ABC Radio begins celebrations of the corporation’s 70th birthday this weekend, with events and special programs to mark the occasion. On June 29th & 30th ABC Radio National will serve up a weekend of 70 years on air with most programs themed to reflect aspects of the ABC’s history.
On Sunday 30th June a special live national broadcast will take place from the Eugene Goossens Hall in Ultimo where ABC broadcasters from around the country will be joined by host Christopher Lawrence in a night of fun featuring live music, comedy, panels and more.
With 1st July being the ABC’s actual birthday, special events will be held on that day including:
1233 ABC Newcastle’s Lindy Burns will feature special guests associated with the Newcastle Music Award Entrants and a chat with Director of Radio Sue Howard who will cut the 70th Birthday cake on Monday 1 July.
ABC MD Russell Balding will travel to Wagga Wagga to join staff and listeners for celebrations. Balding and ABC Afternoon presenter Chris Coleman will host a live broadcast between 2pm and 4pm at the historic Council Chambers with afternoon tea and birthday cake for guests.
Radio National’s Phillip Adams presents a special Late Night Live Forum “Is Australian Journalism Doing the Job or has it Gone to the Dogs?” Guests include Paul Murray – 6PR Perth and former editor of the ‘West Australian’, Mark Davis – SBS ‘Dateline’, Jonathan Holmes – Executive Producer ABC’s 7:30 Report, Sandy Aloisi – 2UE News Director, Margo Kingston – SMH journalist and web diarist and Michael Stutchbury – editor, ‘The Australian’. For a seat at the live broadcast contact 02 9333 1002 or email [email protected]
ABC TV’s New Dimensions program will look at Australians and the media in a special report.
ABC Sydney will feature seven decades of music with trivia and other competitions across the day. Many ABC Local Radio stations throughout NSW will host open days with morning or afternoon tea.
ABC NewsRadio’s new frequency – 98.1FM, will open in Gosford.
In other states the celebration will continue all week:
In the Northern Territory, under the theme 70 Years Communication in the Outback ABC Northern Territory will be prominent at the Alice Springs Show on the 5th and 6th July and the Darwin Show on 26th and 27th July.
In Queensland 612 ABC Brisbane is planning a music competition where listeners vote for their favourite song. 70 of them will feature across one day.
In Victoria ABC 774 Morning host Libby Price and Afternoon presenter Derek Guille will present an Outside Broadcast on 2 July plus the voices and faces of the last 70 years of the ABC in Victoria will tell daily stories and anecdotes on air.