Fed: ABC attacks oppn over Telstra comments

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2000
Fed: ABC attacks oppn over Telstra comments

By Krista Hughes

CANBERRA, Feb 15 AAP - ABC boss Brian Johns today hit back at the federal opposition
for its criticism of the national broadcaster's proposed deal with Telstra, accusing it
of interfering in ABC business.

Mr Johns said opposition communications spokesman Stephen Smith's call for a Senate
inquiry into the proposed $67.5 million on-line deal infringed on the very independence
he was seeking to protect.

"I find it ironic that the federal opposition and others in the name of protecting
the independence and integrity of the ABC are intruding on that very independence by seeking
a parliamentary inquiry," he said.

"The opposition is seeking to intrude (on) our right to make and manage this output
agreement with Telstra."

Under the deal, the ABC would supply news and other content to the telstra.com website
and work with the telecommunications carrier on co-productions.

Mr Johns rejected suggestions the ABC would not have editorial control, or would lose
access to co-produced material.

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