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ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said it was the ABC’s priority to vastly increase the amount of content available to Australian audiences through digital television and radio, and high-speed broadband leading up to 2012 and beyond.

In an address to the National Press Club today, Mr Scott said the ABC had a once in a generation opportunity to tap the potential and take up the opportunities offered by digital technology in a multi-platform, multi-channel media environment.

ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said it was the ABC’s priority to vastly increase the amount of content available to Australian audiences through digital television and radio, and high-speed broadband leading up to 2012 and beyond.

In an address to the National Press Club today, Mr Scott said the ABC had a once in a generation opportunity to tap the potential and take up the opportunities offered by digital technology in a multi-platform, multi-channel media environment.

“The digital dividend that we’re starting to hear a lot about is not just the money that can be raised from selling excess spectrum, it is the additional services that digital technology makes possible and the enrichment it brings to all Australians,” Mr Scott said.

“To obtain that dividend requires some additional investment in content, because content will drive the take-up of digital TV, radio and broadband - and new content is what audiences value.

“The ABC is demonstrating the potential through the success of services such as ABC2, ABC iView, ABCNow and the successful podcasting and vodcasting offerings.

“I believe the ABC’s continuing contribution to the nation will be best made through more Australian drama, more regional content, a dedicated children’s TV channel, public affairs broadcasting, and more online innovation in an Australia where fast broadband becomes an increasingly mainstream proposition.”

As part of this suite of offerings, Mr Scott argued for a dedicated non-commercial children’s channel, with at least 50% Australian content.

“Next year there are likely to be fifteen free-to-air digital channels in Australia as we move to analogue switch-off. One should be an ABC children’s channel, commercial free and brought to you by the most trusted and valued source of children’s television in Australia’s history,” Mr Scott said.

“If we are concerned about the impact fast food advertising on television is having on our children, doesn’t it make sense to give parents the choice of a completely commercial free children’s channel, with high quality, Australian content. No pester power, no exposure to fast food advertising – just quality children’s content.”

Building on the ABC’s extensive local, national and international news gathering resources, Mr Scott said the ABC could also develop a public affairs channel.

“We want to be able to create a service – online and on television – that allows citizens to watch for themselves key democratic processes and public events: unmediated, unfiltered.

“I include in that category Parliament from Canberra and the State chambers; press conferences and Parliamentary hearings; major fora like the annual ABARE conference; key annual general meetings; public addresses at places like the Lowy Institute, the Melbourne Press Club or the Centre for Independent Studies.

“This is something that should be available free in every Australian home – access to our democracy in action.”

Mr Scott said these services could add an immediate lift in the take-up of digital television as we move towards analogue switch-off and a significant opportunity for Government with the freeing up of the analog spectrum.

“At the ABC, we are acutely aware that these new services cost real money to deliver. We are being rigorous in ensuring the money we currently spend is allocated wisely and spent efficiently.”

Please click here to read the full address.