DEMOCRACY'S the key to the ABC and SBS, says Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC's Neville Jennings.

He said so in the lead-up to a February 18 Supporting Our National Broadcasters: ABC and SBS seminar in Bangalow's A and I Hall.

"I'd like to see more opportunities for participation by the local community," Mr Jennings said.

"There's a new program called ABC Open.

"It allows locals to create their own stories and it would be great to see more people take that opportunity.

"To me that would really democratise the national broadcasters."

Federal Parliament allocated $725 million and $123.3 million for the ABC and SBS, respectively, during 2011-2012.

Mr Jennings said the seminar's aim would be to provide the two federal Northern Rivers MPs with an opportunity to hear what locals value about the ABC and SBS.

Justine Elliot and Janelle Saffin will also hear comments on the two broadcasters' futures.

"There will be a panel of speakers representing a wide range of community interests," Mr Jennings said.

"Young people, seniors, tertiary educators, Indigenous people, people of non-English speaking backgrounds, farmers, writers, film-makers and artists."

He said the Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC would seek support and representation from the MPs on funding, independence and regional issues.

"So that the ABC (and hopefully SBS) can operate commercial free, continue to produce quality programs, make use of the latest technologies, maintain a vast network of radio stations in regional areas, maintain its foreign correspondents and provide a valuable service in times of emergency - like the recent floods.

"We urge the government to make appointments to the relevant boards on merit, to reinstate staff representation on the board so that the two broadcasters can maintain their editorial independence.

"We want the two broadcasters to have the resources to support regional communities by having outside broadcasts at cultural events like the Byron Writers Festival; continue to promote Australian films, writing and artistic endeavours; build a sense of national identity and provide Australian perspective on international events; provide valuable support in times of emergencies and to use a range of new technologies to overcome the tyranny of distance.

"We want the national broadcasters to fill the gaps left by commercial broadcasters by promoting sports like soccer and cycling, women's sport, discussion of political, religious and philosophical issues, book and film reviews and providing support for local artists and performers."

Those from the Northern Rivers who value the ABC and SBS are encouraged to attend the 2pm (NSW) Saturday seminar.

Contact njenning@scu.edu.au for more information.