The ABC Board met yesterday.

There are rumours that some major decisions may be made at that meeting, and announced shortly.

There are fears that funds will be diverted from program making to commercial activities, that the 7.30 Report will be abolished and other current affairs programs downgraded, that more talented ABC staff and managers will leave, both voluntarily and involuntarily, and that Radio National will be merged with News Radio.

It is unlikely that the Board will do all of these things - or at least all of these things all at once. These are no more than rumours, but it is a statement about the current climate within the ABC that such rumours are circulating.

All friends of the ABC should be wathching, listening, and ready to act immediatly if necessary.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2000