ABC Stumbles on 'Australian Story'

Tonight the ABC TV aired 'Australian Story,' I was dismayed at the subject matter.

It's not often that I speak badly of the ABC. What would be worth watching without it? (And SBS, for that matter.) I usually leave the criticism of the ABC to those Houses of Snark, the legions of right wing bloggers who deliriously believe that the commercial media could fill the void if the ABC ceased to exist.

'Australian Story' is usually about Australians who have had extraordinary lives, or who have overcome some adversity of the magnitude that leaves you wondering how they ever survived.

Two previous shows stick in my mind. The first was about a young rural woman who had a shocking accident, becoming entangled in farm machinery. She lost an arm and suffered other appalling injuries. 'Australian Story' told how she miraculously survived, and the struggle to rehabilitate from her injuries.

The second was about a surgeon (orthopedic, I think) who was hit by a car, suffering injuries that should have ended his career. By self admission he was an arrogant sod before the accident, but during his struggle to overcome his injuries and convince skeptical colleagues that he could perform his former surgical duties, became a more easy going and likeable person.

'Australian Story' tonight was about the Rivkins. As most Australians would know, Rene Rivkin, a brash and successful Sydney stockbroker, was convicted of insider trading and sentenced to nine months of weekend detention.

The story was about the effect of Rene's behaviour on his family before, during and after the trial.

I don't doubt that Rene's relatives had a hard time coping his antics and the media attention. It's just that I wonder if people of the Rivkins' family standing need this kind of exposure funded by the Australian taxpayer.

What influence did Rivkin himself have on the show? His doctor was openly talking about his illnesses. I doubt if he could do that without Rivkin's permission. Rivkin is under investigation regarding other business dealings. Is it right that the ABC seems to suggest it's all because he's mentally unstable?

There are many Australian families in similar situations. Due to mental illness, drugs, alcohol or gambling problems they have to cope without the financial security of the Rivkins, and without the media support that the Rivkins have received courtesy of the ABC.

'Australian Story' should stick to describing the plight and triumphs of ordinary Australians, not the privileged who are quite capable of doing it themselves.