ABC is mired in a crisis that is of its own making

Repeats at prime time (Grand Designs, anyone?). New dramas that look as if they were commissioned with an eye on international rather than local appeal (Harrow). Holes in the schedule created by the axing of shows like Catalyst and Lateline. The perplexing decision to not renew the hugely popular Dr Blake Mysteries, while spates of new, unloved and un-promoted shows wait to find an audience on iview. The axing of the irreverent Tonightly, the one show that had the potential to finally give the long-rudderless, younger-skewing ABC Comedy a signature.

To say that many baffling decisions have been made at the ABC over the past few years is something of an understatement.

Coupled with low staff morale, it is clear that ABC TV – let's just leave the well-documented problems at ABC Radio Melbourne and Radio National out of the equation – is mired in a crisis that is partly of its own making.

Former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie was axed by the board on Monday.

Former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie was axed by the board on Monday.

Invariably, the ABC's many problems of late are couched in generalised political terms: on one side, a hostile Coalition government that wants to punish the organisation for perceived biases and shortcomings in its news coverage in particular by withholding funds; on the other, an opposition that sees votes in the promise (for now, at least) of a better-funded ABC.

Yet both positions mask where many of ABC TV's recent failings rest. Funding shortfalls inevitable lead to gaps in the schedule and the quality of what can be produced. But neither cash nor the volatile mood in Canberra can fully account for the mess that has befallen the ABC of late.

Now comes the abrupt removal of managing director Michelle Guthrie, which was announced on Monday. How this will alter the ABC's path remains to be seen.

In an email to staff, chair Justin Milne said "a change in leadership does not mean a change in strategy".

But listen to the comments of loyal readers and listeners bemoaning the "entertainment-lite" flavour of the schedule, the demise of rigorous documentaries, the slow creep of commercial-style formats and, yes, the endless repeats, and it fast becomes clear that maybe a change in strategy is just what this unexpected occasion requires.

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