Why commercial media shouldn’t fear a Googler at the helm of the ABC
With critics already lining up to take potshots at ABC MD frontrunner Michelle Guthrie before she is even officially appointed Nic Christensen argues commercial outlets shouldn’t be concerned about Aunty’s digital presence – in fact they should welcome it.
The sheer quantity of media attention that has already been devoted to Google executive Michelle Gurthrie’s likely appointment as ABC head honcho tells you something about the place of the public broadcaster in the Australian media landscape.
The AFR, SMH, Age, Oz, News.com.au, Guardian and SBS have all already weighed in, with Fairfax running a profile on Guthrie before she’s even signed.
There was one piece of commentary which ran in The Australian today from conservative thinktank the Institute of Public Affairs, which said it was concerned the Googler will lead the ABC down the “digital clickbait route”, which caught my attention.
Typically this supposed debate is focused on technology when the real issue is the product. Media of all kinds are challenged primarily by the novelty of empowered consumers. They’re not used to it. And what they all need is a serious amount of pressure to improve the quality of the content they offer. Whether it’s on iview or whatever is entirely secondary.
The real problem with Guthrie is that she appears never to have made any media. That deficit appears to apply to virtually all of the candidates except [Edited under Mumbrella’s moderation policy] Clegg [Edited under Mumbrella’s moderation policy] .
Well, did Rupert not call the Google crew parasites once for nicking and monetising all of his content. And James railed against the BBC for acting too commercially. I am sure Rupert will find a new attack line !
“”The ABC’s critics will always find something to rail against”. – Agreed
Commercial Networks can have a pop at the ABC all they like but they would be better off focusing on their own programming. Attacking the ABC is lazy and not going to solve their problems. Personally I think better programming means taking a few more risks and a better “joined up” strategy. Better linking TV with online and social media.