Kerry O'Brien is one of Australia's most respected journalists with six Walkley Awards for excellence in journalism.

Janine Kitson is a former Ku-ring-gai Councillor and National Trust director who is standing as an Independent candidate in the federal seat of Bradfield.  

Janine Kitson, Bradfield Independent candidate, says:

"I am delighted that Kerry O'Brien will join me in conversation at my next BradfieldcandoBetter webinar to put the spotlight on the ABC and its fundamental importance to safeguarding democracy in Australia.

“A strong media is a vital pillar of democracy yet at a time when democracy in this country is losing its way and traditional media has been seriously weakened by digital disruption, our national broadcaster is under threat from constant budget cuts.

“Bradfield constituents have been strong supporters of the ABC for generations and have derived a great deal of benefit from it—whether it’s the news, or Four Corners, or entertainment, or local radio, or Play School, or Triple J, or Radio National.

“At a time when public trust in our institutions has given way to cynicism, the ABC remains the most trusted news organisation in the nation. Yet our local member of parliament is the Minister responsible for funding the ABC and the ABC’s budget has been cumulatively cut by $800 million in the past seven years.

“So many Bradfield constituents want their political leaders to start 'loving' the ABC rather than always attacking it.  They want their ABC restored to be strong, independent and well-funded.

“I will be asking Kerry O’Brien--who reported on politics for decades as the anchor of 7.30, Four Corners and Lateline--why so many Australians have lost faith in their politicians, why there’s been such a dramatic decline in leadership in this country, and what can be done to turn that decline around.

“I particularly want to help ignite a national conversation about why Australia can't afford to lose the ABC."