What’s in a name?
 
Plenty according to Radio Adelaide and the ABC.
 
The ABC’s metro radio stations have all rebranded with their new look and name for 2017… except Adelaide.
 
After Radio Adelaide’s court injunction the ABC is legally bound not to rename 891ABC Adelaide to ABC Radio Adelaide until court action is concluded, although that has not stopped the station from still making some changes, according to one of our readers (see right – thanks John).

 
The ABC has promised to fight the court injunction, made just before Christmas, which stopped it progressing with its naming plans in Adelaide.
 

The ABC has told radioinfo in a statement: “Following the injunction granted by the Federal Court of South Australia on December 23rd, ABC Radio will not move forward with its proposed renaming of 891 ABC Adelaide as ABC Radio Adelaide.”  
 
Unlike the other Metro stations, ABC Adelaide has kept its old name, logo and web page, while other web pages have been updated to reflect the new image.
 



 

ABC Radio says it is “disappointed with the outcome of the injunction and will defend its position as proceedings move to trial in April.”
 
The ABC will argue in court that its identity “is led by the ABC brand in all locations and on all platforms. Our proposed brand evolution to ABC Radio Adelaide ensures that at all times, ‘ABC’ or the ABC Wave logo would accompany the words ‘Radio Adelaide’, when used descriptively on-air, visually in promotional material or otherwise. As such, we do not feel there will be confusion in the marketplace between the two stations.”

Until then, ABC Adelaide will keep most of its old name, and Radio Adelaide will no doubt be looking for funds for a legal battle.