ABC Radio Australia's rich history showcased in new book Australia Calling.

Extract from ABC Pacific

Australia Calling panel discussion at ABC Southbank.  

https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/australia-calling-showcases-abc-radio-australia-history/101574244

Posted 26 Oct 202226 Oct 2022, updated 16 Dec 202216 Dec 2022

In 1939, two months after the outbreak of World War II, then-prime minister Robert Menzies launched Australia's first international broadcast service, ushering in a new era for the ABC in the Indo-Pacific region.

Now in 2022, as part of its 90th anniversary, the ABC has launched the book Australia Calling: The ABC Radio Australia Story to document this rich history.

Host Patricia Karvelas (left) and panellists Phil Kafcaloudes, Claire M Gorman, and Evan Wasuka.

To mark the occasion, RN Breakfast presenter Patricia Karvelas hosted a live panel event in ABC Southbank, Melbourne, featuring author Phil Kafcaloudes, ABC International head Claire Gorman, and ABC Radio Australia's Pacific Beat executive producer Evan Wasuka.

From left: Australia Calling editor Kellie Mayo, ABC Radio Australia's Hilda Wayne, Phil Kafcaloudes, journalist Caroline Tiriman, and producer Vaimo'oi'a Ripley.

The panel explored Australia's changing place in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the ABC's role in supporting an independent media, promoting regional democracy, and collaborating with our neighbours in an increasingly challenging international context.

Australia Calling book launch at ABC Southbank.

Australia Calling: The ABC Radio Australia Story is available online at Booktopia.

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