Radio and audio news

News radio in Australia has undergone significant changes, evolving from traditional AM/FM broadcasts to embracing digital platforms and podcasts. 
Technological advancements have facilitated the rise of digital radio and on-demand content, making news more accessible than ever. Public broadcasters like the ABC and SBS continue to play pivotal roles, while Aboriginal radio stations ensure Indigenous stories and viewpoints are heard. This dynamic evolution reflects broader shifts in media consumption and the growing demand for diverse, immediate, and accessible news sources.

You can search in the Library collection for resources about news and the news industry. Discover books, journal articles, databases, and more.

Try this sample search: ("radio broadcasting" OR podcast OR "broadcast journalism") AND Australia.

Sound recordings in the Library Collection

You can search for news sound recordings in the Library Collection by entering your keywords in the search box and then choosing Sound recordings under the Resource Type from the Refine my results menu.

There are two national broadcast analogue and digital stations in Australia: the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).

The ABC

The ABC operates under the guidance of its Charter, editorial policies, and codes of practice. Its mission is to inform, educate, and entertain Australians by offering a diverse range of distinctive programs across radio, television, and the internet. ABC’s radio stations include 54 local stations and four national stations, reaching 4.8 million metropolitan listeners weekly.

Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)

SBS Radio is Australia’s multicultural and multilingual national broadcaster. It offers programs in over 60 languages, making it one of the most diverse services of its kind globally. The allocation of program time for each language is determined by factors such as the size of the community, language proficiency, age, and employment needs.

Commercial radio stations are funded by advertising revenue, allowing them to broadcast a variety of programs, including music, talk shows, and news bulletins. Commercial radio's widespread reach and free-to-access model make it an essential medium for disseminating news quickly and effectively to a broad audience.

Community news radio in Australia serves as a vital source of local information, providing updates on regional events, issues, and stories that might not receive coverage in mainstream media. These stations, often run by volunteers, play an essential role in fostering community engagement and supporting local culture and diversity.

There are currently more than 450 licensed community radio stations in Australia. These stations operate under community radio licences, issued by The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Aboriginal news radio in Australia offers news coverage and programming focused on Indigenous perspectives. These stations provide comprehensive reporting on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, alongside broader national and global news, ensuring that Indigenous voices are prominently represented in the media landscape.

International radio stations offer coverage of global events, insightful analysis, and diverse perspectives on the latest news stories.

Pirate radio refers to unlicensed or illegal radio broadcasts that operate outside of government regulations. These stations emerged in the mid-20th century and have been important for sharing alternative music and voices not commonly found in mainstream media. Known for their do-it-yourself approach, pirate radio stations have influenced the media landscape by providing unique and diverse content.

Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) news radio in Australia provides listeners with a digital radio experience featuring high-quality audio and a wide range of news content. 

The industry of news podcasts in Australia has rapidly grown, and with the flexibility to listen anytime and anywhere, news podcasts have become an integral part of the media landscape. The rise of news podcasts in Australia reflects the evolving ways in which audiences consume news, blending traditional reporting with the innovative potential of digital media.

Australia has a rich news radio history, tracing back to the early days of Australian broadcasting. Sites such as Trove, and the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) play significant roles in preserving, documenting, and sharing this heritage. Through their archival efforts, they ensure that the evolution of news radio, from pioneering broadcasts to modern digital platforms, is not only remembered but also accessible to future generations.

Trove

Trove is Australia’s online culture and research portal. It brings together content from the National Library of Australia, State and Territory libraries, and hundreds of other libraries, cultural, and research institutions around Australia. With more than 14 billion digital items, it's a rich repository of artefacts, curiosities, and historical narratives. 

Trove's search options include a Music, Audio and Video category. This category has search options including oral history, interview recordings, information on audio collections, news, and more. From the home page, select All categories, then Music, Audio & Video. Then enter your search terms to search within the Music, Audio & Video category.

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)

The NFSA collects, preserves, and shares Australian audiovisual materials. With over 4 million items in their collection, the NFSA plays a vital role in preserving Australia's audiovisual heritage.

Follow the advanced search option below, or explore the links to see curated collections.

Use the advanced search option to search the NFSA and narrow your search. You can select radio resources to see their holdings.