Radio National
Encyclopedia
ABC Radio National is an Australia-wide non-commercial radio network run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
.
Radio National broadcasts national programming in areas that include news and current affairs
, the arts, social issues, science, drama and comedy. Some programs are relayed on Radio Australia
, the ABC's international free-to-air shortwave
service.
Radio National currently has 327 transmitter sites and covers over 98% of the permanently inhabited areas of Australia
. Remote areas are served by satellite service.
All radio programs are available for live streaming
over the Internet, and most (excluding drama, poetry and music) as audio-on-demand, or for download as MP3
s for at least four weeks after broadcast. Some programs are available as MP3
s going back to 2005, when Radio National commenced podcasting. About 25% of shows, mainly the flagship weekly shows, have written transcripts archived back to 1996.
, gradually took over responsibility for all the existing stations that were sponsored by public licence fees ("A" Class licences). The outsourced Australian Broadcasting Company
supplied programs from 1929. In 1932 a commission was established, merging the original ABC company and the National Broadcasting Service. It is from this time that Radio National dates as a distinct network within the ABC, in which a system of program relays was developed during the subsequent decades to link stations spread across the nation.
Radio National's Sydney station 2FC first broadcast on 5 December 1923. 2FC stood for Farmer and Company, the original owner of the station before the ABC took it over.
The origins of the other stations in the network were:
The first transmitters for 2FC, 5CL and 4QG were made by AWA
with power output at 5 kw. They used a MT7A valve for the final high power RF stage and a MT7B for the modulator. The power supply was 12000 volts from three phase power rectified by MR7 valves.
The radio transmitters for 3AR and 2FC were upgraded to 10 kw in a contract let in 1938 to STC
. The transmitters were deigned by Charles Strong in London, and were notable in using negative feedback to ensure a high quality flat frequency response.
From 1947 until the mid-1980s, "Radio 2" (as it came to be known) was broadcast to the major metropolitan centres, with a large broadcast footprint in adjacent areas due to the powerful AM
transmitters in use. It contained most of the ABC's national programming.
The power level of 2FC 3AR and 5CL was upgraded to 50 kw in the early 1950s. The transmitters for these were housed in the same building as the radio 1 network. They were manufactured by STC. The final stage contained three parallel 3J/261E air cooled triode
s running in class C amplifier at 90% efficiency. These were driven by a class B modulator with the same type of valves.
In the 1970s, the network's program format began to take on a more serious tone, a style which continues to this day. Art critic Peter Timm later remarked that the network is "virtually the only non-print media forum for art in this country."
In the early 1980s the broadcast footprint was extended with the construction of the first of over 300 regional FM transmitters (including community re-broadcast sites). In 1985, the ABC renamed "Radio 2" as "Radio National".
Since 1990, all Radio National stations have had the same callsign format, Radio National preceded by the appropriate number for the state or territory, sometimes followed by the locality (e.g., "2RN Sydney", "3RN Melbourne").
As a result of cuts in the 1996–97 budget, Radio National was hit with a reduction of a million dollars in its funding, with a significant impact on programming.
. Pre-recorded shows are broadcast on time delay in the centre and west.
Full program guides for all the different regional variations can be see at The Radio National website.
leaked confidential Radio National programming changes in an unscheduled live broadcast before the start of his show, vehemently criticising his superiors. Stephen Crittenden was suspended for his outburst, amid criticism from some colleagues for his unprofessionalism and praise from others for his outspokeness. His unscripted comments were cut from Radio National's podcast and transcript of the program, but the subsequent comment by religious commentator Paul Collins on Crikey.com reiterated Crittendon's fears. Crittenden was eventually reinstated as a reporter in the flagship investigative program Background Briefing after an independent investigation resulted in a confidential settlement with the presenter. However his program, and the other eight cancelled or merged were not re-instated.
Another casualty of the controversy was head of ABC Radio Sue Howard, who was dismissed in 2009, partly for the perception that the controversy was mishandled.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
.
Radio National broadcasts national programming in areas that include news and current affairs
Current affairs (news format)
Current Affairs is a genre of broadcast journalism where the emphasis is on detailed analysis and discussion of news stories that have recently occurred or are ongoing at the time of broadcast....
, the arts, social issues, science, drama and comedy. Some programs are relayed on Radio Australia
Radio Australia
Radio Australia is the international broadcasting and online service operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation , Australia's public broadcaster.- History :...
, the ABC's international free-to-air shortwave
Shortwave
Shortwave radio refers to the upper MF and all of the HF portion of the radio spectrum, between 1,800–30,000 kHz. Shortwave radio received its name because the wavelengths in this band are shorter than 200 m which marked the original upper limit of the medium frequency band first used...
service.
Radio National currently has 327 transmitter sites and covers over 98% of the permanently inhabited areas of Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Remote areas are served by satellite service.
All radio programs are available for live streaming
Streaming media
Streaming media is multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a streaming provider.The term "presented" is used in this article in a general sense that includes audio or video playback. The name refers to the delivery method of the medium rather...
over the Internet, and most (excluding drama, poetry and music) as audio-on-demand, or for download as MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
s for at least four weeks after broadcast. Some programs are available as MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
s going back to 2005, when Radio National commenced podcasting. About 25% of shows, mainly the flagship weekly shows, have written transcripts archived back to 1996.
History
From 1928, the National Broadcasting Service, as part of the federal Postmaster-General's DepartmentPostmaster-General's Department
The Postmaster-General's Department was created at Federation in 1901 to control all postal services within Australia. Its minister was the Postmaster-General. In mid-1975 it was disaggregated into the Australian Telecommunications Commission and the Australian Postal Commission...
, gradually took over responsibility for all the existing stations that were sponsored by public licence fees ("A" Class licences). The outsourced Australian Broadcasting Company
Australian Broadcasting Company
The Australian Broadcasting Company was a consortium of entertainment interests formed in 1929 to supply radio programs for broadcast on the former "A-class" transmitters contracted to the Federal Government's National Broadcasting Service...
supplied programs from 1929. In 1932 a commission was established, merging the original ABC company and the National Broadcasting Service. It is from this time that Radio National dates as a distinct network within the ABC, in which a system of program relays was developed during the subsequent decades to link stations spread across the nation.
Radio National's Sydney station 2FC first broadcast on 5 December 1923. 2FC stood for Farmer and Company, the original owner of the station before the ABC took it over.
The origins of the other stations in the network were:
- 3AR MelbourneMelbourneMelbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
– 26 January 1924 "Associated Radio". - 5CL AdelaideAdelaideAdelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
– 20 November 1924 "Central Broadcasters Ltd" - 7ZL HobartHobartHobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as...
– 17 December 1924 - 4QG BrisbaneBrisbaneBrisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
– 27 July 1925 "Queensland Government" - 6WN PerthPerth, Western AustraliaPerth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
– 5 October 1938 "Wanneroo" - 2CY CanberraCanberraCanberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
– 23 December 1938 - 2NA NewcastleNewcastle, New South WalesThe Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the Australian state of New South Wales and includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas...
– 20 December 1943
The first transmitters for 2FC, 5CL and 4QG were made by AWA
Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited
Amalgamated Wireless Ltd . Throughout most of the 20th century AWA was Australia's largest and most prominent electronics organisation, undertaking development, manufacture and distribution of radio, telecommunications, television and audio equipment as well as broadcasting services.After the...
with power output at 5 kw. They used a MT7A valve for the final high power RF stage and a MT7B for the modulator. The power supply was 12000 volts from three phase power rectified by MR7 valves.
The radio transmitters for 3AR and 2FC were upgraded to 10 kw in a contract let in 1938 to STC
Standard Telephones and Cables
Standard Telephones and Cables Ltd was a British telephone, telegraph, radio, telecommunications and related equipment R&D manufacturer. During its history STC invented and developed several groundbreaking new technologies including PCM and optical fibres.The company began life in London as...
. The transmitters were deigned by Charles Strong in London, and were notable in using negative feedback to ensure a high quality flat frequency response.
From 1947 until the mid-1980s, "Radio 2" (as it came to be known) was broadcast to the major metropolitan centres, with a large broadcast footprint in adjacent areas due to the powerful AM
Amplitude modulation
Amplitude modulation is a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent...
transmitters in use. It contained most of the ABC's national programming.
The power level of 2FC 3AR and 5CL was upgraded to 50 kw in the early 1950s. The transmitters for these were housed in the same building as the radio 1 network. They were manufactured by STC. The final stage contained three parallel 3J/261E air cooled triode
Triode
A triode is an electronic amplification device having three active electrodes. The term most commonly applies to a vacuum tube with three elements: the filament or cathode, the grid, and the plate or anode. The triode vacuum tube was the first electronic amplification device...
s running in class C amplifier at 90% efficiency. These were driven by a class B modulator with the same type of valves.
In the 1970s, the network's program format began to take on a more serious tone, a style which continues to this day. Art critic Peter Timm later remarked that the network is "virtually the only non-print media forum for art in this country."
In the early 1980s the broadcast footprint was extended with the construction of the first of over 300 regional FM transmitters (including community re-broadcast sites). In 1985, the ABC renamed "Radio 2" as "Radio National".
Since 1990, all Radio National stations have had the same callsign format, Radio National preceded by the appropriate number for the state or territory, sometimes followed by the locality (e.g., "2RN Sydney", "3RN Melbourne").
As a result of cuts in the 1996–97 budget, Radio National was hit with a reduction of a million dollars in its funding, with a significant impact on programming.
Programs
The times shown relate to Radio National's schedules in the eastern states of AustraliaEastern states of Australia
In Australia, the term eastern states refers to the states adjoining the east coast of Australia. These are the mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory, while not states, are also included. The term usually includes the...
. Pre-recorded shows are broadcast on time delay in the centre and west.
Full program guides for all the different regional variations can be see at The Radio National website.
News
- AMAM (ABC Radio)AM, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's flagship current-affairs radio program, is one of Australia's longest-running productions. Its tagline is Ensure you are informed.-History and timeslots:...
, The World Today, PMPM (ABC Radio)PM is one of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's flagship current-affairs radio programs, and is one of Australia's longest-running productions. It is the sister program to AM...
: in-depth news and analysis (Monday to Fridays at 07:10, 12:00, and 17:00) - Asia Pacific: current regional affairs in the Asia Pacific region, from ABC Radio Australia (Tuesday to Saturday at 00:05 and 05:00)
News and analysis
- BreakfastRadio National BreakfastRadio National Breakfast is a national early morning news programme in Australia. The programme is broadcast live in the eastern states on the ABC Radio National network. It can also be listened to online...
: "comprehensive coverage and analysis of national and international events - serious, fun, topical and diverse" hosted by Fran Kelly (Mondays–Fridays, 06:00 to 08:30; includes BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
and CNNCNNCable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
coverage before 06:30, and AMAM (ABC Radio)AM, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's flagship current-affairs radio program, is one of Australia's longest-running productions. Its tagline is Ensure you are informed.-History and timeslots:...
at 07:10) - Bush TelegraphBush TelegraphBush Telegraph is a radio program on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National network, broadcast weekdays at 11-12am, presenting stories from rural and regional Australia....
: "an entertaining look at rural and regional issues around Australia" (Mondays–Fridays 11:00) - Background Briefing ABC Radio's agenda-setting current affairs investigative program (Sundays 09:00 repeated Tuesdays 19:00, Wednesdays 04:00)
- CounterpointCounterpoint (Radio National)Counterpoint is an Australian weekly radio program, presented by Michael Duffy and Paul Comrie-Thomson and broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National.-Programming:...
hosted by Michael DuffyMichael Duffy (Australian journalist)Michael Duffy is an Australian journalist and novelist. Duffy presents ABC Radio National's Counterpoint with Paul Comrie-Thomson, and writes for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sun Herald...
with views from libertarian perspectives (Mondays 16:00, repeated Fridays 13:00) - The National Interest features in depth analysis of national issues of interest (Fridays 18:00; repeated Saturdays 03:00, Sundays 12:00), hosted by Peter Mares (formerly by writer and journalist Terry LaneTerry LaneTerry Lane is a radio broadcaster and newspaper columnist based in Melbourne, Australia.He was born in South Australia and educated at Gawler High School. After studying for the ministry at the Churches of Christ College of the Bible in Melbourne, Lane was a minister for six years before working in...
) - The Health Report: appealing to "both specialist and mainstream audiences by applying a broad definition of health, and seeing health and medicine within social, scientific and political contexts" and hosted by Dr Norman Swan (Mondays 08:30, repeated Tuesdays 00:30)
- The Law Report: "Breaking legal stories across Australia and overseas, analysing law reform, legal education, test cases, miscarriages of justice and examining legal culture" (Tuesdays 08:30, repeated Wednesdays 00:30)
- Life Matters, hosted by Richard Aedy and including the Talkback ClassroomTalkback ClassroomTalkback Classroom is best known as a forum for young people to interview politicians and other leading decision makers in forums recorded for broadcast and is also known as a Voice for the Voteless on the basis of its mission to provide an opportunity for young people to take part in civic dialogue...
segment, talks with the main people behind Australia's social policies – from workplace issues to education, health, family relationships, and social change (Mondays–Fridays 09:00 and 21:00) - Late Night LiveLate Night LiveLate Night Live is an Australian radio program broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National as well as on Radio Australia shortwave radio and podcast and streamed over the World Wide Web....
, hosted by Phillip AdamsPhillip AdamsPhillip Andrew Hedley Adams, AO is an Australian broadcaster, film producer, writer, social commentator, satirist and left-wing pundit. He currently hosts a radio program, Late Night Live, four nights a week on the ABC, and he also writes a weekly column for the News Limited-owned newspaper, The...
(Mondays–Thursdays 22:00–23:00 and repeated the following afternoon at 16:00)
Talkback
- Australia Talks: Mondays–Wednesdays 18:00–19:00, repeated Tuesdays–Thursday 03:00)
Arts and music
- Artworks: What's happening now in new music, art and culture in Australia and around the world (Sundays 10:00, Tuesdays 15:00)
- Airplay: radio plays (Sundays 15:00 repeated Fridays 19:00)
- Poetica: poetry featured and produced for radio (Saturdays 15:00 , repeated Thursdays 15:00)
- Music Deli: live music performances (Fridays 20:00 repeated Sundays 16:00 and Tuesdays 2:00)
- The Music Show: latest developments in music, featured music and interviews with performers/composers (Saturdays 10:00–12:00 and 20:00–22:00)
- Sound QualitySound Quality (radio program)Sound Quality is a program on the ABC Radio National network, featuring new music, generally in the genres of electronica, but including other genres as well. Tim Ritchie presents the program. Ritchie is an icon in the Australian radio scene. He started in 1976, when as a schoolboy, he rang ABC...
: latest new music in the genre of electronica and others hosted by Tim Ritchie, former JJJJJJJJJ may refer to:* J. Jonah Jameson or JJJ, a character in the Marvel Comics universe* Jesse Jackson, Jr., an American politician* John Joe Joyce or JJJ, an Irish boxer* JJ Radio or Triple J, an Australian radio station* J. J. Johnson, jazz trombonist...
announcer and DJ (Fridays 23:20, Part 2 repeated Mondays 00:30) - The Daily Planet : "a unique window into the world's diverse, traditional and innovative musics ... Good players don't put music into little boxes, so we don't either" Presented by Lucky Oceans (Mondays–Fridays 14:30-15:00 and repeated Mondays–Thursdays 23:10)
- The Weekend Planet: Ranges across the world’s most eloquent, individual, intimate, inventive beautiful music. Each edition is highly diverse, but has a particular focus. Surprising connections abound. Amazingly rich playlists. Presented by Doug Spencer (Saturdays and Sundays 22:00)
- 360: "the best radio features and documentaries from Australia and around the world" (Saturdays 14:00, repeated Wednesdays 13:00)
- The Night AirThe Night Air (radio program)The Night Air is a weekly ABC Radio National program that remixes a variety of media around different themes. The show is broadcast across Australia and is partly available as a podcast....
: "listening for pleasure: an audio adventure in which ideas, sounds and music are remixed around a new theme each week" (Sundays 20:30; Part 1 repeated Fridays 21:30, Part 2 repeated Saturdays 00:00) - The Book ShowThe Book ShowThe Book Show is an Australian ABC radio program for the discussion of everything relating to the written word. It is broadcast live around Australia on Radio National with a daily weekday morning show which is then replayed nightly and also has a Sunday evening show. The show is hosted by Ramona...
: discussion of everything relating to the written word, presented by Ramona KovalRamona KovalRamona Koval is an Australian broadcaster, writer and journalist.Her parents were Yiddish-speaking survivors of the Holocaust who arrived in Melbourne from Poland in 1950....
(Monday to Fridays 10:00, repeated 20:00) - Into the Music: Exploring and celebrating all aspects of music. Ranging across the history of music, the lives and experiences of musicians and the practices of music-making. Presented by Robyn Johnston (Saturdays 17:05, repeated Sundays 01:05 and Fridays 15:05)
Religion
Radio National's religion unit provides reporting and analysis on religious and ethical issues for Australia. Following its ABC charter obligations, this unit forms a key part of the ABC's religion output, and is unique in providing the independent analysis of a public broadcaster.- Encounter : "a radio documentary series exploring connections between religion and life" (Sundays 07:10, repeated Wednesdays 19:00)
- The Rhythm Divine : "a musical journey through the world of belief" (Fridays 21:00, repeated Sundays 05:00)
- The Spirit Of Things: "an adventure into religion and spirituality, exploring contemporary values and beliefs" (Sundays 18:00, repeated Tuesdays 13:00 and Wednesdays 02:00)
Society
- All In The Mind presented by Natasha Mitchell, investigates the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour (Saturdays 13:00, Mondays 13:00). There is also an All in the Mind blog.
- Big IdeasBig Ideas (Australia)Big Ideas is a weekly radio program on ABC Radio National which presents lectures or panels on ideas or issues of particular importance. It is broadcast on Sundays at 5:00 p.m...
deals with concepts of global importance (Sundays 17:00, repeated Mondays 00:00, Friday 4.00) - The Philosopher's Zone: your guide through the strange thickets of logic, metaphysics and ethics, presented by Alan Saunders. (Saturdays 13:35, Mondays 13:35)
- 360documentaries, a radio documentary presented by Brent Clough
Science
- The Science Show: recent developments in the field of science, presented by Robyn WilliamsRobyn WilliamsRobyn Williams AM is a science journalist and broadcaster resident in Australia who has hosted the Science Show on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation since 1975, Ockham's Razor and In Conversation .-Background:Robyn Williams was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and educated in Vienna and...
(Saturdays 12:10–13:00, repeated Mondays 19:10–20:00, Tuesdays 4:00) - All in the MindAll in the Mind (Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio)All in the Mind is a weekly ABC Radio National program, hosted by Australian science journalist Natasha Mitchell, exploring the mind, brain and behaviour....
: lateral explorations of the mind, brain and human behaviour presented by Natasha Mitchell (Saturdays 13:00, repeated Mondays 13:00). - Ockham's Razor: a weekly opinion piece presented by Robyn Williams (Sundays 8:45)
2008 program schedule controversy
In 2008, controversial programming changes once more raised the issue of funding cuts to the public broadcaster. Presenter Stephen CrittendenStephen Crittenden
Stephen Crittenden is one of Australia's leading religion journalists and a broadcaster for ABC Radio National.-Early career:Crittenden began his radio career as a schoolboy, broadcasting with Sydney's classical FM community radio station 2MBS-FM...
leaked confidential Radio National programming changes in an unscheduled live broadcast before the start of his show, vehemently criticising his superiors. Stephen Crittenden was suspended for his outburst, amid criticism from some colleagues for his unprofessionalism and praise from others for his outspokeness. His unscripted comments were cut from Radio National's podcast and transcript of the program, but the subsequent comment by religious commentator Paul Collins on Crikey.com reiterated Crittendon's fears. Crittenden was eventually reinstated as a reporter in the flagship investigative program Background Briefing after an independent investigation resulted in a confidential settlement with the presenter. However his program, and the other eight cancelled or merged were not re-instated.
Another casualty of the controversy was head of ABC Radio Sue Howard, who was dismissed in 2009, partly for the perception that the controversy was mishandled.
See also
- List of Australian radio stations
- Radio New Zealand National
- Timeline of Australian radioTimeline of Australian radioThis page provides a timeline of the main events that charted the course of Australian radio.-1900-1909:*1901: The six states federate into the Commonwealth of Australia...
- BBC Radio 4BBC Radio 4BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
External links
- ABC Radio National
- Frequencies from Radio National
- Pool, Radio National's collaborative media space