Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) founded in 1929 is Australia's national broadcaster, funded by Australian taxpayers but specifically independent of Government and politics in the Commonwealth. The ABC plays a leading role in journalistic independence and is fundamental in the history of broadcasting in Australia.

The ABC logo, which is a Lissajous curve, is one of the most recognisable logos in Australia.

1932–1935


Founded on 1 July 1932. This was the first logo to be seen on some stationery, publications, microphone badges and vehicles. The logo is an Australian map outline with bolts, local radio callsigns and plain text in the map, which reads "ABC".

1947–1965


Before they adopted the Lissajous curve logo in 1965, after its establishment on 1 July 1932, the ABC adopted this logo throughout 1947 and it was used on some stationery, publications, microphone badges and vehicles.

1965–1974


In 1965, ABC graphics designer, Bill Kennard, who had been experimenting with telerecording of the cathode ray oscilloscope displays, submitted a design which was part of the waveform from an oscilloscope. The letters A-B-C were added to the design and it was adopted as the ABC's official logo. Kennard was presented with £25 for his design.

1974–present


On 19 October 1974, the Lissajous curve design experienced its first facelift with the line thickened to allow for colour to be used. It would also be treated to the ‘over and under’ effect, showing the crossover of the line in the design. This logo would be served as the longest-running design with a lifespan of 44 years and 28 on its first on-air run.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Commission changed their name to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, effective 1 July 1983. Although funded and owned by the government, the ABC remains editorially independent as ensured through the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.

2002–2018


To celebrate its 70th anniversary on 1 July 2002, the ABC adopted a new logo, which was designed by (Annette) Harcus Design in 2001. This logo utilized a silver 3D texture but the crossover design was left intact. It would then be used across the ABC's media outlets but it is no longer in use by the corporation as of February 2018, with the exception of some of the ABC's radio station logos.

2018–present


After the on-air revival of the 1974 logo since 2014, the ABC gradually reinstated the classic symbol while using a new logotype in 2018. The change comes with a press release that the ABC released on 12 February announcing a new brand positioning under its tagline, Yours.