Change, competition and the future: Celebrating 100 years of Australian radio
100 years ago, at 8pm on 23 November 1923, commercial radio launched in Australia. Today, radio broadcast remains a trusted source, an economic contributor and a strong channel for advertisers. Leaders from Commercial Radio & Audio, Nova Entertainment, ABC Radio, Nine Radio and SBS Audio speak to Mumbrella’s Lauren McNamara on the state of the industry, 100 years in.
Today marks an important milestone in Australian history – 100 years of commercial radio.
On 23 November 1923, ABC Radio Sydney was the first continuously operating licenced radio station to broadcast in Australia. Initially called 2SB, it began broadcasting with a one-off gala concert from Philip Street in Sydney’s CBD.
But so much has changed since then… obviously. Constant technological advancements and changes to the digital landscape mean the industry is always adapting, growing and evolving into the future.
ABC Radio Players, 1949. Source: NSW State Library
Great innovation in audio is happening. Especially at the public broadcasters like SBS and ABC.