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.
The History of Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the primary public broadcaster of Australia. It boasts a rich history that reflects its evolution from a radio service to a comprehensive multimedia organization. The ABC traces its roots back to a licensing scheme for radio stations administered by the Postmaster-General’s Department in 1923.
The scheme had categorized stations into A-Class (government-funded) and B-Class (advertiser-funded) stations. In 1928, the government formed the National Broadcasting Service by acquiring 12 A-Class licenses and contracting the private Australian Broadcasting Company, which was founded in 1924, to supply content.
On July 1, 1932, the Australian Broadcasting Commission was established under the Australian Broadcasting Commission Act 1932. The new entity took over the National Broadcasting Service and adopted a structure modelled on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The emphasis was on public service broadcasting without advertisements.
During the Second World War, the ABC gained statutory powers that reinforced its independence and expanded its role in news gathering. By 1946, it was mandated to broadcast parliamentary sessions. The ABC began television services in November 1956, which marked a significant expansion into visual media.
Over the following decades, it established international news bureaus and produced cultural staples such as Six O’Clock Rock and Countdown. Thus, the programmes played a key role in promoting Australian music and arts through its radio and television programming.
In 1983, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act renamed the organization from “Australian Broadcasting Commission” to “Australian Broadcasting Corporation.” This change in the nomenclature reflected the company’s broader scope across various media platforms. The ABC Multimedia Unit was established in 1995 to manage its online presence, including launching its website.
Today, the ABC operates as a statutory corporation funded primarily by government grants. It is governed by an independent board that ensures editorial independence as outlined in its charter under the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983. It also generates revenue through ABC Commercial, which supports its content production.
The ABC remains an important part of the Australian media and offers a slew of services across radio, television, and digital platforms. However, it offers these services by maintaining its commitment to impartiality and public interest.
Interesting Facts About Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was established in 1932 as the first national broadcaster in Australia. It was created by the Australian government to provide a non-commercial, public service broadcasting system that would serve the Australian public without the pressure of commercial interests.
- The ABC operates across a wide range of platforms, including television, radio, and digital media. It runs several TV channels like ABC TV, ABC ME, ABC News, and iView. At the same time, it also provides content via radio stations (e.g., ABC Radio National, Triple J, and local stations across the country).
- The ABC is known for its high-quality journalism and has won numerous awards for its news and current affairs coverage. It’s one of the most trusted sources of news in Australia and is often praised for its impartiality and thorough reporting.
- Unlike commercial broadcasters, the ABC doesn’t rely on advertisements for revenue. Instead, it is funded by the Australian government. This enables the ABC to provide unbiased and public-interest content without the influence of advertisers.
- Through ABC International, the ABC produces and distributes content worldwide. It has an international arm that helps promote Australian culture globally and provides international audiences with Australian news, entertainment, and cultural programs.
- The ABC has a vast archive of over 90 years of Australian broadcasting history. Many of these archives, including historic radio broadcasts and television programs, are accessible to the public through the ABC’s digital platforms and the Australian Screen Online archive.
- ABC’s iView is one of the most popular streaming platforms in Australia. It allows users to stream ABC’s content, including shows, documentaries, and live events, for free.
- Triple J, ABC’s youth-oriented radio station, is famous for promoting emerging Australian music artists. It hosts the renowned Hottest 100 countdown, one of the most popular music events in the country, voted on by listeners.
- The ABC has played a significant role in shaping Australian culture. It is often the place where iconic Australian television programs, documentaries, and dramas first air. Shows like Play School and Australian Story have had long-lasting cultural impacts.
- The ABC was one of the first broadcasters in Australia to fully embrace the digital transition. It launched its first digital television channel, ABC2, in 2005, followed by several other digital channels. It also offers extensive digital content online, including podcasts, apps, and news websites.
- As a public broadcaster, the ABC is required to remain politically neutral. This ensures that it provides unbiased, factual information, free from political influence or commercial pressure.
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.