I agree with some of this article, but its argument is weakened by the addition of redundant ideological baggage, that cumulatively suggests the author wants SBS to be a vehicle for his own political dogma rather than reflecting genuine diversity.

In particular: sneering at advertisements; the politically-freighted blast at outsourcing; the call for more union representation on the board; the rather silly idea that Margaret Pomeranz could add “dignity and gravitas” to anything; anti-Americanism (I’ll admit, one of my favourite SBS shows is South Park); the suggestion that accepting advertising revenue will inevitably lead to compromised editorial independence;, and the idea that there’s something wrong with having competent and experienced business people and those with media experience on the board.

In response I will merely post the letter I sent to SBS News on 28 Aug 2007 -

"Dear World News Team

After watching SBS World News for about 20 years and admiring the professional standards of the station, unfortunately I have to leave you like Mary Kostakidis, and probably for the same reasons!

What a pity.

I will miss the pre 2007 SBS - unless of course there was a miraculous rewind, which the old SBS would probably have been capable of.

Probably too much to hope for now.

Parting is very painful.

Bye."

Don't worry ,all is not lost.Kevin07 will plunder the future fund so he will make both the ABC and SBS an arm for his propagander machine.Fix your interest rates now and get ready for "Bananas in Republics coming down the stairs,bananas in republics chasing Wall Street Bears."

Arjay, so how do explain Howard's stacking of the ABC Board for the last ten years?

Here are just some just to jog your selective and failing memory -

o Michael Kroger
o KEITH Windschuttle
o Janet Albrechtsen

Rainer the ABC and SBS still pump out their left wing rhetoric on a daily basis seemingly with little control from the Federal Govt.They are still the mouthpiece of Labor and this should not be so.

They will expect a lot more financing from Labor and will be beholding to a political party when they get it,thus towing their line.

Arjay, you confuse human decency with leftism.
Would you prefer the ABC rant on like Alan Jones?
Would you prefer they took a more right wing perspective.

You bleat loudly about Leftism but never define your own political calibration (other than whinging about the Left)..

Its time you woke up to yourself old son.