Friends of the ABC today expressed concerns about statements from Senator Humphries and hints from the Minister for Communications about the issue of ABC commercialization, Spokesperson Margaret O'Connor said today.

'The critical issue at the moment is what the ABC will receive in the forthcoming May Budget, rather than discussions about the supposed benefits of commercialization. Senator Humphries, a self-proclaimed Friend of the ABC, has a misguided belief in discreet advertising, which is an oxymoron, and seems to believe that commercial activities can be consistent with the ABC's Charter,' she said.

'Experience both within the SBS and overseas has demonstrated otherwise. The Friends welcome Senator Coonan's comments of support for the ABC but are less enthusiastic about her hints about commercial activities.'

The Friends also spoke up about the KPMG review requested by the ABC and demanded that it be publically released.

'Reports in the media suggest that the review has confirmed what the Friends have been saying for years; that the ABC manages its existing funds very well and desperately needs more. Why haven't the results of the review been made public? The Friends can only conclude that the Government does not want to give this issue any fuel. It is in the public interest that the review results be released. We need to know.'

'This issue is crucial. It is a matter of whether the Australian public wants to continue to be well served by an independent public broadcaster, well funded and free from commercial and political pressures. It is a matter of the public interest.'

ENDS

For more information call Margaret O'Connor on 0422 975 848.