Australian Government marks 90 years of the ABC

Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP has today recognised the valuable contribution the ABC has made to Australian society and economy as the national broadcaster marks its 90th anniversary.

The broadcaster has informed, entertained, and supported Australians and Australian communities for almost a century, including through major news and current affairs programs like 7:30 and Four Corners, children’s educational programs such as Behind The News and Play School, screen commissions and national and local radio.

Through natural disasters and emergencies like bushfires and floods, the ABC provides life-saving emergency broadcasting for local communities. An antidote to misinformation, the ABC is a trusted source of information for Australians.

For millions of families, it provides entertainment and connection through award winning programs, Australian stories and conversations – everything from Bluey to Mad as Hell.

Since it’s early beginnings in 1932 as a single radio service, the ABC has grown into a multi-platform media operation which now reaches more than 20 million Australians each month.

The ABC has adapted as technology and the needs of Australians has changed, and continues to innovate with new forms of storytelling and audience engagement.

Minister Rowland said the Albanese Government looks forward to delivering on a number of commitments it made for our national broadcasters, including SBS, to support the delivery of stable, independent public broadcasting for every Australian.

The Government also welcomes ABC's ongoing commitment to growing its regional and international footprint to reach more diverse audiences, and to contribute to a sense of national identity through informing, entertaining and reflecting the cultural diversity of the Australian community.  

For more information on the ABC 90th anniversary, visit https://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/all-australians-invited-to-join-the-abcs-90th-birthday-celebrations/

Quotes attributable to Michelle Rowland:

“It is fair to say every Australian has grown up with the ABC. From the morning news, to evening

drama, from entertaining our children, to providing support during emergencies and natural

disasters. I congratulate the ABC for its 90 years of service to the nation.

“The Australian Government has committed to delivering a greater level of financial stability and

certainty to the national broadcasters by moving from 3-year to 5-year funding terms, as well as

reversing the cut of $83.7 million to the ABC. 

"The Government has also committed to reviewing options for delivering a greater level of financial

stability and certainty to the national broadcasters, to safeguard against arbitrary cuts and

political interference”.

FRIDAY, 1 JULY 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: ARLEY BLACK

E: Arley.Black@mo.communications.gov.au