Backchat, Episode 217
Clip 1: A lively correspondence
1 min 55 sec
Taken from the TV program Backchat, Episode 217 (1988)
Original title classification PG – this clip chosen to be PG
Availability of the complete title
Curator’s clip description
In a typically wide-ranging response from viewers, the ABC’s religious programs on both television and radio receive appreciation from some and blame and criticism from others.
For some ABC viewers, these programs are a welcome alternative to commercial broadcasts, while for others the ABC is criticised for allowing religious programs to be turned into a Marxist critique. And for yet others, it seems that religion is taking over the airwaves.
Curator’s notes
This is typical of the wide-ranging audience response to almost any ABC program. Tim Bowden’s friendly and relaxed demeanour disguises the judgement couched in his reponse to the comments from the last viewer. It’s interesting to compare this style of presentation to the stronger, more opinionated personae that have hosted ABC‘s Media Watch over the years.
The program’s role was not to respond to audience complaints but to broadcast the range of responses to a particular program. Nevertheless, specific questions, such as why a series would not be repeated or why the ABC would not be broadcasting some important community event, would be answered by Bowden on the advice of the department concerned.
Janet Bell, curator
