About the Australian Broadcasting Corporation A remarkable change is taking place at the ABC, as we’ve been rethinking the idea of the town square. Through digital media, the public broadcaster has been able to revitalise the public space, Australia’s town square. Where more and more Australians exchange ideas, listen and learn from one another, and share in the wider experience of Australian life.
Since 1932, the ABC has been a distinctive part of the Australian way of life. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the ABC) is Australia’s national public broadcaster, operating under its own Act of Parliament, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. The ABC was established to provide Australians with innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a high standard.
The ABC is a vital part of the mix of Australian media and has special functions and duties set out in the Corporation’s Charter. It contributes to and reflects Australia’s national identity, fosters creativity and the arts, and encourages cultural diversity. The ABC’s role is fundamentally underpinned by its editorial independence and integrity.
The ABC delivers a wide range of services across multiple platforms.
Radio
Four national radio networks, comprising ABC Radio National, ABC Classic FM, triple j and ABC NewsRadio (on the Parliamentary and News Network)
ABC Local Radio, comprising nine metropolitan radio stations, in capital cities and Newcastle, New South Wales, and 51 regional radio stations throughout Australia
10 digital radio channels in each mainland capital city, including simulcasts of the four national networks and metropolitan Local Radio services, as well as digital-only services ABC Dig Music, ABC Jazz, ABC Country, ABC Grandstand and ABC Extra, an occasional special events channel
All digital radio services except ABC Grandstand Digital are streamed online. ABC Dig Music and ABC Jazz are also available on free-to-air digital and subscription services. The four national networks and some Local Radio services are available via digital satellite subscription services
Online and other platforms
ABC Online, providing content available via streaming, podcasting, vodcasting, video-on-demand and content uniquely designed for broadband delivery
ABC services are also available via SMS, 3G and other wireless devices including a range of applications for smartphones
Television
ABC1, the ABC’s primary television channel, available in analog format from 374 transmitters, and digital format from 350 transmitters
ABC2, the ABC’s second free-to-air digital television channel
ABC3, a dedicated digital children’s channel
ABC News 24
iview, an internet-only catch-up television service
Local television in each State and Territory
International
Radio Australia, an international radio and online service broadcasting in eight languages by shortwave, satellite and terrestrial rebroadcast arrangements to Asia and the Pacific
Australia Network, an international television and online service, broadcasting via satellite and rebroadcast arrangements to 45 nations in Asia and the Pacific
ABC International Projects, assisting media organisations internationally with strategic advice, training, mentoring and technical support
Commercial
ABC Retail, owning and managing 55 ABC Shops and licensing 111 ABC Centres throughout Australia. It provides a Customer Delivery Service that processes orders via phone, fax, mail and online through ABC Shop Online
ABC Publishing, managing a stable of lifestyle and children’s magazines
ABC Sales and Distribution, responsible for DVD, Program Sales Worldwide, licensing, Merchandising, Events, Library and Non-Theatrics Sales
ABC Music and Music Publishing, releasing children’s, country, classical and contemporary music from Australian artists including recordings by the Australian symphony orchestras. The group also represents a number of Australian composers and promotes Australian music compositions and performances