Statewide Drive, Nicole 'temporarily replaced'

ABC Radio has “temporarily” replaced weekday regional program Statewide Drive with Melbourne Drive.

A spokesperson said the move came after “operational reasons outside our control”.

“We are working hard to have the show back on air as soon as possible and apologise to our regional Drive listeners for any inconvenience.”

The spokesperson said he did not have a timeframe for the return of the popular show, hosted for many years by Malmsbury’s Nicole Chvastek.

“I don’t have a timeframe, sorry. As soon as possible is what I’m told. And you can definitely say the show is returning. It hasn’t been axed!!” The spokesman said he believed Ms Chvastek would return with the show.

In March, The Local approached the ABC with some questions after hearing from a number of sources that the regional division was being axed after a decision in December. A spokesperson said then that the ABC’s commitment to servicing audiences outside the major capital cities and in regional Australia was not changing.

“The ABC has just completed a significant expansion of its regional network, putting 60 more journalists into locations in regional Australia. These are in addition to the 80 content roles added as part of our Connecting Communities Project between 2017-18.

“We now have around 600 content makers working and living in regional towns and cities, including the largest team of specialist rural reporters in the world.

“The ABC’s 58 regional bureaus provide vital services to the nation. Coverage of local, state and national issues, significant conversations for communities everywhere and the broadcast of crucial information during emergency events remain at the heart of what the ABC does.

“In December, managing director David Anderson flagged plans for a restructure of the content teams which will see the regional newsrooms become part of the ABC News division. At that time, he expressly stated that the ABC’s deep commitment to serving audiences in regional Australia remains strong. Details of the new structure are currently being developed with our teams.”

A number of people have vented their anger and spoken in support of Statewide Drive and Ms Chvastek on social media.

“So so wrong….rural people deserve rural news…bring back Nicole… Melbourne is not our domain.”

“This is terrible news. We need Nicole Chvastek on our airwaves. I wouldn't have thought ABC Ballarat made the decision, think it's higher up the food chain. I'll contact ABC Melbourne in the first instance.”

“It is very much disregard of rural Vic. All the issues that were relevant to this part of Victoria/Ballarat and suburbs around including our farmers who have ABC on 100% of time will not be able to access information. It stinks. In our little village of Clunes, Nicole’s program and Nicole are loved, listened to and trusted. Poor form ABC.”

“What the hell has happened to the ABC? And this under a federal Labor government.”

“Another example of rural theft. Government happy to take regional produce, resources and taxes but fail to invest in these communities because their voices are not valued. Shameful decision by ABC News.”

“No way! Regional Victoria needs regional radio! Nicole was/is a great supporter of all volunteers in our states emergency services. We need her voice!”

“We have many reasons to require regional forums to hear and to be heard. Don’t make us the second-rate unheard country cousins ABC.”

“What hypocrites, big on supporting females in the workplace then axe one of the best and most talented female interviewers. Maybe the big energy companies shaking in their shiny shoes because she would not take their BS.”

“I think that we are seeing that even the ABC (thinks) regional Australia doesn’t exist or need any regional affairs programs. I fear that anything outside of the 50 kilometres from Melbourne CBD is considered remote and unworthy.”

“Everything has to be Melbourne centric now days.”

“We aren't interested in hearing Melbourne’s woes, that's why we don't live there.”

“Nicole is a (local) legend!! No way.”

Ms Chvastek could not be contacted for comment before print time.

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed