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116 SUMMARY REPORTS

Section 4 Summary Reports

The Corporate Plan 2007–10 includes three levels of performance measurement.

The first level measures the effectiveness or outcome of ABC services in providing benefit to the Australian community. These measures and the ABC’s performance against them in 2007–08 are set out in the Corporate Plan Summary (page 10).

The second measures how well the ABC performs in relation to four high-level objectives. The measures encompass 11 key result areas across four dimensions of performance identified in the Plan: good governance; output and audiences; value for money; and learning and growth.

The third level of evaluation relates to the actions and performance targets set for each of 18 strategic priorities. For reporting purposes, these targets are assessed as “Achieved”, “On Track”, “Not Achieved” or “Ongoing”, the latter representing a commitment over the life of the Plan.

Key Results AreasMeasuring how well the ABC performs in relation to four areas of performance: good governance; output and audiences; value for money; and learning and growth—measured twice yearly.

Performance Against the Corporate Plan 2007–10

Objective 1—Ensure the ABC’s independence, integrity and high standards.

Efficiency of complaints management measured by performance against statutory and ABC-imposed timelines.

During 2007–08 the ABC responded to 11 431 written complaints. Of these 81% were responded to within the 28-day time period specified in the ABC Editorial Policies. Overall, 99.5% of written complaints were responded to within 60 days, which is the statutory period for response to complaints about ABC Code of Practice matters.

During the same period, the ABC’s Complaints Review Executive reviewed 70 complaints. Of these 98.6% were responded to within 28 days and 100% within 60 days.

Results of Editorial Policy Assurance Surveys.

The Director of Editorial Policies undertook five quality assurance projects. The first examined the quality of ABC processes for taking corrective actions when they were warranted. The project found that in almost every case corrective actions had been carried out. Some inconsistent practices in the handling of online corrections were found and a series of recommendations for improvements were made.

The second project examined the accuracy of three of the ABC’s principal radio current affairs programs—AM, The World Today and PM. An independent panel reviewed a random sample of 150 items broadcast and determined that 95.3% of the items sampled were either wholly or substantially accurate for plain facts and 97.3% were wholly or substantially accurate as to context.

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Other projects examined samples of television news content, radio topical and factual content, and online opinion content. The current ABC Editorial Policies 2007 set out an impartiality requirement for each of these three categories of content. Final reports were due in July 2008.

In August 2007, the Managing Director requested a review of the adequacy of the Editorial Policies in relation to journalistic sources and the reporting by journalists of events in which they are participants. The Board approved the insertion of new sections (4.7 and 4.4.13–15) into the Editorial Policies that, following a consultation period, take effect on 1 July 2008.

In the federal election coverage of October–November 2007, the ABC used internal and external resources to monitor the amount of coverage given to candidates and party officials (share-of-voice data) to help provide assurance that coverage met all required standards of accuracy and impartiality. The election coverage monitoring work was reported to the Board and published on ABC Online.

Fulfilment of statutory and regulatory obligations.

The Corporation believes it has fulfilled all of its statutory and regulatory obligations during 2007–08 with the exception of responding to all written complaints within the 60-day statutory period. The ABC responded to 99.5% of written complaints within 60-days.

Environmental impact assessment and evidence of response.

The ABC has established an Environment Management System which sets out high-level policies, objectives and targets and provides for monitoring and reviewing performance. The System is based on international standard ISO14001:2000.

The Corporation has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% (to 60% of 1997 levels) by 2020 and by 60% (to 40% of 1997 levels) by 2050.

Overall during 2007–08 the ABC achieved a reduction of 0.8% from 44 188 tonnes CO2-e to 43 758 tonnes CO2-e. This was primarily due to an overall reduction in the energy intensity of all

ABC buildings by 2.3% from 878 megajoules per square metre per annum in 2007 to 858 in 2008. Fleet fuel intensity also fell by 2.3% from 3.84 megajoules per kilometre per annum in 2007 to 3.76 in 2008.

Electricity consumption increased by 0.8% and natural gas consumption by 0.6% in 2007–08 due to the roll-out of new digital broadcast equipment in parallel with existing analog systems.

The Corporation has also established a Green Futures Steering Committee to assist the ABC meet its performance targets and to ingrain environmental best practices in the behaviour of all staff.

See also Commitment to a Greener Future pages 59 to 63.

Objective 2—To be recognised as the leading Australian public media space where people engage with issues and ideas.

Percentage of first-run Australian television content (between 6 pm and midnight, between 6 am and midnight) annually.

6 pm and midnight: 52.8% (48.4% in 2006–07) on ABC1

6 am and midnight: 34.5% (35.0% in 2006–07) on ABC1.

Comment: These results reflect the hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and local New South Wales transmission. Figures may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. The decline is not noteworthy.

Data for ABC2 is collected across total hours of broadcast. 9.9% was achieved in 2007–08 compared to 8.6% in the previous year.

Percentage of Australian television programs in the ABC’s 20 highest rating programs.

ABC1—Metropolitan: 65% (60% in 2006–07)

ABC1—Regional: 50% (55% in 2006–07).

Comment: The increase in metropolitan represents one additional program appearing in the top 20 list, while in the regional list it represents one less program.

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Percentage of Australian music performance on each Radio network that broadcasts music.

triple j: 41.1% against target of 40%

ABC Classic FM: 34.6% against target of 30%

ABC Radio National: 30.2% against target of 25%

ABC Local Radio: 31.5% against target of 25%

dig: 40.5% against target of 40%

dig jazz: 24.9% against target of 25%

dig country: 25.6% against a target of 25%

Radio Australia: 60% against a target of 60%.

Comment: The result for dig jazz is not considered statistically significant.

Percentage of original content scheduled across mainstream radio services and web stories produced for ABC Local Online.

Original content: 88.1% (This is a new measure. No comparative data is available for 2006–07.)

Web Stories: 11 818 (Measurement not available as percentage. This is a new measurement. No comparative data is available for 2006–07.)

Percentage of state/local “breakout” television broadcast hours.

Of the 10 910 total ABC1 television hours 2 217 hours (20.3%) were unduplicated, state-based, first-run television broadcast hours compared to 20.5% in 2006–07. Data is not collected for ABC2 as this network transmits a national feed only.

Comment: The decline is not considered noteworthy.

Percentage of people who consider the quality of programming on ABC Television, Radio and Online is good.

Television: 82% (81% in 2006–07)

Radio: 65% (64% in 2006–07)

Online: 91% (88% in 2006–07).Source: Newspoll, ABC Appreciation Survey, 2007 and 2008.

Comment: None of these changes are statistically significant.

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Critical recognition through major media awards.

See Appendix 21 (page 208).

Overall ABC (combined) audience reach.

72% which is the same as in 2006–07.Source: ABC Awareness and Usage Survey 2008 and ratings analysis conducted in the same month in 2007 and 2008.

Audience share for ABC Television and ABC Radio.

Television:

ABC1—Metropolitan (free-to-air, people share)6 am to midnight—16.5% (15.7% in 2006–07)6 pm to midnight—17.2% (16.3% in 2006–07)

ABC1—Regional (free-to-air, people share)6 am to midnight—18.4% (17.1% in 2006–07)6 pm to midnight—18.7% (17.3% in 2006–07)

ABC1—Metropolitan (total viewing, people share)6 am to midnight—12.4% (12.1% in 2006–07)6 pm to midnight—13.9% (13.4% in 2006–07)

ABC1—Regional (total viewing, people share)6 am to midnight—13.2% (12.7% in 2006–07)6 pm to midnight—14.5% (13.7% in 2006–07).

Comment: Share data for ABC2 was not available during 2007–08.

Radio: 20.7% (20.5% in 2006–07).

Audience reach by media platform and network.

Television:

ABC1—Metropolitan (24 hour)—60.1% (60.4% in 2006–07)

ABC1—Regional (24 hour)—62.4% (64.2% in 2006–07)

Radio: 32.9% (32.7% in 2006–07)

Online: Active internet population—19.5% (18.4% in 2006–07).

Comment: Declines are not considered statistically significant.

Total podcasts, vodcasts and streamed media.

Podcasts: 41.5 million (22.9 million in 2006–07)

Vodcasts: 18.6 million (5.5 million in 2006–07)

Streamed Media: Full-year data is not available due to a change of content delivery system during the year.

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Performance Against the Corporate Plan 2007–10 continued

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Objective 3—Deliver maximum benefit to the people of Australia through the effective and efficient delivery of ABC services.

Levels of resource utilisation.

The level of resource utilisation of production staff within the Production Resources Division was 89.2% for 2007–08 compared to 89.5% in 2006–07.

Comment: The decline is not considered statistically significant.

Levels of asset utilisation.

Data collection for this measure has been contingent on the deployment of suitable software to record asset usage. This occurred in January 2008. Data will be available from 2008–09 onwards.

Efficiencies delivered through business process re-engineering.

The following provides a cross-section of activity during 2007–08.

A number of business processes have been replaced with electronic systems which simplify tasks and reduce the time and resources needed to complete those tasks, as well as reducing paper and energy consumption. During 2007–08 these included:

The Electronic Asset register (a web-enabled process for controlling asset registration into SAP to replace the existing paper process)

The Electronic Remittance Advice system which replaced the existing paper process.

One Person Operation (OPO) has been implemented in two television news studios. The studio control rooms have been outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, where functions are sufficiently automated to enable a news service to go to air with significantly fewer people in the control room and on the studio floor.

The Corporation has finalised an ABC Payroll service delivery agreement that delivers a 25% reduction in annual fees.

Following a review of businesses not operating on a profitable basis—Audio, Licensing and Gift—ABC Commercial closed the Audio business

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on 1 July 2007 and entered into an agreement with Vision Australia, providing access to the ABC back catalogue. ABC Commercial retained the rights for digital download to audio product and continued to distribute BBC product. ABC Commercial rationalised the number of key brands managed by the Licensing business and licensed the manufacture and distribution of gift products for key brands to external partners.

ABC Commercial implemented a range of controls and operational efficiencies to improve the financial performance of the ABC Books business.

In May 2007, the ABC engaged the Boston Consulting Group to review its television production activities in conjunction with the ABC’s Corporate Development team. The Review was to determine and make recommendations on the most efficient and effective television content production model. The Managing Director in March 2008 announced the first three of the planned initiatives: the creation of a new division, ABC Resources, drawing together Production Resources and Resource Hire, effective from 1 July 2008; the replacement of television news studio technology that is reaching the end of its life-cycle with a more efficient, automated studio system; and the centralisation of graphics production for ABC Television News programs.

Levels of new business activities.

The following is a cross-section of activity during 2007–08.

ABC Innovation developed and launched a downloadable application for mobile phones to receive ABC election coverage directly from the ABC. This free service was one of the first of its type in Australia with users receiving content directly from the ABC rather than via a mobile phone carrier. The application had over 4 000 downloads and is now being used for other ABC content including news, sport and weather.

ABC Commercial entered into new business ventures with–My Space (ABC content), News Magazines (delicious and Gardening Australia), National Geographic (Library Sales), Jasnor Pty Ltd (gift manufacture and distribution), Dymocks and Australia Post (retail distribution), Vision Australia (audio product), Harcourt Brace (educational publishing), Telstra BigPond (ABC content—

120 SUMMARY REPORTS

Commission, State film funding bodies and the Australia Council.

Ongoing discussions with the Screen Producers Association of Australia on developing Terms of Trade.

Involvement in deliberations surrounding new agency, Screen Australia, implementation of new producers’ offset, funding levels for television and public broadcasting and development of the government’s arts, film and television policy.

Networking events organised and well attended by ABC Television’s independent production partners.

Ongoing productive communication with strategic stakeholders such as the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and Foxtel.

Parliament House provided approval for Australia Network to be transmitted through the Parliament House internal house monitoring system. The approval came after considerable lobbying at various levels including lobbying by the ABC Chairman to the Prime Minister. Under the arrangement Australia Network will be available to all parliamentarians on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis.

During April 2008, Chief Executive of Australia Network, Bruce Dover accompanied ABC Chairman, Maurice Newman and Managing Director, Mark Scott on a tour of several Asian countries. The purpose of the trip was to execute a content sharing agreement between the ABC and Central China Television (CCTV) and to allow the Chairman and the Managing Director to see first hand the challenges and complexities faced in operating a television network in the diverse Asia region. Countries visited included China, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

Australia Network’s new flagship program, Newshour with Jim Middleton was launched at a cocktail reception in the Mural Hall of Parliament House, Canberra on18 February 2008. The function was attended by around 120 people including Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, public service heads, members of the diplomatic corps and industry groups. The program was launched by the ABC’s Managing Director, Mark Scott and Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith.

BigPondTV), YouTube (ABC content), Globecast (APEC coverage), Air Sport Limited (Hang Gliding Minicam coverage), First Take Productions (Boxing outside broadcast coverage) and Best Picture Show (Rights to Bindi: The Jungle Girl), Good News Week (high definition production), Fremantle Media (Studio productions), Film Australia (program sales), History Channel (DVD rights), Universal Magazines (proposal for new magazine), Vodafone (ABC comedy content licensing), Circe Productions, Essential Viewing and Natural History New Zealand (footage sales clients).

Online developed iView, which was Beta tested as a device called “ABC Playback”. iView is an internet broadcasting service which provides a selection of recently-aired television and archived programming from the ABC. It offers high fidelity, full-screen video for high speed internet users.

Percentage of non-Appropriation revenue as a percentage of total costs.

5.1% (3.9% in 2006–07).

Qualitative evidence of engagement with external stakeholders.

The following is a cross section of activity during 2007–08.

75th Anniversary celebrations of the ABC. A series of 12 concerts and/or open days held around Australia from July to October 2007, attracting more than 300 000 people and providing opportunities for engagement with key stakeholders in each community.

Pre-election engagement with both the Government and Opposition around policy priorities in communications and broadcasting.

Post-election engagement with the new Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, including discussion of the new government’s policy priorities. Engagement also with senior departmental officials around shifts in policy and budget priorities for 2008.

Ongoing relationship with the Djilpin Art Aboriginal Corporation in relation to licensing of Dust Echoes to external parties.

Production partnerships: ongoing relationships and initiatives being developed with funding agencies including Film Australia, Australian Film


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Performance against external occupational health and safety benchmark standards.

In 2005 the ABC committed to national targets for occupational health and safety (OHS) performance for the period 2002–12. These targets relate to achieving reductions in workplace injury, lost time and time elapsed for return to work. Comcare measures performance against these targets for all Commonwealth agencies including the ABC. These measures provide benchmarks for the ABC to assess its performance in this area.

The ABC is on track to deliver on the targets relating to reductions in workplace injury. The ABC’s results for reduction of lost time and in time elapsed for return to work have improved but are not on target for this year. However, the ABC’s results against this target are significantly better than other Commonwealth agencies and the overall trend indicates the ABC is on track to meet this target over the long-term. (See Appendix 12, page 193.)

Performance TargetsThe ABC Corporate Plan 2007–10 sets out 100 individual targets. In this, the Plan’s first year of operation, 16 (16%) of the targets were achieved. Of the remaining 84 targets, 21 (21%) are on track to be achieved as required, 2 (2%) have not been achieved and 61 (61%) were identified as an ongoing commitment over the life of the Plan.

Objective 1—Ensure the ABC’s independence, integrity and high standards.

Key Directions 2007–10

Editorial Standards: Uphold the highest editorial standards in Australian broadcasting.

Corporate Governance: Advance the ABC’s reputation and high performance standards through the ongoing evaluation of governance, policies and procedures.

Corporate Citizenship: Contribute to the life of Australian communities and to the maintenance of a healthy environment.

Objective 4—Sustain and grow the ABC through high-quality leadership and an environment of responsibility and opportunity.

Employee survey results.

Development of an employee survey has been contingent on finalising the restructure of the People and Learning Division. It is anticipated that the survey will be developed in the second half of 2008 with the first survey planned for 2009.

Turnover and absenteeism benchmarked externally.

The ABC has begun tracking employee initiated separation and unscheduled leave and measures these against external benchmarks annually. To date the Corporation has used free benchmarking services (updated annually) through the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI) and Info HRM Consulting.

Employee initiated separation (turnover) measures the proportion of the workforce that initiated its own separation from the ABC and indicates unplanned skill loss to the ABC. The ABC’s result of 10.14% places the Corporation between the 25th percentile (8.18%) and the median (11.87%) of the All Industries Benchmark results.

Unscheduled leave measures the percentage of available workdays employees are absent for unscheduled reasons. This can be an indicator of employee morale and a predictor of future turnover. The ABC’s result of 6.70 indicates that each employee, on average, is absent from work due to illness for about seven days each year. This result places ABC above the All Industries median result of 6.21. However, when compared with the public sector the ABC’s result falls between the target 25th percentile (6.36) and the median (7.51).

Investment in staff learning and development.

A level of 2.14% of base salary expenditure has been spent on staff learning and development. This is in line with the Corporate Plan target of a minimum of 2% of base salary expenditure and is the same level as achieved in 2006–07.

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Editorial Standards

Strategic Priority 1

Strive for the highest editorial standards and in particular with regard to:

Accuracy

Impartiality and fairness

Public debate.

Actions and Targets

Ongoing review of the ABC Editorial Policies to ensure they are adequate for the changing media environment. Ongoing

Apply corporation-wide interpretation and advice on the implementation of the ABC Editorial Policies. Ongoing

Ensure that all staff understand their obligations and comply with ABC Editorial Polices and that content makers are trained in the Policies to an advanced level. Ongoing

Maintain quality control of ABC content through regular self-evaluation. Ongoing

Review and develop quality assurance systems to generate regular, credible, evidence-based assessments of compliance of ABC content with Editorial Policies. On Track

Acknowledge and respond to audience complaints in a timely and impartial manner. Ongoing

Corporate Governance


Apply best practice standards of corporate governance and public accountability.

Actions and Targets

Maintain and provide best practice governance systems and reporting processes to enable the Board to fulfil its obligations under Section 8 of the ABC Act. Ongoing

Ensure that risks identified annually inform the development of strategic priorities and management responses. Ongoing

Ensure a working environment that meets recognised occupational health and safety requirements. Ongoing

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Corporate Citizenship


Work with local and international communities to foster relationships and goodwill.

Actions and Targets

Undertake or participate in public events in association with local communities. Ongoing

Through the ABC’s selective participation in charity events, provide support to communities in need. Ongoing

Work with broadcasters internationally, especially in Asia and the Pacific, to develop strong and responsible media institutions that operate in the public interest. Ongoing

Contribute actively to policy and professional discourse internationally, through participation in media organisations and regulatory forums. Ongoing


Minimise the impact of ABC activities on Australia’s environment, biodiversity and heritage places.

Actions and Targets

Set and achieve annual targets to improve energy and water consumption across the Corporation. On Track

Set and achieve annual targets to reduce the Corporation’s Co2 (carbon) emissions. On Track

Undertake energy audits of ABC facilities. Achieved

Identify and take account of the environmental footprints when negotiating procurement or service contracts. Ongoing

Identify and care for heritage places under the ABC’s control through the implementation of its Heritage Strategy. Ongoing

Comply with the Corporation’s obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth). Ongoing

Consider the whole-of-life impact of planned facilities and equipment on energy efficiency, the environment and biodiversity. Ongoing


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Objective 2—To be recognised as the leading Australian public media space where people engage with issues and ideas.


Content: Contribute to a sense of national identity.

Audiences: Deliver great media experiences, in more ways, more often.

Innovation: Build a digital public broadcaster to keep the ABC at the leading edge of media development.

Content


Strengthen the distinctiveness of ABC content.

Actions and Targets

Television:

Increase the level of first-release Australian content on ABC Television, year-on-year, with particular emphasis on drama, documentaries and children’s drama. On Track

Broadcast at least 55% Australian content between 6 pm and midnight; and achieve a minimum of 50% Australian programs in the ABC’s 20 most popular programs as measured in the five biggest cities and Tasmania/regional markets. Achieved

Source and present content that will uphold the ABC’s reputation for quality programming as perceived by a large majority (at least 80%) of Australians surveyed. Ongoing

Increase the total value of investment in Australian television content, compared with 2006–07, taking account of the ABC’s intellectual property interests. Achieved

Television content aimed at children will achieve a minimum of 25% Australian content. Achieved

Radio:

Maintain the 2006–07 levels of Australian content scheduled across local and national radio services. On Track

Continue to give priority to Australian music performance by setting and achieving annual targets for all radio networks that broadcast music. Achieved

Record 600 major music concerts performed in Australia, per year, over the life of the Plan. Achieved

A minimum of five initiatives per calendar year, over the life of the Plan, to identify and support new Australian artists. Achieved

Maintain the level of Australian drama on ABC Radio National at 75% of all drama broadcast. Achieved

Online and Other Platforms:

Strengthen the presentation and content offering of ABC News Online (audio, video and text) over the life of the Plan. Ongoing

Develop and support a parenting portal, educational and documentary portals and special regional animation and video do-it-yourself initiatives for children. Ongoing

Develop opportunities for new and existing audiences to access Australian content by providing material on new and emerging platforms. Ongoing

Local Presence:

Use the Corporation’s presence across Australia, to provide engaging and compelling content for local audiences—at least maintaining 2006–07 levels of:

unduplicated content on ABC Local Radio and the number of web stories produced for ABC Local Online. Ongoing

state/local breakouts from the national television schedule. Ongoing

Continue to review the location of regional radio stations to ensure they reflect significant changes in population demographics. Ongoing

Emergencies and Events of Major Significance:

Continue to develop the role of ABC Local Radio and ABC Local Online as the primary point of connection for communities across Australia at times of emergencies. Ongoing

Provide comprehensive coverage of events of major significance and celebration across networks and platforms as appropriate. Ongoing

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Attract the maximum potential audience respectively for Charter-based content of “wide appeal” and of more “specialised interest”.

Actions and Targets

Apply an integrated programming and scheduling strategy across ABC Television channels, the internet and other emerging platforms, to increase total levels of content usage. Ongoing

Strengthen perceptions of the ABC brand through continual review of the way the Corporation projects and markets itself to the community. Ongoing

Cross promotion activities will constitute at least 20% of promotions on ABC Radio, Television and Online sites, inclusive of ABC Commercial. Achieved

International:

Maintain and increase Radio Australia’s airtime with broadcasting partners by providing content in their own languages in response to their needs and interests. Ongoing

Extend the carriage of Australia Network in territories within its target markets. Ongoing

Ensure audiences receive timely and accurate information at times of crisis. Ongoing

Audiences


Use the ABC’s multiplatform presence to provide engaging and compelling content and to extend audience experiences across a variety of formats.

Actions and Targets

Increase the availability of content across the ABC’s total offering through means such as time- shifting, podcasts and vodcasts, video-on-demand and streamed content. Ongoing

Provide user-friendly tools that enable audiences to contribute appropriate content to the ABC and share with a broader community. Ongoing

Increase opportunities for audience engagement through forums, moderated blogging and other social networking activities. Ongoing

Harness the strength of the ABC’s multiplatform presence and leadership in a range of content categories. Ongoing

Develop the capacity to deliver continuous news on radio, television, online and on mobile devices. On Track

International:

Develop a cross-platform experience between Australia Network, Radio Australia and ABC International Online that reflects the interests of Asia and the Pacific and provides an Australian perspective on events and issues in the region. Ongoing

Expand the online content offerings available through the ABC’s international outlets, including the multilingual presence of Radio Australia. Ongoing

Engage with audiences through alternative distribution paths such as mobile and on-demand forms of television. Ongoing

Innovation


Position the ABC for the successful introduction of digital radio broadcasting.

Develop an ABC digital radio content strategy, focusing on the provision of new services to audiences, by September 2007. Achieved

Establish the operational and resource base to enable a trial of the new digital radio services to begin in October 2008. On Track

Launch ABC digital radio services and associated online presence, in January 2009, and according to agreed industry rollout schedule. On Track

Develop a strategy to extend digital radio content to regional areas to coincide with the launch in January 2009. On Track


Research and develop digital content and services.

Develop a rich media player to allow time-shifting and downloads of content. Achieved

Establish effective tools and policies for the expansion of Web 2.0 media and user-generated content. On Track


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Objective 3—Deliver maximum benefit to the people of Australia through the effective and efficient delivery of ABC services.


Efficiency and Effectiveness: Demonstrate better practice in efficient and effective resource management.

Commercial Revenue: Improved return on public investment in the ABC.

Stakeholders: Advance the ABC’s reputation with key stakeholders.

Efficiency and Effectiveness


Maximise the relative efficiency of ABC resource and asset utilisation.

Actions and Targets

Improve the alignment of strategic priorities and budget review processes. Ongoing

Identify and maintain the most cost-effective model for sourcing and delivering content that satisfies Charter obligations. Ongoing

Ongoing review of all stages in the distribution and transmission processes including key contractual relationships to ensure maximum effectiveness of distribution and transmission expenditure. Ongoing

Introduce new business systems and work practices to facilitate the movement into and maximise the opportunities of digital production and delivery. Ongoing

Progressively deliver tools to better identify, manage and account for resource and asset utilisation over the life of the Plan. Ongoing


Address the challenges of long-term financial sustainability through integrated operational and capital planning.

Actions and Targets

Develop and implement integrated capital strategies to address the future operational and facility requirements for the ABC nationally. On Track

Deliver facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne that address operational requirements in the future. Ongoing

Complete a long-term strategic capital analysis by October 2008 as a key input into the 2009–12 Triennial Funding Submission. On Track

Develop a rolling capital business plan and implement according to agreed time frames. Ongoing

Commercial Revenue


Position the ABC for leadership in new and sustainable business activities—in particular, opportunities arising from the digital media environment.

Actions and Targets

By August each year, review the ABC Commercial Operating Charter to ensure its effectiveness in guiding business development that is appropriate and sustainable. Achieved

Based on agreed ABC Digital Download Policy (from October 2007), provide digital products (video, audio, music, archival material) through the ABC Shop Online by March 2008. Achieved

Explore opportunities for further digital distribution of product over the remaining life of the Plan. On Track

Establish and develop new revenue streams in the digital space. On Track

Repurpose and commercialise content across all new media digital platforms (including distribution to third party platforms as appropriate). On Track

Develop joint ventures and strategic business partnerships with major media industry players. On Track


Strengthen the overall financial performance of the ABC Commercial Division in contributing net profit to the ABC.

Actions and Targets

From September 2007, work with the ABC Commercial Advisory Board to support the ongoing sustainability of the Corporation and

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Objective 4—Sustain and grow the ABC through high-quality leadership and an environment of responsibility and opportunity.


People: Offer a high quality and adaptive work environment.

Performance Culture: Provide individuals with the opportunity to excel.

People


Develop an ABC culture based on shared values and common goals.

Actions and Targets

Express and uphold ABC values through a revised Code of Conduct by June 2008. On Track against a revised target of December 2008.

Promote cooperation and collegiality as essential to the successful delivery of content and services across all relevant media platforms. Ongoing

Review systems and programs such as recruitment, performance management and the leadership capability framework to ensure integration with and promotion of shared corporate values. Ongoing

Undertake a benchmark survey and, thereafter, measure regularly levels of employee engagement and alignment of organisational culture with corporate values. Ongoing


Develop and reward leadership which creates the opportunity for people to do their best work.

Actions and Targets

Strengthen the ABC’s capability by developing current and future leaders through programs targeting senior, middle and new managers. Ongoing

Support an alumni of management program graduates with opportunities for continuing professional development. Ongoing

Provide managers with improved access to relevant workforce data and analysis. Ongoing

increase the profitability of ABC Commercial activities to be reinvested in Australian content. Ongoing

Review business operations and processes by January 2008 and implement strategies for cost reduction/margin improvement across all businesses over the life of the Plan. Achieved

Extend the retail distribution of ABC product. Ongoing

Stakeholders


Engage positively with public conversations about the contemporary role and performance of the ABC in Australian life.

Actions and Targets

Maintain and develop partnerships with key community organisations, including arts and emergency service bodies. Ongoing

Monitor and take account of the interests of key stakeholders in all States and Territories in the planning and delivery of ABC services nationally and locally. Ongoing

Consider and respond to advice from the ABC Advisory Council and conduct regular meetings between the Council and the ABC Board Advisory Council Committee. Ongoing

Support the ABC’s 2009–12 Triennial Funding Submission by demonstrating to the Parliament the value for money the ABC delivers to the community. On Track


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Provide a safe, positive work environment that enables excellent performance.

Actions and Targets

Provide occupational health and safety advice and improve systems, including the integration of effective risk management into work practices, policy development and devolved divisional accountability. Ongoing

By December 2008, conduct an occupational health and safety systems audit to measure health and safety performance and identify gaps in compliance or systems and annually thereafter (replacing audit services previously undertaken by the Commonwealth). On Track

At least once during the life of the Plan, review Discrimination and Harassment, Anti-bullying and Grievance Policies and ensure appropriate training for managers and staff. On Track

Organise quarterly events to stimulate cross-divisional understanding and cooperation. Ongoing

Support and maintain continuous improvement of the management of the ABC’s workforce through performance management systems, the senior executive bonus scheme and selection and retention processes. Ongoing

Performance Culture


Develop and align the ABC’s workforce with the capabilities needed to achieve strategic goals.

Actions and Targets

By December 2008 identify the workforce capabilities required to support ABC operational priorities for the next three to five years. On Track

Implement measures to support effective restructuring, job design, succession planning and other initiatives in a timely manner. Ongoing

Promote options for a diverse range of learning and development activities—eg mentoring, coaching, job rotations, projects and formal courses—to help ensure the Corporation maintains its required skills profile. Ongoing

By July 2009, implement the Learning Gateway to facilitate development and the sharing of skills through implementation of a Knowledge Pool. On Track

Commit a minimum of 2% of base salary expenditure to staff development and training. Achieved

Actively identify, attract and retain key staff through opportunities available within the unique scope of the ABC’s media and operational areas. Ongoing

Seek to achieve a 2% level of Indigenous employment. Not Achieved

Seek to employ a minimum of 5% of people with disabilities. Achieved

Seek to achieve a workforce whose diversity enables the ABC to engage more effectively with all sectors of the Australian population. Ongoing

128 SUMMARY REPORTS

Outcome 1Audiences throughout Australia—and overseas—are informed, educated and entertained.

Overall assessment

Overall achievement will be measured by:

(a) Audience usage of ABC Radio, Television and New Media Services

(b) Results of audience surveys.

(a) Audience usage of ABC Radio, Television and New Media and Digital Services

Radio Share

The ABC’s overall five-city metropolitan share in 2007–08 was 20.7%, a 0.2 share point increase on 2006–07 (20.5%).

Metropolitan Share 2007–08 2006–07 % %

Sydney 19.1 20.0Melbourne 20.7 19.8Brisbane 21.2 20.7Adelaide 22.1 20.8Perth 23.6 23.5

Five-City Metropolitan 20.7 20.5

Newcastle 22.7 23.1Canberra 44.7 41.0

Television Share6 am to midnight Households 2007–08 2006–07 Metropolitan Share % %



Regional Share % %Southern NSW 19.2 17.0Northern NSW 18.3 17.5Victoria 17.1 17.8Queensland 16.8 15.2Tasmania 26.9 23.0

Regional All 18.6 17.3

Source: OzTAM Television Ratings and Regional TAM.Note: Regional Share includes ABC spill (audiences receiving ABC Television signal from outside of the market area); historical data has been updated to reflect this definition.

6 pm to midnight Households 2007–08 2006–07 Metropolitan Share % %



Regional Share % %Southern NSW 20.6 18.2Northern NSW 19.4 18.2Victoria 17.7 18.7Queensland 17.8 16.2Tasmania 29.5 25.2

Regional All 19.9 18.4

Source: OzTAM Television Ratings and Regional TAM.Note: Regional Share includes ABC spill; historical data has been updated to reflect this.

Online Access

Due to a change in measurement system part-way through the year, this data is no longer available. Details about audience usage of ABC Online can be found in ABC Audiences (see pages 32 to 46).

Radio ReachMetropolitan Reach 2007–08 2006–07

Sydney 1 171 000 1 189 000Melbourne 1 205 000 1 143 000Brisbane 555 000 539 000Adelaide 340 000 341 000Perth 493 000 475 000

Five-City Metropolitan 3 765 000 3 687 000

Newcastle 164 000 166 000Canberra 174 000 167 000

Seven-City Reach 4 103 000 4 020 000

Outcomes and Outputs

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SUMMARY REPORTS 129

SECTION

Television ReachFour-weekly 2007–08 2006–07 Metropolitan Reach % %

Sydney 78.5 78.4Melbourne 80.6 79.6Brisbane 79.0 79.8Adelaide 83.7 84.4Perth 78.4 81.6All Metropolitan 79.7 79.9

Regional Reach % %

Southern 81.3 82.5Northern 79.1 80.3Victoria 83.2 85.6Queensland 79.4 82.1Tasmania 85.4 88.3

All Regional 80.8 82.7

Source: OzTAM Television Ratings and Regional TAM.Note: OzTAM’s industry standard reach calculation now includes visitor viewing. Regional Share includes ABC spill. Historical data has been updated to reflect these changes.

ABC Online Reach

ABC Online’s monthly reach in the active Australian internet population averaged 19.5% in 2007–08 (18.4% in 2006–07), with a peak of 21.7% in June 2008.

(b) Results of audience surveys

The 2008 Newspoll ABC Audience Appreciation Survey found that the majority of the community continue to believe that the ABC offers good quality programming and information. A summary of the findings is provided on pages 42 to 46.

Output 1.1—Radio

Provide distinctive radio programs that give an Australia-wide focus to local and regional communities, and satisfy diverse audience needs, nationally and internationally.

Performance indicators

Quality

1. Level and mix of Australian content

ABC Radio’s content, across its five domestic services, is primarily Australian except for ABC NewsRadio which schedules 55% Australian content (same as in 2006–07) and 45% content sourced from overseas public broadcasters including the British Broadcasting Corporation, Deutsche Welle, Radio Netherlands and National Public Radio in the United States.

The Regional Production Fund (RPF) continued to showcase new Australian content from external producers in regional Australia across ABC Radio networks and on ABC Online. In 2007–08, 46 projects were commissioned, representing approximately 99.5 hours (duplicated) of broadcast content. This is compared to 64 projects and 94 duplicated hours in 2006–07. Several projects commissioned in 2007–08 will be broadcast in the next financial year. The RPF continued to focus on larger projects of significant benefit to regional communities which could be delivered on a variety of platforms, including interactive websites, videos and podcasts.

Australian Music

All radio networks that broadcast music have a strong commitment to Australian music and have set annual targets. In 2007–08 all networks met or exceeded these targets, except for dig jazz which fell just short of its target of 25%.

Target Achievement 2007–08 2006–07

ABC Radio National 25% 30.2% 33.9%ABC Local Radio 25% 31.5% 30.8%ABC Classic FM 30% 34.6% 34.8%triple j 40% 41.1% 39.6%dig 40% 40.5% 42.2%dig jazz 25% 24.9% 25.3%dig country 25% 25.6% 25.9%

2. Genre diversity

See Appendix 2 (page 184).

3. Community and peer recognition and feedback

See the summary of the 2008 Newspoll ABC Audience Appreciation Survey (pages 42 to 46) and Appendix 21 (page 208).

4. Number of artists first broadcast

The difficulty of maintaining records across multiple outlets throughout Australia has made this an impractical indicator to measure for ABC Radio. However, commitment to new artists remains very strong as reflected in initiatives undertaken in 2007–08, including:

triplejunearthed.com allows unsigned musicians to upload their music for review. In its first year, the site reported 10 400 artists, 80 000 registered users, 1.6 million tracks downloaded, and 3.9 million tracks streamed. Throughout

•

130 SUMMARY REPORTS

Quantity

5. Number of broadcast hours

Each domestic radio network broadcasts for 24 hours each day of the year—8 760 hours per annum. 2007–08 was a leap year, taking this to 8 784 hours per 366 days.

6. Number of radio stations

The ABC has four national networks, nine metropolitan local radio stations, 51 regional stations and three internet-based music services, dig, dig jazz and dig country. The radio networks, dig and dig jazz are available as audio services on digital satellite subscription services and dig and dig jazz are available on digital free-to-air television.

7. Level of radio content available through the internet

All ABC Radio services have companion websites. Each national network and ABC Local Radio metropolitan station is streamed 24-hours-a-day (ABC Classic FM rights permitting). A range of sub-sites exists for specific programs and content genres such as rural and sport.

In 2007–08, 666 ABC Canberra and 612 ABC Brisbane were the last of the nine ABC Local Radio metropolitan stations to commence online streaming.

The amount of content provided as podcasts was increased by all networks. In October 2007, ABC Radio National recorded its 20 millionth download since it began podcasting in 2005. In 2007–08, it also launched the RN Shuffle, a podcast sampler of excerpts from a range of programs, designed to whet the appetites of subscribers keen to expand their listening range but not sure where to start. The total number of ABC Radio downloads (including ABC News content) in 2007–08 was 32.7 million.

ABC Local Radio introduced two podcast-only series, The Great Train Show presented by former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, aimed at train enthusiasts, and Multiple Choices, presented by well-known columnist, Susan Maushart, focusing on the choices people face in daily life. The Great Train Show recorded approximately 20 000 downloads per week.

the year triple j broadcast tracks on-air and provided opportunities for artists to play at large festivals and as support for major artists touring Australia.

In a new initiative, triplejunearthed.com launched Unearthed High—a quest to discover Australia’s hottest high school band of any genre with original material. A three piece band from McDonald Secondary College in Strathfield, New South Wales, was chosen from six finalists to be recorded by triple j’s live music production team for airplay on triple j. The band will also be featured on triple j tv and in jmag.

The sixth annual 1233 Newcastle Music Awards were held in October 2007 at the Civic Theatre. The Awards provide support and airplay to emerging artists living in the New South Wales Hunter and Central Coast regions and this year attracted a record number of 465 entries. Since inception, more than 700 new music tracks have been included in the 1233 ABC Newcastle playlist and other ABC Radio networks.

In June 2008, ABC Classic FM hosted the state finals of the ABC Young Performers’ Award in Brisbane, Hobart and Adelaide. The concerts were broadcast live on ABC Classic FM and will also be broadcast later in 2008 on ABC1’s Sunday Arts program. This annual event, jointly managed with Symphony Services, rewards and nurtures young musicians, providing rare opportunities for performance careers.

ABC Radio’s Regional Production Fund launched the 6th annual Short Story Project in July 2007, encouraging emerging writers from regional Australia to reflect the diversity of communities through their storytelling. Winning entries were produced and broadcast on ABC Radio National and ABC Local Radio.

ABC Local Radio and ABC Television developed The Comedy Hour launched in Melbourne by Spicks & Specks host Adam Hills and 936 ABC Hobart’s Andy Muirhead. The project aims to identify new and emerging comic talent to contribute to Australian content across ABC services. It attracted approximately 500 comedy scripts from the public which will be used to produce ten, one-hour programs including a mix of comedy formats for broadcast on ABC Local Radio in late 2008.

•

•

•

•

•

Outcomes and Outputs continued

4

SUMMARY REPORTS 131

SECTION

increase of approximately 27 hours compared to June 2007

43.5 hours of new triple j content was posted on the web each week compared to 38.2 hours per week in 2006–07.

In 2007–08 a total of 11 818 stories was produced across ABC Local websites, including articles, recipes, audio, photo and video stories and reviews. The use of blogs was introduced in March 2008 and in three months, a total of 4 813 posts had been received across ABC Local.

Price

9. Price of Output—$265.045m

Total actual price of Output 1.1 for the year was $275.085m.

Output 1.2—Television

Present television programs of wide appeal and more specialised interest that contribute to the diversity, quality and innovation of the industry generally.

Performance Indicators

Quality

1. Level and mix of Australian content

•

In March 2008, ABC Local was launched replacing the former Backyard websites and providing each region with its own ABC Local site. ABC Local delivers information and entertainment to local communities and provides a gateway to other regions and coverage and content across ABC Online and has built in functionality to increase interactivity with audiences.

A vast array of content is available online from all networks, across genres and in a range of formats including streams, text, images, video, audio-on-demand, transcripts, podcasts, vodcasts and other downloads.

In 2008–09, ABC Radio and Regional Content will be working on new measurements for online content, with particular focus on audience consumption.

8. Level of radio content available through audio-on-demand via the internet

At June 2008:

99.9% of ABC Radio National original programming was available as audio on demand at any one time which is the same level as in 2006–07

An average of 110.5 hours of ABC Classic FM programming was available per week—an

•

•

Australian content on ABC Television as a percentage of hours broadcast

ABC1 2007–08 2006–07 National Total National Total Transmitter Network Transmitter Network 6 am to midnight % % % %

Australian first release 32.2 49.4 32.6 49.8Australian repeat 19.7 16.0 19.2 15.6

Total Australian 51.9 65.4 51.8 65.4

Overseas first release 16.3 11.7 18.5 13.3Overseas repeat 31.8 22.9 29.7 21.3

Total Overseas 48.1 34.6 48.2 34.6

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

6 pm to midnight

Australian first release 47.4 72.6 48.4 73.1Australian repeat 6.3 3.3 7.2 3.7

Total Australian 53.7 75.9 55.6 76.8

Overseas first release 30.0 15.6 34.3 17.9Overseas repeat 16.3 8.5 10.1 5.3

Total Overseas 46.3 24.1 44.4 23.2

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Notes: National Transmission figures exclude local New South Wales transmissions.

“Total Network” includes all State and Territory “breakout” services.

132 SUMMARY REPORTS

2. Genre diversityABC1—Hours Broadcast by Genre, 24 Hours

Australian Overseas Total % Total 2007–08 2006–07 2007–08 2006–07 2007–08 2006–07 2007–08 2006–07

Arts and Culture 197 209 149 107 346 316 3.9 3.6Children’s 530 508 1 426 1 432 1 956 1 941 22.3 22.2Comedy 14 21 113 118 127 139 1.4 1.6Current Affairs 1 093 1 094 1 1 1 094 1 095 12.5 12.5Documentary 183 177 389 411 572 588 6.5 6.7Drama 56 46 676 651 732 697 8.3 8.0Education 134 132 66 67 200 199 2.3 2.3Entertainment 1 122 1 169 111 151 1 233 1 320 14.0 15.1Factual 332 323 65 62 397 385 4.5 4.4Indigenous 65 62 0 0 65 62 0.7 0.7Movies 4 5 934 762 938 767 10.7 8.8Natural History and Environment 20 15 81 87 101 103 1.1 1.2News 366 365 0 0 366 365 4.2 4.2Religion and Ethics 34 28 60 84 94 113 1.1 1.3Science and Technology 34 37 4 4 38 42 0.4 0.5Sport 314 371 0 13 314 384 3.6 4.4

Total Program Hours 4 498 4 564 4 075 3 951 8 573 8 515 % of Total Program Hours 52.5% 53.6% 47.5% 46.4% 100% 100.0% 97.6% 97.2%

Other* 211 244 0 0 211 244 2.4% 2.8%

Total Hours 4 709 4 808 4 075 3 951 8 784 8 760 % of Total Hours 53.6% 54.9% 46.4% 45.1% 100% 100% 100.0% 100.0%

“Other” includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements.

Notes: This table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and local New South Wales transmissions. Figures may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to the nearest whole number. 2007–08 is a leap year, ie 366 days.


4

SUMMARY REPORTS 133

SECTION

ABC2—Hours Broadcast by Genre, 24 Hours

Australian Overseas Total % Total 2007–08 2006–07 2007–08 2006–07 2007–08 2006–07 2007–08 2006–07

Arts and Culture 163 137 131 204 294 340 4.5 5.0Business 0 11 0 0 0 11 0.0 0.2 Children’s 187 184 1 621 1 537 1 808 1 721 27.4 25.2 Comedy 4 4 192 19 196 22 3.0 0.3 Current Affairs 969 1 373 0 0 969 1 373 14.7 20.1 Documentary 180 294 323 65 503 358 7.6 5.3 Drama 67 0 77 0 144 0 2.2 0.0 Education 23 34 0 0 23 34 0.3 0.5 Entertainment 465 461 318 229 783 689 11.9 10.1 Factual 521 616 100 46 621 662 9.4 9.7 Features 39 72 0 0 39 72 0.6 1.1 Indigenous 34 48 0 0 34 48 0.5 0.7 Movies 14 2 168 56 182 58 2.8 0.8 Natural History and Environment 22 23 3 3 25 26 0.4 0.4 News 195 144 0 0 195 144 3.0 2.1 Religion and Ethics 42 55 0 0 42 55 0.6 0.8 Science and Technology 74 94 2 24 76 118 1.2 1.7 Sport 248 1 000 0 7 248 1 008 3.8 14.8

Total Program Hours 3 247 4 550 2 935 2 189 6 182 6 739 % of Total Program Hours 52.5% 67.5% 47.5% 32.5% 100% 100% 93.8% 98.8%

Other* 409 84 0 0 409 84 6.2% 1.2 %

Total Hours 3 656 4 634 2 935 2 189 6 591 6 824 % of Total Hours 55.5% 67.9% 44.5% 32.1% 100% 100% 100.0% 100%

“Other” includes interstitial material, program announcements and community service announcements.

Notes: This table reflects hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter, comprising national and local New South Wales transmissions. Figures may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content. Hours have been rounded to the nearest whole number. 2007–08 is a leap year, ie 366 days.

3. Community and peer recognition and feedback

See the summary of the 2008 Newspoll ABC Audience Appreciation Survey (page 42) and Appendix 21 (page 208).

Quantity

4. Number of broadcast hours

ABC1 broadcast 24 hours each day for the 366 days of 2007–08—a total of 8 784 hours.

The majority of these broadcasts are a national service transmitted from Sydney. However, the national service is replaced at certain times with local “breakout” services of specific relevance to State and Territory audiences. These include State and Territory news, state-specific versions of Stateline, local sport, State and Territory elections and events such as the Anzac Day marches, which

are covered separately in each State and Territory. In 2007–08, ABC Television broadcast 2 379 hours of breakout programming compared with 2 388 in 2006–07.

ABC2 broadcast a total of 6 591 hours in 2007–08, compared to 6 824 in 2006–07.

5. Ratio of first run to repeat program hours

The percentage of first-release programs on ABC1 between 6 pm and midnight was 77.3%, compared with 82.7% for 2006–07. Between 6 am and midnight, first-release programming comprised 48.5% compared with 51.2% in 2006–07. These figures are based on hours broadcast from the Sydney transmitter and comprises the national transmission, excluding the local New South Wales transmission. Proportions may differ slightly in other States and Territories as a result of varying levels of local content.

134 SUMMARY REPORTS

The percentage of total ABC1 programs—including state and territory “breakout” services—transmitted between 6 pm and midnight that were first-release was 88.2% in 2007–08, compared to 91% in 2006–07. Between 6 am and midnight, the proportion of total ABC1 programs that were first-release was 61.0%, compared with 63.1% in 2006–07.

The percentage of first-release programs on ABC2 was 9.9%, compared with 8.6% in 2006–07.

Price

6. Total price of output—$569.635m


New Media output by genre, as at 30 June 2008

ABC Online 2007–08 2006–07Genre Number of pages % Number of pages %

Arts and Culture 24 242 0.6 24 777 0.6Children’s* 81 256 1.9 66 455 1.7Current Affairs 144 257 3.3 121 430 3.1Education 7 293 0.2 30 498 0.8Indigenous 16 580 0.4 13 826 0.4Music 31 764 0.7 26 237 0.7Natural History and Environment 16 622 0.4 13 065 0.3News 2 141 840 49.8 1 846 380 47.7Religion and Ethics 2 071 0.1 2 868 0.1Regional and Rural 491 596 11.4 419 521 10.8Science and Technology 77 059 1.8 54 038 1.4Sport 122 492 2.8 116 591 3.0Youth 55 863 1.3 50 437 1.3Other† 1 087 083 25.3 1 087 865 28.1

Total 4 300 018 100 3 873 988 100.0

* ABC Kids was added to the “Children’s” category for 2006.

† The ABC Online “Other” category includes the Television Guide, ABC Broadband, About ABC Online, Radio Australia, ABC Radio National, ABC corporate information, Australia Network and functional pages such as forum user registration and search, which cannot be classified in a genre.

Output 1.3—New Media

Engage audiences through new media services including the internet and emerging broadband platforms.


Quality

1. Genre diversity

The ABC Online homepage reflects the broad range of high quality content being offered from across the ABC. Current content from news, television, radio, kids and parenting, sport, health and the ABC Shop are displayed on the homepage, along with clear links to ten major gateways. In addition to the major gateways, there are links directly from the homepage to 90 different sub-sites or subject areas, ranging from entertainment, news to state-by-state weather, science topics, international language services or the Indigenous portal.

In the past year the ABC has also developed a number of applications such as ABC Now and ABC Earth that aggregate content from different ABC output areas. This provides audiences with new and exciting ways to access ABC content.


4

SUMMARY REPORTS 135

SECTION

ABC Innovation developed an “off-deck” mobile phone portal which was launched late in October 2007 to support the ABC’s coverage of the 2007 federal election. The “Mobile Election” offering was an “off-deck” mobile service which allowed the ABC to deliver election related content directly to users’ mobile phones under the ABC brand and independently of the mobile phone providers.

Another new application developed by ABC Innovation was ABC Now, which launched in December 2007. ABC Now enables audiences to aggregate a broad range of ABC Television, Radio and News content within a player or “widget” downloaded to computer desktops. Version two was released in June 2008 with a number of improvements to functionality and layout.

In June 2008 Innovation launched ABC Earth, which integrates ABC content—including video, audio and text—into a location-based web interface. A selection of ABC Television and Radio archive material, news feeds and radio streams were incorporated into a layer for Google Earth, and users can browse ABC content by geographical location.

The public beta trial for Playback—a rich media player that offers high quality, full-screen, full-length ABC Television programming via the internet—was launched in March 2008. Playback was designed and built by Innovation and is the first player of its kind to be launched by any broadcaster in Australia. The full service, renamed iView, will be launched in July 2008.

Price



2. Industry ranking of ABC Online

In May 2007 ABC Online was positioned 14th in the ranking of websites most often accessed by Australians (Neilsen NetRating, Brand Rankings, May 2007). From June to November 2007 ABC Online gained one position, averaging 13th, but this dropped back to 14th by the quarter ending in May 2008. ABC Online has maintained its position overall despite increasing competition in the online industry.

Community and peer recognition and feedback:

See the summary of the 2008 Newspoll ABC Audience Appreciation Survey (page 42) and Appendix 21 (page 208).

Quantity

4. Number of mailing list subscribers to ABC Online

At the end of June 2007 there were 250 000 mailing list subscribers. A new email system was introduced in 2007–08 which has affected the reporting parameters. Data will provided for this measure from 2008–09.

5. Number of pages on ABC Online

At the end of June 2008, ABC Online hosted and maintained 4 300 018 web pages, compared with 3 873 988 in June 2007.

6. Number of gateways on ABC Online

Following the relaunch of the ABC Online homepage there are now ten major gateways that can be accessed from abc.net.au. In addition to the major gateways there are links to nearly 150 specific subject areas, all accessible directly from the homepage.

7. Use of content on emerging platforms such as Broadband and WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)

In the course of the year the ABC has launched a number of initiatives using new software and applications, to ensure ABC content has as wide a reach as possible.

136 SUMMARY REPORTS

Outcome 2Australian and international communities have access to at least the scale and quality of satellite and analog terrestrial radio and television transmission services that exist at June 2003.

Overall Assessment


(a) The number of ABC analog terrestrial transmission services

(b) Results of audience surveys.

2007–08 2006–07

Total number of emails received 2 718 2 666

Total number of letters received 76 73

Total number of telephone enquiries received 23 534 22 937

Total enquiries 26 328 25 676

Total number of hits to the RAL website Not Available* 2 411 839

Note: These figures reflect both analog and digital transmission contacts.

* Total number of hits to the Reception Advice Line are unavailable for 2007–08 due to a change in the web statistical systems used by the ABC.

The unit works closely with the ABC’s transmission providers to ensure that any transmission faults are rectified as soon as possible. The percentage of enquiries regarding transmission faults has remained relatively static during 2007–08, however the unit has seen an increase in the number of enquiries seeking information about terrestrial digital television, in part due to the re-branding of ABC Television and publicity surrounding ABC2. These have come from the Audience Advice Line and have been submitted to the Director of Communications.

(a) Number of ABC analog terrestrial transmission services

2007–08 2006–07 2005–06 1998–99

Analog Television 440 439 440 435Domestic Radio 671 640 635 609International Radio 8 8 8 8

Total 1 119 1 087 1 083 1 052

(b) Results of audience surveys

The ABC monitors audience responses to transmission issues via its Reception Advice Line (RAL). In 2007–08, this unit received the following television and radio services enquiries:


4

SUMMARY REPORTS 137

SECTION

Output 2.1

Provide ABC satellite and analog terrestrial transmission services through the effective management of Transmission Service Agreements.


Quality

1. Improvements in the level of reporting in relation to the ABC’s analog terrestrial transmission services compared with the reporting available immediately prior to the privatisation of the National Transmission Network (NTN)

The ABC and its transmission service provider, Broadcast Australia (BA), have implemented a comprehensive reporting system, with both reporting and notification ability. No changes were made to the system during 2007–08.

Quantity

2. Comparison of the number of individual analog terrestrial transmission services provided by the ABC with the number of such services provided immediately prior to the privatisation of the NTN

See Outcome 2 (a) above.

3. Comparison of the level of outages experienced by the ABC’s analog terrestrial transmission services with outages relating to the same services immediately prior to the sale of the NTN

The National Transmission Authority did not provide the ABC with this information prior to the sale of the NTN.

Price



138 SUMMARY REPORTS

Output 3.1

Implement the roll-out of digital television transmission services while keeping the Australian community aware of the changes to broadcast services.

Performance indicators

Quality

1. That each terrestrial facility operates within the limits set by the relevant Transmitter Licence and the approved Implementation Plans

The ABC met this requirement.

Australia NSW/ACT Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT

2007–08 97.30% 98.45% 99.18% 96.19% 93.57% 97.85% 95.98% 72.57%2006–07 97.02% 98.23% 98.93% 95.73% 93.52% 97.85% 93.77% 72.56%2005–06 96.19% 97.15% 98.76% 95.18% 93.18% 95.28% 89.89% 72.86%

Note: 2007–08 population was derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2006 Census data.

Outcome 3The Australian community has access to ABC digital television services in accordance with approved digital implementation plans.

Overall Assessment


The degree to which the Australian population has access to ABC digital television transmissions

The coverage of ABC digital television transmissions by percentage of the population is as follows:

Quantity

2. The number of digital terrestrial television facilities in operation against the approved Implementation Plans

There were 290 approved implementation plans, 279 digital terrestrial services in operation, including two in test mode as at the end of June 2008.

Price




INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT

To the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Scope

I have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for the year ended 30 June 2008, which comprise: a statement by Directors and Chief Financial Officer; income statement; balance sheet; statement of changes in equity; cash flow statement; schedules of commitments and contingencies; a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.

The Responsibility of the Board of Directors for the Financial Statements

The members of the Board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the Corporation) are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with the Finance Minister’s Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and Australian Accounting Standards, including Australian Accounting Interpretations. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audit. Our audit has been conducted in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which incorporate Australian Auditing Standards. The Auditing Standards require us to comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Corporation’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

I believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion.

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT 139

Independence

In conducting the audit, I have followed the independence requirements of the Australian National Audit Office, which incorporate the requirements of the Australian accounting profession.

Audit Opinion

In my opinion, the financial statements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

(a) have been prepared in accordance with Finance Minister’s Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, and Australian Accounting Standards, including Australian Accounting Interpretations; and

(b) give a true and fair view of the matters required by the Finance Minister’s Orders including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s financial position as at 30 June 2008 and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended.

Australian National Audit Office

Alana Foster Executive Director Delegate of the Auditor-General

Sydney 30 July 2008

140 INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT

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