Criticisms about PBS-FM’s ethics on the JJJ program ‘The Hack’ (27 July 05) are incorrect and challenged. In essence it is claimed that PBS-FM charges artists to broadcast their live performances and interviews on our showcase show ‘Studio 5 Live’, that we are not transparent to our listeners and are therefore in breach of ethical standards.

In the past 12 month period we have broadcast over 450 live-to-air performances of which 46 have been on ‘Studio 5 Live’.  ‘Studio 5 Live’ (Thursdays 7-8pm) provides an invited band or artist to perform and be interviewed on a show dedicated to them for that week. Unlike other live-to-air performances it costs PBS-FM $500 per show to present ‘Studio 5 Live’, with costs including the hire of additional equipment, material costs, depreciation of equipment and specific labour cost. After we have approached touring acts to come on the show, we try and encourage them to make a contribution to cover our production costs but we do not make it conditional (ie,  bands are chosen on merit). Indeed out of the past 46 performances only 9 have made a contribution and not all for the same amount.  On-air cross promotion of the bands up coming performance is provided regardless of whether there has been a contribution. Where there has been a contribution the announcement is tagged “Sponsors of PBS-FM’.

PBS-FM acknowledges the right of the Government-funded National Broadcaster, JJJ to pursue that which they consider to be a news story. However we find it disappointing that our efforts provided with the best of intentions by tireless volunteers and a skeleton staff of 9 people, are presented as unethical. There was no acknowledgement of the good that PBS-FM brings to the wider music community and there was no attempt to place our behaviour in perspective within a music industry where there are serious ethical issues.

In closing, PBS-FM is committed to broadcast as wide a variety of under-represented artists and their music. We will do so by generating sufficient income to meet our costs whilst broadcasting within the bounds of the Broadcasting Services Act and the CBAA Code of Conduct.

Roger Jones
Station Manager
PBS-FM
The best damn radio station in the world

About The Hack
Weekdays 5:30pm
Steve Cannane and the Hack team deliver the goods on what's news around the country and internationally. (from web link listed in 'Related Information' section below)

PLEASE NOTE:
On The Hack link below you can stream the interview between Sarah De Borre (PBS FM Music Manager) and Kath Dwyer (JJJ) on Wednesday 27 07 05.

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