The ABC enjoys a privileged position in broadcasting.

It swings from the taxpayers' teat and as found with Julia Gillard, is not afraid to ask for more from the trough of public money. It presumes to lecture others on standards and ethics, and even on 'facts', which in many cases are merely its own interpretations, factoids, and no more to be relied upon than any other.

It isn't just that the ABC got it wrong, but that many were not surprised at all that it erred where it did. If such predictability isn't a problem, what is?

Why should public broadcasting continue to be propped up by the overtaxed taxpayer? Why should it be draining money out of the bucket of taxpayers' money for broadcasting services that are redundant within itself and are already available privately?

Generally, taxpayers do not object to money being compulsorily taken from them where that money is directed at the 'must-haves' government services. However public broadcasting isn't even a 'should-have' in modern times where the public have easy usually free access to a broad range of sources of information, education, entertainment and culture.

What is it anyway with all of those time-filler talking heads who consider themselves personalities?

Many would like to see more community television, but the ABC swamps that out.

Here is a thought, what about the ABC being required to give a proportion of its program time and facilities to community TV and Community radio? The taxpayer is already paying so why shouldn't they have access to the resources for independent, local use?

Paul,

"you have dictionary online, unlike you, something I rarely use." No kidding! It is obvious that spelling is not the only limitations you have with the English Language. Your comprehension is also sketchy. If you had a modicum of understanding, you would realise that what I said was not a joke. Neither was implying nor imputing anything about your sanctimonious MPs.

I'm sorry if you find my careful and accurate prose elitist and prefer to bumble blindly through life. I guess that you find all forms of competence threatening, which is why you are so comfortable with the greens.