ABC Television (Australian TV network)

ABC Television (Australian TV network)
Name	ABC Television
Country	Australia
Network type	Public broadcast television network
Founded	5 November 1956
Owner	Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Key people	David Anderson (Managing Director)
Headquarters	Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales
Website	abc.net.au/tv

ABC Television (Australian TV network) is the national public television network of Australia, operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Its first station, ABN in Sydney, began broadcasting on 5 November 1956, marking the commencement of television in the country. The network provides a comprehensive, commercial-free service funded primarily by the Australian Government, with a charter mandate to inform, educate, and entertain all Australians.

History

The network's establishment followed the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Television in 1953, with the Australian Broadcasting Control Board overseeing its launch. The first broadcast from ABN in Sydney was inaugurated by Prime Minister Robert Menzies, with TCN, operated by the Nine Network, launching later the same evening. The service expanded to Melbourne with ABV in November 1956, and subsequently to other state capitals, including Brisbane's ABQ and Adelaide's ABS in 1959. A significant technological milestone was the 1967 launch of the ABC's first colour television broadcasts, coinciding with the Apollo 11 moon landing coverage. The network later pioneered the national satellite distribution of television signals via the Aussat system in the 1980s, integrating remote communities.

Programming

ABC Television is renowned for its diverse slate of original Australian content, including acclaimed drama series such as Blue Heelers, SeaChange, and MDA. Its news and current affairs division, ABC News, produces flagship programs like 7.30 and Australian Story, while its comedy output has included influential shows like The Chaser's War on Everything and Utopia. The network is a major broadcaster of children's programming through the ABC Me channel and has a long history of airing prestigious international content from partners like the BBC and PBS. It also holds broadcast rights for major sporting events, including the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.

Channels

The network's primary channel is ABC TV, which offers a broad mix of news, drama, entertainment, and documentaries. Its digital multichannels include the youth-oriented ABC TV Plus, the children's channel ABC Me, and the news-focused ABC News. The network also operates the international service Australia Plus, which broadcasts in the Asia-Pacific region. These channels are complemented by the video-on-demand platform ABC iview, which offers live streaming and catch-up content.

Governance and funding

ABC Television operates under the governance of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, a statutory corporation established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. The corporation's board is appointed by the Governor-General on advice from the federal government, with the Managing Director, currently David Anderson, serving as chief executive. The network is funded primarily through triennial funding allocations from the Australian Government, as determined by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. It is prohibited from carrying television advertising, though its commercial arm, ABC Commercial, generates supplementary revenue.

Transmission and availability

The network is broadcast nationwide via an extensive terrestrial network of transmitters, historically managed by Broadcast Australia and now operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's own transmission division. It is available on all major free-to-air television platforms and is carried by subscription television providers like Foxtel and Fetch TV. ABC Television is also a leader in digital broadcasting, with its ABC iview service available on smart TVs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles, ensuring wide accessibility across Australia and its external territories.

Cultural impact and recognition

ABC Television has played a foundational role in shaping Australian culture and national identity, providing a vital platform for local storytelling and journalism. Its coverage of seminal events, from the 1975 constitutional crisis to the Sydney 2000 Olympics, has become part of the national fabric. The network has received numerous accolades, including multiple Logie Awards and International Emmy Awards for programs like Rake and The Slap. It is often cited in public discourse and Australian media as a trusted source of information and a key institution in the nation's public broadcasting landscape.

Category:Australian Broadcasting Corporation Category:Television networks in Australia Category:Public television networks