Getting my 7 cents worth, even if I don't pay it!

Whenever I get an email or talk with someone from Australia, they always seem to want to tell me about the news, particularly sporting events. What they seemingly fail to realise is that I already know. I read at least one, if not two newspapers online everyday, I listen top the footy live quite a bit, and I even watch TV news. The strange thing is that since I have moved to Estonia I think I have a better idea about what's going on in Austalia than when I lived there. The main reason for this is that grand old media institution, the ABC.

Since I relocated to the other side of the globe, I have found that Austalia's government broadcaster is a hell of a lot better at using the web than commercial media. I guess it may be easier for them in that they are not protecting entrenched commercial interests, but even so they put Austalia's commercial broadcasters to shame.

Estonia is an internet country. Every decent sized institution, both public and private, makes use of the internet to provide better customer service, save money, or just to show off (like the e-elections. A tiny percentage of the population voted online, but Estonians loved the idea they did it). All in all, a tiny, still developing country like Estonia puts my home country to shame when it comes to e-commerce. The one player getting any kicks on the Aussie team is the ABC.

I have to confess that I have always loved the ABC, both TV and Radio. My housemates in Melbourne used to joke that I glued the 2 button down on the TV remote. But I love it even more since moving overseas. I can watch all of my favourite ABC shows, such as Insiders and Offsiders (Barry Cassidy is my hero, and I want his job. Analysing sport and politics, I'd be in heaven!), as well as discovering some new shows which have appeared since I've been in Tallinn, like Q&A. By the way, it's a great show, check it out if you haven't already. I also listen to a stack of ABC podcasts, especially from Radio National (which makes me feel old!) Sirli now loves listening to John Safran and Father Bob on the ABC more than I do! All thanks to Triple J.

So this long winded post is basically to say two things. Firstly, I think the ABC does great things given how poorly it's funded. Secondly, don't bother telling me who won the footy in your next email. Unless Richmond won, it doesn't happen often so I don't mind hearing about it twice!!