ABC Cuts. Implications for the music industry.

There’s a feeling of unease in the music community.

That cuts to the ABC will have far reaching consequences for the music industry.

WA music educator and performer Matt Styles, wrote the following on facebook:

While cuts to the ABC have been touted as corporate ‘fat -trimming’, the cost to the cultural landscape will be far bigger and more damaging. The Perth Classic FM executive producer (along with many other TV crew) was given a redundancy package yesterday. Will this position be filled by an itinerant ‘FIFO’ producer from the east? A national broadcaster is just that – national.

Australian Orchestral conductor Ben Northey, said in a facebook post that.

Today’s cuts to the ABC mean less live broadcasts on ABC Classic FM. Such a blow for lovers of music in regional areas who rely on these broadcasts, and for all those who are unable to attend concerts. Very disappointing decision which impacts on Australian culture.

It’s vital that kids have the opportunity to attend concerts AND hear them at no cost on the ABC. Out here in the west,

“Perth has joined a musical revolution born in South American slums that has improved child development and helped reduce school dropout rates and youth violence.” ~ From an article about WASO’s first steps into a wonderful music education programme, El Sistema, or The System. (From an article about WASO’s involvement with the music education programme, El Sistema, or The System.)

At at a recent WASO Education Chamber Orchestra concert in Kwinana, the kids were so excitedly engaged and absorbed it was almost like a footy match! Judging by their response, I think El Sistema is already paying dividends in Kwinana.

So how can these kids gain access our concerts if they can’t get there in person? WASO have an iinet website, where concerts can be watched live, or on demand. But surely this should be an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for, the ability to hear them on a free-to-air national broadcasting network.

Access to music, like sport, is essential for everyone. Reducing the ABC’s opportunities to broadcast concerts would only serve to diminish the quality of life for all Australians.

“A truly educated mind has had music as part of its education. Every child in this country should have an opportunity to have a truly educated mind.”

~ Richard Gill

Support your local Divas!

West Australian Opera choristers Penny Shaw and Fiona Cooper Smyth, otherwise known as Divalicious, are through to the semi finals of Channel 7’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’. Watch them compete on Wednesday 30 May and SMS “Divalicious” to 1977 8888 to vote them through to the finals. Voting lines open 7.30pm 30 May and close 10am 1 June (SMS votes cost $0.55).

Publicity Stun?

The SA Liberal leader Isobel Redmond has offered to be “tasered” to prove the worth of these devices to the South Australian public.

During the interview she mentioned “police confronting people with mental illness” as if mental illness was something to be feared, and worse, justified the use of these excrutiatingly painful devices to “subdue them”.

Her rationale was that it’s better than using a normal gun, but surely if police know it (probably) won’t kill them, then they’re more likely to use it for more frivolous reasons.  Granted, police can be charged with assault for using such a device without good reason, but as in most situations like this, it’s the word of the offender against the word of the police.

The recent death of a Queensland man who was tasered 3 times during his arrest earlier this year by Police should be a reminder of the dangers of use of any such device.  Its use should surely be as much of a last resort as a conventional firearm.

Links

Taser me, says SA Opposition leader – ABC News

Police Taser death ignites debate – ABC News

Liberal leader’s taser offer ‘a stunt’ – ABC News