Norman Banks (broadcaster)

Norman Banks
Born	Template:Birth date Sandringham, Victoria, Australia
Died	September 15, 1985(1985-09-15) (aged 79)
Occupation(s)	Broadcaster, sports commentator
Years active	1920s–1978
Known for	Australian Rules Football commentary, Melbourne Carols by Candlelight
Notable work	Melbourne Carols by Candlelight

Norman Tyrell Banks MBE (12 October 1905 – 15 September 1985) was a prominent Australian broadcaster known for his work in radio and television, particularly in sports commentary. He was a trailblazer in live coverage of Australian Rules Football and established the yearly Melbourne Carols by Candlelight celebration. Later in his career, Banks became known for hosting conservative talk radio shows.

Early life

Banks was born in Sandringham, Victoria as the youngest among five siblings. His father passed away prior to his birth, leaving his mother to raise the family through her work as a draper.

He pursued theological studies at St Aidan's Theological College, Ballarat and Ridley College with the goal of entering the Anglican priesthood. However, at 24 years old, he chose to leave this path to explore other professional opportunities while maintaining involvement in church activities.

Before entering broadcasting, Banks worked as a car salesman and represented S.A. Cheney Motors, which allowed him to travel internationally to England and the United States. Following financial difficulties, he returned to Australia, took up farm work near Colac, and married Lorna May Gilmore on 6 May 1930.

Early radio career

Banks’ fascination with radio grew during his time in the United States where he gained initial broadcasting experience. Upon returning home and after marrying, he pursued employment at 3KZ based on his mother’s encouragement. He started as an announcer and soon attracted interest from rival stations. Over two decades, Banks became a fixture on Melbourne airwaves hosting various programs such as Voice of the Voyager, Voice of the People, Voice of the Business Girl, Voice of the Shopper, Husbands and Wives, Junior Information, Spelling Bee, Victoria Varieties, Myer Musicale, along with "OBs" (outside broadcasts) covering events including football, tennis, athletics, and swimming.

While not the very first to broadcast VFL games—since Melbourne’s 3AR had aired former Carlton player Rod McGregor's commentary as early as 1927, Banks was among the pioneering football commentators. Initially prohibited from broadcasting from inside grounds, he ingeniously found alternative locations: in 1931 at Princes Park, Carlton, he delivered commentary from atop a ladder beside the dressing rooms; on another occasion from a wooden platform extending out of a ladies' restroom; and at Lakeside Oval, he broadcast from an 18-meter-high steel tower.

On Victory in Europe Day, 1945, despite recovering from injuries sustained in a recent car accident, Banks provided live coverage of Melbourne’s celebrations marking the conclusion of World War II.

Carols by Candlelight

In 1937, after witnessing a woman listening to Christmas carols alone by candlelight, Banks was motivated to create a communal event for those feeling isolated during the holiday season. The inaugural Carols by Candlelight took place in 1938 at Alexandra Gardens, attracting an audience of approximately 10,000 who joined in singing alongside a choir of 30 singers, two solo performers, and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Band.

This gathering evolved into an annual tradition that continues today, broadcast on radio through 3AW and televised by Nine Network, serving as a fundraiser supporting Vision Australia.

Move to 3AW

In 1952, after being refused permission to cover the Helsinki Olympics, Banks left 3KZ and quickly joined competitor station 3AW. During his time at 3AW, he reported on the Olympics, football, and current events, while also hosting studio-based shows and fulfilling the role of news editor. His career at this station spanned 26 years, concluding in 1978.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Banks was recognized for his conservative stance, which included support for apartheid and the monarchy. These views frequently sparked on-air debates with journalist Claudia Wright and broadcaster Ormsby Wilkins, both of whom openly challenged his opinions. Vision problems resulting from incidents at a football match and at 3AW affected him later in life; his final broadcast ended with a heartfelt thank you to his listeners.

Honors

In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, Banks was awarded an MBE in 1953. He was inducted into the Rogues Gallery at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1998, acknowledged as a pioneering football commentator who skillfully blended sports coverage with current affairs over three decades and two Olympic Games.

Banks was also among the first to be honored in the Media category of the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in football broadcasting on both 3AW and 3KZ during a career that extended across six decades.