ABC criticised for BuzzFeed replica

The three main commercial networks have denounced the ABC’s plans to launch a replica version of BuzzFeed.

The ABC building in Ultimo, Sydney. Photo: Brianne Makin

The three main commercial networks have denounced the ABC’s plans to launch a replica version of BuzzFeed as the public broadcaster faces accusations of replicating the commercial sector and smothering small publishers to attract more young readers.

The ABC is investing millions of dollars in a lifestyle website that will cover topics more traditionally associated with women’s magazines, including recipes, sex and relationships, travel and fashion.

Speaking on behalf of the Seven, Nine and Ten networks, Free TV chief executive Bridget Fair said: “Lifestyle would have to be one of the most comprehensively covered market segments in Australian media.

“It’s very hard to see how this new service fits with the ABC charter, especially the requirement to take into account the services already provided by the commercial sector.

“This is a perfect example of why FreeTV has called for ACMA [Australian Communications and Media Authority] to have oversight of investment decisions by the ABC and SBS to ensure they are consistent with their Charters.

Free TV Australia chief executive Bridget Fair. Photo: Supplied

“Taxpayers’ money should not be spent duplicating content that is already well and truly available elsewhere.”

Called ABC Life, the new website is being talked about by ABC staff as a “BuzzFeed page for the ABC”.

Revelations that ABC Life is being positioned by executives “to replicate content that does well on commercial sites” will only increase concerns about the imperial ambitions of the sprawling ABC website.

Rivals complain that the ABC is expanding its digital services at the expense of consumer choice, making them collateral damage in its push into digital markets already served by commercial rivals both large and small.

The question of whether the ABC and SBS are straying too far from producing content that is distinctive, original and free from commercial considerations is one of the key issues being investigated by an ongoing government inquiry into their competitive neutrality.