What's New November 23, 2023

ABC Radio Sydney turns 100

At 8pm on November 23, 1923, also a Thursday, public radio stations 2SB (the SB standing for Sydney Broadcasters Limited) pushed a button for the first time and commenced with some orchestral music.

ABC Quartet circa 1940

It became 2BL a few years later, rebranded to 702 in 2000 and then ABC Radio Sydney in 2017.

Across the day ABC Radio Sydney will celebrate the occasion with Sarah Macdonald broadcasting live this morning from the NSW State Library where a special showcase display has been curated featuring memorabilia from the last 100 years of the station, some of which you can see in this story.

ABC Radio Players, 1949

ABC Radio Sydney will also bid farewell to its pips to mark the top of the hour. They will be heard for the final time at 7pm. Rod Quinn then presents a special 2-hour program at 8pm, looking back at the history of the station.

Listeners were invited to submit designs to create a commemorative 100th birthday T-shirt. Sarah, came up with the winning design, which you can now purchase with proceeds going to Vinnies.

Sarah’s winning design

The NSW State Library Display opens today, Thursday November 23, and runs until Sunday 28 January 2024. On display will be the first ever broadcast licence, the program for the ABC’s first classical concert broadcast in 1929 and many other photos and memorabilia.