ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie used a visit to Mount Isa for Triple J’s One Night Stand to reinforce what she said was the broadcaster’s importance to regional Australia.
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“It’s important not just to regional Australia, but it’s importance (is) bringing regional Australian stories to the rest of Australia,” Ms Guthrie.
“One Night Stand is a great example of that, everyone listening to Triple J tonight (Saturday) is going to be very focused on Mount Isa, and only the ABC can do that.”
Everyone listening to Triple J tonight (Saturday) is going to be very focused on Mount Isa, and only the ABC can do that.
- Michelle Guthrie
Ms Guthrie said the message she keeps getting in rural and regional areas is how important the ABC is.
“We recognise that and that’s why we made a further investment in regional Australia of up to 80 roles and $15m to invest in more regional content,” she said.
“We (must) concentrate on quality and distinctive programming and reach audiences on radio, television and digital with news, entertainment and music in as many ways we can.”
Ms Guthrie acknowledged that internet connectivity was an issue in regional areas which was why they diversify their ways of reaching out.
“We’re aiming to have our content on as many platforms as possible to reach as many people as possible,” she said.
“We have to make sure we are as accessible and relevant and convenient to every Australian. One thing I’ve noticed in regional visits is how important social media is, having people access our content through Facebook.”
Ms Guthrie said the ABC had to operate in an integrated manner.
“So for One Night Stand we are live but we also have video and stories from the community uploaded to Facebook – it’s important we do everything.”
Ms Guthrie said she was delighted to be in Mount Isa for the Triple J event.
“One Night Stand is the biggest thing that the ABC does and has such a connection with kids across Australia so I’m happy to be at my first One Night Stand.”
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
