Organisers will take their key learnings from the two years off Oxford Street into the 2023 event, which will include an enlarged footprint for seating and viewing, greater accessibility, family-friendly areas, additional screens, more information about the floats coming and going, streaming opportunities and an increase on the 12,500 people marching.
Mr Kruger said they are thinking about how to move with the times and integrate technology to create an “experiential interface … rather than just standing on the street side”.
He said the ABC had been a “longtime champion” of the communities the event represents and the partnership would help them delve deeper into Mardi Gras events, while host radio station triple j provided the rural and regional reach to those unable to attend.
(L-R) Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger, ABC managing director David Anderson, ABC chair Ita Buttrose and WorldPride CEO Kate Wickett. Credit:Steven Siewart
“We look forward to working alongside their talented and committed team to amplify the diverse voices of our LGBTQI+ communities, as well as share our stories with the rest of the country,” he said.
The national broadcaster, which has the television and radio rights for Mardi Gras until 2024, takes the baton from SBS, ending an eight-year run.
ABC managing director David Anderson described the deal as a “homecoming for Mardi Gras”.
“The ABC was the first broadcaster to televise Sydney Mardi Gras in 1994,” he said. “We’ve waited 28 years for it to return and from 2022 onwards, we will provide coverage of Mardi Gras that only the ABC can, without commercial interests.”
Mr Anderson said it was important to reflect Australia’s LGBTQI+ community to themselves and the country.
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ABC lands broadcast rights to Mardi Gras parade in three-year deal
Source: Philippines Alive
