ABC Radio Nation is under threat

ABC Radio National is under attack, so much so that it will probably cease to exist, according to the Sydney Morning Herald (December 9).

I cannot envisage life in Australia without ABC RN.

It is my window on the world; it introduces me to some of the best minds from both within Australia and around the world.

Although not religious, Andrew West's "Religion and Ethics Report" helps to widen my horizons, understand different points of view and above all it makes me more compassionate and empathetic.

The "Health Report" keeps me up to date with medical matters so that I can have more enlightened discussions with my GP instead of wasting her time.

Geraldine Dooghue and Phillip Adams don't just educate me with their fantastic guests, but they lead me to a reading list I will never be able to complete.

Waleed Ali makes me think in different ways about some of today's problems.

"Away" introduces me to an ancient Australian culture from which we have much to learn.

What is happening to ABC management that they pursue ratings and try to just appeal to the young and global market?

Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better.

Management does not realise that in so doing they are losing a consistent, reliable audience.

Isn't it the job of the ABC to educate and enlighten citizens which leads to a brighter, informed and cohesive society?

It seems inconceivable that ABC management is so divorced from its public, pursuing its own agenda, that it does not recognise the quiet but significant impact that the Radio National Network has on the nation.

We may not have the ratings of Triple J but does that mean that we don't matter; that our needs are not to be considered?

Radio National is essential for the National Conversation.

As our culture seemingly becomes brasher, noisier and triter, RN gains in importance.

The ABC should not be chasing ratings it should be providing for those citizens ignored by other stations because it is our democratic right and part of the ABC charter.

It is just not older listeners either.

There are countless people in regional and remote areas who are dependent on the ABC, for their intellectual stimulus and culture.

There are middle aged citizens who listen to RN and/or podcasts, use them in their work e.g. educating students, teaching English to migrants and yes, discussing them at their dinner table conversations.

RN followers must let ABC management know that this cannot be allowed to happen.

Management must return from whichever world it is they are living on and retain Radio National as a network.

If not, I fear that it will not just be RN which will disappear but the ABC itself.

Email, 11 Dec 2017

Margaret Lund, Woy Woy