Strategic Plan 2013 –16

A clear direction for the ABC

The ABC’s strategic priorities for the next three years are outlined in this plan.

Like other media organisations around the globe, the ABC is being transformed by digital technology. The ABC’s role in the digital era was affirmed by Parliament’s 2013 vote in favour of a Charter change that acknowledges our responsibility to provide digital media services. The reach, impact and personalisation of online and mobile services have deepened the ABC’s connections with Australians everywhere and of all ages.

Millions of Australians every week are taking advantage of services unimaginable even a few years ago. We are delivering vastly more to audiences in many different ways. We are seeing dramatic increases in media consumption on smart phones and tablets. Every day, more Australians are coming to the ABC through search engines and social media referrals. This transformation will continue apace over the life of this plan as technology continues to shift power and the tools of creativity to audiences over producers.

Audiences are making individual decisions on what they want to consume, when and on what devices. We are not just distributing content that the ABC has made, developed in partnerships or purchased. This era is seeing a proliferation of content created by members of our audience and reaching vast numbers through its availability on ABC programs and websites.

While the ABC is taking advantage of this new technology to meet audience needs in different ways, many ABC services remain familiar. We still deliver traditional, linear television and radio networks, with scheduled programming that inform, educate and entertain.

We are delivering on our Charter obligations. Our programming contains content of wide appeal and specialist interest. Our news and current affairs team provides high quality coverage of local, national and international issues. We have a commitment to telling Australian stories, promoting the arts and providing a forum for intelligent debate and discussion.

Independent research consistently affirms that Australians overwhelmingly feel that the ABC provides a valuable service. The breadth and quality of ABC programming and its relevance to the lives of Australians makes the ABC one of Australia’s most respected and trusted institutions. It is truly a national broadcaster for all of us. Never in its proud 80 year history has the ABC been restricted to filling gaps left by other media organisations.

The values that underpin the ABC’s operations remain the same. We show respect, integrity and collegiality in our dealings with each other and the wider community; and we seek to innovate in our programming and services. The key goals of the organisation also remain constant. In fulfilling our functions under the ABC Act, we strive to be values-based and innovative, efficient and responsible, with an adherence to high-quality and audience-focused content.

As has been the case for more than 80 years, a defining characteristic of the ABC will be to treat its audiences as citizens, not consumers. We look to be a trusted place in an era of information plenty: delivering programming of quality and distinctiveness, that promotes understanding and insight and that provides a forum for debate and engagement for Australians everywhere. Furthermore, with secure government funding, the ABC will provide continuity of high quality programming for all Australians, at a time when other media organisations are finding it difficult to cope with the digital era.

The first stated duty of the ABC Board, under the ABC Act, is to ensure the functions of the Corporation are performed efficiently and with maximum benefit to the Australian people. The ABC Board will review the implementation of this Strategic Plan over the next three years. The Corporation will report on progress through its Annual Report, on the Corporate website and to the Parliament through forums including Senate Estimates hearings.

The next three years will see the ABC continue its transformational journey as a public broadcaster of the digital era. The Corporation will look to invest the funding provided by the Australian people efficiently and wisely, ensuring a return that is relevant, engaging, innovative, creative, distinctive and of high quality. For Australians everywhere, we grasp the opportunities of the new whilst holding fast to the great traditions and values of public broadcasting.

James Spigelman AC QC, Chairman

Mark Scott AO, Managing Director

Our goals

The ABC has six goals which support its purpose.

Our purpose

Audience focused

Values based

Responsible

EfficientHigh

quality

Innovative

The ABC’s purpose is to fulfil its functions as set out in the ABC Act, particularly the ABC Charter.

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

The ABC’s vision is to provide high quality content and services that will ensure the ABC is valued by the community as Australia’s most trusted and creative media organisation.

Values basedEmphasise the importance of how results are achieved, not just the results themselves.

Embrace and promote diversity in recruitment and content strategies.

Adopt and implement the ABC Reconciliation Action Plan.

Encourage and recognise ideas and behaviours that embody ABC Values of integrity, respect, collegiality and innovation, both within the ABC and in our relationships with others.

ResponsibleFocus on achieving the highest standards of workplace health and safety.

Provide responsible and responsive emergency broadcasting services.

Pursue environmentally and socially responsible business practices.

Apply best practice standards of financial and corporate governance.

Support the democratic process by providing programs and services which enable citizens to engage in informed discussion.

EfficientContinuously evaluate activities in order to implement best practice processes and to pursue new efficiencies.

Ensure the ABC’s capabilities across all platforms are aligned with audience strategies.

Manage and allocate resources efficiently in a way which contributes to long term sustainability.

Pursue appropriate revenue opportunities to maximise investment in content.

Audience focusedProvide relevant content for all Australians that enriches their lives as citizens.

Build audience engagement with ABC content across platforms, devices and formats.

Develop and implement a content strategy which maintains weekly audience reach across platforms of at least 70% of the Australian population.

Implement a content strategy focused on growing international audiences in target markets.

High qualityApply high standards to all activities.

Deliver distinctive content which is independent, balanced and trustworthy.

Regularly review and assess standards and performance, including identifying appropriate benchmarks.

Provide appropriate training to meet business needs and build capabilities.

InnovativeFoster a culture within the ABC of experimentation and creativity.

Explore the potential of emerging platforms and devices to offer new and relevant content and services to audiences.

Build a flexible and agile business capability to anticipate and respond to changes in audience behaviour and the media environment.

Collaborate with relevant industry and community partners.

Extend the ABC’s reputation as an innovation leader in the Australian media.

Our strategies

The ABC has identified the key strategies which will drive the achievement of its goals.

IntegrityWe act with trustworthiness, honesty and fairness. We deliver on our commitments and are accountable.

RespectWe treat our audiences and each other with consideration and dignity. We embrace diversity.

CollegialityWe work together willingly. We cooperate and share in the ABC’s challenges and successes.

InnovationWe foster creativity and distinctiveness. We encourage new thinking and strive to achieve quality in all that we do.

Reach of ABC services across all platforms.

Levels of audience engagement with ABC services.

Assessment of content quality and impact.

Community perceptions and industry recognition of ABC activities.

Assessment of creativity and innovation.

Compliance with appropriate and recognised standards.

Availability and effectiveness of training and development activities.

Health and safety performance.

Performance against targets set in the ABC Reconciliation Action Plan and the ABC Equity and Diversity Plan.

Levels of revenue from non-appropriation sources.

Measures Our values

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

Progress against this plan will be assessed using the following ten areas of performance:

The ABC is a truly independent media organisation. Our values are the foundation of how we work.

6 Charter of the Corporation

(1) The functions of the Corporation are:(a) to provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a high standard as

part of the Australian broadcasting system consisting of national, commercial and community sectors and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to provide:(i) broadcasting programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and inform and entertain, and

reflect the cultural diversity of, the Australian community; and(ii) broadcasting programs of an educational nature;

(b) to transmit to countries outside Australia broadcasting programs of news, current affairs, entertainment and cultural enrichment that will:(i) encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian attitudes on

world affairs; and(ii) enable Australian citizens living or travelling outside Australia to obtain information about Australian

affairs and Australian attitudes on world affairs; and(ba) to provide digital media services; and(c) to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia.

Note: See also section 31AA (Corporation or prescribed companies to be the only providers of Commonwealth-funded international broadcasting services).

(2) In the provision by the Corporation of its broadcasting services within Australia:(a) the Corporation shall take account of:

(i) the broadcasting services provided by the commercial and community sectors of the Australian broadcasting system;

(ii) the standards from time to time determined by the ACMA in respect of broadcasting services;(iii) the responsibility of the Corporation as the provider of an independent national broadcasting service

to provide a balance between broadcasting programs of wide appeal and specialized broadcasting programs;

(iv) the multicultural character of the Australian community; and(v) in connection with the provision of broadcasting programs of an educational nature–the

responsibilities of the States in relation to education; and(b) the Corporation shall take all such measures, being measures consistent with the obligations of

the Corporation under paragraph (a), as, in the opinion of the Board, will be conducive to the full development by the Corporation of suitable broadcasting programs.

(3) The functions of the Corporation under subsection (1) and the duties imposed on the Corporation under subsection (2) constitute the Charter of the Corporation.

(4) Nothing in this Section shall be taken to impose on the Corporation a duty that is enforceable by proceedings in a court.

The ABC Charter

From the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

Forecast Revenue and Expenditure

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Revenue

ABC Government Appropriations Operational Appropriations Equity Injections Loans from Government

Total Appropriations

Other Revenue

Total Revenue

Operational Expenditure

Capital Expenditure

Borrowings

Estimate2013-14

$’000

1,053,8533,300

20,000

1,077,153

175,484

1,252,637

1,215,717

90,117

20,000

Estimate2014-15$’000

1,071,049

50,000

1,121,049

174,937

1,295,986

1,234,054

153,581

70,000

Estimate2015-16$’000

1,093,906

20,000

1,113,906

174,706

1,288,612

1,262,929

144,890

90,000

(Source: 2013-14 Portfolio Budget Statements)

ABC Subsidiaries

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

Under the ABC Act the Corporation is required to provide Corporate Plans for its subsidiaries.

As at 1 July 2013, the following are wholly owned subsidiaries:

1 Music Choice Australia Pty Limited

2 The News Channel Pty Limited

Both subsidiaries are held as shelf companies and are not trading. Corporate Plans have not been prepared for these two subsidiaries.

Fulfilling the Board's Duties

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

The ABC Board is committed to fulfilling its duties as set out in s8 of the ABC Act. It does so through well established corporate governance processes.

The ABC Board holds regular meetings throughout the year, providing the Board with an opportunity to obtain detailed information about management and operational issues, and to make key decisions regarding the Corporation. The Board receives a comprehensive suite of reports, and members of the ABC Executive attend Board meetings as required to answer questions and provide insight into activities and management decision making.

The Finance Committee meets several times each year, and provides an opportunity for the Board to scrutinize the financial performance of the Corporation, including financial policy and procedures, financial planning, budgets and Treasury activities as well as major business investment decisions. Through the activities of the Finance Committee, the Board is able to ensure the financial performance and efficiency of the ABC.

The Audit and Risk Committee provides independent assistance to the ABC Board on the Corporation’s risk, control and compliance framework, and its external accountability responsibilities. Through the Audit and Risk Committee, the Board is able to monitor the Corporation to ensure that it does not contravene or fail to comply with applicable legislative obligations.

The ABC Editorial Policies are approved by the Board. The ABC Editorial Policies set out the ABC’s approach to a range of important editorial issues. A set of standards apply to each statement of principle, and are enforceable under internal management processes including through the ABC Complaints Handling Procedures. Rigorous application of the ABC Editorial Policies by the Corporation enables the Board to ensure that the gathering and presentation of new and information by the ABC is accurate and impartial in accordance with s8(1)(c) of the ABC Act.

The ABC Code of Practice has been developed by the Corporation and approved by the Board. The Code of Practice establishes the Principles and Standards which the ABC applies to radio and television programs broadcast by the ABC on its free-to-air television or radio broadcasting services. Compliance with the Code of Practice is monitored by the Board at its regular meetings. The Code of Practice is notified to the Australian Communications and Media Authority in accordance with s8(1)(e) of the ABC Act.

A Board Protocol which establishes the rights, responsibilities and expectations of the Board has been agreed and adopted by the ABC Board. The Protocol recognises the duties that are owed to the Corporation by Board, and sets out the ways in which Board members will conduct themselves in order to fulfil those duties.

Consistent with its duties, the Board undertakes other activities as required, such as submitting annual reports to Government regarding compliance with the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997; considering relevant statements of policy furnished by Government; and considering and approving broader ABC strategies such as those contained in the ABC Reconciliation Action Plan and the ABC Equity and Diversity Plan.

From the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983

ABC STRATEGIC PLAN 2013–16

(1) It is the duty of the Board:

(a) to ensure that the functions of the Corporation are performed efficiently and with the maximum benefit to the people of Australia;

(b) to maintain the independence and integrity of the Corporation;

(c) to ensure that the gathering and presentation by the Corporation of news and information is accurate and impartial according to the recognized standards of objective journalism; and

(d) to ensure that the Corporation does not contravene, or fail to comply with:

(i) any of the provisions of this Act or any other Act that are applicable to the Corporation; or(ii) any directions given to, or requirements made in relation to, the Corporation under any of those provisions; and

(e) to develop codes of practice relating to:

(i) programming matters; and(ii) if the Corporation has the function of providing a datacasting service under section 6A---that service; and

to notify those codes to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

(2) If the Minister at any time furnishes to the Board a statement of the policy of theCommonwealth Government on any matter relating to broadcasting, or any matter ofadministration, that is relevant to the performance of the functions of the Corporation andrequests the Board to consider that policy in the performance of its functions, the Board shallensure that consideration is given to that policy.

(3) Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) is to be taken to impose on the Board a duty that is enforceableby proceedings in a court.

8 Duties of the Board

ABCStrategic

Plan

Board of Directors

Executive

DivisionalBusiness

Plans

ABCCharter

IndividualPerformance

Plans

Weimplementthe Plans

ABCAnnualReport

The ABC Strategic Plan 2013 -16 guides the ABC’s activities, and demonstrates how the ABC will fulfils its Charter obligations. Performance against the Plan is reported in the ABC Annual Report. Together these documents ensure the ABC’s accountability to all Australians.

The ABC Strategic Plan 2013 -16 is prepared in accordance with Part IV A of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 (Cth) and is a corporate plan for the purposes of that Act.

ABC Head OfficeStreet Address ABC Ultimo Centre

700 Harris Street Ultimo NSW 2007

Postal Address GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001

Phone 612 8333 1500 Fax 612 8333 5305 Online abc.net.au