Centenary Anniversary of Public Radio Broadcasting in Australia

AUSTRALIA POST on 17 October  2013 marked a century of public radio broadcasting in Australia with a stamp illustrated by Harry Slaghekke and inspired by a 1940s Max Dupain photoshoot for the AWA Radiola. Postmark for this First Day Cover originated from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The console radio design was set to the “Music Lovers Hour” on 2BL, now known as ABC Radio Sydney. Initially called 2SB, 2BL made the first official broadcast in Australia on 23 November 1923.

Harry Slaghekke has beautifully illustrated this iconic scene that was a snapshot into many Australian homes during the 1940s. The postwar period around 1949 was an optimistic time, radio was on still its own. Television hadn’t made an impact yet. Everybody got their news, their entertainment, children had programs, teenagers. There were serials, dramas and comedy shows.

On a side note, ABC 2BL Sydney is still operating on 702 kHz (MW/AM). This 50,000 watt station can be received in Central West Malaysia in the early morning hours when the path of night covers New South Wales to Kuala Lumpur. HERE is 2BL as heard in Malaysia, back 2017. Reception is occasionally much better than this recording.

Source: Australia Post