Submission to Department of Communications and the Arts: Review of Australian Broadcasting Services in the Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Lowy Institute researchers have maintained a longstanding interest in the tools of so-called ‘soft power’ diplomacy. In 2010, research fellows Annmaree O’Keeffe and Alex Oliver produced a comprehensive assessment of the international broadcasting environment and its relationship with public diplomacy. Several of the Institute’s researchers — including Jenny Hayward-Jones, Jonathan Pryke and Alex Oliver — have at various times expressed concern about the range and extent of cuts to Australia’s international broadcasting services. These included the ending of the Australia Network contract in 2014 and later cuts to various aspects of the ABC’s international services, culminating in the 2016 at the announcement by the ABC that it would cease shortwave broadcasting services to the region. This review provides an opportunity to look at recent developments in Australia’s international broadcasting, and to identify strategic opportunities to re-engage and renew focus on this important area of public and regional diplomacy. Given the breadth of the topic, we have focused our submission on the following areas: Media and ‘soft power’ diplomacy; Structure and governance; Investment in content; Investment in technology and distribution.