 13 21 50 257

ABC Classic FM 2 19 2 18 6 2 11 8 68

triple j 2 18 2 13 5 2 10 6 58

ABC NEWS on radio 2 26 3 18 5 4 14 12 84

Domestic Shotwave* 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3

Total Radio 8 175 40 205 48 40 81 118 715

* Three domestic shortwave transmission transmitters ceased on 31 January 2017.

Appendix 15 - Radio Australia and Australia Plus Distribution and Transmission

Radio Australia Frequencies Radio English - 24 hours

Tonga Nuku’alofa 103 FM

Fiji Nadi 106.6 FM

Suva 106.6 FM

Vanuatu Port Vila 103 FM

Solomon Islands Honiara 107 FM

Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby 101.9 FM

Lae 102.1 FM

Cambodia* Phnom Penh 101.5 FM

Laos† Vientiane 96 FM

Samoa Apia 102 FM

Radio English - Part rebroadcast

Nauru Radio Nauru 105 FM

Papua New Guinea

NBC network 1 national

station and 19 provincial

Papua New Guinea

FM100 network:

Lae 100.3 FM

Kimbe 100.8 FM

Kavieng 100.3 FM

Goroka 100.2 FM

Buka 100.8 FM

Boregoro 107.7 FM

Dimodimo 107.1 FM

Samoa Samoa Quality

Broadcasting

89.9 FM

Solomon Islands Honiara 97.7/101.7 FM

Paoa FM

Tonga Tonga

Broadcasting

1017 AM

178 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 15 - Radio Australia and Australia Plus Distribution and Transmission continued Languages other than English - rebroadcast partner stations

Radio French ‡

New Caledonia New Caledonia 1st FM Network 8

frequencies across New Caledonia

French Polynesia Polynesia 1st FM Network (National broadcaster)

frequencies across Polynesia

Polynesia 1st AM service

738 AM

Wallis and Futuna Hinifo 101.0 FM

Mua/Hahake 100.0 FM

Sigave 89.0 FM

Sigave 90.0 FM

Alo 91.0 FM

Pidgin (Tok Pisin)

Papua New Guinea

FM100 Network

Madang 100.8 FM

Lae 100.3 FM

Kimbe 100.8 FM

Kavieng 100.3 FM

Goroka 100.2 FM

Buka 100.8 FM

Boregoro 107.7 FM

Dimodimo 107.1 FM

NBC Provincial Stations

Bougainville

Central

East New Britain

East Sepic

Eastern Highlands

Enga

Gulf

Madang

Manus

Milne Bay

Marobe

New Island

Northern

Simbu

Southern Highlands

Pidgin (Tok Pisin)

West New Britain

West Sepik

Western

Western Highlands

Solomon Islands Honiara 1035 AM

Radio Khmer §

Cambodia Phnom Penh 102 FM

Kva Village 102 FM

Sangkat Dankor

102 FM

Khan Dangkor 102 FM

Siem Reap 107.9 FM

Battambang 92.7 FM

Kampot 99.7 FM

Kampong Cham

92.5 FM

Radio Mandarin â

China Beijing 774 AM

Shanghai Media Group: Radio Classical FM

94.7 FM

Notes:

* Cambodia Phnom Penh service was terminated Feb 2017. † Laos Vientiane service was terminated 20 November 2016. ‡ Radio Australia French services and agreements were terminated Feb 2017. § Radio Australia Khmer services terminated Feb 2017. â Radio Mandarin services terminated Aug 2016.

Satellite distribution - Australia Plus and Radio Australia Australia Plus Television and Radio Australia are distributed together across the Asia-Pacific region on Intelsat 18 and Intelsat 20 satellites. This makes the two networks available to rebroadcasters and direct-to-home viewers across the region.

Australia Plus - rebroadcasts and free-to-air transmitters Australia Plus has more than 200 rebroadcast partners across the Asia-Pacific region. Information on rebroadcast partners can be found at Australia Plus Television’s website: http://tv.australiaplus.com/tuning

Appendices 179

Appendix 16 - ABC Offices

ABC Head Office Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Managing Director: Michelle Guthrie

Corporate Audiences ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: Leisa Bacon

ABC Commercial ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: Robert Patterson

Engagement ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: Samantha Liston

Finance ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 CFO: Lou Higgins

Government Relations ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: Michael Millett

News ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: Gaven Morris

Radio ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: Michael Mason

Technology ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 i/CTO: Lou Higgins

Television ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1500 Director: David Anderson

State Offices Australian Capital Territory

ABC Radio Canberra Cnr Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues Dickson ACT 2602 (GPO Box 9994 Canberra ACT 2601) Phone (02) 6275 4538 SMS: 0467 922 666 Local Manager ACT: Andrea Ho

New South Wales

ABC Radio Sydney ABC Ultimo Centre 700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007 (GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001) Phone (02) 8333 1234 SMS: 0467 922 702 Local Manager NSW: Cath Dwyer

Bega Unit 1, First Floor The Roy Howard Building Ayers Walkway 184 Carp Street (PO Box 336) Bega NSW 2550 Phone (02) 6491 6011 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC South East NSW) Chief of Staff: Lisa Markham

Coffs Harbour 24 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone (02) 6650 3611 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station:

ABC Coffs Coast) Chief of Staff: Cameron Marshall

180 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 16 - ABC Offices continued Dubbo 45 Wingewarra Street (PO Box 985) Dubbo NSW 2830 Phone (02) 6881 1811 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC Western Plains) Chief of Staff: Nick Lowther

Lismore 61 High Street (PO Box 908) Lismore Heights NSW 2480 Phone (02) 6627 2011 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC North Coast NSW) Chief of Staff: Justine Frazier

Muswellbrook 36A Brook Street Muswellbrook NSW 2333 Phone (02) 6542 2811 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC Upper Hunter) Chief of Staff: Theresa Rockley-Hogan

Newcastle 24 Wood Street (Cnr Wood and Parry Streets) Newcastle West NSW 2302 PO Box 2205 Dangar NSW 2309 Phone (02) 4922 1200 SMS 0487 991 233 (Local Radio station: 1233 ABC Newcastle) Chief of Staff: Theresa Rockley-Hogan

Orange 46 Bathurst Road (PO Box 8549) East Orange NSW 2800 Phone (02) 6393 2511 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC Central West NSW) Chief of Staff: Nick Lowther

Port Macquarie 51 Lord St (PO Box 42) Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Phone (02) 6588 1211 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC Mid North Coast NSW) Chief of Staff: Cameron Marshall

Tamworth 470 Peel Street Level 1, Parry Shire Building (PO Box 558) Tamworth NSW 2340 Phone (02) 6760 2411 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC New England North West) Chief of Staff: Anna Moulder

Wagga Wagga 100 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Phone (02) 6923 4811 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC Riverina) Chief of Staff: Benjamin Shuhyta

Wollongong 13 Victoria St Wollongong NSW 2500 (PO Box 973 Wollongong NSW 2520) Phone (02) 4224 5011 SMS 0467 922 684 (Local Radio station: ABC Illawarra) Chief of Staff: Jennifer Lacey

Northern Territory

ABC Radio Darwin 1 Cavenagh Street Darwin NT 0800 (GPO Box 9994 Darwin NT 0801) Phone (08) 8943 3222 SMS: 0487 921 057 Local Manager NT: Simon Scoble

Alice Springs Cnr Gap Road and Speed Street Alice Springs NT 0870 (PO Box 1144 Alice Springs NT 0871) Phone (08) 8950 4711 SMS 0487 991 057 (Local Radio station: ABC Alice Springs) Chief of Staff: Richard Hind

Katherine Stuart Highway Katherine NT 0850 (PO Box 1240 Katherine NT 0851) Phone (08) 8972 5711 SMS 0487 991 057 (Local Radio station: ABC Katherine) Chief of Staff: Richard Hind

Queensland

ABC Radio Brisbane 114 Grey Street South Brisbane QLD 4101 (GPO Box 9994 Brisbane QLD 4001) Phone (07) 3377 5222 SMS: 0467 922 612 Local Manager QLD: Jen Brennen

Appendices 181

Appendix 16 - ABC Offices continued Bundaberg Shop 6 58 Woongarra Street (PO Box 1152) Bundaberg QLD 4670 Phone (07) 4155 4911 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC Wide Bay) Chief of Staff: Scott Lamond

Cairns Cnr Sheridan and Upward Streets (PO Box 932) Cairns QLD 4870 Phone (07) 4044 2011 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC Far North Queensland) Chief of Staff: Martin Cuddihy

Gold Coast Cnr Gold Coast Highway and Francis Street (PO Box 217) Mermaid Beach QLD 4218 Phone (07) 5595 2917 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: 91.7 ABC Gold Coast) Chief of Staff: Andrew Arthur

Longreach Duck Street (PO Box 318) Longreach QLD 4730; Phone (07) 4658 4011 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC Western Queensland) Chief of Staff: Nicole Bond

Mackay 2 Wellington Street (PO Box 127) Mackay QLD 4740 Phone (07) 4957 1111 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC Tropical North) Chief of Staff: Fidelis Rego

Mt Isa 114 Camooweal Street Mt Isa QLD 4825 Phone (07) 4744 1311 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC North West Queensland) Chief of Staff: Andrew Saunders

Rockhampton 236 Quay Street (PO Box 911) Rockhampton QLD 4700 Phone (07) 4924 5111 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC Capricornia) Chief of Staff: Chrissy Arthur

Sunshine Coast Level 1 15 Carnaby Street (PO Box 1212) Maroochydore QLD 4558 Phone (07) 5475 5000 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: 90.3 ABC Sunshine Coast) Chief of Staff: Bianca Clare

Toowoomba 297 Margaret Street (PO Box 358) Toowoomba QLD 4350 Phone (07) 4631 3811 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC Southern Queensland) Chief of Staff: Vicki Thompson

Townsville 8-10 Wickham Street (PO Box 694) Townsville QLD 4810 Phone (07) 4722 3011 SMS 0487 993 222 (Local Radio station: ABC North Queensland) Chief of Staff: Paula Tapiolas

South Australia

ABC Radio Adelaide 85 North East Road Collinswood SA 5081 (GPO Box 9994 Adelaide SA 5001) Phone (08) 8343 4000 SMS: 0467 922 891 Local Content Manager SA: Graeme Bennett

Broken Hill (administered by ABC South Australia) 454 Argent Street (PO Box 315) Broken Hill NSW 2880 Phone (08) 8082 4011 SMS 0467 922 783 (Local Radio station: ABC Broken Hill) Chief of Staff: Andrew Schmidt

Mount Gambier 31 Penola Road (PO Box 1448) Mt Gambier SA 5290 Phone (08) 8724 1011 SMS 0467 922 783 (Local Radio station: ABC South East SA) Chief of Staff: Stuart Stansfield

182 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 16 - ABC Offices continued Port Lincoln First Floor, Civic Centre 60 Tasman Terrace (PO Box 679) Port Lincoln SA 5606 Phone (08) 8683 2611 SMS 0467 922 783 (Local Radio station: ABC Eyre Peninsula) Chief of Staff: Petria Ladgrove

Port Pirie 85 Grey Terrace

(PO Box 289)

Port Pirie SA 5540

Phone (08) 8638 4811

SMS 0467 922 783 (Local Radio station: ABC North and West SA) Chief of Staff: Petria Ladgrove

Renmark Ral Ral Avenue (PO Box 20) Renmark SA 5341 Phone (08) 8586 1311 SMS 0467 922 783 (Local Radio station: ABC Riverland) Chief of Staff: Meg Vonic-Joyce

Tasmania

ABC Radio Hobart ABC Centre 1-7 Liverpool Street (GPO Box 9994) Hobart TAS 7001 Phone (03) 6235 3333 SMS: 0438 922 936 Local Manager: Jocelyn Nettlefold

Burnie 81 Mount Street (PO Box 533) Burnie TAS 7320 Phone (03) 6430 1211 SMS 0467 922 917 (Local Radio station: ABC Northern Tasmania) Chief of Staff: Deniker Gerrity

Launceston 45 Ann Street (PO Box 201) Launceston TAS 7250 Phone (03) 6323 1011 SMS 0467 922 917 (Local Radio station: ABC Northern Tasmania) Chief of Staff: Deniker Gerrity

Victoria

ABC Radio Melbourne ABC Southbank Centre 120 Southbank Boulevard Southbank VIC 3006 (GPO Box 9994 Melbourne VIC 3001) Phone (03) 9626 1200 SMS: 0437 774 774 Local Content Manager: Warwick Tiernan

Ballarat 5 Dawson Street South Ballarat VIC 3350 (PO Box 7 Ballarat VIC 3353) Phone (03) 5320 1011 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABCBallarat) Chief of Staff: Prue Bentley

Bendigo 278 Napier Street (PO Box 637) Bendigo VIC 3550 Phone (03) 5440 1711 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABC Central Victoria) Chief of Staff: Sian Gard

Horsham Shop 3 148 Baillie Street Horsham VIC 3400 (PO Box 506 Horsham VIC 3402) Phone (03) 5381 5311 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABCWestern Victoria) Chief of Staff: PrueBentley

Mildura 73 Pine Ave (PO Box 10083) Mildura VIC 3502 Phone (03) 5022 4511 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABCMildura-Swan Hill) Chief of Staff: Lauren Henry

Sale 340 York Street (PO Box 330) Sale VIC 3850 Phone (03) 5143 5511 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABC Gippsland) Chief of Staff: Laura Poole

Shepparton 50A Wyndham Street (PO Box 1922) Shepparton VIC 3630 Phone (03) 5820 4011 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio Station: ABCGoulburn Murray) Chief of Staff: Gaye Pattison

Appendices 183

Appendix 16 - ABC Offices continued Warrnambool 166B Koroit Street (PO Box 310) Warrnambool VIC 3280 Phone (03) 5560 3111 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABC South West Victoria) Chief of Staff: Prue Bentley

Wodonga 1 High Street (PO Box 1063) Wodonga VIC 3690 Phone (02) 6049 2011 SMS 0467 842 722 (Local Radio station: ABC Goulburn Murray) Chief of Staff: Gaye Pattison

Western Australia

ABC Radio Perth 30 Fielder Street East Perth WA 6004 (GPO Box 9994 Perth WA 6848) Phone (08) 9220 2700 SMS: 0437 922 720 Local Content Manager WA: Sarah Knight

Albany 2 St Emilie Way Albany WA 6330 Phone (08) 9842 4011 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio Station:

ABC Great Southern WA) Chief of Staff: Andrew Collins

Broome 23 Hamersley Street (PO Box 217) Broome WA 6725 Phone (08) 9191 3011 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio station: ABC Kimberley) Chief of Staff: Cecile O’Connor

Bunbury 72 Wittenoom Street (PO Box 242) Bunbury WA 6231 Phone (08) 9792 2711 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio station: ABC South West WA) Chief of Staff: Clare Negus

Esperance 80b Windich Street (PO Box 230) Esperance WA 6450 Phone (08) 9083 2011 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio station: ABC Goldfields) Chief of Staff: John Wibberley

Geraldton 245 Marine Terrace (PO Box 211) Geraldton WA 6531 Phone (08) 9923 4111 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio station: ABC Mid West & Wheatbelt) Chief of Staff: Natasha Harradine

Kalgoorlie Unit 3, Quartz Centre 353 Hannan Street (PO Box 125) Kalgoorlie WA 6430 Phone (08) 9093 7011 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio station: ABC Goldfields) Chief of Staff: John Wibberley

Karratha DeGrey Place (PO Box 994) Karratha WA 6714 Phone (08) 9183 5011 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio station: ABC North West WA) Chief of Staff: Joseph Dunstan

Kununurra 114b Collibah Drive (PO Box 984) Kununurra WA 6743 Phone: 9168 4300 SMS 0448 922 604 (Local Radio Station: ABC Kimberley) Chief of Staff: Cecile O’Connor

In addition: ABC Regional has home-based reporters in Port Augusta and Nowra

Overseas Offices

Beijing 8-121 Qi Jia Yuan Diplomatic Compound Chaoyang District Beijing 100600 China Phone +86 10 6532 6819 Fax +86 10 6532 2514

Jakarta Level 16 Deutsche Bank Jl. Imam Bonjol 80 Jakarta 10310 Indonesia Phone +62 21 390 8123 Fax +62 21 390 8124

London 2nd floor 4 Millbank Westminster SW1P 3JA London United Kingdom Phone +44 20 7808 1360 Fax +44 20 7799 5482

Nairobi Nivina Towers Westlands Road Museum Hill, Westlands Nairobi

184 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Appendix 16 - ABC Offices continued Kenya Port Moresby Airvos Avenue GPO Box 779 Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Phone +675 321 2666 (321 2503) Fax +675 321 2131

Tokyo NHK Hoso Centre 2-2-1 Jinnan Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8001 Japan Phone +81 3 3469 8089 Fax +81 3 3468 8445

Washington Suite 660 2000 M Street NW Washington DC 20036 USA Phone +1 202 466 8575

In addition: The ABC has home-based reporters in Bangkok (Thailand), Beirut (Lebanon), New Delhi (India) and Jerusalem (Israel)

Footnotes 1 Prohibited content essentially involves content that is classified either as RC (Refused Classification) or X18+. This includes real depictions of actual sexual activity, child p*rnography, detailed instruction in crime, violence or drug use; and age-restricted content.

2 Age-restricted content involves content classified as R18+ or MA15+ that is delivered through a mobile device or through a service that provides audio or video content for a fee. This type of content must be subject to a restricted access system, i.e. measures put in place to protect children under the age of 15 from exposure to unsuitable material. This category of content includes material containing strong depictions of nudity, implied sexual activity, drug use or violence, very frequent or very strong coarse language, and other material that is strong in impact.

Appendices 185

Compliance Index Osamah Sami and Benjamin Law speak on Meet the Mavericks

186 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Index

Compliance Index 187

Compliance Index ABC Annual Report 2017

Reports required under section 80 of the ABC Act Section Requirement Location in Annual Report 2017

s.80(a) - s.80(daa) Directions from the Minister relating to a broadcast or provision of content on a digital media service

No such directions received 2016-17

s.80(da) Codes of practice developed under subsection 8(1) See Appendix 5 (Volume II, pages 147-56)

s.80(e) Particulars of any request made to the Board by the Minister during that year under subsection 8(2) and the action (if any) taken by the Board in respect of the request

See Appendix 2 (Volume II, page 139)

s.80(f) Particulars of any gift, devise or bequest accepted by the Corporation during that year The Corporation received no gifts of donations within the meaning of section 80

of the Australian Broadcasting Act 1983

s.80(g) Particulars of any advice received by the Board during that year from the ABC Advisory Council See Appendix 4 (Volume II, pages 145-6)

s.80(j) Activities under subsection 25A(2) See Financial Statements (Volume II,

page 124)

s.80(k) Particulars of any activities during the year of any authorised business with which the Corporation is associated under that subsection

See Volume II, page 10

s.80(l) Particulars of significant changes of transmission coverage and quality See Volume II, pages 75 and 78

Reports required under section 43 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 Section Requirement Location in Annual Report 2017

s.43(1) Auditor-General’s report Provided to the Minister on 10 August 2017

(Volume II, page 86)

s.43(4) Financial Statements See Volume II, pages 82-133

Reports required under section 17BE of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 Section Requirement Compliance

s.17BE(q) Judicial decisions and reviews by Outside Bodies Matters referred to the Australian Communications and Media Authority for review: see Volume II, page 60

No other judicial decisions or decision of administrative tribunals were made in 2016-17 which had, or may have, a significant effect on the ABC’s operations

s.17BE(t) Indemnities and insurance premiums for Officers The ABC has indemnified its officers and acquired appropriate insurances from Comcover including Directors and Officers

liability insurance on terms and conditions which are consistent with the provisions of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 and the standing Board resolutions. The premium for the Directors and Officers liability insurance was $201,484

s.17BE(u) Index of Annual Report Requirements This Compliance Index satisfies section 17BE(u)

188 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Other requirements of section 17BE of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 Section Requirement Location in Annual Report 2017

s.17BE(a) Details of the legislation establishing the body See Enabling legislation (Volume II, page 54)

s.17BE(b) (i)

Summary of the objects and functions of the entity See Appendix 1 (Volume II, pages 137-8)

s.17BE(b) (ii)

Purposes of the entity as included in the ABC Corporate Plan 2016-17 The Annual Performance Statements (Volume II, pages 72-9)

s.17BE(c) The responsible Minister See Accountability (Volume II, page 54)

s.17BE(d) Ministerial directions Nil

s.17BE(e) Government policy orders Nil

s.17BE(g) Annual Performance Statements See Volume II, pages 72-9

s.17BE(h) Statement regarding significant non-compliance See Compliance reporting (Volume II, page 57)

s.17BE(j) Information about members of the accountable authority See Our Board (Volume I, pages 6-10)

s.17BE(k) Outline of organisational structure See Organisational structure (Volume I, page 17)

s.17BE(l) Outline of location of major activities or facilities See Where To Find Us (Volume I, pages 22-5); and ABC Offices (Appendix 16, Volume II, pages 180-5)

s.17BE(m) Information in relation to the main corporate governance practices See Governance and management processes (Volume II, pages 54-7)

s.17BE(n) Related entity transactions Nil

s.17BE(p) Significant activities and changes affecting the agency All sections

s.17BE(r) Particulars of reports on the ABC Nil

s.17BE(s) Obtaining information from subsidiaries N/A

Compliance Index 189

Index Eman Soliman from Shepparton, Victoria - one of the Heywire 2016 winners

190 AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Entries are presented in volume/page number order: for example, an entry on pages 64 to 65 in Volume II is presented as II/64-65. Page range references in bold type refer to major discussions of a topic. Page range references in italics indicate the reference appears in a map, table, graph or chart.

A ABC Advisory Council, II/66-69, 145-146

ABC Books, I/82

ABC Charter, II/137-138

ABC Code of Practice, II/147-156

ABC Commercial, I/23, 80-83, 109

ABC Corporate Plan, II/56-57

ABC Editorial Policies, II/4-5

ABC Events, I/82

ABC International, I/23, 74-79

ABC International Development, I/23, 78-79; II/47

bureaux, I/24

ABC KIDS, I/46, 107

ABC Legal, II/25-26

ABC Magazines, I/82

ABC ME, I/47-48, 106

ABC Music, I/81

ABC News, I/30, 36, 50-57, 74-75

audience satisfaction, I/100-101

BTN - News for kids, I/49

impact, I/54

International Services, I/74-75

online and digital, I/50, 52-53, 60

radio, I/55

reach, I/103

social media, I/84-87

television, I/55-57

ABC Regional, I/58-61, 88-90

audiences, I/59-60

Connecting Communities package, I/58

online and digital, I/60

regional content, I/58-59

ABC Retail, I/80-81

ABC Sales and Business Development, I/83

ABC Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, II/64-65

ABC Studios and Media Production, I/83

ABC Transformation, I/94-95

ABC Video Entertainment and Distribution, I/82-83

accessibility

hearing impediment, II/34-35

improving, II/34-36

visual impairment, II/36

accountability, II/52-54

advisory bodies, II/62-65

arts, I/42-43, 67, 98, 109

audience, I/4-5, 28-30; II/24-25

engagement, I/84-87, 88-90; II/31, 47, 143

news, I/55

complaints, II/58-60

satisfaction, I/98-101

reach, share and visits, I/102-109

audits

Australian National Audit Office, II/82

internal, II/55

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)—Report for 2016-17—Volume II (2024)