Major Broadcasting Network
| Company type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Founder | David Worrall |
| Defunct | 1970s |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Radio broadcasting, live entertainment programming |
The Major Broadcasting Network was a prominent entity in Australian radio broadcasting from its inception in 1938 until it ceased operations in the 1970s.
History and background
The Major Broadcasting Network was initiated in 1938 by David Worrall, who was managing 3DB in Melbourne at the time. Throughout its existence until the 1970s, it stood as Australia's second most extensive radio network, following the Macquarie Radio Network. Upon establishment, the network incorporated stations located in every mainland state capital: 2UE, 3DB, 4BK, 5AD, and 6PR, with 7HT joining at a later stage.
Initially, the Sydney affiliate was 2CH, which later switched to 2UW before reverting back to 2UE in September 1950. By the year 1973, coinciding with the golden jubilee of Australian broadcasting, the network's roster included stations such as 2UE, 2KO, 3DB, 3LK, 4BK, 4AK, 5AD, 5PI, 5MU, 5SE, 6PR, 6CI, 6TZ, 7HT, and 7EX.
Prior to television's emergence, Major Network stations were known for their focus on live entertainment formats including variety shows, quiz programs, and dramatic serials like soap operas. These productions were predominantly created at studios in Melbourne (3DB) and Sydney, consistently achieving high audience ratings across the network.
David Worrall was instrumental in founding the Major Network. Before its successful launch, he had attempted to establish two earlier networks featuring 3DB and 2UE as principal stations: the Federal Network and the Associated Broadcasters of Australia; however, both ventures were short-lived.
During the 1940s and into the 1950s, the Colgate-Palmolive Radio Unit emerged as Australia's foremost producer of live radio programming. Initially partnered with the Macquarie Radio Network, Colgate-Palmolive transitioned to align with the Major Network under Worrall’s guidance, which substantially expanded its listener base.