Ita looking for cash for ABC

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    The Murdoch press is reporting that, when Ita Buttrose has talks with the PM this week, she will be looking for increased funding for the ABC.
    I hope Mr Morrison is not so battle-scarred over bushfires & climate that he feels it necessary to buckle under to such requests at present.
    Before he gives them any more funding, which is probably not on his mind anyway, I personally hope that he reminds Ita that the place of the ABC in our society should be what its original charter required.
    That is:
    - that it should not be controversial or identify itself with one side of politics or the other
    - that it should not attempt to promote or influence any political, social or religious opinion
    - that it has other obligations than being mainly a news broadcaster, that is it is supposed to devote an equal if not greater effort in providing entertainment, arts, science & sport coverage, and in producing
    Australian content.
    He ought to tell the Chairman that when she can satisfy the government that the ABC is honouring those obligations he would be happy to look at its funding again.
 
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