Australia Post is marking a century of public radio broadcast in Australia with a new stamp release that commemorates how far broadcast has come in 100 years and the important role radio still plays in Australian society.
Designed by stamp illustrator Harry Slaghekke, the stamp image was inspired by a 1940s Max Dupain photoshoot for the AWA “Radiola” console, which is set to the popular “Music Lovers Hour” on radio station 2BL (now known as ABC Radio Sydney). Initially named 2SB, radio station 2BL was the first in Australia to make an official public broadcast on 21 November 1923.
The stamp illustration has a late 1940s/early 1950s flavour and shows how, from that first broadcast in 1923, radio became a source of entertainment as well as an important essential news service of the era.
Radio’s significance remains today, with 80 per cent of Australians continuing to tune in each day to hundreds of stations across various platforms, including AM, FM, DAB+, live streaming and podcasts.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Retail Catriona Noble said the stamp celebrates an important milestone in Australia’s history.
“The introduction of public broadcast radio established a connection between Australian communities and other countries, as well as being a much-loved source of entertainment and news. As an essential community service ourselves for more than 200 years, Australia Post knows just how important this form of communication and technology is to every Australian,” Ms Noble said.
“Harry Slaghekke has beautifully illustrated this iconic scene that is a snapshot into many Australian homes during the 1940s. It’s a great reminder of how far we’ve come technologically in the past 100 years.”
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said that while Australia and technology had changed over the last century, radio broadcasting remains a valued form of communications for millions of Australians.
“Over the last one hundred-years, radio has connected, informed, and entertained Australians. It has been there during our most joyous national celebrations, and been a lifeline in times of disaster.
“This stamp marks an important milestone for radio broadcasting, as a sector that continues to evolve and thrive”.
The stamp is $1.20, and also includes a sheetlet pack and sheetlet of ten stamps available to purchase individually. The stamp is on sale now at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online while stocks last. For more information, visit auspost.com.au/stamps or www.australiapostcollectables.com.au.
Media contact:
Erin Price, Public Relations Manager
0487 253 908
