“…over the years, successive governments, and sometimes ABC [Australian Broadcasting Corporation] management, have cut international news services. At times the region has been left with few services.”
“And yet, each time our Indo-Pacific neighbours seek assistance elsewhere, we act outraged, while continuing to hold inquiries into the importance of engaging with Asia.”
“At the same time, other countries, including China and Russia, have filled the void: the former with its own brand of news, and the latter with online disinformation designed to destabilise the region.”
“Australia’s continued support for the ABC’s international efforts seems like a no-brainer. Its 2023 ABC survey across six Pacific nations — Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu — found trust levels approaching 80%, comparable to those in Australia.”
“Compared with major international broadcasters, including the BBC, CNN and national networks from France, Japan, New Zealand and China, the ABC was the most valued source of news via websites, apps or social media in every market except Fiji, where Al Jazeera was preferred…”