Matt Peacock is the Friends of the ABC Armidale's speaker for this year. He will appear at the Wicklow Hotel on Thursday evening. Doors open at 5.30pm; talk begins at 6pm.

Mr Peacock has more than 40 years' experience with ABC television and radio, including as the corporation's first staff-elected director.

His investigation into James Hardie in Queensland is described in his book Killer Company, a Walkley finalist in 2009, and the basis for the 2012 miniseries Devil's Dust. He was chief political correspondent in Canberra, and ABC correspondent in Washington, New York, and London. He founded ABC TV's Territory Tracks from Darwin, and the Indigenous production house Remote Area Media. Today, he is Adjunct Professor at the School of Journalism.

READ ALSO:

The Friends of the ABC has operated here since the early 1990s, secretary Priscilla Connor said. Their mission is to promote the corporation.

"The ABC is becoming increasingly important with the reduction in journalism in the newspaper industry and the onset of social media," Ms Connor said. It keeps country people informed about bush fires and floods, and discusses agriculture and country issues, she said.

Each year, the Friends bring an ABC journalist or presenter as a service to the town and for the interest of members. Previous speakers include Kerry O'Brien, Phillip Adams, Geraldine Doogue, Jane Hutcheon, and last year sports journalist and commentator Debbie Spillane.

Mr Peacock will speak at the Upstairs Function Room, Wicklow Hotel, 87 Marsh Street, on Thursday, October 17, from 5.30pm. For more information, phone Priscilla Connor on 02 6772 2217.