It is doubtless that much of the future economy will rely on the internet. As companies move their presence more into the online world much of Australia’s money will move online. This has already begun and is unstoppable. This requires significant upgrades to internet access for the average Australian. The need to invest in high quality internet infrastructure cannot be understated.
The ABC’s current online presence is astoundingly forward thinking. The availability of news, streaming radio and even television programmes is second to none. The ABC is on the forefront of Australian digital content and given present trends is extremely likely to remain there.
Australia’s broadband capacity requires upgrading to provide the digital services that organisations like the ABC need. Quality content requires deep broadband penetration and fast speeds. While Australia has quite good broadband penetration, the speeds are woefully inadequate.
When considering a new digital economy, it is obvious that the primary delivers of content in the digital age should be at the table. The ABC is Australia’s only large independent source of news and multimedia and already has a very impressive online presence. If the ABC is not a priority in the digital age, what is?
The ease of internet sales and the cost of network infrastructure will also put pressure on the ABC to start charging for access to online content. This is fraught with danger and is an area that must be looked at carefully. Ignoring the financial pressures on the ABC in this new age will not solve the problem.
For any government committed to providing funding for free, unbiased and independant media as well as committed to improving Australia’s position in the information age, the ABC is an area that must never be overlooked.