The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) has expressed an interest in creating a virtual space within SL. But do they have an understanding of what Second Lifers need, or of what they will be receptive to?

The ABC is Australia's non-profit public broadcaster. The ABC provides television, radio and online services to metropolitan and rural areas in Australia, as well as international services. The commercial arm of the ABC raises revenue through publishing, retailing, content sales and resource hire of media such as books, DVDs, and magazines, and actively promotes Australian music, and stages concerts and events. The ABC also maintains a limited content-sharing relationship with the BBC.



The functions of the ABC, as discussed within the ABC Charter, cover broadcasting media, broadcasting educational programs and promoting the arts. In SL, this would likely translate to providing resources: "digital assets, a small new media team and a platform to showcase works."

The Charter also covers media with Australian content, which would cover the needs of both Australian and international visitors.

Currently (more so than any other single Australian broadcaster) the ABC has a comprehensive set of services, covering News, Sport, Weather, Kids, Arts and Entertainment, Community and Health, Lifestyle, Rural, Indigenous, Religion, and Education, delivered in a multitude of forms, including across the Internet. They are well versed in the incorporation of new information types and new media into their existing range and regime.

It would seem that when the ABC states their objective in SL to be "to develop a sense of Australian community based around content, creativity and innovation for Australian and international visitors to the ABC island", they really have the potential to get it right.

Abi Goldflake from the ABC is looking for ideas and expressions of interest on the SLOZ forums.