RTV Theory and Practice - Special Issue

deal with the history of the ABC , very few try to analyze the specific pualities of commercial radio . Recently , a number of specialized reports have been published by government agencies , particularly in connection with possible changes to the ABC, ethnic radio and radio in remote regions . flost academic texts which dea! with the media in Australia devote Just about all their space to issues of ownership contro! and the effect of ownership concentration in regards to television and newspapers . The fact that radio at least as much as teievision is shaping modern Australia's cultural (and to an important extent economic) outlook has so far not been taken into account. This paper đoes not attempt to close the gap in the academic study of radio in Australia . I intend to present a short history which will show that commercial thinking has always đominated the discussion of radio in Australia. In presenting the most important f eatures of the radio system , I wouid also like to point out some of the weaknesses and strengths inherent in the various types . Hopefully, some of the issues raised might lead to f urther discussion . HIST ORY In 1905 the Wireless Telegraphy Act gave the Postmaster General (PHG) exclusive privilege to establish, erect, maintain and use stations and appliances for "transmitting and receiving telegraphic message by means of electricity without a continuous metallic connection between. the transmitter and the receiver." The PMG could also licence those privileges to others . In 19 19, the terms "or telephonic" were inserted af ter "telegraphic" . Ву 192 1 there were some 900 licenced experiments in the country . They were not organized but many of them hađ connections with one сотрапу , Amalgamateđ Wireless (Australasia ) Ltd . (AWA ) . AWA was a manuf acturer , importer and erector of wireless eguipment anđ holder of some of the most important patents for Australia. Throughout the 20s, this сотрапу could justifiably argue that no major developments in the field of radio was possible without infringing its rights, AWA pushed very harđ to get exclusive rights to establish broadcasting in Australia , not unlike Marconi in other parts of the world. However , the government decided to introduce a system of sealed sets thereby giving several broadcasters the opportunity to establish a station . Radio receivers woulđ be set on one specific waveiength anđ listeners would рау a subscription fee to their station. Ву the end of 1923, six licences had been issued . The first radio broađcast in Australia took place in Sydney on November 23, 1923.

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