Thread by @SquirterMc

Thread on #MyABC.

I have to get something off my chest.

Over the past several years I have watched my local @abccanberra radio station morph into something I no longer recognise. The loss of on-air talent & the reduction in news & current affairs programming is simply alarming.

It probably started w/ the departure of @rosssolly in late 2013. Listening to Ross do the Breakfast shift was a joy. I really miss his humour, the new music he played & his repartee w/ @JNorthside. Ross did so much for Canberra. He gave it personality.

canberratimes.com.au/story/6151029/…

There was only a brief respite to adjust before a veritable flood of departures.

Regrettably, @Marcdawson was next to go in mid 2014. His authoritative delivery of the ABC radio news bulletins was always something to look forward to. Best voice ever.

citynews.com.au/2014/abcs-mark…

Marc was followed in 2016 by @sloaniealex. Alex was responsible for some of the most informative & fascinating radio conversations I’ve ever heard. I loved hearing her regular guests like @thefitdietitian & @TonyPeacock28. Such a loss to radio listeners.

abc.net.au/news/2017-03-1…

Then in late 2017 the horrendous news that Genevieve Jacobs had been forced off @abccanberra. This decision was, & remains, unfathomable. Genevieve was an extraordinary interviewer - genuinely holding people in power to account. Here’s just one example👇🏻

abc.net.au/radio/canberra…

And as if that wasn’t enough, 2017 finished with the news that two of #OurABC’s flagship radio current affairs programs - #TheWorldToday and #abcPM - were to be halved in length. The loss of air time for serious journalism & the dumbing down of Australia was progressing apace.

2018 saw @marcuskelson leave our local ABC via yet another involuntary redundancy process. Such a shameful way to be treated after decades of service to public broadcasting. And clearly Marcus is far more magnanimous than I am.

https://twitter.com/marcuskelson/status/1265786644990324736

Then @TimGavel announced he was going. I’m not a huge sports fan but I loved hearing Tim talk on other topics - like his community involvement. It was always a gem when he & @sloaniealex had a chat.
#LocalHero #NovakNovak

openaustralia.org.au/debates/?id=20…

And today was the final time where @JulianBAbbott read the 7:45am radio news bulletin. It will disappear entirely in the coming days. Yet another loss of valuable news content which will be replaced by fluff & nonsense that serves no-one. #SaveOur745 #DemocracyDiesInSilence

https://twitter.com/abccanberra/status/1304212998026797056

Of course what’s happening in #Canberra is just a snapshot of the national scene. Respected & experienced personnel are leaving the #ABC in droves. Victims of a vindictive government that avoids accountability at every turn. Vested interests usurping the national interest #auspol

Anyway, it all just represents a sense of ongoing loss. Loss of the voices you trust, loss of reliable local news & information, & loss of people whose talents you admire. Our public institutions are under very heavy attack, and sadly #OurABC is on the front line. #HandsOffOurABC