The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is one of Australia’s most iconic and trusted public broadcasters, which boasts a rich history spanning over 90 years. Central to its identity is its logo, which has evolved over the decades to reflect the changing landscape of media, technology, and Australian culture.
From its early, simple designs to its modern, streamlined look, the ABC logo has undergone several transformations. Each logo iteration symbolises the broadcaster’s commitment to providing quality, accessible, and impartial content to the Australian public. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of the ABC logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Logo (1932 – 1962)
The ABC, or the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, came into being on 1st July 1932. The original logo consisted of the outline of the Australian map with the acronym “ABC’ inside written in black against a white background. In the top left and right corners of the map were two zigzag lines in black symbolising the transmission of radio.
(1935 – 1962)
The 1935 version of the ABC logo featured the thick outline of the Australian map with the acronym “ABC” placed inside the map written in a big, bold, uppercase style. A thick zigzag line in black with a white outline crisscrossed the map from top left to the bottom right.
(1962 – 1965)
In 1962, the logo was redesigned by removing the Australian map altogether. It showed three overlapping curved rectangles – two small solid black and one larger white with a thick black outline. The letters “A,” “B,” and “C” appeared at the centre of these curved rectangles in white, black, and white colours, respectively.
(1965 – 1974)
Designed by Bill Kennard in 1965, the logo featured a Lissajous waveform pattern emanating from a cathode ray oscilloscope. The logo was adopted for television, publications, and vehicles.
(1974 – Present)
In 1974, the Lissajous curve underwent its first major redesign. The lines of the curve were thickened to allow for colour integration, and an “over-and-under” effect was added to emphasise the crossover points in the design. This version became synonymous with the identity of ABC during the era of expanding television services.
(2002 – 2019)
To mark its 70th anniversary in 2002, ABC introduced a new logo designed by Harcus Design. This iteration featured a silver, three-dimensional Lissajous waveform emblem. The acronym “ABC” in black was written either below or to the right of the emblem. The logo design reflected the growing influence of digital media and was used across ABC’s outlets.
(2018 – Present)
The 2018 ABC logo iteration saw the return of the 1974 logo using a new corporate custom typeface called ABC Sans. The logo featured both the thick Lissajous waveform emblem and the wordmark “ABC” on a single plane and of a similar size.
The Elements of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Logo
Symbol
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) logo is often referred to as the “Lissajous curve” or “the worm.” Designed by Bill Kennard in 1965, the symbol of the logo is based on the mathematical Lissajous curve to symbolise harmony and connection. In its modern iterations, the ABC logo has been simplified into a sleek 2D design, which reflects a contemporary and digital-friendly aesthetic.
Font
The font used in the ABC logo is a custom sans-serif typeface. It’s geometric, with rounded edges, and designed to convey a sense of clarity and professionalism. The design is contemporary and easy to read, reflecting the ABC’s status as a trusted and reliable broadcaster.
Colour
The primary colour of the ABC logo is black. This colour is often associated with trust, reliability, and professionalism, which aligns with the ABC’s role as a public service broadcaster. The strong, black colour gives the logo a sense of authority while remaining approachable.
Finally
The various iterations of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) logo show changes in media consumption habits and technological advancements. From its mathematical origins to its vibrant modern designs, each logo iteration has maintained a balance between heritage and innovation. At the same time, each logo iteration has reinforced ABC’s identity as Australia’s trusted public broadcaster.