I'm happy with my taxes going to the ABC to fund it. I would be happy with it getting more fuNDing. I also watch some commercial TV...it's not all bad - there are some gems. But commercial TV is also in trouble as you can now record programs without the adverts, and advertisers know this. This is why they try to place more reality TV programs (aren;t we all over them?)within which they have product placement.

The ABC allows for programs that the commercial stations won't touch until they are proven. Some of the most popular TV shows owe their genesis to the ABC. I could mention Sea Change, Kath and Kim, Frontline.

We also get good (and bad) comedy, but at least an alternative from the American drivel (with an odd exception) and repeats run endlessly on the commerical channels. How many more police procedural series can we fit in? No imagination there at all...just formulaic crap that loses its appeal after one or two episodes.

Also, you just have to see how many of the successful journos started at the ABC and still hold it in great respect even though they now work for commercial stations. They all understand the need for the national broadcaster to have more editorial freedom than commerially controlled channels.

The last thing we need is what has happened to the music industry, ie that if you don't the mould, you don't get played. It's made our music industry full of clones and lacking in innovation.