ABC chair Kim Williams says investment in national broadcaster the best counter to 'flood' of misinformation

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Funding,Misinformation,Kim Williams

The ABC's chair Kim Williams calls for more investment in the public broadcaster as a counter to the 'flood' of online misinformation and disinformation, days after the federal government's decision to abandon legislation that would have forced social media giants to tackle harmful content on their platforms.

Kim WIlliams has called for more investment in the ABC to combat a splintering of information online.

"That's why since taking the job of chair of the ABC I have been insisting that all our journalists adhere, always, to the highest standards of objectivity and professional ethics," Mr Williams said.Williams says operating revenue at ABC has fallen $150 million in real terms The renewed funding deal also included an additional $103.8 million over five years to maintain programs that were expiring, including the ABC's enhanced news gathering scheme which supports regional journalist positions; and ABC Audio Description, which provides accessible screen content for blind and vision-impaired audiences.

He also made note that commercial newsrooms were suffering in the internet age, and "the knife is now scraping the bone". "As the waters of misinformation and disinformation rise, the continuing existence of the ABC as a trusted source of the truth will help save our democracy from the populist damage going on elsewhere," the chair said.

"I don't envy the job of the government in giving shape and strength to the action that is proposed on social media. But I think it's strongly supported in the community, and I think that the government is showing considerable fortitude in the approach that's being taken.

 

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