ABC 90 Celebrate! to mark birthday celebrations

ABC turns 90 this year and is inviting all Australians to celebrate the milestone, with community events and special programming planned across television, radio, online and social platforms.

The celebrations will run across much of 2022 with the key event, a live 90-minute television special on Thursday 30 June 2022 – almost 90 years to the day that the Australian Broadcasting Commission first went to air, launched by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons.

An ensemble cast of ABC presenters will host ABC 90 Celebrate! from the ABC’s Sydney studios and connect with ABC studios and presenters in the other capital cities and in regional locations across the country. There will be familiar faces from the past and present, some surprise guests and crosses to international locations.

Managing Director David Anderson said, “The ABC has been part of everyday life in Australia since 1932. It has played a big part in documenting our country’s development and achievements over nine decades, and has grown and adapted to changing times, in step with the nation.

“In 2022 we are as relevant and connected to Australian life as we ever have been. We are Australia’s most trusted media organisation, and we reach close to 70 per cent of the population each week through our metropolitan and regional radio networks, our four national radio networks, our four digital television channels, seven digital-only radio channels, our digital sites, social media sites and our on-demand services ABC iview and the ABC listen app.”

ABC Chair, Ita Buttrose, “The ABC has always reflected Australian life. It is at its very best when it is celebrates the achievements of all Australians and the things that make this country such a special place in what is the world’s oldest continuous culture. We’re proud of our past and are optimistic about our future, and in the coming months we invite people to join in our celebrations.”

April

Retro Focus series: A daily dive into the ABC Archives uncovering some of the nation’s most interesting stories from the past.
ABC iview is celebrating with a collection of programs and series from the past in ABC90: Connecting Australia.
ABC Classic 90 for 90, presented by Damien Beaumont on the ABC listen app. 90 concerts in 90 days.
ABC International’s Pacific Collection – a selection of photographic, audio and video content from the ABC archives
Landline’s monthly ABC 90 themed segments The Things that made Australia, presented by Tim Lee.
Share Your ABC Story across ABC Radio. ABC moments from the audience.
Anzac Day documentaries ‘The Many Days of Anzac’ – looking at the role ABC has played, connecting veterans and telling their stories.

May

National Volunteering Week. Volunteer 90 mins to support your community.
Your Australian Story. Tell us the stories we have missed. Tell us your Australian story.

June

Gardening Australia themed segment ‘Gardening styles through the decades. What was fashionable then and now.’
Compass special ‘The Changing face of Religion’ presented by Geraldine Doogue.
The ABC of… An interview show in which famous Australians respond to archive footage of themselves.
Andrew Olle Media Lecture, presented by ABC Chair, Ita Buttrose, marking the ABC’s 90th year (Friday 17 June).
BTN Tik Tok specials.
ABC Celebrate! – a live TV special on Thursday 30 June, marking ABC’s official birthday the following day – Friday 1 July.
July
Looking Black – a NAIDOC Week special.