The Australian has reported (16 August 2007) that the ABC will close is world renowned Natural History Unit. The future of the unit's Emmy Award winning film makers, David Parer and Elisabeth Parer-Cox is unclear.(but see below - an ABC represenatative says that she understands they will remain on the ABC staff)  Director of ABC Television, Kim Dalton, is said to favour the Channel Four (U.K.) model where the broadcaster has no internal production capacity but outsources all of its production to the commercial sector.  Dalton is reported to have said "In the longer term, outside of its weekly magazine or program strands, ABC TV will move out of internal factual and documentary production."

Darce Cassidy comments on the implications of this plan for the ABC's independence, and the future of creative program making.

UPDATE 30 September 2007

Has the ABC had a change of heart with regard to the Natural History Unit?  Or were rumours of the death of the unit greatly exaggerated? This letter, received by a Friends of the ABC member who wrote to express her concern about the future of the unit, seems to suggest that some internal production in the natural history genre may continue.

Thank you for your letter of 2 September 2007 regarding the ABC's Natural History Unit. The Managing Director has asked me to respond on his behalf.

I would like to assure you that the ABC remains committed to developing and producing natural history programs, as it has done for many years. Recent media reports on this subject have included misleading speculation about ABC Television's natural history program commissioning and production plans.

In fact, ABC Television retains its commitment to continue to develop and produce a slate of natural history projects each year. Currently, I understand ABC Television has around six hours of major natural history projects underway in conjunction with independent producers, as has been the case for a number of years. Several additional projects are also in development and ABC Television anticipates commissioning 4-5 more hours in 2007/08.

Furthermore, I understand award-winning filmmakers David Parer and Elizabeth Parer-Cook remain on the ABC's staff and will continue to work on ABC Television's natural history projects.

Thank you for bringing your concerns regarding this matter to the ABC's attention.

Yours sincerely

Kirstin McLiesh

Head, Audience & Consumer Affairs

Friends of the ABC will seek more information.