Vic: ABC to be part of theme park proposal

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2004
Vic: ABC to be part of theme park proposal

By Karen Hart

MELBOURNE, Feb 2 AAP - National broadcaster the ABC could become part of a $100 million
theme park at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

The theme park plan is part of a $300 million redevelopment of the showgrounds.

Under the scheme, the sets of popular ABC children's shows Bananas in Pyjamas, Thomas
the Tank Engine and Sesame Street would be recreated as part of a proposal by developer
Gordon McAlister.

ABC consumer publishing general manager Grahame Grassby said the public broadcaster
would not contribute financially to the project, but would receive a licensing fee if
its programs were used.

But he said it was too early to speculate on the size of the fee.

"It's far too early to speculate. We have no idea (of the) amount of ABC's intellectual
property the final project would entail," he said.

He said the ABC's involvement in the project was due to its leadership in pre-school programming.

"ABC is the dominating leader in pre-school programming giving it an interest in a
family theme park," he said.

But the move has been described as "tacky and dangerous" by Friends of the ABC (FABC)
who are calling on the public broadcaster to immediately renounce its plans.

"This would seriously damage the ABC's reputation if it proceeds," FABC spokesman Terry
Laidler said.

"The ABC's integrity lies in its independence. The broadcaster has earned public confidence
and respect because it does not sell cars to adults or lollies to children.

"FABC recognises that the ABC is struggling for funds. But joining in ventures, or
selling its creations and trusted name to a commercial operation to make money out of
children is unethical and downright dangerous.

"Friends of the ABC is calling on the ABC board to immediately renounce its plans."

The Victorian government is expected to release a short list of development options
for the site next month.

AAP kh/dk/jv/br

KEYWORD: ABC PARK NIGHTLEAD

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