ABC Melbourne (3AR & 3LO) Closedowns: Circa 1950s & November 23, 1978
About this episode
This episode features recordings of two ABC Melbourne radio closedowns from the 1950s and 1978.
Many thanks to SRAA contributor, Sarah Boucher, who shares the following recordings of two ABC Melbourne radio closedowns, captured via the ABC's domestic inland shortwave relays: Recording 1 Broadcaster: 3AR Melbourne (ABC) Date of recording: Circa 1950s Shortwave relay: VLH-9 on 9.68 MHz (30.99 metres) Notes: This is a 3AR Melbourne closedown announcement, relayed on shortwave via VLH-9 (9.68 MHz) as part of what the announcer describes as the ABC's "Northern Australian Service." During the sign-off, 3AR identifies itself as also transmitting through the regional stations 2CO Riverina, 3GI Gippsland, and 3WV Western Victoria, alongside the VLH-9 shortwave relay. The announcer then previews the following morning's shortwave frequencies: VLR-6 (6.15 MHz), VLH-11 (11.88 MHz), and VLG-15 (15.21 MHz). The real highlight is the use of the ABC's network chimes (or "gongs") immediately before the sign-off — a once-familiar feature of ABC presentation that is rarely preserved in surviving recordings. The recording concludes with the national anthem (God Save the Queen) and a formal station closedown. 3AR Melbourne (ABC) closedown with network gongs: circa 1950s Australian Broadcasting…
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