‘For the government, the question is who will be blamed for the slim down of regional services. It is desperately trying to make sure it is the broadcaster, but given the popularity of the ABC the Coalition risks getting the backlash.
‘Tuesday’s Essential poll points to the potential danger. More than half (52%) disapproved of the cut; only a quarter approved. The results also suggest the government’s sustained attack on the ABC’s alleged bias is also likely to be counter-productive. By a big margin, the media people most trusted were ABC TV news and current affairs (69%), SBS TV news and current affairs (66%), and ABC radio news and current affairs (62%).’ (Michelle Gratton, The Conversation (26.11.14)