The History of Australian Television

The first television broadcast in Australia occurred on 16 September 1956. The event was organised by TCN-9 Sydney, featuring a variety of programming including news bulletins, live sport, and children's shows.

Television rapidly gained popularity in Australia, and by 1957 there were already 200,000 sets in homes around the country.

Graham Kennedy, one of Australia's first TV stars, rose to fame in the late 1950s with his variety show In Melbourne Tonight.

Kennedy was a master of improvisation and his show became must-see viewing for many Australians.

In September 1964, Channel 0 (which would later become Network 10) was launched in Melbourne.

Based on a mix of programming, including live sport, news, and variety shows, Channel 0's debut paved the way for the further expansion of commercial television in Australia.

In 1967, ABC expanded its reach, but the first regional television stations in Australia were independently operated and served specific areas outside the major cities.

Playschool first aired in 1966, quickly becoming a firm favourite among Australian children. Groundbreaking in its use of puppets and simple sets, it set the standard for future children's programming.

Through TV, people watched Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the moon in 1969. It also allowed viewers to witness the first 'televised war', the Vietnam War.

This was a new type of warfare where people could see the events unfold in real-time, bringing the war into people's homes.

The 1970s was a decade of change for Australian television. In 1974, the first experimental broadcasts of color television took place, paving the way for the full-time introduction of colour TV in March 1975.

The 1970s saw the launch of several new channels, including the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) in 1978. SBS was designed to provide multilingual and multicultural programming that reflected the diversity of Australia's population.

Channel Ten went on air for the first time in 1975, initially available only in Sydney and Melbourne but later expanding to other parts of Australia.

Thanks to its mix of programming, including soap operas, game shows, and variety programs, Channel Ten quickly became a hit with young viewers.

By the early 1980s, there were more than four million television sets in use across Australia.

The decade saw the introduction of a number of new channels and services. In 1980, Channel Ten expanded with a new station in Brisbane, followed by the launch of SBS-TV in Sydney in 1981.

SBS-TV offered a unique blend of multicultural and multilingual programming.

In 1982, the Australian government introduced a system of funding for the production of local drama and children's programs.

This "equity quota" system ensured a certain percentage of Australian content was shown on commercial television stations.

The 1980s also saw the debut of Australia's first 24-hour news channel, with the launch of CNN News Australia, providing continuous coverage of international and domestic news events.

In 1996, Sky News Australia, the country's first 24-hour news channel, was launched, providing constant coverage of breaking news from around the globe.

In 1997, pay-TV service Foxtel was introduced. Foxtel, a subscription-based service, offers a range of channels, including movies, sport, and entertainment.

The same year, the Australian government introduced new laws that required all television stations to broadcast a minimum amount of Australian content.

These laws aimed to support the local television industry and ensure that Australian stories were told on screen.

The 2000s were a decade of significant change for Australian television. In 2001, digital television was introduced, allowing viewers to watch multiple channels on one screen and providing access to interactive services such as games and shopping.

Digital television quickly became the standard in Australia, with more than 80% of homes using it by 2010.

In 2003, ABC launched a new digital-only channel, ABC Kids. ABC Kids, a 24-hour channel, offers a range of children's programming, including cartoons, educational shows, and live-action series.

In 2007, the National Indigenous Television Service (NITV) was launched, providing a range of programming, including news, sport, and culture.

This was also the decade when reality TV became popular in Australia, with productions such as Big Brother, Australian Idol, and The Block gaining significant traction.

The 2010s saw a surge in the popularity of streaming services such as Netflix and Stan.

These services allow viewers to watch TV shows and movies online without having to subscribe to a traditional pay-TV service.

In 2008, ABC launched iView, a free online service that allows viewers to watch ABC programs on demand.

iView quickly became one of the most popular streaming services in Australia, boasting more than two million users by 2016.

In 2017, the Australian government introduced a new tax rebate for television and film productions to encourage more investment in the local industry and support jobs in the sector.

As of 2021, streaming services such as Netflix and Stan continue to grow in popularity.

These services allow viewers to watch TV shows and movies online without having to subscribe to a traditional pay-TV service.

Today, Australian television is enjoyed by millions of people across the country. It is an integral part of our culture and has played a significant role in shaping our society.

As television continues to evolve, we eagerly await the exciting innovations that the future holds for this popular medium.