All Australians whether they live in urban, rural, regional or remote areas should have access to our national broadcaster. But in some parts of the country, it is difficult, even impossible, to get a decent signal.
Lack of a signal not only denies Australians access to ABC programs; it leaves them vulnerable during crises.
A shift to digital services should not remove access for those people who don’t have digital devices. The most disadvantaged economically and those who live in isolated communities, would be the most likely to suffer if the ABC were only available via digital services.
We call on all candidates and political parties to support additional funding to ensure that high quality ABC services can be received by all Australians across the country.