More people are listening to radio than ever before according to the industry, as it celebrates the 100th birthday of radio in Australia.
Thursday marks a century since Sydney station 2SB took to the airwaves, signaling the birth of a brand new industry that would revolutionise communications and entertainment across the nation.
Just seven years later Geelong joined the fray with the launch of its own radio station, 3GL.
Today’s anniversary coincides with the launch of the Radio 100 exhibition at the National Film and Sound Archive, which will kick start a 100-day celebration the industry’s centenary.
While radio still plays a massive role in the careers of pop stars and other celebrities, it was far more sedate in its foundation years.
The first licensed radio broadcast in Australia took place on November 23, 1923, when 2SB broadcast The Swan from Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals.
While that broadcast has not survived, a series of comedy radio sketches from 1926, a live call of the 1932 Melbourne Cup and a 1930s broadcast of a boxing match between Teddy Lawler and Taffy Jones all have, and are being featured as part of the Radio 100 exhibition.
The archive’s CEO, Patrick McIntyre, said radio has been “one of the primary Australian cultural forces” of the 20th and 21st centuries.
“Our curators have done an incredible job sifting through the collection to bring together all the stories of cultural, commercial and technological innovation that have powered our distinctive radio industry,” Mr McIntyre said.
From December 13, another chapter of radio will be released in the exhibition, featuring the golden days of the 1920s to the 1960s.
Then, in January and February, more decades of audio will be showcased, from the “youthquake” of the ’70s and ’80s to the recent rebirth of audio.
The National Film and Sound Archive is also asking Australians to record a voice memo or leave a note to share their most prized radio memories.
Geelong radio boss Rachel Patterson said her team would spend the day celebrating their industry, and continuing to deliver live and local entertainment and news to listeners.
“Most of us in the industry have grown up with radio and believe we have the best jobs in the world!” Ms Patterson said.
“Geelong Broadcasters connects Greater Geelong and beyond, and as an independent, family-owned business we are in a very privileged position to deliver on that promise day in, day out.
“Our all-local team of announcers, journalists, production, digital, sales, engineering and admin staff consider ourselves very lucky to do what we do and we’re grateful to our listeners for joining us and allowing us to keep doing it.”
Ford Ennals, CEO of Commercial Radio and audio, the Australian industry’s representative body, said the anniversary shows radio will live on for another 100 years.
“The Australian radio and audio industry is more vibrant and exciting than ever, constantly evolving and adapting to new ways of listening, like smart devices and streaming, and finding new audiences, whether it is through digital radio, podcasts, or social media,” he said.
“Despite what that catchy 1970s classic says, video didn’t kill the radio star, and Spotify won’t either. Radio remains an important part of everyday life for Australians. 79% of us are listening to broadcast radio every week.”
3GL Memories
