Charity: water Close
celebrating a great aunt

Uncategorized: celebrating a great aunt

Posted by Sam Proudley on June 30, 2007 | 4 COMMENTS

Our great aunt, the ABC, celebrates her 75th birthday this weekend. If she had skin and bones, I imagine she’d be fully engaged with life: an early riser, avid reader, gardener, cook and adventurer still, with a sharp mind and quick wit. She’d have a vivid history, been a greenie before it was cool, have travelled the world, practiced arts, moved with revolutionaries and dignitaries and have more hidden talents than wrinkles. She’d listen to LPs and vodcasts and frequent the theatre. She’d delve often into her suitcase of stories, sharing wisdom and poetry around like salt and pepper. She can be trusted more than most. She’s been there for me, from Playschool, The Wombles and Mr Squiggle, to Doctor Who, The Goodies, D-Generation, The Late Show and Rage (can you believe the little tacker just turned 20?). She’s schooled me with Behind the News, Media Watch and The 7.30 Report. More recently, she’s given us Triple J, Kath and Kim, Australian Story, The Glasshouse, Enough Rope, Spicks and Specks and The Chaser’s War on Everything. Tomorrow she’s welcoming us into her living room, throwing open the doors of every major studio around the country. The feisty old girl will also take to Riverstage, with live broadcasts and entertainment from Blue King Brown, a couple of Chaser lads and the Scared Weird Little Guys, amongst others. Happy birthday ABC.

 
  • lauren

    Sam!! You beat me to it ;)

    I have been feeling inspired all day because of the SMH article I read this morning at Urban Grind. I had no idea of the origins of the ABC and the potential struggles they may have faced over the last 75 years trying to stay true to the changing face of Australia, and maintaining its integrity in the face of commercialism.

    Guess I was just too late to post about it…hehe

  • Carl Lindgren

    nice post sam.

  • Sam

    I was inspired too, by an article in The Weekend Australian. A quick click through the 75th birthday site reminded me of the many brilliant (mostly locally produced) programs I’ve grown up with. As media ownership becomes more diversified and content democratised, it’s great that we take time to celebrate quality media.

  • Emily

    I went along today to the riverstge with my friend and her daughter and the kids entertainment was fantastic. ABC was part of my childhood and it was great to see all the kids there today enjoying the characters and ABC spirit.