Radio National

ABC Radio National
	File:Radio National logo 2025.svg Logo used since 20 January 2025
Company type	Public service broadcaster
Industry	Radio broadcasting
Predecessor	ABC Radio 2 (1947–1985)
Founded	1923 (as 2FC)
Headquarters	Sydney, Australia
Area served	Australia (nationwide)
Owner	Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website	abc.net.au/radionational

ABC Radio National, frequently referred to as Radio National or simply RN, is a nationwide public service radio network in Australia managed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Between 1947 and 1985, it operated under the name ABC Radio 2.

1937: Origins and early development

Beginning in 1928, control of radio stations financed through public licence fees ("A" Class licences) gradually shifted to the National Broadcasting Service, part of the federal Postmaster-General's Department. From 1929, programming was supplied by the contracted Australian Broadcasting Company. The establishment of a commission in 1932 led to the merger of the original ABC company with the National Broadcasting Service, laying the foundation for Radio National as a distinct ABC network linked by a system of program relays across the country.

The inception of Radio National can be traced back to Sydney’s station 2FC, which conducted its initial test transmission on 5 December 1923 and officially began broadcasting on 9 January 1924. Initially owned by Farmer and Company prior to acquisition by ABC in 1937, 2FC served as the cornerstone for ABC’s national network, taking inspiration from the BBC National Programme model.

Other significant stations included:

3AR Melbourne – commenced operations on 26 January 1924 under "Associated Radio Company of Australia"
5CL Adelaide – launched on 20 November 1924 by "Central Broadcasters Ltd"
7ZL Hobart – began broadcasting on 17 December 1924
4QG Brisbane – started transmissions on 27 July 1925, operated by the "Queensland Government"
6WN Perth – went on air on 5 October 1938
2CY Canberra – initiated broadcasts on 23 December 1938
2NA Newcastle – began service on 20 December 1943

The initial transmitters for stations such as 2FC, 5CL, and 4QG were produced by AWA Technology Services, each with a nominal power rating of 5 kW. Early transmitter power ratings were based on DC input rather than actual antenna output; consequently, effective radiated power was roughly one-third of these figures. The Brisbane station, 4QG, originally transmitted at 500 watts before being upgraded to a full 5 kW within six months.

In 1938, Melbourne’s 3AR and Sydney’s 2FC transmitters were enhanced to deliver 10 kW power through equipment supplied under contract by STC, designed by Charles Strong in London. These transmitters incorporated negative feedback technology to improve frequency response quality.

By the early 1950s, both stations had their power levels increased to 50 kW. The STC-manufactured transmitters featured advanced air-cooled triode final stages operating efficiently at high power and were installed alongside equipment from the Radio 1 network.

1970s–1980s

During the 1970s, the network shifted towards more serious programming content—a characteristic that remains prominent today. Art critic Peter Timms described it as "virtually the only non-print media forum for art in this country."

In the early part of the following decade, Radio National extended its coverage through more than 300 regional FM transmitters, including community rebroadcast outlets. In 1985, ABC rebranded "Radio 2" under the new name "Radio National."

1990s

From 1990 onward, all Radio National stations adopted the callsign "RN." Funding reductions during the budget cuts of 1996–97 resulted in a loss of one million dollars, which had a considerable effect on programming resources.

21st century

In 2008, budget reductions prompted contentious alterations to programming, which triggered both public and internal disapproval. During a live broadcast, presenter Stephen Crittenden disclosed confidential plans and openly criticized management, resulting in his suspension; his remarks were subsequently removed from official outlets. Religious commentator Paul Collins expressed support for Crittenden's position. Following a settlement, Crittenden was reinstated as a reporter in 2009, although the canceled shows were not revived. That same year, Sue Howard, the head of ABC Radio, was dismissed.

January 2012 saw Radio National rebranded as RN to better represent its expanding digital listenership. Along with a fresh visual design, the station adopted the slogan "Your World Unfolding."

Also in 2012, a new Religion and Ethics report hosted by Andrew West was introduced, and The Media Report was relaunched with Richard Aedy at the helm; however, The Media Report faced cancellation again in 2015.

In late 2016, ABC's chief executive Michelle Guthrie justified additional cuts to RN’s 2017 lineup, citing financial constraints that necessitated staff layoffs and program eliminations.

2025 major changes

In November 2024, Radio National unveiled plans for a substantial programming revamp set for 2025, aiming to establish the station as "the centre of big conversations" and a forum for dialogue with prominent intellectuals. This represented the most extensive schedule revision since 2017.

The revamped schedule launched on 20 January 2025, accompanied by an updated logo transitioning from 'RN' back to 'Radio National.'

Significant programming shifts included the return of former Radio National Breakfast host Fran Kelly, who began presenting a new weeknight news magazine titled Radio National Hour, airing at 6 p.m. The Radio National Breakfast show was restructured to commence earlier at 5:30 a.m., hosted by Sally Sara with news anchor Luke Siddham Dundon, political correspondent Melissa Clarke, and business reporter Peter Ryan joining her. This format drew inspiration from BBC Radio 4's Today, emphasizing in-depth national and international news alongside live political and economic coverage.

Several longstanding programs were discontinued: the afternoon news magazine RN Drive was replaced by Kelly’s Radio National Hour, while its former host Andy Park transitioned to the daily afternoon current affairs program The World Today, previously hosted by Sara.

The economics show The Money, led by Richard Aedy, was succeeded by The Economy, Stupid, hosted by Peter Martin. The lifestyle program Blueprint for Living concluded; its presenter Jonathan Green launched a new weekly food series called Every Bite.

The rural affairs program Australia Wide ended on Radio National but continues broadcasting on ABC Local Radio across regional areas.

Other schedule modifications included:

The PM program returned to weekdays at 5 p.m., made possible by the cancellation of RN Drive.
Specialist shows resumed their prior 5:30 p.m. time slots: Global Roaming (Monday), Law Report (Tuesday), Religion and Ethics Report (Wednesday), new The Economy, Stupid (Thursday), and MediaLand (Friday). Friday's Download this Show, now with host Rae Johnston, moved to 8 p.m.
Visual arts program The Art Show, hosted by Daniel Browning, was shortened to a 30-minute segment on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., followed by a new arts news program titled Arts in 30.
A new science-focused show called Lab Notes, presented by Belinda Smith, was introduced.
The Friday edition of TGIF, previously hosted by Richard Glover on ABC Radio Sydney, expanded to Radio National at 7 p.m., with Charlie Pickering hosting from Melbourne; it is simulcast on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Weekday afternoon segments from noon to 4 p.m. feature live linking by hosts Hilary Harper (Monday–Wednesday) and Cassie McCullagh (Thursday–Friday), utilizing a "live, flow format" designed to foster audience engagement and accommodate shorter content pieces.

Ben Latimer, ABC’s Director of Audio, described these adjustments as reaffirming Radio National’s status as "Australia’s premier audio gateway," underscoring its dedication to intellectually rich and creative programming.

Description

Radio National delivers a wide range of national content encompassing news and current affairs, arts, social topics, scientific subjects, drama, and comedy. Certain shows are also broadcast via Radio Australia, the ABC’s international platform that was transmitted on shortwave until January 2017, along with 24-hour FM channels, regional relays, and live satellite feeds.

All broadcasts can be accessed through live streaming online, with the majority—except for drama, poetry, and music—available as audio-on-demand or downloadable MP3 files for a minimum of four weeks after airing. Some podcast archives date back to 2005, marking the beginning of Radio National’s podcast offerings.

Selected programs

Several shows are aired simultaneously on Radio National and ABC Local Radio:

Boyer Lectures (since 1959)
PM (since 1969)
Correspondents Report (from before 1974 to around 2019)
The Science Show (since 1975, hosted by Robyn Williams)
The Coming Out Show (1975–1998)
Radio Helicon (beginning in 1981; dates uncertain), promoted by poet Les Murray
Ockham's Razor (since 1984; initially Robyn Williams, later Tegan Taylor)
The Health Report (since 1985; presented by Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor)
Late Night Live (1991–2024 hosted by Phillip Adams; from 2024 onward, hosted by David Marr)
The Music Show (since 1991; Andrew Ford has hosted since 1995)
The Live Set (1986–2017)
Life Matters (since 1992)
Awaye! (aired since 1993), an Indigenous arts and culture program currently presented by Rudi Bremer as of September 2024
Radio National Breakfast (since 1994; notable hosts include Peter Thompson, Fran Kelly, Patricia Karvelas, and Sally Sara)
Conversations (since 2012)
The National Interest (1995–2011)
Sound Quality (1995–2015)
The World Today (since 1999)
Bush Telegraph (2001–2014)
Big Ideas (~2002 to present; hosted by Paul Barclay and Natasha Mitchell)
Speaking Out (since 1990; presented by Larissa Behrendt)
All in the Mind (~2003 to present)
Counterpoint (2004–2024), featuring conservative viewpoints
Future Tense (since 2009; hosted by Antony Funnell)
RN Drive (2012–2024), focusing on politics and culture; past hosts include Waleed Aly, Patricia Karvelas, and Andy Park
The Minefield (since 2015), co-hosted by Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens, exploring ethical issues
The Art Show (since 2017), with presenters such as Ed Ayres, Namila Benson, and Daniel Browning
Blueprint for Living (~2018–2024), led by journalist Jonathan Green
Sporty (~2019–2022), hosted by Amanda Smith
Sunday Extra (since 2019), presented by Julian Morrow; features segments like Background Briefing and Ockham's Razor
Stop Everything!, hosted by Benjamin Law and Beverley Wang
The Screen Show, presented by Jason Di Rosso
The Economy, Stupid (initiated in 2024)
The Money
The Economists
The Religion and Ethics Report
The History Listen (2017–2024)
Rear Vision
ABC Rewind'

External links

Current programming