A big thank-you to SBS for showing matches from the tennis French Open. In these days of pay TV, it is a pleasure to see top sporting events on free to air.

Greig Morris, Tullamarine

Mellow moments

At the end of 2017, Colin Fox was terminated as a veteran ABC Classic FM radio presenter. Happily, Colin has now arrived (returned to where he started!) at 3MBS. His mellow voice and memorable programming and commentary can continue to be enjoyed.

John Gough, St Kilda East

Bring us the news

I hope the Melbourne 7pm ABC TV news crew enjoyed their day off last Sunday. Apart from two pre-arranged arts segments, there was no local news shown at all in a 45-minute time slot. I know it's not their fault, but our Sydney-based ABC really needs to look at what it's doing, as does our federal government, which keeps stifling our ABC.

Pete Bond, Ballarat

Focused on humour

When Margaret Skeen suggests the makers of The Checkout go back to the drawing board and present in a grown-up manner, does she mean they should adopt the style of presentation as seen on the infomercials on commercial television? Or perhaps she has in mind a scenario of having a talking head in a classroom-like setting rattling off facts and figures in front of a group of disinterested people who aren't listening to what is being said. The Checkout presents things in a humorous manner, which means viewers are more likely to stay focused.

Leslie-John Newman, Ascot Vale

Give all commentators a go

What is happening at the ABC Insiders show? Or is it the Waleed Ali show now? Waleed seems to be seen now as a sporting guru as he is asked to comment on every sport, while the knowledgeable Caroline Wilson and Gideon Haigh barely got a word in again this week. We want to hear from all sports commentators, not just the politically correct one.

Suzanne Wallace, Kennington

Sense of seasonality lost

What has happened to Gardening Australia's sense of seasonality? What was promoted as a special winter addition contained segments on Womadelaide on a hot summer's day, and a ''rust garden'' at Newstead where the owner had just planted some tomatoes. Where was the pruning of fruit trees, the protection of plants from frosts, the growing of broad beans and leeks, or how to have a colourful winter garden? Since becoming a one-hour show, GA is filled with lifestyle segments at the expense of genuine, informative gardening ones.

Kathy Chambers, Northcote

Relatable Red

There is not one person in my circle who religiously listened to Red that can stand the duo now on breakfast 774. Why would management deliberately endeavour to alienate the audience by sacking Red and replacing him with two people who do not relate to the ABC audience? Surely if a manager in "private enterprise" made such a decision he/she would now be a regular at Centrelink.

Don Brooke, Langwarrin

Let team joy stay

I enjoy Jacinta and Sami on the ABC in the mornings – they have grown into an interesting and relaxed team. I turned off listening to Red as I tired of his egocentric and self-absorbed style. He made my mornings bleak. The current team start my days with a smile and joy. It's time some balance was sought after all the negative opinions. Please ABC, let them stay and develop further.

Gail Thurgood, Parkdale

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