Origins
The Lyons government launched the Australian Broadcasting Commission on 1 July 1932, under the Australian Broadcasting Commission Act 1932.
But before then, there existed a number of independent public radio stations in state capital cities, which were funded by listener subscription fees in a scheme administered by the Postmaster-General’s Department from 1924.
In 1928 the Bruce conservative government established the National Broadcasting Service, and nationalised 12 public radio licences. The Australian Broadcasting Company (a private company established in 1924) supplied programs to the service.
Some of those original 12 stations still operate as part of the ABC’s radio service today.
Why is the ABC important?
An independent and comprehensive national public broadcaster is critical to Australian democracy and culture. The ABC’s independence – from political and commercial influence – enables it to report without fear or favour.
An effective public broadcaster must:
- be independent of political and commercial pressure
- be accountable to the public
- create distinctive high quality programs
Governance
The ABC is a federal agency which works within the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act (1983) (ABC Act).
The ABC Charter, contained in s6 of the ABC Act, outlines the ongoing functions and responsibilities of the ABC.
For more information on ABC governance, click here.