Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is responsible for national television and radio services in Australia. Most of its funding comes from the Australian federal government.
The ABC operates hundreds of television stations, including digitally transmitted stations. ABC stations accept no advertising. Radio Australia, the international service of the ABC, broadcasts throughout the world each day in English and five other languages. The ABC also provides school education programs and funds a symphony orchestra for each of the six Australian states.
The first radio station on the air in Australia was 2SB, which began transmitting in Sydney on Nov. 13, 1923. The next radio station, 2FC, began its broadcasts on Dec. 5, 1923. Both stations are now owned by the ABC. The Australian Broadcasting Commission controlled 12 stations when it was created in 1932.
The ABC began television transmission in 1956 when stations opened in Sydney and Melbourne, just in time to cover the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. By 1960, the system had been extended to other state capitals. Color telecasts began in Australia in 1975. The ABC changed its name to Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1983.
