Classic Melbourne has championed the cause of protecting the ABC, and Classic FM in particular, as it faces severe cuts from the Abbott government. So we were gratified to read a spirited defence by former diplomat Tony Kevin (pictured), a respected voice on matters such as the Australian border protection system, the subject of his book, Reluctant Rescuers.
His concerns for the troubled waters the ABC now finds itself in first appeared in December on John Menadue’s blog, Pearls and Irritations, (6/12/14), with the heading “Cuts to ABC Classic FM strike at Australia’s cultural heritage”.
Tony Kevin writes:
“Somebody must speak out now for Classic FM. It is not for elites, not for silvertails. It is for the 750,000 Australians listening to their FM radios, whose parents and teachers taught them to cherish classical music, whatever their location, means, ages, or mobility. Don’t taxpayers and citizens have a right to demand that this precious intangible national cultural heritage, built up by the hard work of so many people over so many years, not be cut off at the knees now?”
Classic Melbourne recommends Tony Kevin’s work as an informative, authoritative and persuasive defence of a great broadcaster. Read the full article here.
