Now it's ABC Sport from SYDNEY |
Melbourne sports lovers beware! This is the message you will be listening to if the ABC has it's way.
The Herald Sun Editorial [below] says it all...
AUSTRALIAN cities are intensely parochial. But they are obsessively idiosyncratic when it comes to sport.
Thus the ABC's plan to replace its Victorian weeknight sports bulletin with a pre-recorded national version from Sydney is a major blunder.
Melbourne is indisputably the sporting capital of Australia. If there is to be a bias it should be in our favour.
If the ABC goes ahead it will have abrogated its obligation to serve all Australians. It would make a nonsense south of the Murray of its promo: "It's your ABC."
Worse, the national sports wrap Melbourne will hear during the 7pm bulletin will be given by a former rugby commentator, Peter Wilkins.
No wonder Victoria's Sports Minister Justin Madden, a former player of the real code, is alarmed at the ABC's plans.
The corporation says don't worry, local stories will be presented before the Wilkins sports wrap by newsreader Ian Henderson.
Friends of the ABC Victorian vice-president Jack Clancy was on the ball: "Anything that comes Sydney-centric has got to be approached with great caution."
He rightly accuses the ABC of a lack of insight into Victoria's sporting culture.
How could it be otherwise from Sydney?
Taxpayers in other capitals, including Melbourne, would also not be getting their money's worth from the ABC.
It's time for a quick rethink.
Herald Sun
Now it's their ABC
11feb04
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